DEFENCE

• Ministry of Defence allocation in Union Budget 2022-23.
• Second India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue.
• India & Oman review progress in military-to-military engagements.
• Peacekeeping under the UN peacekeeping missions.
• Indian Army Conducts First Ever Hackathon.
• Visit of External Affairs Minister to Australia.
• Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States following the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
• LCA Tejas to participate in Singapore air show-2022.
• Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO) is on a goodwill visit of to India.
• Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Philippines.
• Visit of Commander Royal Saudi Land Forces to India.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

• Islamic State leader killed during US raid in Syria.

Africa

Nigeria

• Financial Intelligence Unit discovered the existence of 96 terrorism financiers across the country.

Afghanistan

• “AQIS retains strong presence in Afghanistan,” says UNSC report.
• Taliban seized two suspected Islamic State recruits at northern border of Afghanistan.

Pakistan

• “Killed over 100 soldiers at military camps in Pakistan,” claimed BLA.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA officials arrested an AGH terrorist from Budgam.
• Security forces eliminated a HM terrorist in Shopian.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist terror funding case: NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
• “Maoist influence down to 46 districts in 2021 from 96 districts in 2010,” informed MoS for Home Affairs.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• “Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada spreading anti-India sentiments,” said MoS for External Affairs.
• “In last three years, 47 Khalistan-inspired terror modules busted,” said MoS for Home Affairs.

Islamic Extremism

• NIA Special Court convicted an ABT terrorist in conspiracy case.
• NIA Special Court convicted a JMB terrorist in Bodh Gaya blast case.

Tamil Separatist Group

• NIA Special Court convicted and sentenced six TNLA terrorists in 2014 Puducherry pipe bomb case.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases

• “2020 witnessed 190% increase in seizure of FICNs,” said MoS Home Affairs.

DEFENCE

Ministry of Defence allocation in Union Budget 2022-23

In the budget announcement for the financial year 2022-2023, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total budget of Rs 5.25 lakh crore, which is 13.31% of the total budget. The total Defence Budget represents an enhancement of Rs 46,970 crore (9.82%) over Budget Estimates 2021-22.

In the Union Budget, the Capital Allocations pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development of Armed Forces has been increased to Rs 1.52 lakh crore. In order to give push to indigenous Domestic Enterprises under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the share of domestic capital procurement, which was earmarked at 64% in 2021-22, has been enhanced to 68% of the Capital Acquisition Budget of the Defence Services. Defence R&D will be opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25 per cent of defence R&D budget earmarked. Private industry will be encouraged to take up design and development of military platforms and equipment in collaboration with DRDO and other organizations through SPV model.

The Capital segment of the MoD (Civil) budget catering to organisations such as Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) etc has also seen a notable jump of 55.60%. The Capital Budget of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been increased by 40% to Rs 3,500 crore in FY 2022-23 vis-à-vis Rs 2,500 crore in FY 2021-22. This will expedite the progress of creation of border infrastructure including important tunnels (Sela and Naechiphu tunnel) and bridges on major river gaps.
For more information: Click here to read…

Second India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue

India and the European Union held their second maritime security dialogue in a virtual format on 1 February 2022. The consultations included developments in the maritime security environment, policy developments covering the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative, India-EU maritime cooperation, and regional initiatives to address international maritime security issues.
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India & Oman review progress in military-to-military engagements

Secretary General at the Ministry of Defence, Oman Dr Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Ali Al–Zaabi called on Raksha Mantri in New Delhi on February 01, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The Secretary General also briefed Shri Rajnath Singh about the 11th India–Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee Meeting (JMCC) on bilateral defence cooperation which was held in New Delhi on January 31, 2022.
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Peacekeeping under the UN peacekeeping missions

Indian Army (IA) has been contributing personnel to other countries to help in peacekeeping under the UN peacekeeping missions since 1950. At present 5,404 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in eight UN Missions in Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Abyei, Western Sahara, Middle East, Cyprus and New York.
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Indian Army Conducts First Ever Hackathon

In a bid to promote proficiency and expertise in the use of emerging technologies, and showcase the technological side of the Indian Army, a first-of-its-kind Hackathon was conducted at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow under the overall guidance of the Shimla based Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

The event, “Sainya Ranakshetram”, was conducted from 01 Oct 2021 to 31 Dec 2021 in collaboration with the Rashtriya Raksha University, in which over 15000 participants took part. The event was conducted virtually over the Internet and comprised a number of challenges based on Secure Coding, Software Defined Radio exploitation and Cyber Offensive skills. The highlights of the event included participants competing with each other in cyber space against simulated threats.
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Visit of External Affairs Minister to Australia

Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, paid an official visit to Australia on 10-13 February 2022 at the invitation of his Australian counterpart Ms. Marise Payne. This was his first visit as External Affairs Minister to Australia. It was the first high level visit to Australia from India after the opening of its borders which were closed following the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic. EAM participated in the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 11 February 2022 in Melbourne, along with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Japan and the United States. It was an opportunity for the Ministers to follow up on their virtual meeting held in February 2021 and exchange views on regional strategic issues given their shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
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Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers following the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The key highlights of the joint statement following the fourth Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting:-
– Supporting Indo Pacific countries’ efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.
– Unwavering supporters of ASEAN unity and centrality, and the ASEAN-led architecture, we continue to support ASEAN partners to advance the practical implementation of ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
– Progress on the practical cooperation we lead as Quad Foreign Ministers to address regional challenges, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), maritime security, counter-terrorism, countering disinformation and cyber security.
– Denounce the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism and urge countries to work together to eliminate terrorist safe havens; disrupt terrorist networks and the infrastructure and financial channels which sustain them; and halt cross-border movement of terrorists.
– Reaffirm commitment to upholding and strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core. Oppose coercive economic policies and practices that run counter to this system and will work collectively to foster global economic resilience against such actions.
– Establish responsible and resilient clean-energy supply chains.
– People-to-people ties are among the Quad’s greatest strengths and welcomed the United States’ new exchange programs in the fields of cyber security, maritime security, countering disinformation, and promoting transparency in governance. Exploring a track 1.5 dialogue between our respective strategic thinkers.
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LCA Tejas to participate in Singapore air show-2022

A 44 member contingent of Indian Air Force reached Changi International Airport in Singapore on 12th Feb to participate in the ‘Singapore Air Show-2022’. The Air Show will be held from 15th to 18th February 2022. Singapore Air Show is a biennial event which provides a platform for the Global Aviation Industry to showcase their products. IAF will be pitching the indigenous Tejas MK-I ac alongside participants from across the world. The Tejas aircraft will be enthralling the audience with its display of low level aerobatics displaying its superior handling characteristics and manoeuvrability. The participation of Indian Air Force in the Air Show provides India with the opportunity to showcase the Tejas aircraft and to interact with counterparts from RSAF (Royal Singapore Air Force) & other participating contingents.

In the past, Indian Air Force had participated in similar Air Shows like LIMA-2019 in Malaysia and Dubai Air Show-2021 to exhibit indigenous aircraft and formation aerobatic teams.
For more information: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1797867

Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO) is on a goodwill visit of to India (13-17 Feb 2022)

Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO) is on a goodwill visit of to India. The visit aims to consolidate bilateral relations with Indian Navy, as also to explore new avenues for defence cooperation with India. Both the Naval Principals held discussions to explore avenues to further enhance cooperation between the Navies.
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Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Philippines

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited the Philippines from 13-15 February 2022. This was his first visit to the Philippines as External Affairs Minister (EAM).
EAM held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, H.E. Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. The two Ministers reviewed developments in bilateral relations since the meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation that they co-chaired in virtual format in November 2020. They also discussed the future trajectory of the wide-ranging engagement between the two countries. The two Ministers also had an in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.They agreed to further work towards strengthening engagement in counter-terrorism and defence and maritime security, covering defence capabilities as well as military training and capacity building.

During the visit, EAM also interacted with H.E. Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of Defence, H.E. Carlos Domineguez III, Secretary of Finance & H.E. Dr William Dar, Secretary of Agriculture to discuss issues strengthening cooperation in Defence, Finance and Agriculture sectors respectively.
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Visit of Commander Royal Saudi Land Forces to India

In a historic and landmark visit, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair, arrived in India on 14 February 2022 for a two day visit. This is the first ever visit by a serving Royal Saudi Land Forces Commander to India and marks a deepening bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. General MM Naravane had visited Saudi Arabia in December 2020 in a historic visit which marked the first time that an Indian Army Chief had visited Saudi Arabia. The aim of the visit is to bolster bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. The Saudi Arabian General was received by Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army on 15 February 2022.

The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia has grown owing to common interests in economic prosperity, eliminating the scourge of terrorism and mitigating the effects of climate change. Defence diplomacy forms one of the major tenets of the overall relationship.
For more information: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1798511″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Islamic State leader killed during US raid in Syria.

On 03 February 2022, the United States (US) President Joe Biden said that the leader of Islamic State (IS)—Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was killed during an overnight raid carried out by the US Special Forces in North-Western Idlib province in Syria. Like his predecessor al-Baghdadi, al-Qurayshi killed himself and members of his family, including women and children, by exploding a bomb as US forces approached him.

“Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS,” informed US President Biden in a statement released after the operation. The operation marked a military success for the US at an important time after setbacks elsewhere—including the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal that have led allies and opponents to conclude US power globally was weakening.
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Africa

Nigeria

Financial Intelligence Unit discovered the existence of 96 terrorism financiers across the country.

In a press conference on 03 February 2022, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture—Lai Mohammed, informed that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) discovered 96 “secret” financiers of terrorism across the country who are supporting Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). The FIU also uncovered 123 companies and 33 bureau de change operators linked with terrorism, in addition to 26 suspected kidnappers and seven co-conspirators. Nigeria’s financial crimes agency had seized at least USD 750 million in local and foreign currency linked to corruption.
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Afghanistan

“AQIS retains strong presence in Afghanistan,” says UNSC report.

In a report released on 07 February 2022, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) monitoring group claimed that al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has retained its presence it at least six provinces—Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika, and Zabul, in Afghanistan and has approximately 200-400 terrorists, including Indian, Bangladeshi, Myanmar, and Pakistani nationals. Contrary to the various media reports, former leader of the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)—Aslam Farooqi, had escaped from an Afghanistan prison and re-joined the group at senior rank. Farooqi, who masterminded the 2020 Gurudwara attack in Kabul, was reported dead by Pakistani media in January this year.
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Taliban seized two suspected Islamic State recruits at northern border of Afghanistan.

After the intelligence inputs from Uzbekistan, two British nationals, suspected to be Islamic State (IS) recruits, were sized by Taliban when they attempted to enter Afghanistan through its northern border. According to a Taliban source, the men were carrying more than GBP 10,000 in cash, military fatigues and night-vision goggles in their bags. “There was one British passport and one from another country in Europe,” said the Taliban source on basis of anonymity.

“Both men were using British passports when they flew into the Uzbek capital—Tashkent. It is not clear whether one also had a European passport that he used at the Afghan border, or whether the Taliban source was confused; both men had Afghan heritage,” said an Uzbek source on the basis of anonymity.
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Pakistan

“Killed over 100 soldiers at military camps in Pakistan,” claimed BLA.

In a press release dated 03 February 2022 on its Telegram channel, the Baloch Liberation Army has claimed to have killed more than 100 soldiers at two military camps—Panjgur and Nushki in Pakistan. “Large parts of camps have been completely destroyed. Backup troops have arrived for the enemy forces. However, they have failed to weaken fidayee positions inside the camp,” read the press release.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA officials arrested an AGH terrorist from Budgam.

On 07 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested an al-Qa’ida affiliated Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGH) terrorist—Tawheed Ahmad Shah, in connection with the case of conspiracy by al-Qa’ida to conduct IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

The case—RC-02/2021/NIA/LKW was registered by the UP’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on 11 July 2021 against accused AGH terrorists of their alleged involvement in recruitment of youth and for committing terrorists acts in Lucknow. Earlier, NIA had arrested five AGH terrorists in the same case and filed chargesheet on 05 January 2022.
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Security forces eliminated a HM terrorist in Shopian.

In a gun-fight on 02 February 2022, security forces killed a Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Umar Ishfaq Malik aka Musa, in Nandigam village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Musa was involved in several terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities including recent attack on police official—Shabir Ahmad at Amishijipora Shopian while he was returning home from nearby mosque.
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Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist terror funding case: NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

On 12 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out a joint search operation with local police, Bihar’s Special Task Force (STF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and searched 26 locations in relation with accused people in districts of Jehanabad (eight locations), Patna rural (two locations), Arwal, Nalanda, Gaya (eight locations), Nawada, and Aurangabad (two locations) in Bihar, Koderma district in Jharkhand, Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, in connection to the Maoist terror funding case.

The case—RC-05/2021/NIA/RNC relates to network of terror financing being carried out by the CPI (Maoist) and its Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in the Magadh region of Bihar. Further, the CPI (Maoist) cadres attempted to raise funds for procurements of arms and ammunitions, and recruitment of new cadres in connection with imprisoned naxals, OGWs in various jails in order to receive and strengthen naxal activities in the region.
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“Maoist influence down to 46 districts in 2021 from 96 districts in 2010,” informed MoS for Home Affairs.

On 09 February 2022, Minister of State for Home Affairs—Nityanand Rai informed Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of the Indian Parliament) that due to Modi-led government’s policies to address the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), there is a sharp reduction in the Maoist influence geographically from 96 districts of 10 States in 2010 to 46 districts in 2021. The Maoist ideology in India has always been influenced by global organisations. “When we probe them [Maoists], the international bodies raise the issue and come forward to assist them. CPM international organisation is also a part of the Maoist ecosystem,” said the minister. In regard to urban Naxalism, the Maoist’s activities are well planned which obstruct the security and development of the nation. The policies are in place to address such issues.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

“Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada spreading anti-India sentiments,” said MoS for External Affairs.

On 03 February 2022, Minister of State for External Affairs—V Muraleedharan informed the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of the Indian Parliament) that a small section of pro-Khalistan groups based in Canada are spreading anti-India feelings and the government of India is closely engaged with Canadian government over the issue. “The vast majority of people of Indian origin in Canada share a warm emotional bond with India and have worked for the betterment of relations between India and Canada,” said V Muraleedharan.
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Islamic Extremism

NIA Special Court convicted an ABT terrorist in conspiracy case.

On 10 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Kolkata (West Bengal), convicted and sentenced an Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) terrorist— Samad Mia aka Tanvir aka Saiful aka Tushar Biswas, resident of Bangladesh, under Sections 120B, 121A, 125, 468, 472 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Section 14 of Foreigners Act 1946, and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment (RI) of 07 years, with fine of ₹ 16,000.

The case—RC-11/2018/NIA/DLI relates to arrest of five ABT terrorists in Kolkata. Four of the arrested terrorists were Bangladeshi nationals and one was an Indian. According to the NIA investigation, ABT terrorists entered India in 2016, with conspiracy to carry-out terrorist attacks in India. These terrorists travelled and stayed in Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai in the guise of labourers and tried to procure chemicals from a shop in Patna.
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NIA Special Court convicted a JMB terrorist in Bodh Gaya blast case.

On 09 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Patna (Bihar) convicted a Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terrorist— Jahidul Islam aka Kausar, a Bangladeshi national, under Sections 121A, 122, 123, 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 16, 18, 18B and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substance Act (ESA), and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

The case—RC-04/2018/NIA/DLI relates to the planting of three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in and around premises of Bodhgaya temple complex. Earlier, eight JMB terrorists were convicted and sentenced on 17 December 2021.
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Tamil Separatist Group

NIA Special Court convicted and sentenced six TNLA terrorists in 2014 Puducherry pipe bomb case.

On 04 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Puducherry, convicted and sentenced six Tamil Nadu Liberation Army (TNLA) terrorists— i) Thiruselvam aka Murasu, ii) Thangaraj aka Tamilarasan, iii) Kaviyarasan aka Raja, iv) Kalailingam, v) Karthik, and vi) John Martin, for their involvement in 2014 Puducherry pipe bomb case.

The case—RC-01/2014/NIA/HYD, relates to series of conspiracy meetings by TNLA terrorists, including Thiruselvam, at Odaikkal village in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. During the meeting, the TNLA terrorists conspired to detonate an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion in the form of pipe-bombs against the Government of India. The NIA Special Court, Puducherry, held all six TNLA terrorists guilty and sentenced Thiruselvam, Kaviyarasan, Kalailingam, Karthik, and John Martin to 7 years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of ₹ 3,500 each, and convicted Thangaraj to 5 years of RI, with fine of ₹ 3,000, under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967, and Explosive Substances Act (ESA), 1908.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

“2020 witnessed 190% increase in seizure of FICNs,” said MoS Home Affairs.

On 02 February 2022, the Minister of State for Home Affairs—Nityanand Rai informed Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of the Indian Parliament) that the number of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) rose sharply by over 190 per cent in 2020. “As per the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), around 8.34 lakh FICNs were recovered in 2020, out of which 3.1 lakh notes were of ₹ 1,000 denomination, which had become illegal tender in 2016 demonetisation.
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