Defence

Today, when the war has been ravaging for one year, Ukraine is the prime victim of the Russia-NATO game plan. There are fears of the war escalating further. President Zelenskyy has become a pone on the NATO-Russian chessboard, sacrificing Ukrainian interests.

Having suffered a lack of credible modernisation of military hardware for more than 3 decades, Indian Armed Forces has now received a substantial face-lift with well-planed procurement policies. Measures have been initiated to make the forces younger, more effective and more lethal. The present Govt has put the Indian Defence manufacturers on a path to making Indian Armed Forces a global power with self-reliance.

Naval power expansion by China will mandate India to dominate surrounding seas, be it the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean or the Arabian sea. India must raise its naval assets towards the southern tip of the Greater Nicobar so as to keep a direct vigil on the Malacca Strait and prevent any sneaker from intruding through smaller passages on the Indonesian islands.

In the last 12-15 yrs, there have been rapid strides. Modi govt brought the vision of self-reliance but it was the spark of Indo-China clash at Galwan that made the DRDO to take unprecedented lead in making India self-reliant in missile technologies…almost at par with the best in the world.

Amidst the see-saw fluctuations in Indo-Bangla relations over decades, the Vijay-Diwas remains a major milestone in history.

Amidst the see-saw fluctuations in Indo-Bangla relations over decades, the Vijay-Diwas remains a major milestone in history. In the initial years of independence, Bangladesh did show their obligations to India. It is worth remembering that large numbers of Indian troops had laid-down their lives in the liberation of Bangladesh. However, hawks in religious-hate politics within Bangladesh have started taking a divergent approach. Radical Islamic powers of the country have started seeking allegiance with Jihadist forces in Pakistan and BNP shows full intent to harbour such forces. The present govt has been able to keep the jihadist elements at bay to some extent esp those pertaining to Indo-Bangla relations.

Time has come when the Armed Forces of New India must change its strategies approach from largely passive defence to active/offensive proactive defence. It is true that India doesn’t believe in occupying others’ territories but that doesn’t mean that we should not create enough fear and apprehension in the mind and souls of our enemies to refrain from such indulgence.

Time has come when the Armed Forces of New India must change its strategies from largely passive defence to active/offensive proactive defence.

Most if not all, Specialists in Aerospace Medicine are imparted flying training as supernumerary aircrew so as to fully appreciate the complexities of tasks that their clientele are expected to perform. This is why they are also known as Flight Surgeons.

Both Russia and Ukraine are trekking a dangerous path. Russia lacks military strategies to limit own losses and Ukraine has been inciting Russia to inflict the type of damages that they have been. If international communities or the mediators are unable to get a ceasefire in the near future, there is a strong possibility of Kiev/Lviv/Odesa to become another Hiroshima/Nagasaki

If Ukraine-NATO-EU continue pushing Putin too far, one may see the use of a low yield nuclear arsenal too within Ukraine (may be Kiev and Leviv/Odesa) that will be catastrophic. In all probabilities, NATO meddling will stop there…BUT Alas!!! Only after Kiev is destroyed. The situation is almost similar to the one that led USA to drop a Nuclear Bomb on Hiroshima. Hence, Russia may have a valid argument to attack Kiev with its nuclear arsenal. However, if NATO retaliates, Entire Europe, Russia and the US will run the risks of getting engulfed in the nuclear war.

ATAGS being an indigenous development has the added benefit of value additions, upgradations in addition to having capability to fire greater calibre ammunition further away. This is a fully electrical system with power back-up hence, having lesser mechanical wear and tear.

With Zaporizhia nuclear power plant taken over by Russia, Ukraine is going to pay a very heavy price of their President Zelensky’s blitzkriegs both in terms of loss of lives, territories and huge infrastructures. It is sad that the UNSC is defunct, witnessing all these helplessly

The national defence of India along LoC and LAC has been gearing up to the new and emerging challenges of our enemies and adversaries. The present defence measures along LoC and LAC are anything but robust and needs proactive measures to instil fears in the ranks and files of the terrorist forces based in PoK or our adversaries in PLA.

The internal anger and revolt will only grow in the coming weeks and months. If the conflict/war history of the world could be of any lesson, Zelensky will surely be the first target of his own nationals.

Farooq Abdulla asked the Indian govt to re-instate article 370 else he would love to be ruled by the Chinese. Kashmiri ex-leaders possibly prefer the way China is treating its Uyghur Muslims. The time has come when Indian govt may consider the Chinese model of handling Muslims.

The UN/UNSC must come to the defence of the defenceless now and hereafter. The credibility of the UN and UNSC is at a very high stake now than ever before. The UNSC has failed the world time and again in preventing wars as well as preventing humanity from scourage of war and urgently needs to be reformed or dissolved.

In the Ukrain war, the Russians are only reacting to the NATO designs presently in the hands of European Union led by Norwegian Stoltenberg.Unlike Trump era, USA is made to freely cough out huge funds to NATO. Congratulations NATO (Europe) for winning over the NATO (USA) and making them dance to your tunes.

Ukraine may be able to inflict heavy damages on Russia; Europe/NATO might apply crippling sanctions on Russia; Ukraine may/may not become member of EU and/or NATO; Ukraine might get plenty of NATO weapons to fight the Russians; Zelenskyy may become a blue eyed baby of the world…BUT…despite all these, one fact surpasses all gains…and that is the sufferings of Ukraine and Ukrainians…for which Zelenskyy alone as their State head is responsible.

The present US approach to India is doesn’t augur well for a warm relation esp in strategic terms. The US indifference to the humanitarian needs of India in the testing times of the worst pandemic, shows bankruptcy among the US think tanks. India has significant resilience among its professionals and population to withstand the challenges but the US has certainly lost at an excellent opportunity to win the Indian trust.

Pakistan has shown to the world how the mightiest’s own means and resources could be used against them. A bankrupt Pakistan used the dollars, weapons and the protectionism of USA to further the cause of Talibani Terrorists and their splinter groups, in the very lands that US-led allied forces occupied. They sheltered those terrorists whether Osama bin Laden, Mulla Omar, the Haqqani network, the Taliban fighters, the Al-Qaeda operatives, some of the ISIS groups and so on.

It is difficult to say if India can rely solely on the US for its security concerns…be it against the expansionist China, the terrorist threats of Pak & Afghanistan or Indian interests in Chabahar port of Iran. The ever increasing Chinese influence in the Indian neighbourhood of Myanmar, Hambantota, Gwadar or beyond are worrisome. Whether Quad is able to alleviate some concerns at least, Indian dilemma continues.

“बिन चीनी सँसार में, नहीं मिठाई कोय, चीनी बढ़े जो रक्त में,मधुमेह ही होय।“

Thina has betrayed India severl times. The Chinese have always been playing the betrayal game under the garb of friendship.

अग्निपथ योजना की सफलता के बारे में तीनों सेना प्रमुख आस्वस्त हैं।फिर कौन क्या कहता है इसका कोई मायनें नहीं। देश की प्रमुखविपक्षी पार्टियों के नेता युवाओं को भड़काने में लगे है। ऐसे में उचित यही है कि तीनों सेनाएँ अपने लिए गए फैसले पर अडिग आगे बढ़ें और आने वाले समय में इस योजना में जो भी थोड़ा बहुत बदलाव करना पड़े, करें। अभी सेना की आवश्यकताओं से सबसे ज्यादा भिज्ञ वही हैं। हमें उनपर विश्वास रखना ही चाहिए।

The raging fire of ‘Agnipath’ must be doused in the next few days before any further damage takes place. Our youth too will have to be sensible not to fall prey to the ulterior motives of the politicians inciting for causing arson on the streets. It has also been made amply clear that the three services are going ahead with notifications and recruitment of the Agniveers. It is time for the political opponents of Modi govt to step back and let the Armed Forces have its way.

Govt of India's effort in upgrading the Naval shipbuilding capabilities will go a long way in making it a force to reckon with. A number of Naval ships being manufactured and commissioned in the last 4 yrs is highly laudable.

Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds >5 Mach. At such speeds, it provides a very short reaction time to the adversaries. Further, any conventional or advanced air defence systems are incapable to catch these missiles thus making their strike a sure shot.

In summary, it could be concluded that EU, NATO and Russia have started a very ugly game of supremacy in the region in which Ukraine is the battle-chessboard. EU & NATO will be pleased to keep this battlefield active in the Russian backyard. Mr Zelensky is behaving like a political naïve, turning his country to the ruins and its civilians to the risks of death. There is also a grave risk of conflagration of the conflict into World war if NATO tries to assist.

Saving the lives of the civilians and protecting the smaller & weaker member States from being decimated by the mightier should be the first priority of the UNSC. Behaviours of the P5 in the past many decades have been atrocious and unacceptable. Please do come to the defence of the defenceless now and hereafter. The credibility of the UN and UNSC is at a very high stake now than ever before. The UNSC has failed the world and urgently needs to be reformed or dissolved. Please do listen to the cries of the weak before it becomes too late.

There is a need to draw conclusions from the ongoing Sino-Ukrainian conflict. Although Russian invasion into the Donbass region could partly be justified, it may encourage China to indulge in to its long-drawn ambitions of occupying Taiwan and the 5-fingers (Laddakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim & Arunachal). That will be its monumental erroneous misadventure.

Having suffered lack of credible modernisation bid of military hardware for more than 3 decades, Indian Armed Forces has received a substantial face-lift with well-planed procurement policies heading towards self-reliant capabilities for all its 3 services. Modi Govt has put the Indian Defence manufacturers on a path of making India a global military power. India is readying itself to meet the current challenges not only on its two frontiers with hostile neighbours but also across its vast coastal lines and changing global power-equations with emerging new situations. The advanced military hardware will also find many buyers.

The events of 1990 in Kashmir had seriously challenged the possibility of peaceful living of the followers of Indian religions with the fellow Muslims. It refreshed the pains of partition of India when a large section of the communities of Indian religion were forced to flee from Pakistan and about ~18% of those who did not migrate, perished by now…converted, fled or killed. This is the fact sheet of Muslim majority state…be it Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh.

Time has come when Indian govt must prepare a comprehensive dosier against Pakistan on the numerous evidence-based terror-related activities as mentioned in the text box above. More evidence available with the intelligence agencies of India or our friendly nations like Afghnistan, USA and so on, may be added.

Of late, there are increasing interests of re-usable technologies in the space ventures. There are reusable launch vehicles, China has already developed a reusable spacecraft and Indian interests are also working in that direction.

Delhi police has amply demonstrated on the Indian Republic Day 2021 that it is weak, unprofessional and unable to control the UT's law and order situation. It permitted the desecretion of the Indian Tricolour at a secred place no other than the ramparts of the Red Fort. Delhi police administration and the Indian home minister's handling of the situation is highly deplorable that has ashamed the entire nation.

Vijay Diwas is the day of Bangladesh loberation. On this day Bangladesh got freedom from Pakistan.

India has been facing the Chinese expansionist designs at the LAC. The Chinese have been continuosly trying to indulge in their salami slicing policy towards India. The past governments of India have somewhat been tolerating it. They allowed almost half of the Indian territories to be occupied by the Chinese in its Depsang plains during 2009 to 2013 period. Now India finds it as an uphill task to get the occupied territories vacated.

India has effectively countered Chiense expansionist behaviour in Ladakh. Earlier it was the Doklam where the Chinese bully was counteres effectively in 2017.

The Galwan clash on 15/16 Jun 2020 has changed the Indo-Chinese relations possibly for ever. Till that flashpoint, the Indo-Chinese relations were doingreasonably well. But the Chinese agression demonstrated that the Chinese had little regard in compliance with the five border agreements. The Chiese had clearly violated a unilateral action in moving PLA on the LAC and secondly, they indulged in violence.

The Chinese actions actions at the LAC hs posed a big question as to what should be the Indian approach towards its expansionist neighbor China. Should there be a tit for tat or just stand firm on the defensive posture? Should it form an alliance with the friendly nations or should it stand against the Chinese on own. The article elaborates all such options.

China has had an economic rise sine late 80s. With the higher GDP, they have been able to invest heavily in the military build-up. They have acquired technological excellence the military too. Theur military hardwares have grown up. They have nearly acquired self-reliance in military technologies and are exporting too. PLA has substantialy higher military fighting capabilities. They have the largest numbers in naval vessels. In air power too, they have sunstancial numerical superiority. This article elaborates on all such issues.

The Chinese trying to dominate the South China sea has effectively been thwarted by the 'Quad Group' of security alliance of USA, India, Australia and Japan. All these four national have challenged the Chinese might in their own backyard.

Pakistan is at verge of being called a terrorist state. There are more than 140 UN proscribed terrorist in Pakistan.

After the Galwan incident, plenty of talk have taken place between India and China but no solution seems to be coming to the fore. Instead, there are further widening of the gap. With the South China Sea escalation by the Chinese, US Navy has entered in to the frey. There is a real problem of a conflict taking shape. In turn, the QUAD group taking shape, a new world order seems to be taking shape.

In the last 73 yrs, Chinese have largely remained undetered to the Indian positions on the Sino-Indian border issues. Even with a renewed vigor under the present govt, the issue remains frozen. The time has come when India must make all such moves that culd send a clear signal to China to mend its way or else...

On the completion of its 2 yrs, Mod govt 2.0 is trying to audit its own performance. This article looks at the various hits and missed of the present govt. The performance seems to be more or less an average.

On the hindsight, it appears that the PLA had a very clear intent of encroaching in to strategic Indian territories at Pangong as well as Galwan. It was essentially for controlling the DS-DBO road…firstly to cut-off the life-line to the DBO airstrip and secondly, to threaten both Siachen Glacier through Murgo-Saser-Sasoma, and also supplementing any Pangong-Durbuk axis of encroachment in their future advance. That intent of the PLA got a severe blow after the troop mobilisation following Galwan violence.

There have been successes and failures in the Indian Diplomacy against the Chinese since independence. Our Diplomacy has had some very credible achievements in the past, in the patches though. However, many of the Diplomatic dealings against the Chinese have been far from satisfaction. Any strong measure against the dragon could be fraught with annoying them. However, how long should India bother for the sensitivities of the Chinese while they themselves care little for the Indian causes. It may be time to take the bull by horn.

The present Indo-US relationship appears to be based on many considerations. USA wants an ally in the Indian ocean, in Asia, adjacent to their traditional foe, the Russians. Their love with Pakistani were betrayed time and again that made them to reconsider their strategies. They see a much stronger and reliable India as a gateway to Asia. The series of bilateral agreements with US as key strategic partner has brought the two democracies much closure. There has been several smaller strategic military cooperation signed between the two, incl those signed in the last month of the Trump administration through 2+2 agreement.

All four founding members of the Quad group know that as on today, the PLA Navy is a substancial threat…at least in numbers. Quality-wise they lag far behind in the technological mights of the USA. However, for the latter it will not be wise to take on the dragon alone. Hence, the alliance is a must and USA is unlikely to back out this time…unlike 2007.

Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, malasia, Indonecia have been threatened by the Chinese in the past for against their interests in the South China Sea. Time has come when all of these nations will have to unite together and join hands with the Quad nations in combatting the Chinese bully in the Indo-Pacific. Eventhough the term of reference mentions it as quadrilateral security dialogue, some elements of Security alliance will surely be there that will be helpful for other nations in the region too. The head of States of USA, India, Japan and Australia virtually met on 12 March 21 under the banner of the Quad to claim a threat-free Indo-pacific incl the South China Sea among some other resolve. It must bring hopes for all smaller nations in this region to be freed from any threat so that they can operate in their waters freely.

Chinese expansionist behaviour against India has been a continuos irritant in Indoo-Chinese relationship. Chinese salami slicing of Indian territories in past can not be tolerated any more and the present Modi Govt is quite clear about it.

The entire world is expectantly looking at the WHO team of the investigators for the origin of the Wuhan Virus causing pandemic. Whether the team was hand-picked by the Chinese administration or were the best professionals in their fields, the world population does not know. They firmly believe that the WHO will fulfil the aspirations of the world.

Pakistan has played one of its trump card by chanting Prace-mantra with India. Whether the Modi govt bites this Paki bait or not, the Jaichands on our land are pooh-pooh. It has already served the Paki purpose of initiating Pro-Pak debate in Indian media. Soon Pakistan will claim on international forum that even Indian population has welcome their peace proposal but Indian Govt is averse to it.

This is a new technology N-capable missile with 1000-2000 Km range

It is imperative that the Army Ordnance Corps keeps pace with the constantly changing technological environment in our country. On account of massive restructuring of the armed forces on the anvil, the supply chain management which includes logistics must also undergo a transformation.

All Indians will hope and pray that the new initiative by the PM brings renewed hope of peaceful political and economic developments in the newly formed UT of J&K…to fulfil the aspirations of all…Hindu & Muslims…men & women…old and young.

The Maoists & Naxals of the present times have to be either brought to the main-stream or be neutralised. They cannot be let to wage war against the state…killing the security forces and the police…and get away with the crime…and in this context, Hidma and his associates do not deserve to live.

Now comes the main question…where does India stand in the complex issue of Afghanistan? How can India keep its objective relevant? Surely not by Military presence as they will surely be seen as occupying forces drawing jihadi ire.

Costs on the Americans were substantial both in terms of lives and monetary. The loss of lives have already been elaborated above and the financial costs too are huge. Although the financial aid to Afghanistan was just around $144 billion, a rough estimate of the cost of US combat operations as of December 2020 stands at $824.9 billion since FY-2002.

Costs on the Americans were substantial both in terms of lives and monetary. The loss of lives have already been elaborated above and the financial costs too are huge. Although the financial aid to Afghanistan was just around $144 billion, a rough estimate of the cost of US combat operations as of December 2020 stands at $824.9 billion since FY-2002.

Corona Virus nCoV2 is believed to have been engineered from a bat Coronvirus with augmented virulence, something like a biological warfare agent. Wuhan Institute of Virology seems to be at the centre of the controversy where 'gain-of-functions' experiments on the organisms have been going on. This article tries to lay emphasis on the smoking gun while the world is trying to look for the origin of the virus that has devasted human lives and economy of the world.

It could be said with fair confidence that while the Modi govt has tried to manage Covid19 to the best of abilities, there were events that did create repeated confusion. Many of these were of a nature seen only in the hindsight. The second wave of the Covid took everyone by surprise. The extent of the pandemic was such that no govt could have managed. This however, does not absolve either the State Govts (under whom comes the public Health) or the Union Govt who are supposed to be coordinating with them for better response. While the populace in general stood firm by the honesty Modi govt displayed in meeting various challenges on several fronts simultaneously, the opposition politicians esp the Congress & Communists, left no stone unturned in maligning the govt. The many reasons of Confusion and secrecies shrouding the Covid outbreak and govt response is discussed here.

Security Council has become a laughing stock in the recent years, devoid of any powers. The P-5 are able to stall any/all important decisions by their vetoes. There are very obvious member blocks esp of the Islamic Nations who vote en-mass on any resolution affecting Muslims in any nation. Hence, UNSC has become very biased, fast loosing credibility.

On 16 Aug 2021 when the world woke-up, Afghanistan appeared calm as there were hardly any unbiased cameras to see or hear what the Taliban were doing, hardly any social media post reporting their horror, hardly any unbiased journo to report of Talibani atrocities. Afghanistan seems to be swiftly returning to the days of 2001 before US led NATO forces had invaded.

One series of explosions and dozens of questions point out one single fact…that there could be more in the events unfolding in Kabul that meets the eyes. These events are surely driving the Afghans to desperation. It could also be a double-game of Taliban-ISIS-Pakistan. The safety of the remaining Allied Forces on Afghan soil could be in great danger.

Right from the time of its inception in 2007, the QUAD as a group has been struggling to emerge as a strong security alliance. The recent AUKUS alliance formation has further cast some shadows. It is difficult to predict how will it finally take shape.

The recent Chinese forays in to the Indian territories in Uttarakhand is a matter to be worried about. It shows that Chinese expansionism mindset continues. There is no reason to disbelieve that such intrusions will continue in future too, at other places too. Hence, India has to be proactive in its approach. Some such measures of Diplomatic, Military and Economic actions are suggested in this article.

Quad as expected, has shown a resolve to keep the indo-pacific ‘Free and Open for maritime activities’ for all. They also expressed resolve on various types of cooperation within the group. There were no mentions of going for any security cooperation or expanding the Quad membership to the other stakes-holders. These were on the expected lines and there is no reason to be pessimistic. The Quad has just taken some shape with its objectives not yet formalized in the form of a document. Many rounds of consultations will have to take place before a ‘charter of objectives’ is made and signed by the respective State Heads. The possibility of limited security cooperation cannot be ruled out in future.

Pakistani game plan in Afghanistan and its ambition to become the master of world Jihad, is yet to materialise fully. Difficult days lay ahead for the entire region. There has to be a concerted international approach against any form of Jihad…mild, moderate or severe.

For long, our law makers have preferred ambiguity on taking firm actions on various issues of national, international and religious fundamentalism in the Indian societies. In new India, the State must have a proactive approach on all such issues. Our own people must have right to a decent life esp when the nation is going to celebrate its 75th year of independence. Pakistan has been largely successful in their resolve to inflict thousand cuts to bleed India. On the other hand, Indian State have largely been sheepish in its approach against the expansionist China. Time has come when our law makers pass a clear-cut law to act firmly on all these issues.