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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