[NEWS OF THE DAY]

Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way: Joint statement

On Sept 8^th, 2022, according to the consensus reached in the 16^th round of the India China Corps Commander Level Meeting, the Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas. (PIB) [PP-15 was a prime concern for India among the most contestant issues, Depsang]

India is running out of weapons to deter China due to Modi’s Make in India push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to boost domestic manufacturing of defense systems is leaving India vulnerable to persistent threats from China and Pakistan, Bloomberg reported citing officials. India’s air force, army, and navy can no longer import some critical weapons systems to replace aging ones. That risks leaving India critically short of helicopters by 2026 and with a shortfall of hundreds of fighter jets by 2030, they said. Shortly after sweeping to power in 2014, Modi unveiled his “Make in India” policy to build everything from mobile phones to fighter jets in India to generate jobs and reduce outflows of foreign exchange. But 8 years later the world’s biggest importer of military hardware still doesn’t manufacture enough weapons locally to meet its needs – and govt rules are blocking imports. Modi’s program mandates between 30% to 60% of home-made components, depending on the nature of the military purchase or where it’s purchased from. There were no such caps earlier and India used a system of plowing back a certain percentage of the cost of the purchase into domestic manufacturing. As things stand, India’s military readiness is set to further deteriorate just as it faces greater risks from Pakistan and China, which have soldiers deployed toe-to-toe against troops from India along their Himalayan border following deadly clashes in 2020. The Ministry of Defense did not respond to an email seeking comments. (here)

India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Meeting: Rajnath reviews bilateral defense cooperation with Yasukazu Hamada

Minister of Defence of India, Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Hyashi Yoshimasa, Minister of Defense of Japan, Hamada Yasukazu, held the second India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo on Sept 8^th, 2022. “The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based global order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations and emphasized the need for all countries to seek peaceful resolution of disputes following international law without resorting to threat or use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo”, a joint statement read. ” partnership between the 2 countries important and today’s dialogue hold “significant importance“, Jaishankar during opening comments. Singh on Thu held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Hamada in Tokyo and reviewed various aspects of cooperation including regional affairs. “India and Japan pursue a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. India’s defense partnership with Japan will play a crucial role in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region,” he said further. Earlier in the day, he paid tribute to Japan’s Self Defence Forces (SDF) personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The economic relationship between India and Japan has steadily expanded and deepened in recent years as the volume of trade between the two countries has increased manifold. (here)

The Indo-Pacific is front and center in this week’s high-powered diplomacy, whether it be aligning the coordinates on geo-economics at the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)’s ministerial meeting in Los Angeles, geo-strategy at the Quad meeting in Delhi, or a series of India-Japan ministerial dialogues in Tokyo. The takeaways from each of these conversations will be consequential in further consolidating the building blocks of a rules-based Indo-Pacific amid a fluid balance of power, order, values, and ideologies. [HT]

India and Japan plan more military drills to strengthen ties

Reuters-India and Japan said on Thu they would deepen defense cooperation, with New Delhi inviting investment by Japanese industries and both countries planning a joint military drill involving their air force fighters. “The two ministers agreed that the early conduct of the inaugural fighter exercise will pave the way for much greater cooperation and inter-operability between the air forces of the two countries.” India, like Japan, is bolstering its military to tackle what it sees as increased security threats, including from neighboring China. Delhi is expanding its security ties with Tokyo as both Asian nations grow wary of China’s growing military might in the region. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in a separate bilateral meeting agreed to work closely together to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” (here)

U.S., Indo-Pacific countries launch new-generation trade talks shunning tariff cuts

Reuters-Economic ministers from the US and 13 Indo-Pacific [including India] countries launch negotiations on Thu on Washington’s first major pan-Asian trade engagement effort in nearly a decade, but this time any deal won’t cut tariffs. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks in Los Angeles will seek to define a sweeping platform for market-driven economies to engage on trade and data flows, environmental and labor standards, supply chains, and anti-corruption efforts. The negotiations will be led by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific initiative in May during a trip to Tokyo, but some critics questioned its value to participating countries. Washington has lacked an economic pillar for its Indo-Pacific engagement since former president Donald Trump quit the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal (TPP) in 2017, leaving the field open to China to expand its regional influence. (here) Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will be representing the county. Goyal is on a 6-day visit to San Francisco and Los Angeles and will hold bilaterals with Tai and Raimondo on the sidelines of the IPEF ministerial meeting. Goyal on Wed pitched for increasing engagements with the US that will provide new opportunities to India for combating challenges in supply chains. (here)

[NATIONAL]

India, B’desh sign first defense deal under $500m LC

India and Bangladesh signed their first defense contract under the $500 million line of credit (LoC), which was extended by India amid growing dissatisfaction in the Bangladesh armed forces over the quality of Chinese defense hardware in their armory. India will supply defense gear under this contract, signed earlier this week during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 4-day visit to India, said, officials. The first defense contract under the LoC was signed in the backdrop of the 4^th India-Bangladesh annual defense dialogue, held in Delhi on Aug 11, during which the two sides reviewed the ongoing defense cooperation. Defense industrial cooperation was also discussed at that meeting, said people aware of the matter, adding that Bangladesh has also been invited for the upcoming Def-Expo 2022. The Bangladesh govt purchased defense equipment worth $3 billion from China between 2011-2020. According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 47% of China’s weapon exports went to its closest ally, Pakistan, while China’s next largest clients were Bangladesh (16%) and Thailand (5%) respectively. (here)

India successfully test-fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system

India on Thu completed 6 flight tests of the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system off the Odisha Coast. According to the Defence Research and Development Org, the flight tests have been conducted as part of evaluation trials by the Indian Army. The flight tests were carried out against high-speed aerial targets mimicking various types of aerial threats to evaluate the capability of the weapon systems under different scenarios including long-range medium altitude, short-range high, altitude maneuvering target, low radar signature with receding and crossing target, and salvo launch with 2 missiles fired in quick succession. The system performance was also evaluated under day and night operation scenarios. During these tests, all the mission objectives were met establishing pin-point accuracy of the QRSAM weapon system with state-of-the-art guidance and control algorithms including the warhead chain. These tests were conducted in the final deployment configuration consisting of all indigenously developed sub-systems including the missile with indigenous RF seeker, mobile launElectro-Optical Tracking Systemscher, fully automated command and control system, surveillance, and multi-function Radar. The uniqueness of the QRSAM weapon system is that it can operate on the move with search and track capability and fire on a short halt. (here)

Army undertakes major infra drive along LAC in Arunachal

A capability development matrix was being employed and road development, construction of habitat, and aviation facilities were underway, Major Gen M.S. Bains, GOC of the Army’s 2 Mountain Division, headquartered at Dinjan, told a group of journalists. We are in the process of linking various valleys, he said. “We have gone for clear timelines for capability development based on a very clear perspective plan for the future. Our overall combat readiness in the region is of a very high order,” Maj. Gen. Bains added. Five verticals-The Hindu citing an anonymous official reported thatthe capability and infrastructure development in the region was being undertaken under five verticals — habitat, aviation, road infrastructure, operational logistics, and security infrastructure. India has two road axis in the forested area in Lohit and Siang; now, efforts were underway to improve infrastructure across the board. Engineering Task Forces of various formations of the Army were being employed to speed up work, the second official cited above said while adding that the main working season was restricted to six months. (here)

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement will be finalized soon: Goyal

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that his Australian counterpart Dan Tehan will be in India later this month, adding that the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) is expected to be in the Parliament soon. “But he [Tehan] has already assured me when he met me at the WTO meetings that they are very pleased with the outcome of the Australian negotiations and the free trade agreement, …I am told that the tentative timelines are the end of this year,” Goyal said while responding to the trade and economic cooperation with Australia. The Ind-Aus ECTA was signed on Apr 2^nd, 2022, between Piyush Goyal and Dan Tehan, in a virtual ceremony in presence of Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison. Ind-Aus ECTA, which is set to provide zero-duty access to 96% of India’s exports to Australia including shipments from key sectors such as engineering goods, gems, jewelry, textiles, apparel, and leather. The pact is expected to boost bilateral trade in goods and services to US$ 45-50 billion over 5 years, up from around $27 bn, and generate over 1 million jobs in India, according to a govt estimate. The agreement will also give about 85% of Australia’s exports zero-duty access to the Indian market, including coal, sheep meat, and wool, and lower-duty access to Australian wines, almonds, lentils, and certain fruits. (here)

The US issues 82,000 student visas to Indians, highest ever globally in 2022

The US Mission in India has issued a record-breaking 82,000 student visas in 2022, higher than any other country, comprising nearly 20% of all international students studying in the United States, according to an official statement. “We are happy to see so many students were able to receive visas and reach their universities after the delays caused in previous years by the COVID-19 pandemic. We issued over 82,000 student visas this summer alone, more than in any previous year,” US Charge d’Affaires Patricia Lacina said on Sept 6. The US Embassy in New Delhi and 4 Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai prioritized the processing of student visa applications from May to Aug to ensure that as many qualified students as possible made it to their programs of study in time for scheduled start dates. According to the statement, Indian students comprise nearly 20% of all international students studying in the US, with the Open Doors report in 2021 showing there were 167,582 students from India in the 2020-2021 academic year. (here)

India, France move UNSC to designate two Pakistanis as global terrorists

Ahead of French foreign minister Catherine Colonna’s first visit to the country next Wed, France is co-sponsoring a proposal with India to declare Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, Mohiuddin Aurangzeb Alamgir and Ali Kashif Jan, globally designated terrorists by the UNSC 1267 sanctions Committee. Making her first trip as a minister, Colonna will be in Delhi on Sept 14-15 and meet the top leadership of the country. According to officials familiar with the matter, Aurangzeb and Kashif were designated terrorists under the UAPA, 1967 by the ministry of home affairs on Apr 12. Alamgir, a resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan was the key conspirator, fundraiser, and infiltration commander responsible for the 2019 Pulwama terror strike. Kashif, a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is an operational commander and part of the core planning committee of the Bahawalpur-based JeM. Jan was the handler of the terrorists involved in the 2016 Pathankot Air Force Station attack and is a prime accused in many cases under investigation by the National Investigation Agency. The two will be only designated as global terrorists if none of the 5 permanent members of the UNSC exercise a veto. While China has traditionally blocked all such proposals moved by India and its allies, the US is expected to support the designation. The UK and Russia could swing either way as Moscow is the new “no limits” ally of China and the UK has very close links with Pak. (here)

NIA conducts raids at multiple locations in Bihar in the Phulwari Sharif terror module case

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thu carried out searches at multiple locations in Bihar in connection with the Phulwari Sharif terror module case, ANI reported citing sources. The places were raided in 4 districts of Bihar by multiple NIA teams carrying out these searches at the residential premises and other places of suspects. The NIA has registered two separate First Information Reports in the Phulwari Sharif terror module case, one mentioning a plan of miscreants to disturb the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bihar by some suspected persons. Both the FIRs were registered on July 22– first mentions a plan to disturb the PM’s visit by some suspected persons who had assembled in the Phulwari Sharif area on July 11 while the other is linked to the interception of one Margub Ahmad Danish alias Tahir by Bihar Police on July 14 for his alleged involvement in anti-India activities and radicalization of impressionable youth using various social media platforms. (here) Gang of people involved in cyber fraud busted after raids in 22 cities. 65 accused were arrested. Gang used to cheat on the pretext of updating BSES electricity bill. 45 phones, 60 debit cards, and 25 pre-activated SIM cards were recovered. Over 100 bank accounts were frozen: DCP cybercrime, Delhi police

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

U.S. State Dept OKs possible sale of F-16 equipment to Pakistan -Pentagon

Reuters – The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of F-16 aircraft sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a deal valued at up to $450 million, the Pentagon said on Wed. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corp(LMT.N), the Pentagon said. The package includes the US govt and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics services to support Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, the release said. The release further said that this sale does not provide Pakistan with any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions. The US govt’s agency underscored, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States.” It said the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale, it added. (here)

UN chief to pay two-day visit to flood-hit Pakistan from tomorrow

UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres will visit Pakistan on Sept 9-10 to express solidarity with the country’s people drenched by extreme monsoon rains that have led to the country’s worst flooding in a decade. During the visit, the UN chief will have meetings with the Pakistani leadership and senior officials to exchange views on the national and global response to this catastrophe caused by climate change, an official statement read. The Secretary-General will travel to areas most impacted by the climate catastrophe, the statement said. He will interact with displaced families and first responders in the field, and oversee the UN’s humanitarian response work in support of the Government’s rescue and relief efforts for millions of affected people. The Secretary General’s visit will also spotlight the importance of sustained international support for Pakistan through the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, and for building resilience against future climate shocks. (here)

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen tells US lawmakers she’s ‘confident’ about trade agreement

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told visiting US lawmakers she is confident about signing a new trade agreement with the United States. She said the latest visit by a US congressional delegation – despite repeated warnings from Beijing – underscored American support for the self-governed island in countering mainland China. Speaking in a meeting on Thu with congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, a Florida Democrat heading an 8-member bipartisan group, Tsai said she was thankful for the group’s visit. “…We will defend our democratic institutions and way of life,” she said, adding Taiwan would actively deepen cooperation with democratic partners to safeguard peace and stability in the region. (here)

Military analysts blame US cold war sentiment for halted delivery of F-35 fighters containing Chinese alloy

The Pentagon’s decision to halt deliveries of American F-35 fighters after finding Chinese-made alloy in magnets on the aircraft indicated that the United States’ defense regulations were driven by “irrational and cold war sentiment”, analysts said. “The pausing of [Lockheed Martin Corp’s] F-35 is not related to security issues [of the jets], but it is the worst scenario caused by clashes between the two superpowers,” said Macau-based defense observer Antony Wong Tong, who added that the cost of the F-35 could increase because of the new regulations. “[Aircraft manufacturers] should do rigorous tests before adopting the alloy to make sure of its safety and quality. The problem is, it will take time to find new sources for replacements, which may increase cost and contradict the Pentagon’s request to keep the F-35’s production cost down.” Earlier reports from Bloomberg and the American Defence News cited the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin as saying that the decision made by the Pentagon was aimed at ensuring the F-35 project complied with defense regulations “about specialty metals”. (here)

Covid-19: Chengdu lockdown continues as China advises citizens not to travel during holidays

Chengdu, a megacity with over 21 million residents, indefinitely extended the ongoing lockdown on Thu to contain a spreading Covid-19 outbreak as the national health authorities said the virus situation continues to be “serious and complex” in the country. “The prevention and control situation of Covid-19 is still serious and complex as 29 provinces in the Chinese mainland reported local Covid-19 inflections in Sept,” Mi Feng, national health commission said on Thu. The city of Chengdu was locked down on Sept 1 after several Covid-19 cases were detected in many districts. It is now the largest Chinese city to be placed under strict curbs since Shanghai earlier this year, which faced a crippling lockdown for 2 months. The city detected 116 new cases on Sept 7 versus 121 the day earlier. (here)