DEFENCE

• 63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.
• India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.
• Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.
• DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.
• RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.
• Raksha Mantri reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.
• IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.
• Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.
• Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

Nigeria

• Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

Afghanistan

• Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.
• Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.
• MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

Left-Wing Extremism

• “Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.
• Security forces arrested two Maoists OGWs from Telangana.
• Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.
• Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are Rs 84,643 crore and Rs 94,846 crore respectively. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
For more information: Click here to read…

63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.

The 63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commenced on January 02, 2023 with Commandant NDC and the Course Participants laying wreaths at the National War Memorial, as a mark of respect to the fallen soldiers. The Course is focused on National Security & Strategy, along with strands of Governance, Technology, History, and Economics. It is represented by 41 Officers from Indian Army, 07 from Indian Navy, 13 from Indian Air Force, 19 from Civil Services, and 40 officers from 30 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
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India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The Agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 32nd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 01 January 1992.
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Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on 01 January and 01 July. India shared lists of 339 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 95 Pakistani fishermen currently in Indian custody. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 51 civilian prisoners and 654 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians.

The Government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and 02 Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 30 fishermen and 22 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian.
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DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.

The 65th Foundation Day of the Organisation, was celebrated on 1st January 2023. The DRDO Chairman stated that several systems developed by DRDO have been delivered, inducted or handed over to the users. Dr Kamat added that the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) has also been accorded by the Defence Procurement Boards and Defence Acquisitions Council for induction of several DRDO developed systems. Some of the notable systems include: Sarang ESM system, Light Tank, Tactical Advance Range Augmentation (TARA) kit, Long Range Guided Bomb (LRGB)-Gaurav, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), Air surveillance radar for NGMV, Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) -Ashwini, New Generation Anti-radiation Missile (NGARM), Pralay, Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka, Self-Propelled Mine Burier, Infantry Combat Vehicle-Command, Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mine ‘Ulk’, Infantry Floating Foot Bridge, Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) T-72 and ACADA.

The DRDO Chairman said that it is expected that most of the systems under trials will be handed over to the users in the coming year. He summarised that five CCS programmes worth Rs 26,000 crore and 55 other projects worth Rs 11,000 crore were sanctioned in 2022. 32 previously sanctioned projects were successfully completed. Some other flagship programmes such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are also under consideration for approval by CCS.

He brought out that in the past year, DRDO has signed 145 ToTs. Towards IP protection, 160 patents were filed and 100 have been granted during 2022. The fund limit under Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme was enhanced to Rs 50 crore from Rs 10 crore per project. This will enable DRDO to support industry for development of more complex technologies. He mentioned that MoU was also signed between Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation and TDF to work jointly on advanced naval technologies. In addition, he mentioned that the 4th version of Dare to Dream contest has been launched by the Raksha Mantri. He informed that DRDO has now established a total of 15 DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Currently, 867 projects are on-going with academia at a cost of Rs 1,183 crore.
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RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.

During the event, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) and all the three Services signed/exchanged MoUs/ Agreements with various stakeholders to facilitate continued education of Agniveers while serving in the Armed Forces and award of appropriate skill certificates in accordance with their expertise/experience. Under these MoUs with National Institute of Open School (NIOS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), suitable 12th Class certificates and Bachelor’s degree will be awarded to the Agniveers respectively.
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Raksha Mantri (RM) reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.

RM reviewed the operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command and infrastructure development at operational areas during his visit to the Headquarters of the only operational joint services command of the country in Port Blair on January 05, 2023. Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh briefed the RM about the geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area.
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IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.

To promote Air Defence cooperation between the countries, India and Japan are all set to hold the joint Air Exercise, ‘Veer Guardian-2023’ involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan from 12 January 2023 to 26 January 2023. The Indian contingent participating in the air exercise will include four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78 aircraft, while the JASDF will be participating with four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft.
For more information: Click here to read…

Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.

Raksha Mantri chaired, in New Delhi on January 09, 2023, the Ambassadors’ Roundtable conference for the forthcoming Aero India 2023. The reach-out event, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chargé d’affaires and Defence Attachés of over 80 countries. The Raksha Mantri invited the representatives from across the world to attend Asia’s largest and 14th Aero show – Aero India-2023 – which will be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 13-17, 2023. He urged them to encourage their respective defence and aerospace companies to attend the global event.

Recalling the success of Aero India 2021, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the last edition had witnessed unprecedented attendance of over 600 exhibitors physically and another 108 virtually. He added that the event saw the participation of 63 countries and around 3,000 Business-2-Business meetings were held. He also elaborated on the huge success of DefExpo 2022 which witnessed unparalleled participation of over 1,340 exhibitors, businesses, investors, start-ups, MSMEs, Armed Forces and delegates from several countries. He asserted that the conclusion of 451 Memoranda of Understanding, Transfer of Technology agreements, product launches and orders to domestic businesses, worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, etc. attest to the success of the DefExpo.
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Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on January 10, 2023 and accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. Further, the DAC granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships & Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.

On 07 January 2023, the Somali government and the al-Shabaab group denied having peace talks, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called “brainwashed” terrorists to surrender to the government. “We are not negotiating with the al-Shabaab terror group. However, individuals who wish to give up arms and leave the group will undergo a process to defect and be eligible for government amnesty,” said National Security Adviser— Hussein Sheikh Ali. On 06 January 2023, Somali President called on the al-Shabaab terrorists to leave the terrorist ideology before it was too late.

Al-Shabaab, too, denied any talks with the Somali government. “I can confirm that there are not and can be no talks between the government and us,” said an al-Shabaab terrorist.
For more information: Click here to read…

Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

More than 20 people were killed, and 30 more were injured in twin car explosions by al-Shabaab on 05 January 2023 in the Mahas neighbourhood of Central Somalia. Mumin Mohamed Halane, the District Commissioner of Mahas, claimed that the first bomb went off in front of his house, and the second device was aimed at a lawmaker’s residence. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident and said it resulted in the deaths of 87 persons, including military officers.
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Nigeria

Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

On 01 January 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out air strikes on four Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa forest in Borno State and eliminated 30 Boko Haram terrorists, including three commanders. The targeted camps included Bula Jitoye, Halka Kojoy, Halka Alai, and Bulamaye in Bama Local Council.
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Afghanistan

Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

On 04 January 2023, the Taliban carried out raids at various locations in Nimroz province and killed eight Islamic State (IS)/IS-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a spate of attacks in Kabul city. “The raids in the capital city and western Nimroz province targeted IS members who organised recent terror attacks on Kabul’s Longan Hotel, Pakistan’s Embassy, and the military airport. Eight IS terrorists, including foreign nationals, were killed, whereas seven others were arrested in the raids,” said Taliban spokesman— Zabihullah Mujahid.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.

On 07 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released a notification designating Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) operative— Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, [UA(P)A]. Currently, Dar is based in Saudi Arabia.

Per the notification, Dar is involved in instigating the youth from Kashmir to use social media platforms for terrorist activities. He is also accused of conspiring terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and other major cities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.

Two children were killed in an explosion on 02 January 2023, and four others were injured in the Dangri village of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Another IED (Improvised Explosive Device) was recovered from the same area and defused by security forces. To track down terrorists involved in the attack, security forces intensified the Cordon-And-Search Operation (CASO) by inducting security personnel, including drones and sniffer dogs were deployed.
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MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

In a notification released on 05 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s— The Resistance Front (TRF) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s— People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) as terrorist organisations. “PAFF was involved in terror acts and is regularly issuing threats to security forces, political leaders, civilians working in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) from other states and is involved, along with other organisations, in conspiring pro-actively physically and in social media to undertake violent terrorist acts and Jammu-Kashmir and other major cities in Bharat,” read the MHA notification.

The MHA also declared Mohammed Amin and TRF commander— Shiekh Sajjad Gul terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Khubaib is a launching commander of LeT and plays a key role in reviving and accelerating terror activities in the Jammu region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

“Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a public meeting organised by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Korba, Chhattisgarh, on 07 January 2023, the Union Home Minister— Amit Shah, said, “we are now on the verge of making Naxal-affected areas free from the menace. Our (BJP) efforts are to ensure that the country is free from the Naxal problem by 2024.” As per the strategy, youths who used to take up arms will be provided employment, roads, water, telephone, and electricity in remote areas to assist them in joining the mainstream of society.
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Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.

On 11 January 2023, security forces engaged in a gun battle with Maoists and killed a top leader— Madvi Hidma, on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. According to a communique from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Chhattisgarh sector, CRPF’s COBRA battalion carried out the operation. Hidma’s killing will be a jolt to the Maoist organisation. Being a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, Hidma was an expert in guerrilla warfare. Hidma was a prime suspect in an attack carried out in April 2021 in which 22 security personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle).
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Security forces arrested two Maoist OGWs from Telangana.

On 05 January 2023, the joint team of CRPF personnel and Charla police arrested two Maoist Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/couriers— P Sammaiah (35 years old) and Satyaveni (33 years old) during a vehicle checking drive at Mandal headquarters town of Charla in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.

Security forces recovered a bundle of 200-metre wire, ten pressure cookers, some explosive ingredients, and a tractor-trolley. According to police, for the last two years, the duo supplied essential commodities and explosive materials to Maoists operating in Chhattisgarh.
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Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

On 04 January 2023, eight Maoists of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, including three women, surrendered before security forces in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The surrendered Maoists were facing charges of murder, and rioting, besides other cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

“The Jharkhand government has vowed to make the state free of Naxalites. The surrender and rehabilitation policy has a positive impact. The Naxals are surrendering due to the CPI(Maoist)’s internal oppression, environment of fear, and increased police raids. Today, eight Maoists, including three women members of CPI(Maoist), who worked directly under the Central Committee member Misir Besra, surrendered,” said Inspector-General (IG) Operations— Amol Homkar.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

On 30 December 2022, Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Azharuddin from Saharanpur for his alleged involvement in radicalising youth through videos and terrorist literature. Azharuddin was detained for interrogation on the inputs from Lukmaan, a terrorist affiliated with al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and later was arrested. Lukman was arrested on 26 September 2022.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.

On 12 January 2023, Khalistan sympathisers graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple— BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, with pro-Khalistan and anti-Bharat slogans in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Mill Park. The BAPS Swaminarayan temple released a statement condemning the act. “We are deeply saddened by these acts of vandalism and hate. We offer our prayers for peace and harmony,” read the statement.

On the incident, the Liberal MP for the Northern Metropolitan Region— Evan Mulholland, said that this vandalism is deeply distressing for victoria’s peaceful Hindu community.
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Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated as a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

On 09 January 2023, the Government of India (GoI) designated Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill as a terrorist for his association with the Khalistan-inspired movement. Gill has been declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Gill is closely associated with Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
For more information: Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs.
• Indian Coast Guard helicopter squadron commissioned in Chennai.
• Joint Exercise Agni Warrior with Singapore Armed Forces.
• Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia.
• Industries have been supported under the TDF (Technology Development Fund) scheme.
• Space Defence Mission.
• International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh.
• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs).
• Dare to Dream Contests.
• Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka.
• 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22”.
• 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI”.
• The last batch of Rafales of the IAF landed in India.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• Security forces killed at least 15 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operation in Mogadishu.

Afghanistan

• IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on the ‘Chinese’ Hotel in Kabul.
• At least 07 people killed in roadside blast in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Pakistan

• “US withdrawl from Afghanistan supported TTP’s activities in Pakistan,” Report of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior.
• Security forces foiled an infiltration from Afghanistan and killed four IS-KP terrorists.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• A grenade explosion occurred outside a police station in Jammu.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces recovered huge cache of arms and explosives from a Maoist hideout in Maharashtra.
• 35 Maoists surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• Bharat and US agreed on concerted action against terrorist networks, including LeT and JeM.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• TarnTaran bomb blasts accused extradited from Austria to Bharat and arrested by the NIA in Delhi.
• NIA arrested absconding terrorist involved in ‘Ludhiana Court’ bomb blast case.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)

• NIA Special Court convicted two FICN traffickers.

DEFENCE

MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs.

An interaction session was organised by Ministry of Defence on November 30, 2022 with the Indian Defence Industry under the aegis of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers to seek opportunities for gainful employment of Ex-Agniveers under the Corporate Recruitment Plan of the companies. The session was chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. Senior executives from major Indian defence industry houses including L&T, Adani Defence Ltd, Tata Advanced System Ltd, Ashok Leyland and others participated in the discussion. The senior executives of the companies conveyed their unstinted support and commitment in the endeavour and expressed their eagerness to deploy the Ex-Agniveers once the first batch completes its term with the Armed Forces. They assured that suitable provisions shall be made in their recruitment policies for reservations for Agniveers based on the available skill sets. Certain suggestions were also considered regarding bridging the skills learnt by Agniveers with the requirements of the industry.
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Indian Coast Guard helicopter squadron commissioned in Chennai.

An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron, was commissioned at ICG Air Station, Chennai on November 30, 2022. The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) will provide a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted in the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai.
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Joint Exercise Agni Warrior with Singapore Armed Forces.

The 12th Edition of Exercise Agni Warrior, a bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian Army, which had commenced on 13 November 2022 concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30 November 2022. Exercise Agni Warrior, involved showcasing joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies.
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Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia.

The Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia from 08 to 10 December 2022. During the visit, the Vice Chief will take forward the excellent defence cooperation between India and Malaysia through multiple meetings with senior military and civilian leadership of the country. He will also witness various training activities of the ongoing joint ‘Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI’ and interact with the troops.
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Industries have been supported under the TDF (Technology Development Fund) scheme.

A total of 54 industries have been supported under the TDF scheme so far. A total no. of 04 technologies have been successfully developed under TDF Scheme. A total of 340 applications as Expression of Interest (EoI) have been received under TDF Scheme for the awarded projects so far. Total time taken for processing the application till award of the project is 06 months on an average for a normal case. It is a continuous process where payments are linked with the milestones achieved for the specific projects. It takes approximately 45 days for disbursement into the account of the company from the date of submission of bill.
For details of companies funded refer to: Click here to read…

Space Defence Mission.

Mission DefSpace was launched by the Prime Minister during DefExpo in October, 2022 with 75 Defence Space Challenges relevant to the end users. These challenges have been categorised into existing DDP initiatives of iDEX, Make-I and Make-2. Private Industries, including Start-ups, MSMEs and Individual Innovators, are eligible to apply. The challenges, classified into five buckets viz. Launch System, Satellite System, Communication & Payload System, Ground System and Software System, provide a holistic 3600 overview of space.
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International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh.

The Indian Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command and three warships of the Indian Navy participated in the maiden International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh at Cox’s Bazar on 07 Dec 22. Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh reviewed the International Fleet comprising ships from Bangladesh Navy and eight ships from six foreign countries. With three ships, the Indian Navy contingent was the largest amongst the participating foreign navies in this IFR. The other five participating ships were from China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and USA.
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Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs).

Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu. 06 (six) nodes viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow have been identified for developing Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). Similarly, 05 (five) nodes viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli identified for developing Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). Government intends to develop defence manufacturing ecosystem having conducive conditions including supply chain for giving push to production and testing & certification to create economies of scale and facilitate development of internationally competitive enterprises in the country.
As per the information received from Government of Uttar Pradesh for UPDIC, 105 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed with industries etc. worth potential investments of Rs 12,139 crore. Already, Rs 2,422 crore have been invested in UPDIC. Total 1,608 Hectare of land has been acquired for development of UPDIC. Further, as per the information received from Government of Tamil Nadu for TNDIC, arrangements have been made through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) etc. for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore by 53 industries. Rs 3,847 crore have already been invested in TNDIC. Total 910 Hectare of lands has been acquired for development of TNDIC.
Reference: Click here to read…

Dare to Dream Contests.

A total of 5,637 applications have been received under three Dare to Dream Contests to promote individual and start-ups for innovation in the area of Defence and Aerospace in last three years. A total of 52 individuals and 34 start-ups have been awarded under three Dare to Dream contests out of 5,637 applications received in last three years. A total of 07 projects have been sanctioned and awarded to start-ups of Dare to Dream contest winners so far.
DRDO has been launching Dare to Dream Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups (recognised by DPIIT and with Indian founders) for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. The selection criteria for evaluation of the entries are completeness of proposal, scientific soundness, design completeness, merit, technological readiness level achieved and innovation. The selected individual/company are getting benefitted as DRDO supports them to realise awarded ideas into Prototype through Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
For more information: Click here to read…

Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval the Staff (CNS), will be visiting Sri Lanka from 13 to 16 December 2022. The CNS has been invited as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer for the Commissioning Parade at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, scheduled on 15 December 2022. During the visit, the CNS will undertake interactions with senior political and defence leadership of Sri Lanka. He would also be visiting other defence establishments of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and review progress of various bilateral defence cooperation activities.
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6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22”.

The 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22” is scheduled to be conducted at Umroi (Meghalaya) from 15 to 28 December 2022. Joint annual training exercise with the Kazakhstan Army was instituted in 2016 as Exercise Prabal Dostyk, which was later upgraded to a company level exercise and renamed as Ex Kazind in 2018.
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16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI”.

The 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal will be conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi (Nepal), from 16 – 29 December 2022. Exercise “SURYA KIRAN” is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare & counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and HADR under UN mandate.
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The last batch of Rafales of the IAF landed in India.

The last of the 36 IAF Rafales landed in India after a quick en-route refuelling from a UAE Air Force tanker.
Reference: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on the ‘Chinese’ Hotel in Kabul.

On 12 December 2022, the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) carried out an attack at Longan Hotel, popular with Chinese nationals, in Kabul. “The attack took around 02:30 pm local time, with residents in the area staying they heard a powerful explosion followed by gunfire,” Kabul police spokesman— Khalid Zadran. The attack came a day after China’s ambassador met the Afghan (Taliban) Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss security-related matters and sought more attention on the protection of its embassy.

Several bombings have taken place in Afghanistan in recent months, including an attack on the Pakistan embassy earlier this month and a suicide blast near the Russian embassy in September. Both attacks were claimed by the IS-KP.
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At least 07 people killed in roadside blast in Mazar-e-Sharif.

On 06 December 2022, at least 07 people killed in a roadside blast on a bus in Mazar-e-Sharif. “The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived,” said Asif Waziri from the Balkh police department in Mazar-e-Sharif. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, which comes amid repeated pledges from the Taliban to bring security to Afghanistan following decades of war.
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Pakistan

“US withdrawl from Afghanistan supported TTP’s activities in Pakistan,” Report of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior.

Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism (CT) authority in Islamabad informed country’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the United States’ withdrawl from Afghanistan stengthten Tehrik-e-Tailban Pakistan (TTP) activities. “It was also noted that strong public opposition to returning to Swat is a positive development,” read the briefing of CT authority to the interior committee. In November, TTP formally withdrew its ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, which was declared in June. The withdrawl of ceasefire was followed by series of terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan.
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Security forces foiled an infiltration from Afghanistan and killed four IS-KP terrorists.

On 10 December 2022, Pakistan’s security forces foiled an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan and killed four Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a remote mountainous North Waziristan district near the Afghanistan border. In early December, IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, an attempt to assassinate the head of the embassy. According to Pakistani officials, Charge d’Affaires— Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani escapted unhurt, but his security guard was shot. In the month of September, an IS-KP suicide bomber carried out an explosion at the entrace to the Russian Embassy in Kabul, in which six people were killed, including two members of the embassy staff.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

A grenade explosion occurred outside a police station in Jammu.

On 06 December 2022, a grenade attack took place outside a police station in Sidhra area of Jammu, Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). No casualty reported in the blast. A lever of the grenade is recovered from the explosion site. Later, police recovered a letter in which Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) offshoot— Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), claimed responsibility for the attack. JKGF was formed post-Pulwama attack in 2019 to evade international scrutiny and carry out deadly attacks. JKGF comprises of terrorist from other groups— Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), and al-Badr.
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Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces recovered huge cache of arms and explosives from a Maoist hideout in

Maharashtra.

On 13 December 2022, security forces comprising of Aurangabad police, Special Task Force (STF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out a joint anti-Maoist operation and seized huge cache of arms, high grade explosives from Laduiya Pahar hills, falling under the Madanpur police station limits of Aurangabad districts in south Bihar.

“Security forces recovered 14 firearms, including INSAS, SLR, bolt action rifles and 9mm pistols, 21 cane bombs, pressure IDs 1,763 detonators, 1,000 meters of fuse wire, 21 pressure switches, 36 batteries and other items used in explosions. Most of the weapons were looted from police and paramilitaries in various attacks,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra.
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35 Maoists surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

On 07 December 2022, at least 35 Maoists, including a woman, of Pedabayalu-Korukonda Area Committee surrendered before the district police. The woman Maoist— Killo Indu aka Bharathi (27 years-old) of Jadiguda village in Jamiguda panchayat of Pedabayalu, was involved in four major attacks. Police also recovered six wireless sets and five chargers, a country-made pistol, a 5kg of landmine, 100 meters of electrical wire, an olive green uniform cloth and other materials.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

Bharat and US agreed on concerted action against terrorist networks, including LeT and JeM.

During the 19th Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group (CTJWG) and the 5th session of the Designations Dialogue, held on 12-13 December in New Delhi, Bharat and the United States (US) agreed on the need for concerted action against terrorist group, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). For the CT meeting, Mahaveer Singhvi (Joint Secretary for CT, Ministry of External Affairs), and Timothy Betts (Acting Coordinator for CT, US State Department led their respective inter-agency/inter-departmental delegations.

“Participants also deliberated pressing counter-terrorism challenges, including countering terrorist financing, preventing and countering radicalisation, use of the internet for terrorist purposes, narco-trafficking and its linkages to terrorism and use of new and emerging technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Virtual Assets, and the Dark Web for terrorist purposes,” read the statement released by the MEA, Bharat.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

TarnTaran bomb blasts accused extradited from Austria to Bharat and arrested by the NIA in Delhi.

On 08 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Bikramjit Singh aka Bikkar Panjwar after his extradition by the counterpart of Linz, Austria in coordination with the INTERPOL. Bikramjit Singh, an accused of TarnTaran bomb blasts, was absconding in NIA case— RC-20/2019/NIA/DLI.

On 22 March 2021, on the strength of the NIA Special Court’s Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) and subsequent Red Corner Notice (RCN), Bikramjit Singh was detained in Linz, Austria. After the completion of legal proceedings, Linz Regional Court processed the extradition of Bikramjit Singh to Bharat.
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NIA arrested absconding terrorist involved in ‘Ludhiana Court’ bomb blast case.

On 01 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an absconding terrorist— Harpreet Singh aka Happy Malaysia, from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, upon his arrival from Malaysia.

The case— RC-01/22/NIA/DLI pertains to the bomb blast that took place in the Ludhiana Court premises. Investigation highlighted that Harpreet coordinated the delivery of the custom-made IEDs which had been sent from Pakistan.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)

NIA Special Court convicted two FICN traffickers.

On 30 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, convicted two Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)— i) Vinod Nishad aka Vinod Sahni, and ii) Mehfooz Shaikh aka Riyazuddin Shaikh in a FICN case— RC-17/2019/NIA//DLI. Both accused were convicted under Sections 489B, 489C and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced to the rigorous imprisonment for seven years and fine.
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DEFENCE

• MALABAR 22 culminates.
• Mr Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of Navy, US on a five day official visit to India.
• Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh attends ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus meeting & India-ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting.
• Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2022 (IPRD).
• Raksha Mantri & his Cambodian counterpart co-chair maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Siem Reap.
• RM holds bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin in Cambodia.
• Bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces.
• DRDO’s Compendium on Low Intensity Conflict Products Released.
• Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’.
• 13th Edition of the Indian Navy (IN) – Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze).
• 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue.
• “AUSTRA HIND 22”.
• India – Malaysia joint military exercise.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Chad

• In a surprise attack, Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers.

Somalia

• At least 08 people were killed in a terror attack on a hotel by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu.

Pakistan

• Suicide bombing killed a police officer and two civilians in Balochistan province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA Special Court sentenced six terrorists in ‘JeM conspiracy’ case.
• Security forces arrested a LeT terrorist from Jammu.
• “Three districts of the UT of J&K are ‘terrorist-free’,” claimed ADGP (Kashmir).
• Police filed chargesheet against HM chief Syed Salahuddin in 10-years old threat case.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces eliminated two Maoists in Odisha.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA Special Court pronounced sentence in ‘JMB Bengaluru’ case.
• NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against a HM OGW in a criminal conspiracy case.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA arrested an absconding terrorist from Delhi IGI Airport.

Organised Crime

• NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with Organised Crime network.
• NIA arrested Lawrence Bishnoi in a case related to connection between Organised Crime network and various terrorist outfits.

DEFENCE

MALABAR 22 culminates.

The 26th edition of the multinational maritime exercise MALABAR 22 culminated in the seas off Japan on 15 November 2022. This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the JMSDF. The Indian Navy was represented by ships Shivalik and Kamorta. Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and US and gained further prominence with joining of the navies of Australia and Japan.

The sea phase of MALABAR 22 was conducted over a period of five days near Yokosuka and witnessed live weapon firings, surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and tactical procedures. Another highlight of the sea phase was the conduct of War at Sea exercise which enabled all four navies to consolidate interoperability and hone their tactical skills. The high-tempo exercise saw the participation of eleven surface ships including a nuclear powered aircraft carrier with its integral air elements, alongwith four long-range maritime patrol aircraft, integral helicopters and two submarines.
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Mr Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of Navy, US on a five day official visit to India.

Mr Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of Navy, US was on a five day official visit to India from 17-21 Nov 22. Interactions during the visit included those with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff and high ranking GoI officials in New Delhi. Mr Carlos Del Toro made a visit to Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command at Kochi, wherein interacted with the Commander-in-Chief SNC and visited India’s first indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard.
India and USA have traditionally maintained close and friendly relations. The Defence relationship between the two countries has been one of mutual trust and confidence, which has transformed after the accord of major ‘Defence Partner Status’ to India in Jun 16. In addition, both countries have concluded certain foundational agreements, including the Defence Framework Agreement, signed in 2015, which lays a blue print for collaboration between the defence establishments of both countries, the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed in 2016, which is a foundational agreement facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the Armed Forces of both countries, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) signed on 06 Sep 18, which facilitates information-sharing between the Armed Forces of both nations and more recently, the Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which enables sharing of geo – spatial information between Ministry of Defence and National Geospatial Agency (NGA), USA.
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Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh attends ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus meeting & India-ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting.

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Cambodia Samdech Pichey Sena TEA Banh, Raksha Mantri will pay an official visit to Cambodia from November 22-23, 2022. Cambodia, as the chair of ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus (ADMM Plus) meeting is hosting the 9th annual meeting at Siem Reap, Cambodia and the Raksha Mantri will address the forum on November 23, 2022. He will also call on the Prime Minister of Cambodia.

To commemorate 30 years of India-ASEAN relations, India and Cambodia will co-chair the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting on November 22, 2022, presided over by Shri Rajnath Singh. Various initiatives to boost India-ASEAN partnership are planned to be announced during the meeting.

India became the dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992 and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to further the dialogue and cooperation amongst ASEAN and the Plus countries. India and ASEAN have elevated their relationship to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in November 2022. Apart from the ADMM-Plus meeting and India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting, the Raksha Mantri will hold bilateral discussions with Defence Ministers of the participating countries. During the talks, Shri Rajnath Singh will discuss defence cooperation matters and ways to further strengthen the mutually beneficial engagements.
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Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2022 (IPRD).

The IPRD is an apex level international annual conference of Indian Navy, and is principal manifestation of Navy’s engagement at the strategic-level. The fourth edition of IPRD was held from 23 to 25 Nov 22. The theme of IPRD-2022 was ‘Operationalising the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)’. The six thematically-arranged sessions of the IPRD-2022 are: (1) Weaving the Fabric of Holistic Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Multilateral Options: (2) Constructing Holistic-Security Bridges across the Western and Eastern Maritime Expanse of the Indo-Pacific; (3) Building maritime Connectivity: Ports, Trade, and Transport; (4) Capacity-building and Capability Enhancement Leveraging the Physical and Social Sciences; (5) Practical approaches to a Regional Blue Economy; (6) Disaster Risk-reduction and Management; Solutions for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Vulnerable Littoral States.
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Raksha Mantri & his Cambodian counterpart co-chair maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Siem Reap.

The maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting was held on 22 November 2022 at Siem Reap, Cambodia to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of India-ASEAN relations in 2022, which has also been designated as ‘ASEAN-India Friendship Year’. During this maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting, Shri Singh proposed two major initiatives for further expanding the scope and the depth of the India-ASEAN defence relations. One of the initiatives proposed by Raksha Mantri was the ‘India-ASEAN Initiative for Women in UN Peace Keeping Operations’ which includes conduct of tailor-made courses for women peacekeepers of ASEAN Member States at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in India and conduct of a ‘Table Top Exercise’ in India for women officers from ASEAN incorporating facets of UN peacekeeping challenges. The Raksha Mantri underlined the importance of women officers in peacekeeping missions for ensuring lasting peace.
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RM holds bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin in Cambodia.

RM held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin in Siem Reap, Cambodia on22 Nov 2022. Shri Rajnath Singh and Mr Lloyd Austin are in Cambodia to attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus meeting. The Raksha Mantri was accompanied by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence. The two Defence Ministers discussed wide range of issues of mutual interest while expressing their commitment to a strong India-US defence cooperation. RM emphasised the need for both countries to work together for capability building in critical domains such as military aviation, artificial intelligence and cyber technology. The RMlooked forward to building a roadmap towards greater defence industrial collaboration between India and US. He highlighted India’s growing expertise in aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and ship-building, repairs and refits and suggested specific areas where US defence companies can look for technology cooperation and manufacturing opportunities with Indian partners in India. Secretary Austin welcomed the suggestions and assured Raksha Mantri of cooperation in this regard.

The two leaders expressed their commitment towards an inclusive and rules-based Indo Pacific with freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded trade. They further discussed initiatives that can be taken to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries including in maritime domain awareness.
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Bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces.

As part of military-to-military exchange programs, a contingent of Indian Special Forces troops are currently engaged in a bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces at Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang, Indonesia. Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI is the eighth edition of the series of bilateral exercises under this banner. The exercise which commenced on 21 November 2022 aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies. The joint training would also focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedures for which a comprehensive 13-day training programme has been worked out.
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Defence Research and Development Organistion’s (DRDO) Compendium on Low Intensity Conflict Products Released.

DRDO’s Compendium on Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) Products was released on 23 Nov 2022. In line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign of the Government of India, the compendium consists of more than 100 technologies, systems and products developed by DRDO for LIC operations. It is a valuable repository of information for the central security forces.
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Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’.

Indian Air Force is conducting the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’ from 28 November 2022 to 30 November 2022 at Air Force Station Agra. With an aim to assess the efficacy of institutional Disaster Management structures and contingency measures, the exercise will comprise a seminar on Disaster Management, a ‘Multi Agency Exercise’ involving static and flying displays of various HADR assets and a ‘Table Top Exercise’. This multi-agency engagement is expected to contribute in the evolution of institutional frameworks for effective communication, interoperability, cooperation and their application for successful conduct of HADR. Along with involvement of various stakeholders from the country, the exercise will see participation by representatives from the ASEAN countries as well.
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13th Edition of the Indian Navy (IN) – Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze).

The Indian Navy’s guided missile stealth frigate, INS Trikand, offshore patrol vessel, INS Sumitra, and Maritime Patrol Aircraft, (MPA) Dornier, participated in the 13th Edition of the Indian Navy (IN) – Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze). The exercise was conducted from 19 to 24 Nov 22 off the coast of Oman.
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4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with the Minister of Armed Forces of the French Republic Mr. Sebastien Lecornu on his visit to India from 26-28 November, 2022. The visiting French Minister shall also meet External Affair Minister and the National Security Advisor. This is the first visit of Mr Sebastien Lecornu as French Minister of Armed Forces to India. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. A wide range of bilateral, regional, defence and defence industrial cooperation issues were discussed in the dialogue.

The Ministers reviewed the ongoing military-to-military cooperation which has increased substantially in the recent years. They discussed means to strengthen maritime cooperation and increase the scope and complexity of bilateral exercises. They noted with satisfaction that India and France recently held their bilateral Air Exercise ‘Garuda’ at Air Force Station, Jodhpur successfully.

During the dialogue, one of the key areas of discussion was defence industrial cooperation with a focus on ‘Make in India’. Future collaborations and potential co-production opportunities were discussed. The Ministers agreed that the technical groups from both the countries should meet early next year and take the key cooperation issues forward.
The Ministers recognised their convergences on number of strategic & defence issues and shared the commitment to work together on enhancing cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. France is the current chair of Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and both countries cooperate closely in these fora.
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“AUSTRA HIND 22”.

The bilateral training exercise “AUSTRA HIND 22” between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) from 28 November to 11 December 2022. This is the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent from both armies. The Australian Army contingent comprising soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division has arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the DOGRA Regiment. Exercise “AUSTRA HIND” will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia. Aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate.
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India – Malaysia joint military exercise.

India – Malaysia joint military Exercise “Harimau Shakti -2022” commenced at Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia on 28th November and will culminate on 12th December 22. Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI is an annual training event between the Indian and Malaysian Army which is being conducted since 2012. Combat-experienced troops of the GARHWAL RIFLES Regiment of Indian Army and the Royal Malay Regiment of the Malaysian Army are participating in the exercise this year to share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance inter-operability in planning & execution of various operations in jungle terrain. The scope of this exercise involves a Command Planning Exercise (CPX) at the Battalion level and Company level Field Training Exercise (FTX) on sub-conventional operations in jungle terrain.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Chad

In a surprise attack, Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers.

On 22 November 2022, Boko Haram terrorists attacked on a military unit in the Lake Chad province, near the Nigerian border, and killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers. According to the Chadian government, the unit had been dispatched to establish an army outpost on the island of Boukatoullorom, where Boko Haram has been active in recent years. Various reports confirmed that terrorists attacked the unit in successive waves, managing to enter and destroyed the outpost before stealing weapons and ammunition.
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Somalia

At least 08 people were killed in a terror attack on a hotel by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu.

On 27 November 2022, al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab terrorists attacked Villa Rose Hotel, a popular hotel in Mogadishu and killed at least 08 people. Next day, on 28 November 2022, the Somali security forces concluded the siege. Somali government officials frequently use the Villa Rose Hotel for meetings. “At the time of attack some government officials escaped from windows,” said a police officer on the basis of anonymity.
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Pakistan

Suicide bombing killed a police officer and two civilians in Balochistan province.

On 30 November 2022, a suicide bomb explosion targeted a police vehicle, in which a police official and two civilians were killed, in Buleli district of Quetta in Balochistan. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)/Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility of the attack. “The police vehicle was carrying security personnel deployed to protect polio vaccination campaign workers in Quetta.
In the same attack, at least 24 people, including 20 policemen wounded,” said Quetta Police’s Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Ghulam Afzar Mahesar. Later, TTP issued a statement stating that “the attack was carried out after the announcement to end ceasefire, and was planned to take revenge for the death of Omar Khalid Khorasani. Our attacks will continue.” Omar Khorasani was a senior TTP leader who was killed in a car bomb blast in Afghanistan in August 2022.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA Special Court sentenced six terrorists in ‘JeM conspiracy’ case.

On 28 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, New Delhi, pronounced sentence convicting six terrorists— i) Sajad Ahmad Khan, ii) Tanveer Ahmed Ganie, iii) Bilal Ahmad Mir, iv) Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, v) Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, and vi) Mehraj ud-din Chopan, in Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) conspiracy case. The case— RC-08/2019/NIA/DLI pertains to criminal conspiracy of JeM leaders, mainly Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar (brother of Masood Azhar) to recruit people to carry out terrorist attacks in various parts of India. All terrorists, especially Bilal Mir and Muzaffar Bhat, had carried out recee of targets, arranged shelters, and had provided logistic support to carry out attacks in India. Sajad Khan carried our recee of prime locations as potential targets in Delhi.
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J&K Police arrested a LeT terrorist from Jammu.

On 27 November 2022, police arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist— Faisal Munir, from Talab Khatikan area of Jammu city in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Allegedly, Faisal was in contact with officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, to monitor terror activities in the UT of J&K.

Faisal was the main facilitator for collecting arms dropped through Pakistani drones in various border areas of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts. The police also found a hideout of the terrorists inside the Talab Khatikan house of a LeT terrorist which had been erected inside an almirah from where one AK47 rifle, ammunition, and explosives were seized.
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“Three districts of the UT of J&K are ‘terrorist-free’,” claimed ADGP (Kashmir).

On 26 November 2022, the Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP) of Kashmir Zone— Vijay Kumar said that “the Kashmir region, which comprises 13 police districts, has 81 terrorists with 29 being local and 52 are of foreign origin (Pakistan). Three districts— Bandipora, Kupwara, and Ganderbal, are terrorist-free with ‘zero’ local terrorists while Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) have gone headless after security forces eliminated their key operatives and commanders in multiple counter-terrorism (CT) operations.”
“We are very hopeful of eradicating terrorism from Kashmir in next two years,” said ADGP Kumar.
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Police filed chargesheet against HM chief Syed Salahuddin in 10-years old threat case.

On 23 November 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police filed chargesheet against Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Mohammad Yusuf Shah aka Syed Salahuddin before National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court, Baramulla, in connection with a case pertaining to threatening Panchs and Sarpanchs for participating in Panchayat elections 10 years ago.
The chargesheet against Salahuddin has been filed under Section 512 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces eliminated two Maoists in Odisha.

In a gun-battle with security forces, on 24 November 2022, two Maoists were killed in Gandhamardan Hills area in Bolangir district, Odisha. Some arms and ammunition have also been seized from the alleged Maoist camp.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA Special Court pronounced sentence in ‘JMB Bengaluru’ case.

On 28 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Bengaluru, pronounced sentence in ‘JMB Bengaluru case’ in which three Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives— i) Najir Sheikh aka Patla Anas, ii) Habibur Rahman SK, and iii) Mosaraf Hossain, are convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. The cases— RC-19/2019/NIA/DLI and RC-15,16,17,18/2020/NIA/DLI pertains to recovery of huge quantities of electronic/electric items, chemical apparatus, containers, etecetra, used for fabrication of bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the hideout of JMB group in Bengaluru.
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NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against a HM OGW in a criminal conspiracy case.

On 25 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against a Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) Over-Ground Worker (OGW)— Danish Naseer, in case related to a criminal conspiracy of carrying out terror attacks in India.
Danish Naseer was an HM OGW, allegedly involved in conspiracy. He transferred an amount of ₹ 30,000 to arrested terrorist Kamruj Zaman to further terror activities of HM.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA arrested an absconding terrorist from Delhi IGI Airport.

On 18 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Kulwinderjit Khanpuria, associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF), from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport upon his arrival from Bangkok. Kulwinderjit had been absconding since 2019. According to investigation report, Kulwinderjit is the chief conspirator behind terror attacks by targeting establishments related to Dera Saccha Sauda and well of Police and Security in Punjab.

Kulwinderjit Khanpuria, along with his handlers and associates in India and other South-East Asian countries, planned and conspired to carry out terrorist attacks in India. Khanpuria was eventually able to flee India. He first collaborated with Harmeet aka PhD, and now with wanted Pakistan-based International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) chief Lakhbir Singh Rode, to use his India-based terrorist associates to target identified individuals and establishments. Khanpuria was declared a Proclaimed Offender (PO) by the NIA Special Court in Punjab, and Interpol issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) and a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him. The NIA had also announced a ₹ 5 lakh cash reward for information leading to his arrest. On 21 November 2019, he was chargesheeted as absconder.
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Organised Crime

NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with Organised Crime network.

On 29 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out search operations at over 13 locations in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Union Territory of Chandigarh, and Delhi/NCR region. The search operations were to dismantle and distrupt the emerging Organised Crime nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug traffickers based in India and abroad in two connected cases registered in August 2022.

The searches were conducted at the premises of Kaushal Chaudhary, resident of Gurugram, Haryana, Vishal Mann from Prahalpur, Delhi, Binny Gurjar from Sangroor, Punjab, Ravi Rajgarh from Ludhiana, Punjab, and their associates. During the searches, NIA officials recovered incriminating material, including contraband and ammunition. According to preliminary investigation, these gangs were carrying out targeted killings and were raising funds to carry out criminal activities. The Organised Crime members were using cyberspace to propagate their deeds to create terror among public.
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NIA arrested Lawrence Bishnoi in a case related to connection between Organised Crime network and various terrorist outfits.

On 24 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Lawrence Bishnoi, from Bathinda Jail in a case related to the conspiracy hatched by various terrorist outfits based in India and abroad, working in nexus with organised crime groups to carryout terror acts and targeted crimes.

Investigations have revealed that the terrorists have an active nexus with drug smugglers and cadres/members of the Organised Crime group led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who has been found involved in commissioning various types of terror/criminal acts, including extortions from businessmen, professionals, doctors, and others, which has caused public fear. Lawrence, along with his brothers— Sachin and Anmol Bishnoi and associates, including Goldy Brar, Kala Jathedi, Kala Rana, Bikram Brar and Sampat Nehra were raising funds to carry out terror/criminal activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons and widespread extortions.
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DEFENCE

• Shri Giridhar Aramane is the new Defence Secretary of India.
• DRDO conducts flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence.
• Naval Commanders’ Conference.
• Joint Military Training-2022 with Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
• Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS to Japan.
• Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Russian Federation (November 07-08, 2022).
• Army Commanders’ Conference.
• Maritime Partnership Exercise.
• ‘Exercise Garuda-VII’ concludes.
• Testing & evaluation facility for Sonar Systems launched by DRDO.
• Gap between internal & external security narrowing: Raksha Mantri talk at the National Defence College.
• Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a visit to France.
• Indo – US joint training exercise.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• 17 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in a US-led strike near Mogadishu.

Afghanistan

• Taliban imposed Sharia law in Afghanistan.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Police arrested three JeM terrorists from Pulwama.
• NIA filed chargesheet against TRF operatives in ‘activities of The Resistance Front’ case.
• J&K Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Pulwama.
• Security forces eliminated four terrorists of HM and LeT in two separate CT operations.

Left-Wing Extremism

• 650 Maoist OGWs surrendered in Odisha.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA filed chargesheet in ‘seizure of arms & ammunication recovery from Tamil Nadu’ case.
• NIA filed chargesheet against 05 terrorists, including 02 wanted in ‘D-Company’ case.
• NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in ‘Coimbatore bomb blast’ case.

DEFENCE

Shri Giridhar Aramane is the new Defence Secretary of India.

Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, assumed the office of Defence Secretary on November 01, 2022. In his 32 years of experience in IAS, Shri Aramane has held various important portfolios in the Central Government as well as Andhra Pradesh government. Prior to his current assignment, Shri Aramane was Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Shri Aramane did B Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad and M Tech from IIT, Madras. He is MA (Economics) from Kakatiya University, Warangal.
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DRDO conducts flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor AD-1 missile with large kill altitude bracket on November 02, 2022. The flight-test was carried out with participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations. The AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft. It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.
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Naval Commanders’ Conference.

The bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference concluded on 03 Nov 22. The Raksha Mantri interacted with the Senior leadership of the Indian Navy during the Naval Commanders’ Conference on 02 Nov 22. He witnessed a Tech Demonstration along the sidelines of the Conference. He appreciated the Navy for the efforts invested towards indigenisation and innovation in the recent years, while urging the Naval Commanders to maintain focus on futuristic capability development for effectively overcoming emerging challenges in the Maritime Domain.
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Joint Military Training-2022 with Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

On 03 November 2022, the 11th edition of the annual Joint Military Training (JMT) between the Indian Air Force (lAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) commenced at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda. The two Air Forces have resumed this training after a gap of two years. The training could not be carried out in the intervening two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition of JMT would be conducted over a period of six weeks. The bilateral phase of the exercise will be conducted from 09 to 18 November 2022 and will see the two Air Forces engage in advanced air combat simulations. The RSAF is participating in JMT-2022 with F-16 aircraft, while the IAF would field the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29 and LCA Tejas aircraft. The exercise underscores the strong and longstanding relationship between India and Singapore in the domain of defence cooperation.
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Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS to Japan.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) is on an official visit to Japan from 05 to 09 Nov 22, where he will witness the International Fleet Review (IFR) conducted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) at Yokosuka on 06 Nov 22 to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of its formation. During the visit, as one of the Observer Navies in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), the CNS will attend the 18th WPNS on 07-08 November 22 at Yokohama, being hosted by Japan, as the current Chair of WPNS.

In addition to representing India and the Indian Navy during the IFR and WPNS, he will also be in attendance for the inauguration of the 2022 edition of Exercise MALABAR, being held at Yokosuka with the participation of Australia, Japan and the USA. Initiated in 1992, this year marks the 30th anniversary year of Exercise MALABAR.
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Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Russian Federation (November 07-08, 2022).

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation from November 7-8, 2022. During the visit, EAM will meet his counterpart, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. Discussions are expected to cover the entire range of bilateral issues as well as exchange of views on various regional and international developments. EAM will also meet Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov, his counterpart for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Issues pertaining to bilateral economic cooperation in various domains will be discussed.The visit will be in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. EAM had last visited Russia in July 2021 followed by visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to New Delhi in April 2022.
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Army Commanders’ Conference.

Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) is an apex-level biannual event which is an institutional platform for conceptual level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. The second ACC for the year 2022 is scheduled from 07 to 11 November 2022 at New Delhi. Among other activities planned during the conference talks by eminent subject experts on “Contemporary India – China relations” as well as “Technological Challenges for National Security” is included.
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Maritime Partnership Exercise.

A Maritime Partnership Exercise involving Royal Australian Navy(RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac and Indian Navy Ships Jalashwa and Kavaratti along with their embarked helicopters was held in the Bay of Bengal from 02 to 03 Nov 2022. The exercises included tactical manoeuvres, helicopter landings and amphibious operations, which signified the high degree of interoperability between IN and RAN.
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Testing & evaluation facility for Sonar Systems launched by DRDO.

DRDO launched Hull Module of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation (SPACE) facility at Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) Kochi recently. It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters. The SPACE facility is based on the concept design and requirements projected by NPOL and has been constructed by M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Chennai. This will be mainly utilized for evaluating Sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.

The SPACE is one-of-a-kind facility in the world. The uniqueness of this facility lies in the specially designed submersible platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters using a series of synchronously operated winches. The design and construction of the platform meet all the statutory needs of Indian Register of Shipping and the vessel classifying authority and strictly adhere to the inspection and registration criteria as per Kerala Inland Vessel Rules.
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Gap between internal & external security narrowing: Raksha Mantri talk at the National Defence College.

Raksha Mantri has called for concerted efforts of the international community to counter “grave” emerging security threats such as cyber-attacks and information warfare. He was addressing the officers of the Indian Armed Forces, Civil Services as well as from friendly foreign countries during the 60th National Defence College (NDC) course convocation ceremony in New Delhi on November 10, 2022

Shri Rajnath Singh threw light on the narrowing gap between internal and external security and said that new dimensions of threats are being added with changing times, that are difficult to classify. He asserted that terrorism, which generally falls into internal security, is now classified in the category of external security, as training, funding and arms support of such organisations is being carried out from outside the country.

Describing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber-attacks as a big concern, the Raksha Mantri said, sectors such as energy, transport, public sector services, telecommunications, critical manufacturing industries and interconnected financial systems are prone to such threats. He was of the view that information war has the potential to threaten the political stability of a country. He pointed out that the organised use of social media and other online content generation platforms is engineering the opinion and perspective of the masses.

“The deployment of information war was most evident in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Throughout the conflict, social media has served as a battleground for both sides to spread competing narratives about the war and portray the conflict on their own terms. The propaganda campaigns as a means of strategy to shape narratives are by no means new during warfare, but its reach has increased by leaps and bounds due to the shift toward social media as the primary distribution channel,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.
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‘Exercise Garuda-VII’ concludes.

The seventh edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), ‘Exercise Garuda-VII’ concluded at Air Force Station, Jodhpur on 12 November 2022. The FASF participated in the exercise with Rafale fighter aircraft and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, while the IAF contingent comprised Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA ‘Tejas’ and Jaguar fighter aircraft. This fighter element was complemented by the IAF’s Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C, as well as Mi-17 helicopters and the newly inducted LCH ‘Prachanda’.

Exercise Garuda-VII provided the two Air Forces with the opportunity for professional interaction and sharing of operational knowledge and experience.
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Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a visit to France.

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to France from 14 to 17 November 2022. During the four day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leadership of France with an aim to enhance defence cooperation between both the nations. He is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Commander Commandement des Forces Terrestres (CFT) / Command of the Land Combat Forces, where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-France defence relations.
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Indo – US joint training exercise.

The 18th edition of Indo – US joint training exercise “YUDH ABHYAS 22” is scheduled to be conducted in Uttarakhand this month. Exercise Yudh Abhyas is conducted annually between India and USA with the aim of exchanging best practices, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures between the Armies of the two nations. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska (USA) in October 2021.

US Army soldiers of 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army soldiers from the ASSAM Regiment will be participating in the exercise. The training schedule focuses on employment of an integrated battle group under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate. The schedule will include all operations related to peace keeping & peace enforcement. The troops from both nations will work together to achieve common objectives. The joint exercise will also focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Troops from both nations will practice launching of swift & coordinated relief efforts in the wake of any natural calamity. The exercise will involve exchanges and practices on a wide spectrum of combat skills including combat engineering, employment of UAS/Counter UAS techniques and information operations
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

17 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in the US-Somalia joint strike near Mogadishu.

On 11 November 2022, Somali National Army forces, in assistance from the US military, carried out strike approximately 285 kms northeast of Mogadishu and eliminated 17 al-Shabaab terrorists. “Al-Shabaab is the largest terror affiliate of al-Qa’ida and has proven its will and capabilities to attack Somali, East African, and American civilians,” read a statement released by the US Africa Command. The US has been providing support to the Somali government since May 2022 when US President Joe Biden approved a Pentagon request to re-deploy US troops in the area to counter al-Shabaab terror group.
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Afghanistan

Taliban imposed Sharia law in Afghanistan.

On 15 November 2022, Taliban ordered judges in Afghanistan to fully impose Sharia Law, including potential public executions, amputations, and flogging. “Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader Alaiqadar Amirul Momineen made the obligatory command after meeting with judges to investigate the cases of thieves, kidnappers, and seditionists. The cases that have met all the Sharia conditions of limitation and retribution, judges are obliged to issue the limitation and retribution, because this is the order of the Sharia….and it is obligatory to act,” tweeted Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Police arrested three JeM terrorists from Jammu.

On 09 November 2022, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists— i) Mohammad Yaseen, ii) Farhan Farooq, and iii) Farooq Ahmed, from Narwal area in Jammu. During the interrogation, Yaseen informed that the trio had come to Jammu to pick weapons at the behest of Shahbaaz, a Pakistan-based JeM handler. Police recovered three AK-56 rifles, a pistol, nine magazines, 191 rounds of ammunition and six grenades from their possessions.
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NIA filed chargesheet against TRF operatives in ‘activities of The Resistance Front’ case.

On 09 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Muzamil Mushtaq Bhat, a ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRG) terrorist in the ‘activities of The Resistance Front’ case. The chargesheet was filed u/s 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 25 (1AA) of the Arms Act, Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act (ESA), and Sections 17, 18, 18B, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].

The preliminary investigation of the case— RC-32/2021/NIA/DLI, highlighted that Muzamil Bhat was associated with the handlers/operatives of TRF based in Pakistan and had radicalised vulnerable youth to join TRG in Kashmir. He, along with another Pakistan-based handler/operative of TRF, actively participated in support of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and received funds from LeT.
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J&K Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Pulwama.

On 11 November 2022, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists— i) Karamat ul-lah Reshi, ii) Suhail Bashir Ganai, iii) Adil Ghani Lon, and iv) Irshad Ahmed Kumar, from Pulwama. These terrorists were conspiring to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to attack security forces.

The preliminary investigations revealed that these terrorists were in contact with LeT commander— Babar aka Samama, and conspired to plant IEDs in Tral area.
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Security forces eliminated four terrorists of HM and LeT in two separate CT operations.

On 01 November 2022, security forces killed four terrorists of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Awantipora, in Pulwama and Bijbehara in Anantnag districts.

In first operation, the joint team of Indian Army and police cordoned off the area for search operation in Semthan area in Bijbehara. In a gun-fight, Shakir Ahmad, a HM terrorist was killed. In second operation, security forces eliminated 03 terrorists, including a foreign terrorist in Khandipora area of Awantipora in Pulwama.
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Left-Wing Extremism

650 Maoist OGWs surrendered in Odisha.

On 05 November 2022, at least 650 Maoist Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/supporters— residents of villages along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border— surrendered before the police. According to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP) of South-Western range— Rajesh Pandit, Maoist supporters [OGWs] who have surrendered come from remote villages in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. They used to help the CPI (Maoists)’s cadres carry out attacks on security forces and civilians, among other violent activities. These sympathisers/OGWs set fire to Maoist literature, effigies, and cadre uniforms while shouting slogans like “Maobadi Murdabad, Ama Sarkar Jindabad.”
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA filed chargesheet in ‘seizure of arms & ammunication recovery from Tamil Nadu’ case.

On 11 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against three accused— i) Naveen, ii) Sanjay Prakash J, and iii) A Kabilar, in the arms, ammunition and explosive recovery case. The case— RC-33/22/NIA/DLI pertains to the recovery of two country-made pistols, ammunition, gun powder, etcetera, from 02 accused during vehicle checking, followed by their arrest. The duo confessed to be inspired by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and created a group— “World Tamil Justice Court (WTJC)”— similar to LTTE with the aim to wage an armed struggle against the government.

The accused conspired to attack people who engaged in quarries, crushers, and TASMAC ouruor shops by using illegal firearms, lethal weapons, and explosive substances.
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NIA filed chargesheet against 05 terrorists, including 02 wanted in ‘D-Company’ case.

On 05 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against 03 arrested— i) Arif abu Bakar Shaikh, ii) Shabbir abu Bakar Shaikh, and iii) Mohammad Salim Qureshi and 02 wanted terrorists— i) Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, and ii) Shakeel Shaikh, who are running a ‘global terror network’ and a trans-national Organised Crime Syndicate (OSC)— D-Company.

Investigations have revealed that the D-Company operatives conspired to further the network’s criminal activities by engaging in a variety of illegal activities. In furtherance of the aforementioned conspiracy, these operatives raised, collected, and extorted large sums of money by threatening and putting people in fear of death or serious harm, for the benefit of the D-Company / an individual terrorist in the instant case, and with the intent to threaten India’s security and instil fear in the minds of the general public.
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NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in ‘Coimbatore bomb blast’ case.

On 10 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 43 locations in 08 districts, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Thiruvallur, Thiruppur, Nilgiris, Chengalpatu, Kanchipuram, and Nagapattinam of Tamil Nadu, and 01 location in Palakkad district in Kerala. The search operation was in connection with the Coimbatore bomb blast case— RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE.

The case pertains to an explosion in a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) in front of Kottai Eswaran Temple of Coimbatore district on 23 October 2022. According to the preliminary investigations, an Islamic State (IS) operative— Jamesha Mubeen, after taking bayath/oath to IS, was conspiring to carryout suicide attacks against specific section of the community. So far, six accused have been arrested in the same case.
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DEFENCE

• Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meetings with his counterparts at the DefExpo-2022.
• Defence Secretary conducts bilateral meetings ahead of DefExpo 2022.
• DEFEXPO 22.
• India-Africa Defence Dialogue held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022.
• ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence: Announcement of fourth positive indigenisation list.
• Seminar on Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores.
• Raksha Mantri hosts Indian Ocean Region plus Defence Ministers’ Conclave.
• Seminar on the theme ‘New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India’.
• Indian Air Force & HAL conclude contract for indigenous trainer aircraft.
• Telephonic conversation between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & Defence Minister of Russia Mr Sergei Shoigu.
• Indian Coast Guard Rescues Bangladeshi Fishermen.
• Procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.
• 29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
• Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) bilateral exercise ‘Garuda VII’.
• First edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Israel

• A Palestinian terrorist killed an Israeli and wounded three others in Kiryat Arba area.

Iran

• At least 15 were killed in a terror attack in Iran; Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Africa

Somalia

• Twin car bombings killed at least 100 people in Mogadishu.
• Government urged the US to increase drone strikes against al-Shabaab.

Mali

• “Hundreds of people massacared by Islamic State-affiliated groups in Mali in 2022”: Human Rights Watch.

Morocco

• Morocco’s law-enforcement arrested five Islamic State sympathisers in separate operations.

Afghanistan

• Islamic State attacked a vehicle and killed five medical personnel in Herat province.
• Taliban killed six Islamic State terrorists in an operation in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA filed chargesheet against 12 suspects in ‘Sunjwan Terrorist Attack’ case.
• China blocked the proposal by India and the US at UN to blacklist LeT chief’s son.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoists killed a youth in Odisha.

Since 2020, Chhattisgarh police blocked eight key supply networks of Maoists in Bastar region.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA arrested 13th accused in the ‘PFI’ case.
• MHA involved the NIA to unearth AQIS’s module in different districts of Assam.
• NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case.
• NIA searched two locations in Uttar Pradesh & Delhi and arrested an IS terrorist from Uttar Pradesh.

Narco-Trafficking

• NIA searched two locations in Punjab in ‘Narcotics trade and terror funding’ case.

DEFENCE

Raksha Mantri (RM) holds bilateral meetings with his counterparts at the DefExpo-2022.

The RM on October 17, 2022, held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from AFRICA who are attending the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and the DefExpo in Gujarat. In the course of the meetings, the Raksha Mantri met with Major General Hanana Ould Sidi, Defence Minister of Mauritania; Mr Rameaux-Claude Bireau, Defence Minister of Central African Republic; Mr Sering Modou Njie Defence Minister of Gambia; Mr Dominic Aduna Bingab Nitiwul Defence Minister of Republic of Ghana; Dr. Abraham Belay Defence Minister of Republic of Ethiopia and Mrs Janine Tatiana Santos Lelis Defence Minister of Republic of Cabo Verde. The entire spectrum of defence cooperation was discussed during the meetings, with focus on identifying avenues to expand mutually beneficial collaboration.

The RM on October 18, 2022, held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Rwanda, Armenia and the Maldives at the 12th DefExpo. In the course of the meetings, the RM met with Minister of Defence, Rwanda Major General Albert Murasira; Minister of Defence of Armenia Mr Suren Papikyan and Minister of Defence of the Maldives Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi.

Along with the IOR+ Conclave, the RM, on October 19, 2022, held bilateral meetings with delegation leaders from Bangladesh, Angola, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Paraguay, who are attending the DefExpo. In the course of the meetings, Shri Rajnath Singh met with Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Security Advisor to Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Mr Joao Ernesto Dos Santos, Minister of National Defence and Homeland Veterans of Republic of Angola; Ms Thandi Modise, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Republic of South Africa; Ms Gladys Arsenia Ruiz Pecci, Vice Minister of Defence, Paraguay and Mr Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, Minister of National Defence and War Veterans, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Defence Secretary conducts bilateral meetings ahead of DefExpo 2022.

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar conducted a series of bilateral meetings with visiting dignitaries from friendly foreign countries prior to DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He held a bilateral meeting with Mr Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister for Defence, Sri Lanka. They discussed a host of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues.
The Defence Secretary also met Mr Devendre Gopaul, Permanent Secretary, Mauritius. A number of key bilateral, defence and maritime security issues were deliberated during the meeting. Another bilateral meeting with the United Arab Emirates delegation led by Mr Matar Salem Ali Marran Aldhaheri, Defence Secretary, UAE was held. They reviewed the existing defence cooperation mechanisms and explored the possibilities of furthering defence industrial cooperation between India and UAE.

Dr Ajay Kumar later met a Brazilian delegation led by Rear Admiral Vagner Belarmino De Oliveira, Director, Department of Defence Products. They discussed areas of potential defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.

A bilateral meeting was conducted with Lt Gen Isman Mohamed Hassan Karar, Secretary General MoD, Sudan. Lt Gen Rashad Abdelhamid Ismail Abdalla, Sudan Army Chief was also present. The ongoing defence cooperation issues and potential areas for future cooperation were discussed.

A Zambia delegation led by Mr Norman Chipakupaku, Permanent Secretary, MoD Zambia met Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. Issues relating to training and capacity building were discussed, in addition to the review of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation.

Dr Ajay Kumar also met the Niger delegation led by Brigadier General Diddilli Amadou, Secretary General of the Defence Minister, Niger. Potential areas for defence cooperation between the two nations were deliberated.

A Mali delegation led by Maj Gen Sidiki Samake, Secretary General of the Department met the Defence Secretary. They discussed potential defence cooperation including defence industrial cooperation issues.
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DEFEXPO 22.

DefExpo-2022, the flagship event of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, one of the largest of its kind was held in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 18 to 22 October 2022. The 12th edition of the DefExpo aims to bring new technologies and solutions in the field of defence exclusively for Indian companies in line with Aatmanirbharta. The theme of DefExpo 2022 was ‘Path to Pride’. At DefExpo-2022, the participants got an opportunity to showcase their equipment and platforms and were able to explore the strengths and capabilities of the expanse of Indian Defence industry for forging business partnerships.

Organised in the largest-ever total area with record registration of 1,340 companies, the event has been organised in a four-venue format. The first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies. Indian companies, Indian subsidiaries of Foreign OEMs, Division of company registered in India, Exhibitor having Joint Venture with an Indian company were considered as Indian participants. 451 partnerships in terms of MoUs, Transfer of Technology agreements and product launches were expected during the Bandhan ceremony on 20th October 2022.

Seventy five (75) countries will be participating in DefExpo 2022. The Raksha Mantri will host the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on October 18, while the Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave will take place on October 19. More than 53 African countries have been invited for IADD and 44 for IOR+ conclave. Several Defence Ministers from Africa and the IOR+ region have confirmed their participation.
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India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022.

The dialogue successfully brought out various aspects of the IADD’s theme ‘Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’. Delivering the keynote address, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh defined the theme of IADD as the underlying commitment of India and African countries to explore new areas of convergence for defence engagements, including capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism. He termed India & African countries as important stakeholders in ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment, especially in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted as an outcome document of IADD 2022. It proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of training in all areas of mutual interest by increasing training slots and deputation of training teams, empowerment and capability building of the defence forces of Africa, participation in exercises and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. India offered fellowship for experts from African countries through Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis. Fifty African countries, including 20 Defence Ministers, seven CDS/Service Chiefs and eight Permanent Secretaries participated in the Dialogue attesting to the high priority accorded to India-Africa engagement in defence and security. On the sidelines of the IADD, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt met with the visiting African Ministers where issues related to defence and bilateral relations were discussed.

The IADD was institutionalised to be held biennially during successive DefExpos. It seeks to build on the existing defence partnerships between African countries & India and to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagements including areas such as capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
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‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence: Announcement of fourth positive indigenisation list.

The MoD had earlier promulgated ‘First, Second and Third Positive Indigenisation Lists’, comprising 310 items on August 21, 2020, May 31, 2021 and April 07, 2022 respectively. The ‘Fourth Positive Indigenisation List’ of 101 items was announced by the Prime Minister during DefExpo 2022. All the items included in the lists will be procured from indigenous sources as per provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This list provides continuous impetus towards self-reliance in defence. The fourth list has been prepared by MoD after several rounds of consultations with three services and all stakeholders, including the industry. It lays special focus on equipment/systems, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to ten years.
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Seminar on Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) organised a seminar in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufactures (SIDM) on the topic of “Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores: Supporting the Private Sector to promote Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing”. The topic of Certification and qualification of Airborne Stores, conforming to global standards, is therefore need of the hour. As part of the IAF’s focus on ‘Make in India’, the seminar was aimed to enable a better understanding of the process of certification and qualification requirements in respect of airborne stores. The discussions was focused on the role of the certification and qualification agencies in this process.
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Raksha Mantri hosts Indian Ocean Region plus Defence Ministers’ Conclave.

The conclave was attended by 40 countries, with 22 ministers addressing the conference, some of them in hybrid mode. The broad theme was ‘Challenges Opportunities and Collaborations in the Indian Ocean’. It facilitated dialogue towards fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean, with strategic and commercial partnerships within the IOR. The RM listed out shared challenges in the IOR such as spread of terrorism through sea routes, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, piracy and regional and global food security. He asserted that terrorism, exported, supported or coordinated through maritime routes remains a major concern and India continues to guard against the spread of the menace. He appreciated the fact that piracy has been suppressed in the Western Indian Ocean with concerted international effort and sustained efforts must continue to deter the menace.
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Seminar on the theme ‘New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India’.

Raksha Mantri has invited US companies to set up manufacturing units in India and develop technology collaborations with Indian industries to create a global supply chain free from vulnerabilities and uncertainties. He was addressing a seminar jointly organised by US-India Business Council (UIBC) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) as part of the 12th DefExpo on October 20, 2022. The seminar was organised on the theme ‘New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India’. The RM described the project agreement to co-develop Air-Launched UAVs, under the auspices of the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, as a welcome development. He stated that industries from both sides can explore additional DTTI projects, such as a counter unmanned aerial systems and an Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance platform.
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Indian Air Force & HAL conclude contract for indigenous trainer aircraft.

Prime Minister unveiled HTT-40, an indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), at the India Pavilion during 12th DefExpo on October 19, 2022. The aircraft has state-of-the-art contemporary systems and has been designed with pilot-friendly features. With over 60 per cent in-house parts and collaboration of private industry. The HTT-40 would be used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close formation flights whereas its secondary roles would include navigation and night flying. It is designed to meet primary training requirements of the Indian defence services.
Built around a meticulously-tested turbo-prop engine, the aircraft is equipped with the latest avionics, an air-conditioned cabin and ejection seats. It boasts of unique features like running change-over of pilots, hot-refuelling and short-turnaround time. All the tests required for certification were completed in record six years from the first flight. Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited concluded a contract for 70 HTT-40 indigenous trainer aircraft worth Rs 6,800 crore.
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Telephonic conversation between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & Defence Minister of Russia Mr Sergei Shoigu.

The RM held a telephonic conversation with the Defence Minister of Russian Federation Mr Sergei Shoigu on October 26, 2022 at the latter’s request. During the telecon, both Ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation as well as the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. Defence Minister Shoigu briefed the RM on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including his concerns about possible provocations through use of ‘dirty bomb’. The RM reiterated India’s position on the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy for an early resolution of the conflict. He pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity.
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Indian Coast Guard Rescues Bangladeshi Fishermen.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 20 Bangladeshi fishermen from the sea off Sagar Island near Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) on 25 Oct 22. In a swift coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, ICG saved their lives after the Coast Guard Dornier aircraft on surveillance sortie of the post landfall of cyclone “SITRANG” sighted their capsized boats and alerted the SAR team. They were rescued quickly and handed over to Bangladesh Coast Guard.
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Procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a transport aircraft manufacturing project for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Vadodara, Gujarat on October 30, 2022. The Cabinet Committee on Security had, on September 08, 2021, approved the procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft from M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain. On September 24, 2021, Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A. for acquisition of the aircraft with associated equipment. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on October 27, 2022, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said, as part of the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition and 40 will be manufactured in India by the Indian Aircraft Contractor, TATA Consortium of Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) led by TASL. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. The total cost of the project is Rs 21,935 crore. The aircraft can be used for civilian purposes as well.

The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025. The first Made in India aircraft is expected from September 2026. C-295MW is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF. 96% of the total man hour work per aircraft that Airbus employs at its manufacturing facility at Spain will be undertaken in India by the TATA Consortium. Manufacturing of over 13,400 Detail Parts, 4,600 sub-assemblies and all the seven Major Component Assemblies will be undertaken in India, along with tools, jigs and testers. Various systems such as engines, landing gear, avionics, EW suite etc. will be provided by Airbus Defence & Space and integrated on the aircraft by the TATA Consortium.

The aircraft will be tested as an integrated system by the TATA Consortium. The aircraft will be flight tested and delivered through a Delivery Centre at the TATA Consortium facility.
All 56 aircraft will be fitted with indigenous Electronic Warfare suite of Indian DPSUs – Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited. After completion of delivery of 56 aircraft to IAF, M/s Airbus Defence & Space will be allowed to sell the aircraft manufactured in India to civil operators and export to countries which are cleared by the Government of India.
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29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

The Indian Navy is hosting the 29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 26 to 30 October, 2022 at Visakhapatnam.
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Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) bilateral exercise ‘Garuda VII’.

Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) are participating in a bilateral exercise, named ‘Garuda VIl’, from 26 October to 12 November 2022 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. In this exercise, FASF will participate with four Rafale fighter aircraft, one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and a contingent of 220 personnel. The IAF is participating with Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Mi-17 helicopters. The IAF contingent will also include Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C. This joint exercise will provide a platform for both the countries to enhance operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices.
This is the seventh edition of the bilateral exercise. The first, third and fifth editions were conducted in India in 2003, 2006 and 2014 at Air Force Stations Gwalior, Kalaikunda and Jodhpur, respectively. The second, fourth and sixth editions were conducted in France in 2005, 2010 and 2019.
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First edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise.

The first edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT), a joint maritime exercise among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzanian navies commenced at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 27 Oct 22. Indian Navy is represented by the guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS (Special Forces).
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Israel

A Palestinian terrorist killed an Israeli and wounded three others in Kiryat Arba area.

On 29 October 2022, a Palestinian terrorist attacked and killed an Israeli— Ronen Hanania, outside a convenience store in Kiryat Arba area on the outskirts of Hebron in the southern West Bank. The Israel Defence Force (IDF)’s Chief of Staff Lt Gen Aviv Kohavi visited the site after Israeli troops mapped terrorist’s hideout ahead of its possible demolition.
Muhammed Kamel al-Jaabari, a Hebron resident, was identified as the perpetrator and was killed by an off-duty IDF officer near the Ashmoret checkpoint. Several members of Jaabari’s family are said to be close to Hamas, including his brother, who was released as part of the Gilad Shalid prisoner exchange deal and exiled to Gaza. For more information: Click here to read…_

Iran

At least 15 were killed in a terror attack in Iran; Islamic State claimed responsibility.

On 26 October 2022, Islamic State (IS) carried out a terrorist attack in which at least 15 people, including two children, were killed and 40 others were injured at the Shahcheragh Shrine in the city of Shiraz in Southern Iran. The IS released a statement through its media group— Amaq news agency, which reads that one of its terrorists had targted group of “sunni refusal infidels inside the shrine with his machine gun, causing the death of tens of them.” “The terrorist first targeted the servant and guard of the shrine, and intended to attack the congregational evening prayers, but one of the servants shut the door on him,” said the governor of Fars province. “After the initial burst of fire, the attacker went near the shrine and fired many rounds at those present at the scene,” recalled an eyewitness.

Africa

Somalia

Twin car bombings killed at least 100 people in Mogadishu.

According to the statement by Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on 31 October 2022, at least 100 people were killed and nearly 300 were wounded in two car bombings at a busy junction in Mogadishu. “We ask our international partners and Muslims around the world to send their medical assistance here since we cannot send all the victims outside the country for treatment,” said Somalian President.
Al-Qa’ida affiliated group— al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility of the attack. The terror group stated that the “education ministry was an enemy base that receives support from non-Muslim countries and is committed to removing Somali children from the Islamic faith.” The group urged civilians to avoid government buildings and declared that it is committed to fighting until Islamic law is implemented nationwide.
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Government urged the US to increase drone strikes against al-Shabaab.

Several US officials claimed that Somalian government requested the Biden administration to step up the drone strikes against al-Shabaab terrorist group in the troubled horn of Africa. Amid the redeployment of 450 US troops to Somalia, the new Somalian administration has launched a counter-terrorism operation against al-Shabaab.
The US was trying to promote stability in Somalia and counter al-Shabaab not just through military force but by bulding the Somali government’s capacity and addressing humanitarian needs. “As part of holistic approach, the US military works to train and support Somali partners who are catalysing offensive action against al-Shabaab, while judiciously applying high-end capacity only to disrupt the most serious threats,” said a spokeswoman for the US National Security Council— Adrienne Watson.
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Mali

“Hundreds of people massacared by Islamic State-affiliated groups in Mali in 2022”: Human Rights Watch.

On 27 October 2022, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Islamic State (IS) and its affiliated groups have massacared hundreds of people in north-east Mali in 2022. In a report, the HRW stated that tens of thousands of people displaced from Menaka and Gao regions after losing their livestock and belongings in several attacks since March 2022. “Islamist armed groups in north-east Mali have carried out terrifying and seemingly coordinated attacks on villages, killing civilians, looting homes, and destroying properties,” said Jehanne Henry, HRW’s senior Africa adviser. The report suggests that the United Nations Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) should continue to ramp up its patrolling, deterrence flights, and interactions with the affected communities.
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Morocco

Morocco’s law-enforcement arrested five Islamic State sympathisers in separate operations.

On 25-26 October 2022, Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) carried out counter-terrorism operation and arrested five Islamic State (IS) sympathisers for their alleged involvement in planning attacks to undermine the public order. The operation was carried out in Douar Habata Benmansour in the province of Kenitra, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Dchira in Inzegane Ait Melloul, Bouaboud in Chichaoua and Casablanca. The BCIJ officials recovered a shotgun and ammunition from the one of the arrested sympathiser’s house in Kenitra.
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Afghanistan

Islamic State attacked a vehicle and killed five medical personnel in Herat province.

On 27 October 2022, Islamic State (IS) attacked a vehicle and killed five medical personnel employed by the Taliban, in Herat province in Afghanistan. According to Taliban Ministry of Defence spokesperson— Enayatullah Khowrazmi, several medical employees were injured in the attack. “This morning unknown armed men attacked a vehicle carrying medical personnel of the 207th Al-Farooq Army Corps,” said Khowrazmi. The IS claimed responsibility for the attack via group’s Telegram channel.
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Taliban killed six Islamic State terrorists in an operation in Kabul.

On 22 October 2022, Taliban terrorists killed six Islamic State (IS) terrorists in an operation in Kabul. The IS terrorists were killed in a raid on their hideout and duo were involved in major attacks— Wazir Akbar Khan mosque and on Kaaj institute, in recent weeks.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA filed chargesheet against 12 terrorists in ‘Sunjwan Terrorist Attack’ case.

On 19 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet before NIA Special Court (Jammu) against 12 terrorists in ‘Sunjawan Terrorist Attack’ case. The case— RC/03/2022/NIA/JMU relates to the terror conspiracy hatched by Kashmir-based terrorists, Pakistan-based handlers, and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), in furtherance to which, two JeM terrorists infiltrated into India via an illicit tunnel. However, the infiltration was inturrepted by security forces and both terrorists were killed in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation in the area of Sunjwan in Jammu of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
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China blocked the proposal by India and the US at UN to blacklist LeT chief’s son.

For the second time in less than 48 hours, China puts hold on the proposal submitted by India and the United States (US) to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief— Hafiz Saeed’s son— Hafiz Talah Saeed, as a global terrorist. In April 2022, Talah was declared as a terrorist by the Government of India. Earlier, on 18 October 2022, China blocked the proposal by India and the US to blacklist LeT leader Shahid Mahmood as a global terrorists.
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Left-Wing Extremism

Maoists killed a youth in Odisha.

On 24 October 2022, Maoists of KKBN (Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh) division killed a youth in Kandhamal district in Odisha, suspecting him to be a police informer. The KKBN, CPI (Maoist)’s division, claimed to have killed a youth—Nilakantha, resident of Tikarpaju village. “The Maoists have left posters at the killing spot claiming the responsibility,” said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP)— Vineet Agarwal.
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Since 2020, Chhattisgarh police blocked eight key supply networks of Maoists in Bastar region.

As per the statement by a senior police official (on the basis of anonymity), since 2020, Chhattisgarh police have cracked eight key supply networks, such as aid of medicines, explosives, and logistics to a great extent, and arrested at least 38 Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in Bastar region. The seven districts that make up the Bastar region are: Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Sukma.

According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Bastar Range) P. Sundarraj, “the police have significantly damaged the supply network of various formations of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of the CPI (Maoists) over the past couple of years. At least 38 people, including businessmen, law-enforcement officers, and local politicians, are allegedly involved in delivering drugs, explosives, weapons, and basics to Maoists.”
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA arrested 13th accused in the ‘PFI’ case.

On 28 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an absconding suspect— C A Rauf, from Palakkad, Kerala, in connection with the Popular Front of India (PFI) case.
The case related to the conspiracy hatched by the PFI, it’s office bearers, members, and other affiliated organisations in Kerala, indulge in unlawful activities. The group (PFI) was also involved in luring youth to join terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Islamic State (IS), and al-Qa’ida, to establish Islamic rule in India by committing violent acts of jihad. As per the statement released by the NIA, C A Rauf was PFI’s state secretary and was handling organisation’s Media and Public Relations wings in Kerala.
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MHA involved the NIA to unearth AQIS’s module in different districts of Assam.

Based on various inputs about al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) modules active in Assam, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) roped in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unearth the terror module.
The NIA’s First Information Report (FIR) states unequivocally that the AQIS module was active in different districts of Assam and had ties to the terrorist group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), which is based in Bangladesh. According to reports, AQIS, is active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar (Burma), and Bangladesh. The goal of AQIS is to promote terror on Indian soil, radicalise youth, and conduct recruitment to wage war against the Union of India, with a view to overthrow the democratically elected government by establishing the so-called “Rule of Khilafat”/Sharia Law and to implement Ghazwa-e-Hind, with the aid of recruits from India.
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NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case.

On 18 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out search operations at three locations in Patna district in Bihar, in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case in which a terror operative— Margub Ahmad Danish aka Tahir was arrested. According to a report, Danish was involved in anti-national activities and radicalisation of youth over social media.
As per the report, Danish was a self-radicalised and was in contact with several foreign entities on WhatsApp group “Ghazwa-e-Hind” created by him. The WhatsApp group meant for glorifying terrorist acts in Kashmir, in view to radicalise youth. Another WhatsApp group— “Ghazwat-e-Hind BD” was also administered by Danish.
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NIA searched two locations in Uttar Pradesh & Delhi and arrested an IS terrorist from Uttar Pradesh.

On 19 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at two locations in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Delhi, and arrested an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Basit Kalam Siddiqui (age 24 years), from Varanasi, UP. The case— RC-14/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to the conspiracy by IS’s Voice of Hind module to radicalise and recruit youth to wage jihad against India. Earlier, the NIA cracked the ‘Voice of Hind’ module and arrested six IS terrorists, including so-called Emir of Islamic State-Jammu and Kashmir (IS-JK)— Umar Nisar aka Qasim Khurasani.
Basit Kalam was in contact with IS’s operational handlers and was actively involved in the content creation, publication and dissemination of IS propaganda through the magazine ‘Voice of Khurasan’. On the behest of IS handlers based in Afghanistan, Basit was trying to fabricate an explosive ‘Black Powder’ and gaining knowledge on use of other lethal chemical substances to be used for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Through various Telegram Channels that he operated, Basit was taking training on making of explosives, for further carrying out terrorist attacks at critical Installations and population. In his later agenda, Basit was preparing to travel to Khurasan province and join the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terror group in Afghanistan.
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Narco-Trafficking

NIA searched two locations in Punjab in ‘Narcotics trade and terror funding’ case.

On 20 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at the office and residence of a suspect— Amritpal Singh, in Punjab, in connection with the narcotics trade and terror funding case.
The case pertains to the seizure of over 102 kilogram heroin that had arrived in India via Intergrated Check-Posts (ICPs), Attari on 24 April and 26 April 2022. The heroin was concealed in a consignment of licorice roots aka Mulethi by suppliers based in Afghanistan. During the search operation, the NIA officials seized unaccounted cash worth ₹ 1,27,91,900 (One Crore Twenty Seven Lakhs Ninety One Thousand and Nine Hundred Indian rupees), and incriminating digital devices and documents.
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