[ NATION THIS WEEK ]

Sino-Indian Standoff: These Chinese fears about India ‘choking’ key road are holding up Hot Springs disengagement

A 13-hour meeting of Indian and Chinese military commanders held last week ended without an agreement, and further talks are expected to be held.

Myanmar national held in Mizoram with 2,500 kg of explosives

A Myanmar national along with 2 others was arrested in Mizoram with 2,500 kg of explosives and 4,500 m of detonators. The Assam Rifles recovered the explosives and arrested the 3 men while carrying out an operation on Thu night. Acting on a tip-off, Lunglei Battalion of Headquarters 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) along with the Mizoram Police carried out an operation and recovered war-like stores in General Area Zawngling, Saiha district. The other recovered items comprise Indian currency amounting to ₹73,500, Myanmar currency of Kyat 9,35,000, and a vehicle (with registration number MZ 07 7936. CNF is a Chin nationalist political organization fighting for a federal union based on self-determination, ethnic equality, and democracy in Myanmar. Its armed wing is the Chin National Army (CNA).

US army weapon left in Afghanistan makes its way to Kashmir; Terror group releases video

Six foreign terrorists were recently killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces in different operations, all of them were carrying US-made M4 carbine rifles. The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organization, American-made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by terrorists. In a video released by a terror group named People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), several terrorists can be seen using M249 automatic rifles 509 tactical guns, M1911 pistols, and M4 carbine rifles. The M4 carbine rifles have been recovered by forces in recent operations. As per security forces, there are around 85 foreign terrorists in the Kashmir valley. These foreign terrorists have been carrying American assault rifles.

India, Canada to probe death of 4 Indians including an infant who died near US border

The four Indian nationals, who had been walking in -35°C weather, were found dead 12m from the US border, according to a statement by RCMP in Manitoba province of Canada. Indian authorities will work with their Canadian counterparts to investigate the death on the Canadian side of the border with the US during an apparent human smuggling operation.

Indian govt bans 35 YouTube channels, 2 websites for running ‘anti-India’ propaganda

The govt has ordered to block 35 YouTube channels and 2 websites that were said to be running “anti-India propaganda” and spreading fake news “in a coordinated manner”. These websites and YouTube channels were being operated from Pakistan, the Information and Broadcasting ministry said on Fri. Among the channels that were ordered to be blocked include Apni Duniya Network, which was operating 14 YouTube channels, and Talha Films Network operating 13 YouTube channels.

India successfully test-fires new version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

India had recently tested the naval variant of the BrahMos cruise missile from its warship INS Visakhapatnam. India on Thu successfully test-fired a new version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Odisha coast. The indigenously built missile is fitted with stealth technology and a guidance system with advanced embedded software which provides the missiles with special features as it sustains supersonic speed all through the flight. It is a medium-range supersonic missile capable of being launched from submarines, ships, fighter jets, or land. The missile can also be launched from Sukhoi fighter jets. The govt had said the country will now export the missile system to the Philippines.

Over 45 countries expected to participate in multilateral exercise Milan in 2022: Indian Navy

The Navy has been hosting the biennial exercise since 1995. This year, Milan is scheduled to be held at Visakhapatnam from Feb 25^th to Mar 4^th. Biennial multilateral exercise Milan’s 2022 edition is expected to be the largest one with likely participation of navies of 45-plus countries, the Indian Navy said on Wed after the Final planning conference for Milan 2022 at New Delhi in a hybrid format, participants attending virtually as well as physically. Milan’s 2022 edition is scheduled to be held at Visakhapatnam. Milan is a biennial multilateral event hosted by the Indian Navy since 1995.

Recognize ‘Hinduphobia’ and violence against Buddhists, Sikhs too: Indian envoy to U.N.

India’s Ambassador to the United Nations says global terror strategy is selective, urges against adding right-wing extremism, violent nationalism to anti-terror resolutions

Over 45 countries expected to participate in multilateral exercise Milan in 2022: Indian Navy

The Navy has been hosting the biennial exercise since 1995. This year, Milan is scheduled to be held at Visakhapatnam from 25 February to 4 March.

China, Afghanistan top of mind as PM Modi holds 1^st summit with Central Asian leaders on 27 Jan

India, which sees Central Asia as part of its ‘extended neighborhood’, firmed up plans to hold the summit when foreign ministers of these nations visited New Delhi in Dec 2021.

3 Navy personnel were killed in an explosion inside an internal compartment on INS Ranvir in Mumbai

Three Navy personnel were killed in an explosion in an internal compartment onboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Ranvir at the Naval dockyard in Mumbai on Tue, an official statement said. The ship’s crew responded immediately and quickly brought the situation under control, it mentioned.  No major material damage has been reported, it added.  “INS Ranvir was on cross coast operational deployment from the Eastern Naval Command since Nov 2021 and was due to return to base port shortly,” it mentioned. A Board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of this incident, it noted.

HAL likely to be in the fray for Navy’s NUHs after defense ministry junks Coast Guard chopper deal

Last week, the Defence Acquisition Council scrapped the Coast Guard program to buy 14 twin-engine helicopters under the Buy Global category. Other projects are under review now.

Modi, Jugnauth jointly inaugurate, launch India-assisted projects in Mauritius

Cooperation between India and Mauritius, including in maritime security, has translated the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – into action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thu. The ceremony included the exchange of two key bilateral pacts — an agreement for the extension of USD 190M Line of Credit from the Indian to the Mauritian govt for the Metro Express and other projects, and an MoU on the implementation of small development projects. The two PMs also took part in a virtual foundation stone laying ceremony for two other projects — construction of a state-of-the-art Civil Service College and an 8 MW Solar PV Farm — also undertaken as part of India’s development support.

PM Modi to unveil Netaji statue at India Gate on Sunday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a hologram statue of Netaji Subas Chandra Bose on the occasion of Netaji’s 125^th birth anniversary on Jan 23. PM Modi said a grand statue of the legendary freedom fighter will be installed at India Gate ‘as a symbol of India’s indebtedness to him’. The statue will be placed in the canopy and will replace the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which will be merged with the eternal flame of the National War Memorial Torch on Fri. The dimensions of the upcoming statue will be 28 feet*6 feet, people aware of the development said.

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China adopts new parameters for South China Sea claims

This shift has been noticed by member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and “is even more serious” than the old claim, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah. He made these comments to local reporters last week.

China adopted ‘three-warfare’ strategy aiming to expand global influence: French MoD think tank

“Within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Strategic Support Force (SSF) is at the forefront, especially through its Network Systems Department. It has the resources and is entrusted with missions in the informational domain. More precisely, the principal actor identified in this domain is Base 311, headquartered in Fuzhou, which is dedicated to the implementation of the “Three Warfares” strategy.

No stop to China’s building spree in Bhutan as new village springs up, satellite images show

China has built at least one more village in Bhutan near a tri-junction with India. Satellite images now show a total of 6 such sites with more than 200 structures on disputed land.

More suspects held as CIA joins Lahore blast probe

Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) launched search operations across Lahore and picked up some suspects over their alleged involvement in Thursday’s bomb blast in the Anarkali market.

What does Pakistan’s first national security policy say about India, China, US?

Pakistan is the first South Asian country to release such a document; says the rise of Hindu politics in India is ‘concerning’ but hopes to improve the relationship. Other highlights include worries about two-front war with China and India, desire for more US cooperation, and the need to boost regional trade

These Chinese fears about India ‘choking’ key road are holding up Hot Springs disengagement

ThePrint (sources)- The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China is seeking the withdrawal of Indian troops from a key position in the Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh, fearing they could choke its access to the Galwan valley.

A 13-hour, 14^th round meeting of Indian and Chinese military commanders held last week ended without an agreement, and further talks are expected to be held.

(source)- PLA commanders have been asking that Indian troops withdraw from Patrol Point 15, located on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), just 2 km from the road feeding Chinese positions inside the Galwan valley.

The statement from The Ministry of Defence last Aug:

• The 2 armies had completed disengagement around Point 17A in Gogra which, like Point 15, is close to the LAC. 
• The troops of both sides are now in their respective permanent bases.
• All temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified.” 

In essence, New Delhi agreed not to patrol north-east of its base at Gogra, or Point 17A, while the PLA, in turn, committed not to send troops to a position it describes on maps as the Wenqian outpost, which lies on the Indian-claimed side of the LAC.

• The agreement created a kind of demilitarized zone, where both armies said they would not send troops.
• The agreement was built on a similar deal in Feb 2021, when the two countries created a no-patrol zone north and south of the Pangong Tso lake.

Chinese fears, India’s assertion-Finding a similar meeting ground around PP 15, though, has proved elusive. The position is just two km from the road built some years ago by the PLA, linking the Wenqian base — which mirrors Gogra — with the Galwan valley. 

The road helped China rapidly funnel troops into Galwan in the summer of 2020, in the build-up to the clashes that claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and continues to ensure they can be easily resupplied.

In essence, the PLA fears that, in any future crisis, the Indian Army might use Point 15 as a staging post to cut off its troops in Galwan.

(Sources)- New Delhi has pointed out that China had never in the past disputed that Patrol Point 15 lay on the Indian side of the LAC.

• The sector was long the responsibility of the ITBP, whose troops routinely patrolled up the Khugrang river from Point 17, or Gogra, onto Point 15, 16, and 17A.
• In 2015, an Indian Army patrol discovered a PLA bulldozer pushing through the road to Galwan and responded by confiscating it.
• The PLA claimed a route error had led the bulldozer to its location, and agreed to end work.

“There were extended conversations about the roadworks then,” the officer said, “but never once was the case made that Point 15 was not on our side of the LAC”.

‘Asymmetric concessions’-Fears have mounted in New Delhi that China is using the disengagement talks to push the LAC eastwards, to approximate border claims made by then-Chinese premier Zhou Enlai in 1959, which were rejected by India. 

In 1960, during discussions by govt experts on the border issue, China claimed the border “followed the watershed between the Kugrang Tsangpo river and its tributary, the Changlung” — in other words, to the south of Point 17A.

The agreement not to patrol up to Point 17A thus meant India has given up the right to assert its territorial claim by patrolling — but with no reciprocal renunciation of China’s claim that the LAC lies where it asserted in 1959.

• As strategic affairs expert Manoj Joshi has pointed out, the agreement to create a no-patrol zone in Pangong Tso also involved “asymmetric concessions”. 
• China’s claims to Finger 4 — one of a series of 8 ridges along the north bank of Pangong Tso — run well to the west of its so-called Claim Line of 1960.
• In the 1960 discussions, coordinates provided by China placed the LAC along with Finger 7 and 8.
• The demilitarized zone created in Feb between Finger 3 and 8 lies in the territory which China has acknowledged, informal negotiations, to lie on the Indian side of LAC.

China is ready to spring military surprises

ANI –Many are alarmed by China’s growing military ambitions, with heated tensions in places like the East China Sea, South China Sea, near Taiwan, and the Indian border. (1)

• PLA has benefitted greatly from a deluge of cash and copious amounts of cutting-edge equipment being added to its inventory.
• Last year was full of disconcerting surprises, including the discovery of massive silo fields for intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the testing of a fractional orbital bombardment system.
• However, more surprises await in 2022.
• Kurt Campbell, the US National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, warned last week of a “strategic surprise” in the region.

He told the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC: “If you look and if you ask me, where are the places where we are most likely to see certain kinds of strategic surprise – basing or certain kinds of agreements or arrangements – it may well be in the Pacific.”

Chinese bridge at Pangong Tso built around 25 km inside Chinese controlled territory: Sources

ANI (sources)- The bridge, pictures of which were shared by a news channel and then tweeted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to question the silence of the central government over the bridge construction, is built by the Chinese Army on the Pangong Tso Lake around 25 km inside the territory controlled by Chinese Army.

• The disputed area was captured by the People’s Liberation Army even before the 1962 war.
• The bridge is around 25 km inside the Chinese-occupied territory near the Khurnak Fort area around the Rutog.
• The area was occupied by the Chinese Army after 1959 following their aggressive policy against India.
• The bridge was built with a lot of engineering effort and would help their armored vehicles to move across the lake.
• The Indian side is also making a lot of infrastructure efforts in the areas around the Pangong Lake and other forward locations along the LAC in the Eastern Ladakh sector.
• The number of troops in the Ladakh sector has also been enhanced significantly to deter any misadventure by the Chinese military.

Our patience sign of self-confidence, but no one should make the mistake of testing it: Naravane

The Indian Army’s message is clear that it will not let any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo along the country’s borders succeed, Army Chief Gen M M Naravane said on Sat, while addressing at the Army Day (Jan 15 to mark Field Marshall K M Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of India) Parade.

• He said last year was extremely challenging for the Army and cited the developments on the northern borders with China.
• Referring to the Eastern Ladakh standoff, he said that to keep the situation under control the 14^th round military-level talks were held between India and China recently.
• He said joint efforts at various levels have led to disengagement in many areas which in itself is a constructive step.
• He said that based on mutual and equal security, efforts would continue to find a solution to the current situation.
• He asserted that the morale of the soldiers deployed on snow-capped mountains for the country’s security was sky-high.
• “Our message is clear, the Indian Army won’t let any attempt to unilaterally change status quo along the country’s borders succeed.
• Each side currently has around 50-50K troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector.
• Gen Naravane said that the situation on the LoC is better than the previous year but Pakistan still harboring terrorists.
• Nearly 300-400 terrorists in camps across the border are waiting to intrude into India while adding a total of 194 terrorists who were killed in CT operations in the last year.

A new chapter in ties as Indian foreign secy meets Germany navy chief, warship ‘Bayern’ visits

India and Germany are opening a new chapter in their defense and security ties as Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla held maritime security cooperation talks with Germany’s navy chief Kay-Achim Schönbach, and a German frigate entered Indian waters for a rare port call.

The developments, seen as a major signal to China, come as Germany strengthens its Indo-Pacific policy and Berlin identifies New Delhi as one of its key partners in the Indo-Pacific strategic framework.

Germany was the second European country after France to unveil its Indo-Pacific policy in 2020, even as the world grappled with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, which gave rise to calls for free and open sea lanes and the creation of robust and resilient supply chains.

• The Bayern arrived in Indian waters Thu and will be docked at the Mumbai Port Fri, in a move that’s expected to open a new chapter in India-Germany defense and security ties.
• The frigate, which began its voyage in Aug 2021, sailed through the SCS before reaching India
• It also took part in monitoring the UNSC’s sanctions against North Korea. It is on a patrol and training mission.
• (source)- It made India it’s last stop as Germany considers India to be its “strategic partner and democratic friend”.
• The frigate was last docked at the Colombo Port in Sri Lanka on 15 Jan.
• Before this, warships from the UK, France, and the Netherlands have also made similar rounds of the Indo-Pacific region and taken part in joint naval exercises.

Strategic autonomy, ties with China-Germany’s new Olaf Scholz administration has made it clear that as an export-oriented economy, it will maintain its trade ties with India, but will also begin to assert its strategic autonomy, the source said.

• China and Germany are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties this year, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held a phone conversation with Scholz on Jan 17.
• Before this, in Dec, Scholz had held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they spoke of deepening their bilateral ties.
• However, it seems that the Scholz administration will not be following the same approach with China as the previous regime, which was silent on China’s aggression.

Won’t be silent if rules-based order challenged, envoy Lindner says as German warship visits

Trade relations between Berlin and Beijing remain strong but China remains a “systemic rival” in the international rules-based system and thus Germany will continue to seek a rules-based global order, German Ambassador to India Walter J. Linder has said, as Berlin gears up to roll out its vision of the Indo-Pacific policy, sending out a strong signal to China.

PLA allegedly ‘abducts’ teenager in Arunachal Pradesh; Indian Army seeks safe return home

After Arunachal Pradesh’s MP Tapir Gao informed that a 17-year-old was allegedly abducted by the Chinese army as reports said Indian army officials contacted PLA troops along the Line of LAC.

• Lawmaker Tapir Gao had said Miram Taron was abducted from the Lungta Jor area on Tue. Taron’s friend allegedly managed to escape.
• He said the incident took place at the point where the Tsangpo river enters India in Arunachal Pradesh.

• MLA from Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh Ninong Ering called the incident “shocking” as he requested the Indian foreign ministry to intervene.
• “Chinese intrusion in our land must be checked,” Ering said.
• The development comes as Indian and Chinese commanders concluded the 14th round of talks recently.
• The talks were held at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh as India pressed for the disengagement process at Hot Springs.

ANI (sources)- The Indian Army contacted the PLA through a hotline informing that the boy was collecting herbs and was hunting and asked the Chinese officials to return the individual as per established protocol.

No development in this has been reported till Sat evening.

However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed unawareness about the incident on asking about the abduction, instead, it said “… I want to stress that Zangnan (southern part of China’s Tibet) is an inalienable part of China’s territory. China opposes India’s illegal occupation of China’s Zangnan. The Chinese PLA manages the boundary and cracks down on illegal border crossing in accordance with the law.”

How often has the PLA crossed the LAC? From 2016 to 2019, India reported 1,025 transgressions of the LAC, followed by another 110 in 2020

HAL likely to be in the fray for Navy’s NUHs after defense ministry junks Coast Guard chopper deal

ThePrint– The Ministry of Defence is likely to allow state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to bid for the Navy’s program to buy 111 naval utility helicopters (NUHs), as the Modi govt reviews all foreign procurement programs in favor of indigenous systems.

The Navy’s proposed NUH program comes under the ‘strategic partnership’ route, which will allow a selected foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to partner with a nominated Indian company to manufacture the choppers domestically.

(Sources)- The program will come under discussion as soon as the govt focuses on pruning the list of projects under the ‘Buy Global’ category in favor of indigenous projects.

Under the Buy Global category, procurement is done directly from the foreign OEM.

The NUH development comes days after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has scrapped the Coast Guard program to buy 14 twin-engine helicopters under Buy Global, for which Airbus was the prime contender.

NUH program under focus

The Navy’s procurement of 111 NUHs is one of the big programs that has been pending for a while.

• (sources)- While this program won’t be scrapped — since it is not in the Buy Global category — HAL is likely to be allowed to bid as an OEM.
• In 2019, HAL had stumped the Indian private industry and foreign players when it submitted two bids for the Expression of Interest issued by the Navy for the NUH program.
• One by itself and another through its joint venture with Russian Helicopters, which is meant to produce the Kamov chopper.
• The industry had then vehemently opposed the inclusion of HAL alleging it “kills the very basis of Strategic Partnership”.
• (sources)- The HAL has proven its blade-folding capability to the Navy and if the Coast Guard can forgo plans to buy foreign helicopters in favor of HAL.
• ThePrint had reported in 2020 that the NUH program will be the first major challenge to the govt’s ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliance) push.
• HAL argued that the strategic partnership model focused on bringing in technology that India didn’t possess, like in the heavier weight lift class.

Why Buy Global category is being reviewed-Besides the chopper deal for the Coast Guard, the ministry has also scrapped two projects about the acquisition of a short-range missile, and all-terrain vehicles for the defense forces.

The Tri-Services were earlier asked by the defense ministry to prepare a list of foreign-procurement plans that could be replaced by indigenous buys and thus, each had prepared a list of such items.

• (Sources)- another review meeting will soon be held to take a look at more such items.
• The cumulative value of these programs runs into several billions of dollars, they said.
• The decisions won’t impact deals already inked under the Buy Global route or those being pursued under the G2G route and the Foreign Military Sales route with the US.
• (Sources) – indigenous systems have been a major focus area of the govt and it was felt that there needs to be a marked reduction in direct import.
• The aim is to buy equipment and systems manufactured by Indian companies or by foreign OEMs who set up production facilities here.
• During his recent talks with his Russian and French counterparts, Minister had stressed the need to “either collaborate with Indian companies or simply produce in India”.
• The govt also sees defense as a sector with huge manufacturing potential.

Recognize ‘Hinduphobia’ and violence against Buddhists, Sikhs too: Indian envoy to U.N.

TheHindu– Calling for the United Nations to recognize ‘Hinduphobia’ along with other acts of religious hatred against Buddhism and Sikhism, India’s U.N. envoy T.S.Tirumurti said that the U.N.’s latest Global Counter-Terrorism strategy passed last year is full of flaws and is selective, and could reverse gains from the global consensus in the “war on terror” post 9/11.

“In the past two years, several member states, driven by their political, religious and other motivations, have been trying to label terrorism into categories such as racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism, violent nationalism, right-wing extremism, etc. This tendency is dangerous for several reasons,” Mr. Tirumurti said.

India assumed the chair of the CTC this month, and these remarks suggest that India will oppose any expansion of the terms that are included in the UNSC’s discussions on terrorism until it demits the UNSC seat in Dec this year.

• He pointed out that only religious phobias against “Abrahamic religions” had been named in the “GCTS” 7^th review passed by the UNGA in June 2021.
• The comments appeared to counter recent criticism in the western press of “right-wing” ideology in India.
• The envoy said that putting “labels” to “so-called” threats was “misleading and erroneous”.
• Attempts to characterize the motivation behind terror groups were another danger that could take the world “back to the pre-9/11-era”.
• At the UNSC, India also chairs the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee and would have to preside over any requests on easing or waiving sanctions against Taliban leaders.
• “Terrorists are terrorists; there are no good and bad ones. Those who propagate this distinction have an agenda. And those who cover up for them are just as culpable”.
• Called on the Security Council “to be on guard against new terminologies and false priorities that can dilute our focus”.

UNSC: India condemns Abu Dhabi attacks calling it a blatant violation of International Law

• India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the UNSC calling them a “blatant violation of International Law”.
• India also said that the attacks were “against all civilized norms”.
• The Indian envoy said that New Delhi “stands in solidarity with UAE and extends its support for an unequivocal condemnation of this attack by the Council”.
• He highlighted that it is “important that the Council stands united in sending a clear signal against such acts of terror.”
• This was the first such attack by Houthis in UAE and targeted Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s storage facility.
• Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to UAE foreign minister about the attacks.
• This is for the second time Indian interests were attacked by Houthis who aimed to harm UAE. 

China, Afghanistan top of mind as PM Modi holds 1^st summit with Central Asian leaders on Jan 27

ThePrint -Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding the first-ever summit meeting with the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan virtually on Jan 27^th. It comes at a time when Chinese influence is growing in the Central Asian countries and their significance has increased with the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

This is for the first time that India will be holding a summit-level meeting with the Central Asian presidents, a foreign policy move that has not yet been taken by China or Russia, both of which have close strategic and economic ties with these five countries.

(sources)- India, considers the Central Asian countries part of its “extended neighborhood”, firmed up plans to hold the summit meeting when the foreign ministers of these countries visited New Delhi in Dec 2021 for the 3^rd round of the India-Central Asia Dialogue.

• With growing Chinese footprints in these in both the security and the economic sphere, it has become imperative for India to have a “robust foothold” there.
• While China is also holding regular dialogues with the Central Asian countries at the foreign ministers’ level, it has not yet held a summit meeting with them.
• Chinese defense supplies to these countries have also increased in the last few years.
• India had reportedly invited the presidents of the 5 Central Asian nations as chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations, which were to be followed by a summit, but the plans were canceled due to pandemics.

Increased significance of Central Asian countries-In July 2015, Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit all Central Asian countries to boost strategic and trade ties.

• He also met the leaders of these countries in 2018 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting that was held in Qingdao.
• New Delhi believes these countries will prove to be beneficial for India in having some sort of a channel open with the Taliban regime that is currently in power in Kabul,
• Even as the Modi govt has started sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
• Ties between India and Central Asia started taking a decisive turn as the US signed the so-called peace deal with the Taliban in Feb 2020.
• Prior to that India mostly looked at Central Asia from the perspective of energy ties.
• As India closed all its embassy and consulates in Afghanistan.
• it also took the initiative to host the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue in Nov 2021, which was chaired by National Security Adviser.
• All security chiefs from the five Central Asian nations attended the meeting along with Russia and Iran, to send a message to the Taliban government.

How to deal with the Taliban-Apart from China, another important issue the summit will be dealing with is how to deal with the Taliban interim govt in the future, as the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan intensifies and security threats emanate from the country loom, sources added.

The issue of maintaining close ties with the Central Asian countries, when it comes to Afghanistan, was also discussed between PM Modi and the Russian President during the India-Russia Summit held in Dec 2021.

• Besides, India is also keen to strengthen trade and energy ties with the Central Asian countries with a focus on increasing connectivity.
• (Sources)- New Delhi is expected to push for the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India pipeline during the summit.

‘Relevance of Central Asian countries has multiplied’-Ashok Sajjanhar, a veteran diplomat and former Indian envoy to Kazakhstan, said the summit will prove to be a long-term gain for India in the region and will be closely watched by China as well as Pakistan.

Sajjanhar- has not given a “de jure recognition” to the Taliban govt, they have started working with them in a “de facto” manner, as they also remain concerned, like India, about terrorism spilling over into their countries from Afghanistan.

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China adopts new parameters for South China Sea claims

China’s observed shift from the so-called ‘nine-dash line’ toward a new legal theory to bolster its claims in the South China Sea (SCS) region could create new challenges for India’s interests in the area.

This shift has been noticed by member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and “is even more serious” than the old claim, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah who commented to local reporters last week.

“Four Sha” (four grains of sand archipelagos) are the four island groups in the SCS region over which Beijing claims it has “historical rights”.

The Chinese call them Dongsha Qundao, Xisha Qundao, Zhongsha Qundao, and Nansha Qundao, which are internationally they are known as Pratas Islands, Paracel Islands, the Macclesfield Bank area, and the Spratly Islands.

• China’s shifting parameters in the region may cast a shadow on India’s trade, which passes through it, and India’s energy interests in Vietnam.
• India has repeatedly called for upholding freedom of navigation and overflight through the SCS.
• In the SCS region, Malaysia’s territorial claims overlap with China’s. So do claims of Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
• While Indonesia is not a party to the SCS dispute, Beijing does claim historic rights to areas overlapping with Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone.

“The nine-dash line has proven to be a really easy target for critics of China’s South China Sea claims,” Benarnews, an online portal that specializes in SE Asia, quoted Julian Ku, a professor at the Hofstra University School of Law in Long Island, New York State, as saying-

“It was also directly considered and rejected by the SCS Arbitral Tribunal in 2016.”

Benarnews- said the ‘Four Sha’ theory has been “emerging slowly, with a boost after the arbitration tribunal ruling”.

“The Four-Sha is an attempt to develop an UNCLOS (United Nations Convention of the Law on the Sea) -like justification for control over the SCS, with some sort of legal basis,” he said.

A US State Department report on China’s SCS claims, titled ‘Limits in the Seas’, does not refer to the ‘Four Sha’ concept.

But it refers to China’s sovereignty claim over Dongsha, Xisha, Zhongsha, and Nansha.

But Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has claimed that his country will not use its strength to “bully” its smaller neighbors and also highlighted the importance of settling disputes in the South China Sea peacefully.

US Navy warship challenges Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea

ANI-A US warship challenged Chinese claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea on Thu, stating that such claims violate international law and “pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas.”

• “On Jan. 20, USS Benfold (DDG 65) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law.
• After the operation, USS Benfold exited the excessive claim and continued operations in the South China Sea,” US Navy’s 7^th fleet said in a statement.

The statement added that the freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions imposed by countries including China.

• China, Taiwan, and Vietnam each claim sovereignty over the Paracel Islands.
• Separately, the US also challenged China’s 1996 declaration of straight baselines encompassing the Paracel Islands.
• Reacting to US Navy’s operation in the SCS, Chinese state media said that the People’s Liberation Army expelled a US warship that trespassed Chinese territorial waters.
• China reacted sharply to the presence of the US warship in what it claims are its territorial waters.

“….. Facts fully prove that the US is a ‘risk-maker’ in the SCS and the ‘biggest destroyer’ of peace and stability in the South China Sea,” it said.

• China claims almost all of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory.
• Last week, US State Department had released a study on South China Sea claims challenging many of Beijing’s assertions in the strategically important region.

China adopted ‘three-warfare’ strategy aiming to expand global influence: French MoD think tank

Beijing is increasingly comfortable with infiltration and coercion and its influence operations have been considerably hardened in recent years, according to a recent report by IRSEM (Institute for Strategic Research of the French Ministry for the Armed Forces).

The report titled ‘Chinese Influence Operations A Machiavellian Moment’ claims –

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) policy that consists in eliminating internal and external enemies, controlling groups that could defy its authority, constructing a coalition around the Party to serve its interests, and projecting its influence abroad – and the “Three warfares,” which represent the core of China’s “political warfare,” i.e. a form of non-kinetic proneness to conflict aimed at overcoming an opponent without a fight through the creation of an environment favorable to China.

• Report- A wartime and peacetime undertaking, it encompasses public opinion, psychological, and legal warfare (the latter being close to what is called “lawfare”).
• The main actors implementing Chinese influence operations are emanations from the Party, the State, the Army, and the companies, the report claimed.
• In CCP, this includes the Propaganda Department, which oversees ideology, controls the entire media spectrum and all the cultural production in the country;
• the United Front Work Department, with its 12 offices reflecting its main targets
• the International Liaison Department, which maintains relations with foreign political parties; the 610 Office, which has agents across the world acting outside any legal framework to eliminate the Falun Gong movement.
• The Chinese Communist Youth League should also be included in this group, as an incubator for future Party executives, and as a force that can be mobilized when needed – even if it is not a formal structure of the Party but rather a mass organization.
• Within the state, two bodies, in particular, are involved in influence operations: The Ministry of State Security (MSS), which is the main civilian intelligence agency, and
• Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), in charge of the propaganda aimed at Taiwan, claimed the report.

No stop to China’s building spree in Bhutan as new village springs up, satellite images show

Continuing with its construction spree, China has built at least one more village on Bhutanese territory, near the tri-junction with India, taking the total number of such constructions to 6, the latest satellite images have revealed.

Reuters -has put out new satellite images with more than 200 structures, including two-story buildings, under construction in six locations in Bhutan.

Citing experts, the report said all six settlements “appear to be in territory disputed by China and Bhutan — including a contested tract of roughly 110 km² — with little in the way of resources or native population”.

• Bhutan’s foreign ministry refused to speak on the matter, saying, “It is Bhutan’s policy not to talk about boundary issues in public.”
• China’s foreign ministry said the construction is “entirely for the improvement of the working and living conditions of the local people”.
• “It is within China’s sovereignty to carry out normal construction activities on its territory,” the ministry told Reuters.
• This construction was said to be on Bhutanese territory close to Doklam, the area that saw a stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces in 2017.
• When images showing China constructing its first village on Bhutanese territory came out in Nov 2020, Thimphu denied any such development.
• However, (sources in the Indian establishment) later said the construction did occur on Bhutanese territory that is now claimed by China.
• The sources expressed no surprise at the spate of Chinese construction on Bhutanese territory, saying that China was consolidating the territory as its own.
• The Chinese holding line in the contentious region is likely to become the working boundary between the two, sources had then said.

More suspects held as CIA joins Lahore blast probe

Raids were carried out by joint teams of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police and other LEAs based on intelligence reports about the movement of the facilitators/ handlers of the terrorist attack.

Dawn (official)- the law enforcers received a tip-off about the presence of suspects in areas adjacent to Anarkali and other parts of the city. The law enforcers got some important leads through call record data and footage from CCTV cameras installed in the bazaar and the roads leading to it as well as other areas.

• Geo-fencing and other such methods helped security officials in spotting the key suspect who was believed to have planted the explosives at Paan Mandi in Anarkali.
• The official, however, refused to confirm any breakthrough, saying it would be premature to disclose anything as investigations were underway.
• Meanwhile, Mayo Hos­pital discharged 20 people injured in the blast whereas only 1 is critical out of 8 victims was still under treatment.
• Earlier on Thu night, the official source said, a CTD team had picked up two suspects from Mayo Hospital and shifted them to an undisclosed location for interrogation.
• There was a strong possibility the newly formed Baloch Nationalist Army was behind the blast, as the two groups that merged to create this new organization had used timed devices for their attacks previously.
• On Friday, the CIA chief held a meeting after examining the scene and dispatched teams to inspect the roads that could have been used by the prime suspect to escape.
• 3 people were killed and over 30 injured in the bomb blast at the crowded Paan Mandi of New Anarkali bazaar on Thu noon.

What does Pakistan’s first national security policy say about India, China, US?

• Pakistan is the first South Asian country to release such a document; says the rise of Hindu politics in India is ‘concerning’ but hopes to improve the relationship
• Other highlights include worries about two-front war with China and India, desire for more US cooperation, and the need to boost regional trade
• Pakistan last week launched its first-ever national security policy, listing economic security as its top priority even as it continues to emphasize military security.
• Still, the shift is striking given that Pakistan has been at odds with its nuclear-armed rival India for years and has had to deal with violent Islamist militancy and separatist movements.
• The country has also been caught up in two wars in Afghanistan, firstly from 1979 when Soviet troops invaded.
• The second time was from 2001 when the US sent in troops after the 9/11 terror attack in what turned out to be a 20-year mission before the Taliban regained control.

After suffering chronic financial ill-health and regular bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan’s approach now focuses on seeking peace with its neighbors and exploring opportunities to make Pakistan a trade and investment hub.

The new policy, released on Jan 14, makes Pakistan the first South Asian country to publish such a document, although only a 62-page redacted version of the full 110 pages was laid out for the public. The rest is confidential.

Does this mean Pakistan is pursuing peace with India?

Pakistan and India have fought four wars since 1947 when the independent, Muslim-majority nation of Pakistan was formed and Hindu-majority India gained independence from British rule. Most recently, the two nations had a skirmish between their air forces, in 2019.

• 3 of the wars were over J&K, a territory administered by India where a Pak-backed rebellion has continued for decades by Kashmiris who want independence or to be part of Pakistan.
• While Pakistan’s new NSP talks about improving relations with India, it maintains that resolving the J&K issue is at the center of the bilateral relationship.
• But analysts say including J&K makes the possibility of talks remote.

Still, Pakistani political scientist Ayesha Siddiqa from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) said Pakistan realizes that all it can do about the Kashmir issue is to “contest the issue diplomatically and wait until something changes drastically in the Kashmir Valley”.

Why did Pakistan choose to release its National Security Policy now?

• The primary push behind NSP seems to be the economic crisis, which experts attribute to poor fiscal management.
• Foreign investors have also been staying away because Islamabad has not been tough on militants.
• The policy document, though, claims the government has a zero-tolerance policy for groups involved in terrorist activities.

1. https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/china-is-ready-to-spring-military-surprises20220117104323/