#SecurityScan 67: India’s Integration of Indigenous Fighters, Israel’s ban on Lashkar-e-Taiba & more

Philippines President Marcos Jr. described the situation as “dire,” emphasizing the need to bolster regional security through partnerships with the U.S. and other allies.

This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India’s national security .

Energetic Political Drive for Development and Integration of Indigenous Fighters

 Prime Minister Modi’s recent journey aboard the twin-seat variant of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft underscores the vigorous political commitment to developing and integrating indigenous fighters. The Tejas, in its various versions, is poised to take center stage in the air force, replacing aging jets such as the MiG-21. While the initial years of Tejas development faced technical challenges and a lukewarm reception in the Indian Air Force (IAF), the landscape changed with China emerging as India’s primary strategic adversary and the disruption caused by the Ukraine war to foreign defense supply chains. As one of the world’s largest defense importers, India confronts the triple challenge of ensuring advanced combat capabilities, establishing resilient supply chains impervious to external geopolitical disruptions, and addressing China’s escalating assertiveness. This is precisely where the Tejas assumes paramount importance. With the air force currently operating at 31 squadrons, falling short of the required 42 to effectively counter the combined China-Pakistan challenge, the urgency for accelerated Tejas production becomes evident. Presently, the production rate stands at a sluggish eight fighters per year. Of the initial order for 40 Tejas Mark-1 jets, scheduled for completion by December 2016, only 32 single-seat fighters and two of the eight twin-seat trainers have been delivered thus far. Additionally, another 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets are in the pipeline for delivery by 2028, alongside 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighters awaiting acquisition approval. Furthermore, the development of the advanced Tejas Mark-2, boasting enhanced range and weapons payload, is underway, featuring the American GE-414 engine with an 80% transfer of technology to be manufactured in India. The challenge with Tejas now lies not in securing advanced orders but in significantly enhancing Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) production rate to meet targets and safeguard the air force’s combat capabilities. Another crucial aspect for Indian defense manufacturing to address is safety and servicing. Malaysia’s recent preference for the South Korean FA-50 over the Tejas for its air force was influenced by HAL’s lackluster safety record, particularly in the context of accidents involving the Advanced Light Helicopter exported to Ecuador. With the Tejas poised to be the air force’s mainstay, there is an optimistic outlook that quality and spare parts will meet required standards, instilling confidence among potential foreign buyers.

Economic Security-

Fastest Growing Economy In The World

 India’s GDP growth rate for the July-September quarter soared to 7.6%, surpassing the RBI’s projection of 6.5%. Notable highlights include a 13.9% surge in manufacturing to Rs 7.15 lakh crore, a 13% increase in construction to Rs 3.04 lakh crore, and an 11% rise in investments to Rs 14.71 lakh crore. Despite these gains, the distribution of income saw private consumption growing by only 3.1% to Rs 23.7 lakh crore. A significant milestone was achieved as the value of shares listed on the stock market reached $4 trillion, making India the fourth country globally to attain this valuation level. This represents over 100% of the GDP, a crucial metric indicating a profound economic transformation. Notably, the US, with its dynamic technology sector, has consistently maintained a market capitalization-GDP ratio exceeding 100% since 1996. India’s current ratio reflects favorable macroeconomic indicators supporting the profit growth of listed firms, evidenced by a remarkable 20% growth in corporate tax between April and September 2023, outpacing the 8.6% nominal GDP growth for the same period. 

   Robust tax collections are attributed to two key factors. Firstly, the composition of India’s fiscal allocations has been restructured to support economic growth at all government levels, with a reduction in the share of revenue deficit in fiscal deficit over the last three years. This shift indicates a higher proportion of borrowing directed towards investments. Secondly, the capital expenditure of major states witnessed a substantial 47% increase in the first half of 2023-24. The positive macroeconomic landscape is complemented by a noteworthy change in the composition of household savings. Over the past three years, there has been a surge in mutual fund investments, with 2021-22 marking a structural shift. Flows into mutual funds that year escalated by 2.5 times to Rs 1.6 lakh crore, with a subsequent 12% growth in the following year. The $4 trillion market capitalization and the impressive 7.6% growth rate are, therefore, underpinned by a solid foundation. The high Q2 GDP growth, $4 trillion market capitalization, and the shift in household savings towards mutual funds signify profound and far-reaching economic changes. 

Security Labourers-

Silkyara Incident Calls for a Nationwide Reassessment of Worker Safety.

 What steps should be taken in the aftermath of the successful rescue of 41 workers from the Silkyara tunnel under construction? The Uttarkashi accident, occurring in a Government of India flagship project, serves as a wake-up call. It provides ample reason to scrutinize the safety conditions of workers across India—a legislative and regulatory blind spot. The harsh reality is that workers often find themselves toiling in unsafe environments, lacking a clear understanding of their right to safety. Existing rights, embedded in the complex web of labor laws, often remain mere theoretical concepts, primarily because the term ‘worker’ lacks a uniform definition. This is just one stumbling block. Incidents of accidents, injuries, and fatalities at worksites nationwide are vastly underreported, primarily because states are not uniformly required to maintain records. Although numerous labour laws outline safety standards and compensation, compliance is inadequate, and monitoring and supervision are even worse. The attempt to replace 13 labour laws with the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2019, was abandoned in 2020 due to multiple shortcomings, including the persistent lack of a defined term for ‘worker.’ India has yet to ratify either of the two ILO workers’ safety conventions, and the absence of a primary law on occupational safety and health is glaring. Compensation provided to workers or their families in the event of death, embedded in various labour laws, is often insufficient and challenging to obtain. Thus workers’ rights to safety are routinely disregarded. Worksite accidents and fatalities are on the rise, particularly among construction site workers in India’s booming cities. The majority of these workers are inter-state migrants, rendering them more vulnerable and their employers less accountable. For instance, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area alone, 51 laborers have died in 24 on-site incidents this year. Maharashtra has witnessed a three-fold increase in the deaths of construction workers from 2021 to 2023. Unfortunately, there is no specific state agency dedicated to monitoring safety at construction sites; instead, the state labor department relies on an external agency to certify the safety of equipment, lifts, and cranes. As investigations into the lapses that led to the Silkyara incident unfold, both the Union labor ministry and state labor departments must revive the stalled initiative to establish a comprehensive occupational safety and health framework for all workers in India—be they in manufacturing, mining, ports, or construction.

#Pakistan – A Failed State

Israel bans Lashkar-e-Taiba, says organisation responsible for murder of Indians

   In commemoration of the 15th year since the Mumbai terror attacks, Israel has officially banned the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, denouncing it as a ‘deadly’ and ‘reprehensible’ organization. This move, independent of Indian government requests, follows meticulous checks and procedures, with Israel highlighting the outfit’s global menace.

Securing Indian Internal and External Security

Indian Army to boost firepower with 200 new mounted howitzers, 400 towed gun systems

 The procurement process is part of the Army plan for Mediumisation with indigenous guns and is likely to be completed by the year 2042. In the last decade, four contracts have been concluded for the procurement of a 155 mm howitzer. These Gun Systems have already been inducted and more Regiments are being equipped with these guns. These gun systems include Dhanush, Sharang, Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH) and K-9 Vajra Self Propelled Guns. Dhanush Guns are an electronic upgrade of Bofors Guns, while the Sharang Guns have been up-gunned from 130mm to 155mm calibre. 

Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik holds combined passing out parade

 Major Divakar Sharma was awarded the ‘Best in Ground Subjects’ trophy, ‘First in Order of Merit’ trophy for Basic RPAS Course (Internal Pilot – 03) and Major Niranjan Joshi was awarded the ‘First in Order of Merit’ for Basic RPAS Course (Observer Pilot – 03). 

“No free lunches” says Rajnath Singh in push for quality in defence manufacturing”

 Rajnath pointed out that those countries that manufacture quality products export their equipment to countries across the globe. He added that due to the good quality, the prices of these platforms are quite high, but it should be kept in mind that importing countries are ready to pay even the highest prices for state-of-the-art products. Stressing that top-quality products bring credibility to the domestic defence industry, Rajnath stated that manufacturing such equipment within the country will generate increased global demand and bolster India’s reputation in the international market. 

Defence equipment of Rs 1.5 lakh cr to be procured from domestic companies

 The Defence Ministry was scheduled to take up two of India’s biggest-ever fighter aircraft projects worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore for discussion in a crucial meeting this week including buying 97 new LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft and indigenously upgrading 84 Su-30 MKI combat planes. 

30 more Myanmar soldiers airlifted to Moreh from Mizoram

 Indian Air Force helicopters have airlifted 104 Myanmar army personnel from Mizoram to Moreh in Manipur, including 30 more who surrendered before the Assam Rifles/Mizoram Police. The situation in Mizoram remains tense due to recent clashes between rebel groups and military junta in Myanmar’s Chin State. The situation is further tense in Mizoram due to the recent airstrike by the Myanmar army. 

Assets of those named by UNSC for terror funding to be frozen within 24 hours: Govt to agencies

 India, as per official records, enacted the law as per its commitment to the country specific efforts under UNSC resolution 1718 (2006) and 2231 (2015), and their successor resolutions, as mandated under section 2 of United Nations (Security Council) Act, 1947. 

NIA conduct raids across 4 states in Gazwa-e-Hind module case, find links to suspects

   The accused, Marghoob, had added many persons from India as well as other countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Yemen, to the group, which was also active on other social media platforms such as Telegram and BiP Messenger, said the NIA. “Aimed at radicalizing impressionable youth in the name of the establishment of Ghazwa-e-Hind over the territory of India, the group was being operated by Pakistan-based suspects,” reveals NIA investigation.407-349 

Russia holds naval drills with India in Bay of Bengal

 Russia held joint naval exercises with India in the Bay of Bengal, as the two countries bolster security ties despite Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine. “The purpose of the exercise is to comprehensively develop and strengthen naval co-operation between Russia and India,” Moscow’s defence ministry said. 

Indian Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer Imphal hits ‘bulls eye’

 INS Imphal, the third in the Visakhapatnam-class stealth-guided missile destroyers, signifies ‘Aatmanibharta’ and showcases India’s naval prowess. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Imphal stands as a testament to indigenous shipbuilding and technological advancement. The destroyer, equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, reflects a significant achievement for the Indian Navy. 

INS Sumedha arrives in Mozambique, joint EEZ surveillance to be held

 Indian Naval Ship Sumedha, deployed in Africa, docks in Maputo for joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance with Mozambique Navy from November 23 to 25. Aimed at reinforcing ties, the visit includes professional exchanges, planning conferences, and courtesy calls to bolster maritime cooperation. Both nations share warm bilateral relations, fostering defense collaboration through regular meetings. INS Sumedha, equipped for diverse missions, supports international cooperation in crisis relief and surveillance. 

Navy, DRDO undertake guided flight trials for indigenous naval anti-ship missile

 According to an official statement issued after the maiden flight test, the missile employs several new technologies, including an indigenously developed launcher for the helicopter. 

Change in geo-politics on Lt Gen R P Kalita

 “Russia-Ukraine war is going on, Israel-Hamas conflict is also on. There is also a lot of instability in our neighbourhood. So, the whole geo-politics is changing. There is a change which is taking place. And it impacts not only our country but our armed forces as well,” Kalita said. 

Indian Army holds joint military exercise with Sri Lanka Army in Pune, Nepal Army in Pithoragarh

 Named Exercise Mitra Shaktil, the 12-day drill focuses on sub-conventional operations under the UN Charter. It involves 120 Indian personnel, mainly from the Maratha Light Infantry regiment, and 15 from the Indian Air Force. Concurrently, the Indian Army announced the upcoming joint exercise, Surya Kiran 2023, with Nepal in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, aiming to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief operations. 

India, US looking at finalising MQ-9B Predator drone deal by early next year

   India is set to finalise a deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US under a government-to-government framework by March. The US Congress is expected to clear the supplies in the next few weeks. The drones are being procured to enhance the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The procurement is estimated to cost around USD 3 billion. India is in the process of procuring 31 MQ-9B Predator high-altitude long-endurance drones from the US at a cost of nearly USD 3 billion to crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China. 

Navy scales up deployments, from counter piracy missions to submarine operations

 The pace of continuous deployment of ships and submarines is reflected in the number of days Indian Navy assets were at sea in the past year. Sources said that deployments accounted for over 9400 ship days, close to 1150 submarine days and almost 15000 hours of flying in the past year. 

20 warships, 40 aircraft & Marcos to showcase prowess on Navy Day

 The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate “Operation Trident”, the Navy’s attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The event will also showcase the Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art ships and aircraft to the general public and online viewers through a live telecast, the Defence Ministry official added. 

Lethal missile SCALP available for Indian Navy’s Rafale; talks on

 The “game changer” SCALP missiles, which have a range of more than 300 km and are designed to hit high-value and strongly protected targets deep inside enemy territory, are already deployed on Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. 

#COUNTERING CHINESE MULTI DOMAIN , GREYZONE, HIGHBREED WARFARE

US and Philippines conduct joint air, sea patrols in South China Sea not far from Taiwan

 The U.S. and Philippines conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea amid rising tensions over Chinese activities. The patrols, involving air and maritime forces, respond to China’s assertiveness in disputed waters near Taiwan and Philippines’ northernmost province. Recent incidents, including vessel clashes, have heightened concerns. President Marcos Jr. described the situation as “dire,” emphasizing the need to bolster regional security through partnerships with the U.S. and other allies. 

China urges Australia against ‘irresponsible accusations’ over naval sonar claim

 Australia has accused Beijing of reckless and irresponsible accusations against China after it claimed sonar pulses from a Chinese warship injured its navy divers. The Australian defence ministry spokesman, Wu Qian, urged the Australian side to respect the facts and stop making reckless accusations against China. 

Macron tells Xi of ‘deep concern’ over Russia, N.Korea cooperation: Elysee

 French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concern about military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, stating that it would fuel Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russia has become a pariah in the West after launching hostilities in Ukraine last year and has sought to strengthen ties with North Korea. 

India to play a prominent role in our Indo-Pacific strategy: Lithuania’s Egidijus Meilunas

 During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral engagements and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in respective neighbourhoods, EU, Ukraine conflict, India’s Presidency of G20, cooperation in multilateral fora, and UNSC reforms. 

Chinese official warns Australia on navy movements in East, South China Seas

 Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week said a Chinese warship acted in a dangerous manner by using its sonar during an incident with an Australian navy vessel in Japan’s waters that injured a military diver. The same Australian vessel, Toowoomba, began joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea for the first time on Saturday. 

China athletes as young as seven in military training to ‘create iron army’

   Chinese football teams have previously undergone similar training, which is largely performative and part of a wider campaign to promote Communist Party values. 

Australia says AUKUS a response to arms race, not fuel for it

 The $245 billion AUKUS project with Britain and the United States to build a new class of nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarine has been criticised by China as having the potential to spark an arms race. 

EU defence spending at record 240 bn euros in 2022EU defence spending at record 240 bn euros in 2022

 The European Defence Agency (EDA) said six countries had increased their spending by over 10 percent, with NATO applicant Sweden splashing over 30 percent more. 

Chinese fighter jets ‘orbit’ Philippine patrol aircraft, Manila says

 Two Chinese fighter jets were observed orbiting a Philippine aircraft during patrols with Australia in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Australia conducted a second day of sea and air exercises in the region, following patrols with the US. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for over $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. 

China rejects Philippine claim of fighter jet fly-by

 China’s defense ministry dismisses Philippines’ claim of Chinese fighter jets disrupting joint patrols with Australia as “groundless” and “not true,” according to a ministry spokesperson. 

#Hamas Israel War #Lessons For India

War fatigue over Ukraine setting in Indo-Pacific region

 In October, Muneo Suzuki, a former parliamentary vice-minister of foreign affairs, visited Russia for a five-day trip from October 1 to meet with various Russian officials including Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. It was the first publicly known visit by a Japanese lawmaker to Russia since the war. Suzuki, once a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has been deeply involved in Japan’s efforts to solve its territorial disputes with Russia 

U.S. fighter aircraft strike Hezbollah targets in Iraq after attacks on bases

 Amid heightened tensions, U.S. fighter jets targeted two Hezbollah centers in Iraq following attacks on American bases linked to Israel’s Gaza operations. The strikes, including the first use of a short-range ballistic missile against U.S. troops, hit Hezbollah sites near Baghdad and Al Anbar. While personnel were present, casualties remained unconfirmed. A retaliatory AC-130 gunship strike targeted missile origins at Al-Asad Air Base. The U.S. emphasizes deterring conflict but demands an end to Iran-backed assaults on its forces, signaling potential further actions if attacks persist. 

Israel-Hamas war: Eleven Israelis and 33 Palestinians freed

 On Monday, the Israeli military said 11 Israeli hostages – the latest to be freed under the terms of the original truce that was due to end on Monday – had arrived in Israel. Qatar said the newly released hostages, all dual citizens, included three with French nationality, two with German nationality and six Argentine citizens. 

Conclusion

 American prosecutors have charged Indian citizen Gupta in connection with a foiled plot to kill a US citizen, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly on behalf of an Indian government official. India, treating the matter with utmost seriousness, has already formed a high-level committee to investigate all facets of the case. The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged receiving information from the US regarding the nexus between “organised criminals, gun-runners, and terrorists.” Furthermore, Ottawa’s reliance on the US case appears misplaced, as the charges seem weak, with prosecutors finding only a tenuous connection between Gupta, the Indian official, and the alleged hitman. —