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I think it's time to make paki Punjab Gaza of south Asia
Torture them the same way the israeli army does
Bomb them daily
FOREIGN POLICY: New, Strong and Clear Outreach
- Thread starter sorcerer
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Torture them the same way the israeli army does
Bomb them daily
sorcerer
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India-Pakistan Relations: A Paradigm Shift
Bold words marked the 70th anniversaries of independence for both India and Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, dedicated the day to the freedom of Indian-occupied-Kashmir, which is currently undergoing significant civilian unrest following the killing of separatist military commander Burhan Wani. “I dedicate this year’s 14 August to the freedom of Kashmir. I dedicate it to those people of Kashmir, who bravely faced the state oppression but kept the spirit of freedom alive,” Sharif was quoted as saying.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fired back at Pakistan in his annual Independence Day address, accusing Pakistan of fanning unrest and glorifying terrorism. “They glorify terrorists who attack us,” he said, reminding the world that India “cried with sorrow” over the death of 130 children who were killed two years ago during the Peshawar massacre.
However, what appeared to be a typical occurrence — a exchange of barbed words between the two countries — quickly revealed a shift in normalcy in the relations between the two neighboring countries. Modi’s once friendly and reconciliatory policy with Pakistan has been dropped completely; there will be no more surprise visits from Modi to Pakistan any time soon, nor will there be any more calls between the premiers to celebrate Eid or other religious holidays.
What’s more, it seems India has a new strategy altogether. In his speech, Modi acknowledged the thanks of the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit, and Balochistan, explicitly drawing attention to their troubles within Pakistan. By choosing to highlight human rights abuses and the independence movement, particularly in Balochistan, Modi is signaling a new, more aggressive Indian foreign policy toward Pakistan. If Pakistan continues to raise the issue of human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir then India will do just the same in Pakistan’s most sensitive province.
Pakistan has long accused India of fueling terrorism in Balochistan, its largest province, and of supporting its independence movement. Islamabad painted India as the aggressor in 2009, when the Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement by the two countries referred to state-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan, effectively causing India to admit to such. L.K. Advani, senior leader of India’s ruling BJP party, mentioned as much in 2009, saying the statement “will haunt the country for a long time to come.”
Modi’s current statements reverse Islamabad’s narrative of India as an occupying force, putting the emphasis equally on Pakistan’s own atrocities. Modi wins India a bargaining chip in all future discussions on Kashmir by giving India a role in Balochistan. As India views Kashmir as a domestic issue, just as Pakistan views Balochistan, Modi has just signaled that any move to internationalize Kashmir’s issues would be accompanied by a move to internationalize Balochistan’s issues.
Pakistan reacted forcefully, viewing this as blatant admission to India’s hand in the separatist movement. “The Indian premier’s speech is proof that his country is meddling in Balochistan. Indian and Afghan spy agencies are backing Baloch insurgents and working to destabilize Pakistan,” Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, a spokesman for the Balochistan’s provincial government, said.
But with India now being able to provide moral support to the Baloch separatist movement, it looks like the damage has been done to Pakistan. Balochistan holds vast quantities of Pakistan’s natural resources and provides access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar Port. Any further unrest in the area could completely destabilize Pakistan and its geopolitical position.
On top of all of this, there is an additional context: China. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that links China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan runs through both Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. Any attempt to destabilize either region would be a major threat to the $46 billion dollar project.
Though Chinese state media has signaled that India should “remain open” and not jeopardize the CPEC, not wanting to damage the project, China has distanced itself from the Kashmir situation and from Pakistan’s side on the dispute, weakening Pakistan’s hand. Its state media has gone as far as to begin referring to “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” rather than the original term, “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”
All in all, it looks like the rules of the game have just changed for India and Pakistan, with Pakistan’s hand being massively weakened in lieu of a much more aggressive Indian neighbor that can match Pakistan’s call for Kashmir’s freedom with an Indian call for Baloch freedom.
Saad Khan is a Pakistani writer currently living in Bahrain. He has written previously for Cultnoise Online, Gulf Daily News, and The International Policy Digest.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/india-pakistan-relations-a-paradigm-shift/
Bold words marked the 70th anniversaries of independence for both India and Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, dedicated the day to the freedom of Indian-occupied-Kashmir, which is currently undergoing significant civilian unrest following the killing of separatist military commander Burhan Wani. “I dedicate this year’s 14 August to the freedom of Kashmir. I dedicate it to those people of Kashmir, who bravely faced the state oppression but kept the spirit of freedom alive,” Sharif was quoted as saying.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fired back at Pakistan in his annual Independence Day address, accusing Pakistan of fanning unrest and glorifying terrorism. “They glorify terrorists who attack us,” he said, reminding the world that India “cried with sorrow” over the death of 130 children who were killed two years ago during the Peshawar massacre.
However, what appeared to be a typical occurrence — a exchange of barbed words between the two countries — quickly revealed a shift in normalcy in the relations between the two neighboring countries. Modi’s once friendly and reconciliatory policy with Pakistan has been dropped completely; there will be no more surprise visits from Modi to Pakistan any time soon, nor will there be any more calls between the premiers to celebrate Eid or other religious holidays.
What’s more, it seems India has a new strategy altogether. In his speech, Modi acknowledged the thanks of the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit, and Balochistan, explicitly drawing attention to their troubles within Pakistan. By choosing to highlight human rights abuses and the independence movement, particularly in Balochistan, Modi is signaling a new, more aggressive Indian foreign policy toward Pakistan. If Pakistan continues to raise the issue of human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir then India will do just the same in Pakistan’s most sensitive province.
Pakistan has long accused India of fueling terrorism in Balochistan, its largest province, and of supporting its independence movement. Islamabad painted India as the aggressor in 2009, when the Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement by the two countries referred to state-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan, effectively causing India to admit to such. L.K. Advani, senior leader of India’s ruling BJP party, mentioned as much in 2009, saying the statement “will haunt the country for a long time to come.”
Modi’s current statements reverse Islamabad’s narrative of India as an occupying force, putting the emphasis equally on Pakistan’s own atrocities. Modi wins India a bargaining chip in all future discussions on Kashmir by giving India a role in Balochistan. As India views Kashmir as a domestic issue, just as Pakistan views Balochistan, Modi has just signaled that any move to internationalize Kashmir’s issues would be accompanied by a move to internationalize Balochistan’s issues.
Pakistan reacted forcefully, viewing this as blatant admission to India’s hand in the separatist movement. “The Indian premier’s speech is proof that his country is meddling in Balochistan. Indian and Afghan spy agencies are backing Baloch insurgents and working to destabilize Pakistan,” Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, a spokesman for the Balochistan’s provincial government, said.
But with India now being able to provide moral support to the Baloch separatist movement, it looks like the damage has been done to Pakistan. Balochistan holds vast quantities of Pakistan’s natural resources and provides access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar Port. Any further unrest in the area could completely destabilize Pakistan and its geopolitical position.
On top of all of this, there is an additional context: China. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that links China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan runs through both Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. Any attempt to destabilize either region would be a major threat to the $46 billion dollar project.
Though Chinese state media has signaled that India should “remain open” and not jeopardize the CPEC, not wanting to damage the project, China has distanced itself from the Kashmir situation and from Pakistan’s side on the dispute, weakening Pakistan’s hand. Its state media has gone as far as to begin referring to “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” rather than the original term, “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”
All in all, it looks like the rules of the game have just changed for India and Pakistan, with Pakistan’s hand being massively weakened in lieu of a much more aggressive Indian neighbor that can match Pakistan’s call for Kashmir’s freedom with an Indian call for Baloch freedom.
Saad Khan is a Pakistani writer currently living in Bahrain. He has written previously for Cultnoise Online, Gulf Daily News, and The International Policy Digest.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/india-pakistan-relations-a-paradigm-shift/
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The other fact is, Pak Army controls Pakistan and they will not stop proxy war in Kashmir unless until beaten back. That is Pak army's ideology.
Even after Loss of East Pakistan they did not stop. Hence you can decide what level of hope they are living in.
Even after Loss of East Pakistan they did not stop. Hence you can decide what level of hope they are living in.
sorcerer
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Thats the china factor at large!!!
Thats the jugular.
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Chinese even managed to create anti Indian sentiments in B'desh. So India has to be more authoritarian even if ever Balochistan or Pakhtun is separated.
sorcerer
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Well!! We can rely on china to screw up any diplomatic movement in the region by the sheer chinese art of arrogance.
china can never be trusted and everyone in the region...well now all over the world knows the chinese forked tongue.
Moreover...china is supporting pakistan in destabilizing Bangladesh to create another migraine via Bangladesh against India trying to stretch India's security concerns.
The Forgotten Chinese Dream: Winning Hearts and Minds
http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/the-forgotten-chinese-dream-winning-hearts-and-minds/
To explain the present, the Communist Party of China (CPC) often turns to the past. One of its favorite pastimes is to deploy China’s decorated history and the wisdom of its ancients to explain its policies and bolster its authority.
For example, the CPC frequently offers the (largely nonviolent) 15th century maritime voyages of Zheng He, who projected Chinese power and carried Chinese treasure to destinations as far flung as the Middle East and Africa, to support the notion of its “peaceful rise” in the 21st century. For his part, Mao was fond of quoting Sun Tzu and the Chinese classic Three Kingdoms, and today Xi Jinping keeps a rolodex of wise sayings from political philosophers at the ready.
Despite the homage paid to these leading lights, Beijing’s behavior is growing increasingly at odds with much of their counsel. That is to the detriment of China and the world.
Many of China’s most prominent political philosophers, including Guanzi, Laozi, Confucius, Xunzi, and Mencius, held that governing with humane authority—“winning the hearts and minds of the people at home and abroad”—was the key to becoming a leading world power, as Yan Xuetong points out in his book Ancient Chinese Thought, Modern Chinese Power. In terms of its foreign policy, China has been doing little of this lately.
On the Korean peninsula, China continues to subsidize the tyranny of the Kim regime by serving as Pyongyang’s economic lifeline. In particular, its policy of forcibly repatriating defectors from North Korea is an exercise in inhumane authority. This practice also violates international law, which holds that refugees cannot be repatriated to “conditions of danger.”And yet, China has marched tens of thousands of refugees back to the loving care of the fatherly leader, where they and their families face torture, labor camps, or execution. As a result, a landmark UN Commission of Inquiry report warned that China could be “aiding and abetting crimes against humanity.”
China argues that defectors are economic migrants, not refugees, a position that would provide legal cover for its repatriation policy. But that stance has been roundly rejected by the UN Human Rights Council, Committee Against Torture, Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the landmark 1951 Refugee Convention. On paper, China is a signatory to the convention. In practice, it is one of its worst violators. Beijing has not been winning hearts and minds, but the censure of the international community.
Moving to the South China Sea, China would do well to heed the advice of Xunzi, who argued: “Large states with a central power status in the world should be subject to more stringent international norms, whereas marginalized states that lie farther away from the center of world power should be subject to more relaxed international norms.” Despite its status as the world’s second most powerful country, China recently demonstrated its disdain for international law by flatly rejecting the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that it has no legal claim to the resources within its nine-dash line.
Beijing called the decision “null and void,” and its post-decision rhetoric suggests it may retaliate by undertaking more illegal construction in the Scarborough Shoal or declaring an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea. Satellite photos show it is now reinforcing aircraft hangars, presumably for fighter jets, in the Spratly Islands. That only makes the region more unstable, and further distances China from Xunzi’s advice on upholding international norms.
Together, these violations of human and maritime rights create an unsustainable pattern of behavior. Mencius advised, “Should you make people submit to force rather than to the heart, force will never suffice; should you make people submit to virtue, they will heartily rejoice and sincerely follow.”
There are a number of measures China can take to follow this advice and stabilize its shaky claim to a peaceful rise. First, rather than hand over North Korean refugees to the Kim regime, Beijing should grant them asylumand pressure Pyongyang to improve the lives of its people through economic reforms. Its 60-plus years of unconditional support for the Kim regime has sustained a record of human rights abuses that the UN noted is “without parallel in the contemporary world,” as well as a nuclear program that casts a cloud of fear and uncertainty over East Asia. If Beijing wants to assign blame for regional instability, it need look no further than its failed policies towards North Korea.
In the South China Sea, Beijing should double down on diplomacy, not dredging. It should help the region craft a new narrative in those troubled waters by proposing a joint development agreement. These agreements allow states to temporarily set aside boundary disputes in order to jointly develop natural resources over an agreed-upon period of time. Importantly, this means Beijing would not have to budge on its nine-dash line, but could tactfully let it fade to the background over time. As China benefits from the resulting peace, prestige, and unlocked resources, it may be content to keep it there.
Some argue that any backtracking on its South China Sea claims would carry too high a political price. But ultimately, the legitimacy of the CPC rests on its ability to generate economic growth, not its stance on uninhabitable rocks.
By taking these steps, China would exercise real humane authority and drastically improve its standing in the international community. China is not wrong to cite the wisdom of its history and cultural heritage, but it would do a service to itself and the world to hew more closely to their advice.
Zach Przystup is the Assistant Director for Global Executive and Diplomatic Education at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a Non-resident Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellow at Pacific Forum CSIS.
----
Well we can expect china to screw up everywhere in international diplomacy.Poor Sods!
sorcerer
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To counter China’s clout, India offers to stand by Myanmar ‘at every step’
NEW DELHI: Signalling the importance of ties with Myanmar, PM Narendra Modi said on Monday India will stand by Myanmar "every step of the way" as a partner and that the two countries recognize that their security interests are closely aligned.
The first high-level contact+ after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) took over saw Modi assuring Myanmar President Htin Kyaw that India will remain a reliable partner in pursuing security and development goals.
The two countries reiterated their commitment not to allow insurgent groups to use their soil for hostile activities, an agreement+ seen in the light of operations against insurgent groups who have in the past set up safe havens on Myanmarese territory and have hit targets in the northeast.
In an important reference, Modi said, "I have also conveyed India's full support to the peace process initiative under the '21st century Panglong conference'." This is an initiative by Suu Kyi to bring three armed rebel groups to the negotiating table with China's help.
China has had a key role in pushing groups it has armed to join a peace conference in a bid to strike a rapport with Suu Kyi. But its actions are seen to be driven by both a concern over rise in smuggling and an attempt to grab a stake in building roads and railways in northern Myanmar.
Recognizing that Myanmar must be mindful of China's clout with rebels and its economic muscle, India is looking to present itself as an ally whose interests are truly in synergy with Myanmar in areas of security and development.
The two nations also agreed to work towards a long-term, mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.
Myanmar is one of the few countries in a position to export large quantities of pulses.
Looking to deepen ties with Myanmar, a theatre of geopolitical competition between India and China, Modi said India was ready to increase power supply to Myanmar, pointing to specific areas of cooperation like the Kaladan project, the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway, an IT institute and an advanced centre of agricultural research and other initiatives in health, education and industrial training.
India and Myanmar signed four MoUs in connectivity, medicine and renewable energy. Pacts were signed to help in building and upgrading close to 70 bridges and the Kalewa-Yargi road section of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...yanmar-at-every-step/articleshow/53920012.cms
NEW DELHI: Signalling the importance of ties with Myanmar, PM Narendra Modi said on Monday India will stand by Myanmar "every step of the way" as a partner and that the two countries recognize that their security interests are closely aligned.
The first high-level contact+ after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) took over saw Modi assuring Myanmar President Htin Kyaw that India will remain a reliable partner in pursuing security and development goals.
The two countries reiterated their commitment not to allow insurgent groups to use their soil for hostile activities, an agreement+ seen in the light of operations against insurgent groups who have in the past set up safe havens on Myanmarese territory and have hit targets in the northeast.
In an important reference, Modi said, "I have also conveyed India's full support to the peace process initiative under the '21st century Panglong conference'." This is an initiative by Suu Kyi to bring three armed rebel groups to the negotiating table with China's help.
China has had a key role in pushing groups it has armed to join a peace conference in a bid to strike a rapport with Suu Kyi. But its actions are seen to be driven by both a concern over rise in smuggling and an attempt to grab a stake in building roads and railways in northern Myanmar.
Recognizing that Myanmar must be mindful of China's clout with rebels and its economic muscle, India is looking to present itself as an ally whose interests are truly in synergy with Myanmar in areas of security and development.
The two nations also agreed to work towards a long-term, mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.
Myanmar is one of the few countries in a position to export large quantities of pulses.
Looking to deepen ties with Myanmar, a theatre of geopolitical competition between India and China, Modi said India was ready to increase power supply to Myanmar, pointing to specific areas of cooperation like the Kaladan project, the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway, an IT institute and an advanced centre of agricultural research and other initiatives in health, education and industrial training.
India and Myanmar signed four MoUs in connectivity, medicine and renewable energy. Pacts were signed to help in building and upgrading close to 70 bridges and the Kalewa-Yargi road section of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...yanmar-at-every-step/articleshow/53920012.cms
sorcerer
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Indo-US-Afghan meeting in Sept : Pak isolated, not invited
In a move that will further isolate Pakistan in the region, India and the US on Tuesday announced the start of trilateral cooperation to strengthen and stabilise Afghanistan. Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry also talked tough with Islamabad asking it to rein in terror emanating from its territory.
The three countries will start the trilateral cooperation next month on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly, where Pakistan has threatened to raise the Kashmir issue.
During her joint press conference with Kerry, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Pakistan should stop terrorism and dismantle the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and the D-Company networks. “I briefed Secretary Kerry on the continuing problem of cross-border terrorism that India and the larger region face from Pakistan. We both agreed that nations must not maintain double standards, such as the categorisation of good and bad terrorists, nor must they act as sanctuaries and safe havens for terrorist organisations.
“We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens for terrorists and criminal networks including Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and the D-Company,” Swaraj said.
The US Secretary of State fell short of mentioning Pakistan in his statement, but in reply to a question, he made it clear that it will not make any distinction between “good and bad terrorists” and urged justice for the Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks.
In response to a query about the India-US-Afghanistan trilateral meet, “It is in Indian and Pakistan interest to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan…. As far as Pakistan feeling isolated is concerned, we all are in touch with Pakistan Prime Minister and Army Chief regarding the sanctuary being provided to Haqqani network and LeT,” said Kerry.
Kerry said that instead of feeling isolated, Pakistan should see it as a roadmap for making its choices to combat terror.
“Pakistan on the contrary is not isolated, it should feel encouraged… It can find roadmap for its own choices for tackling terror,” said Kerry.
Kerry arrived in New Delhi on Monday after visiting Bangladesh to discuss the means of combating terrorism with authorities in Dhaka. He was here to take part in the 2nd India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. The US Secretary of State is skipping Islamabad during his South Asia visit giving a signal loud and clear to India’s western neighbour.
“We have agreed to work together to strengthen the National Unity Government in Afghanistan,” Swaraj said. The cooperation between the three countries is crucial as New Delhi has been wary of helping Kabul as it might create unease in Islamabad. However, under the Modi government, India has changed its policy of giving military aid to Afghanistan, much to the discomfort of Pakistan.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...an-meet-in-Sept/2016/08/31/article3604818.ece
In a move that will further isolate Pakistan in the region, India and the US on Tuesday announced the start of trilateral cooperation to strengthen and stabilise Afghanistan. Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry also talked tough with Islamabad asking it to rein in terror emanating from its territory.
The three countries will start the trilateral cooperation next month on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly, where Pakistan has threatened to raise the Kashmir issue.
During her joint press conference with Kerry, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Pakistan should stop terrorism and dismantle the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and the D-Company networks. “I briefed Secretary Kerry on the continuing problem of cross-border terrorism that India and the larger region face from Pakistan. We both agreed that nations must not maintain double standards, such as the categorisation of good and bad terrorists, nor must they act as sanctuaries and safe havens for terrorist organisations.
“We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens for terrorists and criminal networks including Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and the D-Company,” Swaraj said.
The US Secretary of State fell short of mentioning Pakistan in his statement, but in reply to a question, he made it clear that it will not make any distinction between “good and bad terrorists” and urged justice for the Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks.
In response to a query about the India-US-Afghanistan trilateral meet, “It is in Indian and Pakistan interest to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan…. As far as Pakistan feeling isolated is concerned, we all are in touch with Pakistan Prime Minister and Army Chief regarding the sanctuary being provided to Haqqani network and LeT,” said Kerry.
Kerry said that instead of feeling isolated, Pakistan should see it as a roadmap for making its choices to combat terror.
“Pakistan on the contrary is not isolated, it should feel encouraged… It can find roadmap for its own choices for tackling terror,” said Kerry.
Kerry arrived in New Delhi on Monday after visiting Bangladesh to discuss the means of combating terrorism with authorities in Dhaka. He was here to take part in the 2nd India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. The US Secretary of State is skipping Islamabad during his South Asia visit giving a signal loud and clear to India’s western neighbour.
“We have agreed to work together to strengthen the National Unity Government in Afghanistan,” Swaraj said. The cooperation between the three countries is crucial as New Delhi has been wary of helping Kabul as it might create unease in Islamabad. However, under the Modi government, India has changed its policy of giving military aid to Afghanistan, much to the discomfort of Pakistan.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...an-meet-in-Sept/2016/08/31/article3604818.ece
sorcerer
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All India Radio to start programs in Balochi language
NEW DELHI: All India Radio (AIR) will soon start programs in Balochi language for the people living in Balochistan province of Pakistan and other areas.
According to AIR sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has given the approval for the same.
Responding to this latest development, Congress leader Meem Afzal said, “I think it is part of the government’s policy. Let’s see what kind of bulletins they run. I believe there is nothing to objection to it as there are other languages also that are being run in AIR.”
Prime Minister Modi in his independence speech raked up the issue of human rights violations in Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK, inviting a sharp reaction from Islamabad.
"The people of Balochistan, the people of Gilgit, the people of Pak-occupied Kashmir have thanked me in such a manner, from places that I have never been and never had a chance to meet, they have sent wishes to the people of India and thanked us," Modi said. "I am grateful to them."
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...alochi-language/2016/08/31/article3605900.ece
NEW DELHI: All India Radio (AIR) will soon start programs in Balochi language for the people living in Balochistan province of Pakistan and other areas.
According to AIR sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has given the approval for the same.
Responding to this latest development, Congress leader Meem Afzal said, “I think it is part of the government’s policy. Let’s see what kind of bulletins they run. I believe there is nothing to objection to it as there are other languages also that are being run in AIR.”
Prime Minister Modi in his independence speech raked up the issue of human rights violations in Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK, inviting a sharp reaction from Islamabad.
"The people of Balochistan, the people of Gilgit, the people of Pak-occupied Kashmir have thanked me in such a manner, from places that I have never been and never had a chance to meet, they have sent wishes to the people of India and thanked us," Modi said. "I am grateful to them."
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...alochi-language/2016/08/31/article3605900.ece
sorcerer
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India, US Speak In One Voice On South China Sea, NSG, Terror
The US also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the other export control regimes -- Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
NEW DELHI: Nearly two months after an international court ruled against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, India and the US today called for "utmost respect" for global law, maintaining that there must be "unimpeded lawful commerce" throughout the disputed region.
The two countries, which held their annual Strategic and Commercial Dialogue yesterday, also said they will "redouble" efforts towards India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which was opposed by China. The US urged the NSG member countries to support India's bid for their "common interest".
In a joint statement issued today summerising outcome of Tuesday's meeting, the two strategic partners condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to dismantle safe havens for terrorist and criminal networks such as IS terror outfit, Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammad, D Company and its affiliates, and also the Haqqani Network.
"The sides also called on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice. The sides will continue to review and consider other organizations that warrant terrorist designations including those that engage in cross-border terrorism," according to the joint statement.
About South China dispute, the two sides "stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce throughout the region, including in the South China Sea.
Calling for "utmost respect" for international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they reiterated that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means, and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes.
China has been increasing its assertiveness in South China sea notwithstanding the verdict of an arbitration court in The Hague that China had no historical title over the South China Sea.
On India's NSG bid, the statement said, "In a further effort to strengthen global non-proliferation and export controls, the sides committed to redouble their efforts towards India's early entry into the NSG"
The US also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the other export control regimes -- Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
China had objected to India's candidacy when the NSG plenary had taken up its application in Seoul in July.
Source>>
The US also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the other export control regimes -- Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
NEW DELHI: Nearly two months after an international court ruled against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, India and the US today called for "utmost respect" for global law, maintaining that there must be "unimpeded lawful commerce" throughout the disputed region.
The two countries, which held their annual Strategic and Commercial Dialogue yesterday, also said they will "redouble" efforts towards India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which was opposed by China. The US urged the NSG member countries to support India's bid for their "common interest".
In a joint statement issued today summerising outcome of Tuesday's meeting, the two strategic partners condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to dismantle safe havens for terrorist and criminal networks such as IS terror outfit, Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammad, D Company and its affiliates, and also the Haqqani Network.
"The sides also called on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice. The sides will continue to review and consider other organizations that warrant terrorist designations including those that engage in cross-border terrorism," according to the joint statement.
About South China dispute, the two sides "stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce throughout the region, including in the South China Sea.
Calling for "utmost respect" for international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they reiterated that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means, and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes.
China has been increasing its assertiveness in South China sea notwithstanding the verdict of an arbitration court in The Hague that China had no historical title over the South China Sea.
On India's NSG bid, the statement said, "In a further effort to strengthen global non-proliferation and export controls, the sides committed to redouble their efforts towards India's early entry into the NSG"
The US also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the other export control regimes -- Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
China had objected to India's candidacy when the NSG plenary had taken up its application in Seoul in July.
Source>>
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India outdoes China to regain Diplomatic Superiority in Asia
Highlights
The decision of the Maldives government to issue an arrest warrant against ousted president Mohammed Nasheed signals the concern in the camp of incumbent Abdullah Yameen over Nasheed's recent return to the region. The sudden ouster of Nasheed in 2012 pushed India on the back foot and gave China an opening in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Some of Nasheed's hasty actions had helped bring about his downfall and arrest, ironically enough, on graft charges. But his travel to the UK for medical treatment and grant of asylum there set the stage for new political moves as he flew to Sri Lanka recently. Nasheed's moves are quietly backed by India and pressure is mounting on Yameen.
India is keen that elections allow Nasheed an opportunity to challenge rivals who have, in a bid to shore up their influence and keep India at bay, cozied up to China with President Xi Jinping visiting Male in 2014. Since then, the Modi government sought to retrieve ground with a defence cooperation pact earlier this year but Nasheed's return to the ring really challenges China's plans in the archipelago, which straddles important shipping lanes.
Apart from some behind-the-scene moves, India has been helped by China's strategy of relying heavily on the head of a country to conduct its business, a failing that has hurt its interests in Nepal and Lanka.
The over-reliance on K P Oli in Nepal saw China being discomfited when he stepped down after misreading the balance of power in the Nepalese parliament and his anti-India card finally came unstuck. Oli's nine months in office were marked by his attempt to turn Madhesi protests against provisions of the new constitution into political gains by blaming India for a "blockade", a pressure tactic Delhi saw though. The re-emergence of Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'+ , this time more amenable to working with India, can check China's progress.
Under then president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka slipped into the Chinese orbit but he became vulnerable to claims that deals with Beijing were tinged with graft. PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lanka astutely reached out to Buddhist opinion while he also took care to visit Jaffna.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...egain-Asian-foothold/articleshow/53953546.cms
Highlights
- India has been helped by China's strategy of relying heavily on the head of a country to conduct its business, a failing that has hurt its interests in Nepal and Lanka
- The re-emergence of Nepal PM 'Prachanda', this time more amenable to working with India, can check China's progress
The decision of the Maldives government to issue an arrest warrant against ousted president Mohammed Nasheed signals the concern in the camp of incumbent Abdullah Yameen over Nasheed's recent return to the region. The sudden ouster of Nasheed in 2012 pushed India on the back foot and gave China an opening in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Some of Nasheed's hasty actions had helped bring about his downfall and arrest, ironically enough, on graft charges. But his travel to the UK for medical treatment and grant of asylum there set the stage for new political moves as he flew to Sri Lanka recently. Nasheed's moves are quietly backed by India and pressure is mounting on Yameen.
India is keen that elections allow Nasheed an opportunity to challenge rivals who have, in a bid to shore up their influence and keep India at bay, cozied up to China with President Xi Jinping visiting Male in 2014. Since then, the Modi government sought to retrieve ground with a defence cooperation pact earlier this year but Nasheed's return to the ring really challenges China's plans in the archipelago, which straddles important shipping lanes.
Apart from some behind-the-scene moves, India has been helped by China's strategy of relying heavily on the head of a country to conduct its business, a failing that has hurt its interests in Nepal and Lanka.
The over-reliance on K P Oli in Nepal saw China being discomfited when he stepped down after misreading the balance of power in the Nepalese parliament and his anti-India card finally came unstuck. Oli's nine months in office were marked by his attempt to turn Madhesi protests against provisions of the new constitution into political gains by blaming India for a "blockade", a pressure tactic Delhi saw though. The re-emergence of Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'+ , this time more amenable to working with India, can check China's progress.
Under then president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka slipped into the Chinese orbit but he became vulnerable to claims that deals with Beijing were tinged with graft. PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lanka astutely reached out to Buddhist opinion while he also took care to visit Jaffna.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...egain-Asian-foothold/articleshow/53953546.cms
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'Let them keep writing to UN': India's response to Pakistan on Kashmir
Highlights
NEW DELHI: India continued to maintain a high level of pressure on Pakistan on Thursday, dismissing Islamabad's attempts to drag the international community+ into the Kashmir issue. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson also justified India's comments on Balochistan, saying mere statements cannot be construed as interference.
"They (Pakistan) can write as many letters as they want (to UN). It won't change the ground situation that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India," said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup at a news conference.
"Also, the ground reality is that a part of Jammu and Kashmir is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan," he added.
He also pressed on the $47-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor+ (CPEC), which is a critical component of relations between Islamabad and Beijing. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Indian territory which is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. So naturally, we will be concerned," he said.
The CPEC is a ray of hope for Pakistan's flailing economic fortunes. It faces local opposition+ in the restive Balochistan Province, provoking strong-arm reactions from Islamabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised these human rights violations in his Independence Day speech+ , to the shock of Pakistan's security establishment. Pakistani commentators had touted Modi's remarks+ as India's interference in Balochistan.
Swarup dismissed the accusations of interference. "If human rights violations are happening anywhere, we will express concern. Real interference is cross border terrorism," he said.
Pakistan has been in making a concerted effort to get various international forums, especially the United Nations, to react to the ongoing unrest in Kashmir. Last week, Islamabad had reached out to the envoy of the European Union and the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (US, UK, France, Russia and China) in a bid to have the Kashmir issue taken up at the UN. Islamabad also took the opportunity to ask for a plebiscite in Kashmir.
Days later, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had tasked 22 parliamentarians with raking up Kashmir at the UN.
But Islamabad's efforts have failed to evoke a response from any of the major powers.
India's confidence over Islamabad's attempts to involve the UN in the issue stems from the fact that Pakistan is yet to fulfil the first condition of a 1948 resolution of the UN Security Council
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-Pakistan-on-Kashmir/articleshow/53966103.cms
Highlights
- Jammu and Kashmir integral a part of India, irrespective of how many letters Pakistan writes to the UN: MEA
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through India's territory that Pakistan illegally occupies: MEA
- PM Modi's comments on Balochistan not interference. Cross-border terrorism is: MEA
NEW DELHI: India continued to maintain a high level of pressure on Pakistan on Thursday, dismissing Islamabad's attempts to drag the international community+ into the Kashmir issue. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson also justified India's comments on Balochistan, saying mere statements cannot be construed as interference.
"They (Pakistan) can write as many letters as they want (to UN). It won't change the ground situation that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India," said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup at a news conference.
"Also, the ground reality is that a part of Jammu and Kashmir is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan," he added.
He also pressed on the $47-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor+ (CPEC), which is a critical component of relations between Islamabad and Beijing. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Indian territory which is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. So naturally, we will be concerned," he said.
The CPEC is a ray of hope for Pakistan's flailing economic fortunes. It faces local opposition+ in the restive Balochistan Province, provoking strong-arm reactions from Islamabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised these human rights violations in his Independence Day speech+ , to the shock of Pakistan's security establishment. Pakistani commentators had touted Modi's remarks+ as India's interference in Balochistan.
Swarup dismissed the accusations of interference. "If human rights violations are happening anywhere, we will express concern. Real interference is cross border terrorism," he said.
Pakistan has been in making a concerted effort to get various international forums, especially the United Nations, to react to the ongoing unrest in Kashmir. Last week, Islamabad had reached out to the envoy of the European Union and the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (US, UK, France, Russia and China) in a bid to have the Kashmir issue taken up at the UN. Islamabad also took the opportunity to ask for a plebiscite in Kashmir.
Days later, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had tasked 22 parliamentarians with raking up Kashmir at the UN.
But Islamabad's efforts have failed to evoke a response from any of the major powers.
India's confidence over Islamabad's attempts to involve the UN in the issue stems from the fact that Pakistan is yet to fulfil the first condition of a 1948 resolution of the UN Security Council
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-Pakistan-on-Kashmir/articleshow/53966103.cms
sorcerer
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Four Reasons Why Modi's Vietnam Visit Is Important
Modi’s Vietnam visit is timely and crucial for several reasons. First, Vietnam lies at the heart of India’s vision for Southeast Asia as also its ‘Act East’ policy. India also wants to boost its defence exports to friendly countries. And it is looking to increase trade between the two countries which now is only $7.83 billion, says Dr Rahul Mishra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a much-awaited visit to Vietnam on September 3. This visit has the potential to step up India’s presence in Southeast Asia and give a much-needed fillip to India’s ‘Act East’ policy.
After a one-day visit, he will be heading to Hangzhou, China, to participate in the G20 summit. He will be back to the Southeast Asian region to attend 14th India-ASEAN summit and 11th East Asia Summit in the Laotian capital, Vientiane, on September 6-8.
Though there have been regular exchanges at the high level between the two countries, visit by an Indian prime minister after of 15 years makes Modi’s trip significant. The last PM to visit Vietnam was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001. Other high level visits include Vice President Hamid Ansari’s 2013 visit, and a visit by President Pranab Mukherjee in 2014.
From Vietnam’s side, notable visits include President Truong Tan Sang in October 2011, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen PhuTrong in November 2013, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in December 2012 and October 2014.
Modi’s Vietnam visit is timely and crucial for several reasons.
First, Vietnam lies at the heart of India’s vision for Southeast Asia as also its ‘Act East’ policy. Thus, it is high time that India shows that it attaches significance to its relations with Vietnam, particularly when the next year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of India-Vietnam diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of India-Vietnam strategic level partnership. Also, this visit will provide India an opportunity to get familiar with Vietnam’s new leadership, which assumed power in early 2016.
Second, Vietnam is India’s country coordinator for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations till 2018. Therefore, for further strengthening relations with ASEAN, it is vital for India to focus on bilateral relations with Vietnam too.
Third, India is in the process of boosting its defence exports to friendly countries. As stated by Secretary (East) Preeti Saran on September 1 in a press briefing, “Vietnam is an important strategic partner to India and central pillar of the Act East Policy.” Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s Vietnam visit in the first half of 2016 may also be seen in this context. With the attempt to move the bilateral defence cooperation to up by a few notches, the visit was geared towards enhancing “the defence industry networking, information sharing and exploration of possibilities for partnerships and collaborations between the two countries.”
One of the key highlights of Modi’s visit is likely to be the discussion on extending India’s defence exports to Vietnam, which is a vital defence partner of India. One of the major breakthroughs during Modi is likely to be the finalisation of the agreement for supplying four offshore patrol vessels to Vietnamese military under the framework of the $100-million line of credit extended during Nguyen Tan Dung’s 2014 India visit.
Discussions on the selling of BrahMos missile -- a short-range supersonic cruise missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation in partnership with Russia -- would be high on the agenda too.
However, there is still some time before India sells the BrahMos to Vietnam. One of the major hurdles India has to overcome is international restrictions. In order to deal with that, India has become a member of Missile Technology Control Regime; the operational range of BrahMos is 290 km, which is still 10-km less than the 300 km-permissible range under the MTCR.
India’s defence cooperation with Vietnam is particularly important because India still has the tag of the largest arms importer in the world. Vietnam’s defence procurement from India would also place India in a category of defence equipment exporting countries.
Fourth, the visit is taking place in the aftermath of the much-debated ruling on the South China Sea dispute by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. This visit will be the first by Modi to the East/Southeast Asian region since the the verdict. The ruling turned out to be in the favour of the Philippines discarding China’s so-called ‘historic rights’ on the sea. Though India’s stand on the issue of the South China Sea has been consistent, Vietnam along with the Philippines desire India to play a bigger role.
India is viewed as a friend and a reliable long-time partner in Vietnam. A closer look at the recent developments, including regular exchange of visits and agreements signed in the past few years, indicates that horizon of bilateral relations has expanded to also include defence and security component.
India-Vietnam bilateral relations are moving on the right track and India is no longer hesitant to display that Vietnam is one of its top foreign policy priorities. However, there still are a few issues that demand India and Vietnam’s attention. Bilateral trade between the two countries in 2015-16 was just $7.83 billion.
Considering the complementarity, mutual trust and comfort, and desire to work together, the total trade is below potential and needs to be taken more seriously. Increasing people-to-people contacts also demands more attention as Vietnam still does not come close to Singapore and Thailand in terms of tourist visits. Linguistic unfamiliarity is a major bottleneck on that count. There are only a handful Vietnamese experts in India, and the language has not been promoted sincerely in India. One of the possible options on that count could be to introduce Vietnamese language courses where there is already a Chinese language centre. Similarity in the two languages would provide students with an option.
India needs to be more proactive in its approach, keep a long-term view on trade and economic issues, and show more sincerity in implementing projects. Together, this would add more credibility to its Act East Policy and position India as a ‘benign power of considerable strength’ in the region.
Dr Rahul Mishra is a research fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal.
Source>>
Modi’s Vietnam visit is timely and crucial for several reasons. First, Vietnam lies at the heart of India’s vision for Southeast Asia as also its ‘Act East’ policy. India also wants to boost its defence exports to friendly countries. And it is looking to increase trade between the two countries which now is only $7.83 billion, says Dr Rahul Mishra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a much-awaited visit to Vietnam on September 3. This visit has the potential to step up India’s presence in Southeast Asia and give a much-needed fillip to India’s ‘Act East’ policy.
After a one-day visit, he will be heading to Hangzhou, China, to participate in the G20 summit. He will be back to the Southeast Asian region to attend 14th India-ASEAN summit and 11th East Asia Summit in the Laotian capital, Vientiane, on September 6-8.
Though there have been regular exchanges at the high level between the two countries, visit by an Indian prime minister after of 15 years makes Modi’s trip significant. The last PM to visit Vietnam was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001. Other high level visits include Vice President Hamid Ansari’s 2013 visit, and a visit by President Pranab Mukherjee in 2014.
From Vietnam’s side, notable visits include President Truong Tan Sang in October 2011, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen PhuTrong in November 2013, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in December 2012 and October 2014.
Modi’s Vietnam visit is timely and crucial for several reasons.
First, Vietnam lies at the heart of India’s vision for Southeast Asia as also its ‘Act East’ policy. Thus, it is high time that India shows that it attaches significance to its relations with Vietnam, particularly when the next year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of India-Vietnam diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of India-Vietnam strategic level partnership. Also, this visit will provide India an opportunity to get familiar with Vietnam’s new leadership, which assumed power in early 2016.
Second, Vietnam is India’s country coordinator for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations till 2018. Therefore, for further strengthening relations with ASEAN, it is vital for India to focus on bilateral relations with Vietnam too.
Third, India is in the process of boosting its defence exports to friendly countries. As stated by Secretary (East) Preeti Saran on September 1 in a press briefing, “Vietnam is an important strategic partner to India and central pillar of the Act East Policy.” Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s Vietnam visit in the first half of 2016 may also be seen in this context. With the attempt to move the bilateral defence cooperation to up by a few notches, the visit was geared towards enhancing “the defence industry networking, information sharing and exploration of possibilities for partnerships and collaborations between the two countries.”
One of the key highlights of Modi’s visit is likely to be the discussion on extending India’s defence exports to Vietnam, which is a vital defence partner of India. One of the major breakthroughs during Modi is likely to be the finalisation of the agreement for supplying four offshore patrol vessels to Vietnamese military under the framework of the $100-million line of credit extended during Nguyen Tan Dung’s 2014 India visit.
Discussions on the selling of BrahMos missile -- a short-range supersonic cruise missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation in partnership with Russia -- would be high on the agenda too.
However, there is still some time before India sells the BrahMos to Vietnam. One of the major hurdles India has to overcome is international restrictions. In order to deal with that, India has become a member of Missile Technology Control Regime; the operational range of BrahMos is 290 km, which is still 10-km less than the 300 km-permissible range under the MTCR.
India’s defence cooperation with Vietnam is particularly important because India still has the tag of the largest arms importer in the world. Vietnam’s defence procurement from India would also place India in a category of defence equipment exporting countries.
Fourth, the visit is taking place in the aftermath of the much-debated ruling on the South China Sea dispute by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. This visit will be the first by Modi to the East/Southeast Asian region since the the verdict. The ruling turned out to be in the favour of the Philippines discarding China’s so-called ‘historic rights’ on the sea. Though India’s stand on the issue of the South China Sea has been consistent, Vietnam along with the Philippines desire India to play a bigger role.
India is viewed as a friend and a reliable long-time partner in Vietnam. A closer look at the recent developments, including regular exchange of visits and agreements signed in the past few years, indicates that horizon of bilateral relations has expanded to also include defence and security component.
India-Vietnam bilateral relations are moving on the right track and India is no longer hesitant to display that Vietnam is one of its top foreign policy priorities. However, there still are a few issues that demand India and Vietnam’s attention. Bilateral trade between the two countries in 2015-16 was just $7.83 billion.
Considering the complementarity, mutual trust and comfort, and desire to work together, the total trade is below potential and needs to be taken more seriously. Increasing people-to-people contacts also demands more attention as Vietnam still does not come close to Singapore and Thailand in terms of tourist visits. Linguistic unfamiliarity is a major bottleneck on that count. There are only a handful Vietnamese experts in India, and the language has not been promoted sincerely in India. One of the possible options on that count could be to introduce Vietnamese language courses where there is already a Chinese language centre. Similarity in the two languages would provide students with an option.
India needs to be more proactive in its approach, keep a long-term view on trade and economic issues, and show more sincerity in implementing projects. Together, this would add more credibility to its Act East Policy and position India as a ‘benign power of considerable strength’ in the region.
Dr Rahul Mishra is a research fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal.
Source>>
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India extends $500 million to Vietnam to bolster defence ties
India on Saturday extended a USD 500 million line of credit to Vietnam to deepen their defence cooperation and signed 12 agreements including a deal to construct offshore patrol boats.
India on Saturday extended a USD 500 million line of credit to Vietnam to deepen their defence cooperation and signed 12 agreements including a deal to construct offshore patrol boats, amid China’s muscle flexing in the disputed South China Sea and ’emerging regional challenges’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc here, said the two countries have decided to elevate their strategic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to provide it a new momentum.
“Our decision to upgrade our Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership captures the intent and path of our future cooperation. It will provide a new direction, momentum and substance to our bilateral cooperation,” said Modi, who arrived here on Friday on his maiden visit to this key south east Asian nation.
Vietnam had earlier Comprehensive Strategic Partnership only with Russia and China. “I am also happy to announce a new Defence Line of Credit for Vietnam of USD 500 million for facilitating deeper defence cooperation,” Modi said after the signing of the agreements.
The 12 agreements were signed in a wide range of areas covering defence, IT, space, cyber security and sharing white shipping information in presence of Modi and Phuc.
“The range of agreements signed just a while ago point to the diversity and depth of our cooperation,” he said, adding the agreement on construction of offshore patrol boats is one of the steps to give concrete shape to the bilateral defence engagement.
Modi described his talks with Vietnamese counterpart as “extensive and very productive” and said they covered the full range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
“We have agreed to scale up and strengthen our bilateral engagement. As two important countries in this region, we also feel it necessary to further our ties on regional and international issues of common concern,” said Modi, who is here on a day-long visit.
“We also recognised the need to cooperate in responding to emerging regional challenges,” the Prime Minister said, without naming any country.
China is involved in a raging dispute with the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei over ownership of territory in the South China Sea (SCS), a busy waterway through which India’s 50 per cent trade passes.
China has also objected in the past to India’s Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) undertaking exploration at the invitation of Vietnam in the SCS, which is believed to be rich in undersea deposits of oil and gas.
India and the US have been calling for freedom of passage in the international waters, much to the discomfort to Beijing, whose claim over SCS was recently struck down by an international tribunal in favour of the Philippines. “Our common efforts will also contribute to stability, security and prosperity in this region,” Modi said.
Vietnam has shown a keen interest cooperating with India in air and defense production. India’s L&T will build offshore high speed patrol boats for Vietnamese Coast Guards, while a pact was signed on cooperation in UN peacekeeping matters.
Indian Navy and Vietnam Navy will cooperate in sharing of white shipping information. Modi said as the two important countries in this region, India and Vietnam feel it necessary to further their ties on regional and international issues of common concern.
The Prime Minister also announced a grant of USD 5 million for the establishment of a Software Park in the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang.
“We agreed to tap into the growing economic opportunities in the region,” said Modi, the first Indian premier to visit the Communist country in 15 years.
Noting that enhancing bilateral commercial engagement is the strategic objective of the two nations, he said, “For this, new trade and business opportunities will be tapped to achieve the trade target of USD 15 billion by 2020.”
Besides seeking facilitation of ongoing Indian projects and investments in Vietnam, Prime Minister Modi said he has invited Vietnamese companies to take advantage of the various schemes and flagship programmes of the Indian government.
“As Vietnam seeks to empower and enrich its people, Modernise its agriculture; Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation; Strengthen its Science and Technology base; Create new institutional capacities for faster economic development; and Take steps to build a modern nation, India and its 1.25 billion people stand ready to be Vietnam’s partner and a friend in this journey,” Modi said.
Speaking about the framework agreement on Space Cooperation, he said it would allow Vietnam to join hands with Indian Space Research Organisation to meet its national development objectives.
Hoping for an early establishment and opening of the Indian Cultural Centre in Hanoi, he said, “The Archaeological Survey of India could soon start the conservation and restoration work of the Cham monuments at My Son in Vietnam.”
He also thanked Vietnam’s leadership in facilitating inscription of Nalanda Mahavihara as a UNESCO World Heritage site earlier this year. India and Vietnam also signed an agreement on celebrating 2017 as ‘The Year Of Friendship’.
Noting that ASEAN is important to India in terms of historical links, geographical proximity, cultural ties and the strategic space that the two sides share, he said, “It is central to our ‘Act East’ policy. Under Vietnam’s leadership as ASEAN Coordinator for India, we will work towards a strengthened India-ASEAN partnership across all areas.”
Modi also expressed the need to “stay focussed to keep up the momentum” in bilateral ties and invited the Vietnamese leadership to India.
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...0-million-to-vietnam-to-bolster-defence-ties/
India on Saturday extended a USD 500 million line of credit to Vietnam to deepen their defence cooperation and signed 12 agreements including a deal to construct offshore patrol boats.
India on Saturday extended a USD 500 million line of credit to Vietnam to deepen their defence cooperation and signed 12 agreements including a deal to construct offshore patrol boats, amid China’s muscle flexing in the disputed South China Sea and ’emerging regional challenges’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc here, said the two countries have decided to elevate their strategic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to provide it a new momentum.
“Our decision to upgrade our Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership captures the intent and path of our future cooperation. It will provide a new direction, momentum and substance to our bilateral cooperation,” said Modi, who arrived here on Friday on his maiden visit to this key south east Asian nation.
Vietnam had earlier Comprehensive Strategic Partnership only with Russia and China. “I am also happy to announce a new Defence Line of Credit for Vietnam of USD 500 million for facilitating deeper defence cooperation,” Modi said after the signing of the agreements.
The 12 agreements were signed in a wide range of areas covering defence, IT, space, cyber security and sharing white shipping information in presence of Modi and Phuc.
“The range of agreements signed just a while ago point to the diversity and depth of our cooperation,” he said, adding the agreement on construction of offshore patrol boats is one of the steps to give concrete shape to the bilateral defence engagement.
Modi described his talks with Vietnamese counterpart as “extensive and very productive” and said they covered the full range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
“We have agreed to scale up and strengthen our bilateral engagement. As two important countries in this region, we also feel it necessary to further our ties on regional and international issues of common concern,” said Modi, who is here on a day-long visit.
“We also recognised the need to cooperate in responding to emerging regional challenges,” the Prime Minister said, without naming any country.
China is involved in a raging dispute with the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei over ownership of territory in the South China Sea (SCS), a busy waterway through which India’s 50 per cent trade passes.
China has also objected in the past to India’s Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) undertaking exploration at the invitation of Vietnam in the SCS, which is believed to be rich in undersea deposits of oil and gas.
India and the US have been calling for freedom of passage in the international waters, much to the discomfort to Beijing, whose claim over SCS was recently struck down by an international tribunal in favour of the Philippines. “Our common efforts will also contribute to stability, security and prosperity in this region,” Modi said.
Vietnam has shown a keen interest cooperating with India in air and defense production. India’s L&T will build offshore high speed patrol boats for Vietnamese Coast Guards, while a pact was signed on cooperation in UN peacekeeping matters.
Indian Navy and Vietnam Navy will cooperate in sharing of white shipping information. Modi said as the two important countries in this region, India and Vietnam feel it necessary to further their ties on regional and international issues of common concern.
The Prime Minister also announced a grant of USD 5 million for the establishment of a Software Park in the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang.
“We agreed to tap into the growing economic opportunities in the region,” said Modi, the first Indian premier to visit the Communist country in 15 years.
Noting that enhancing bilateral commercial engagement is the strategic objective of the two nations, he said, “For this, new trade and business opportunities will be tapped to achieve the trade target of USD 15 billion by 2020.”
Besides seeking facilitation of ongoing Indian projects and investments in Vietnam, Prime Minister Modi said he has invited Vietnamese companies to take advantage of the various schemes and flagship programmes of the Indian government.
“As Vietnam seeks to empower and enrich its people, Modernise its agriculture; Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation; Strengthen its Science and Technology base; Create new institutional capacities for faster economic development; and Take steps to build a modern nation, India and its 1.25 billion people stand ready to be Vietnam’s partner and a friend in this journey,” Modi said.
Speaking about the framework agreement on Space Cooperation, he said it would allow Vietnam to join hands with Indian Space Research Organisation to meet its national development objectives.
Hoping for an early establishment and opening of the Indian Cultural Centre in Hanoi, he said, “The Archaeological Survey of India could soon start the conservation and restoration work of the Cham monuments at My Son in Vietnam.”
He also thanked Vietnam’s leadership in facilitating inscription of Nalanda Mahavihara as a UNESCO World Heritage site earlier this year. India and Vietnam also signed an agreement on celebrating 2017 as ‘The Year Of Friendship’.
Noting that ASEAN is important to India in terms of historical links, geographical proximity, cultural ties and the strategic space that the two sides share, he said, “It is central to our ‘Act East’ policy. Under Vietnam’s leadership as ASEAN Coordinator for India, we will work towards a strengthened India-ASEAN partnership across all areas.”
Modi also expressed the need to “stay focussed to keep up the momentum” in bilateral ties and invited the Vietnamese leadership to India.
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...0-million-to-vietnam-to-bolster-defence-ties/
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Why India needs to ramp up its token training of Vietnamese submariners
Good!!!
We gave Russia-India venture another potential buyer for submarines and most importantly a nice check point for the not peaceful aggressive china
On August 31, the first batch of Vietnamese navy submariners finished a six-month course at the Indian Navy’s premier training school, INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam. These personnel, 20 officers and 40 sailors, will go on to man the Vietnam Peoples Navy’s six Russian-built Kilo class submarines. This bit of military diplomacy comes just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Hanoi on September 3 for the first state visit by an Indian PM in 15 years.
Foreign secretary S Jaishankar told media in New Delhi on Friday to expect "strong outcomes" from the prime minister’s visit. There is speculation about military hardware sales like the Indo-Russian Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles and patrol craft.
There is no sign, however, of India undertaking what could be a potential game-changer: advanced submarine tactical training for the Vietnamese.
20 officers and 40 sailors, will go on to man the Vietnam Peoples Navy’s (above) six Russian-built Kilo class submarines. Photo: Reuters
This is because the present training course is nothing more than a token exercise. The 60 Vietnamese navy personnel, the crew strength of one Kilo-class submarine, were only given a basic training course at INS Satavahana. Most of it was in classrooms to understand the structure of the submarine and familiarise navigators, engineers, communicators about the onboard systems.
To use an air force analogy, it would be like the first stage of ab-initio training using piston-engine trainer aircraft. Except, there is very little exposure to an actual submarine. What the Vietnamese People’s Navy really needs—and this has been borne out by recent visits to Vietnam made by Indian officials — is training in advanced undersea warfare. Vietnam’s 2009 decision to buy six Kilo-class submarines from Russia was influenced by China’s muscle flexing in the region.
Submarines like the Kilo class armed with torpedoes, sea mines and anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, are lethal steel sharks. They prowl undetected as they perform sea-denial missions or prevent the enemy the freedom to use the sea. Submarines allow smaller navies to tie down larger navies and are a bit like guerillas of the sea. This would seem like a natural choice for the Vietnamese whose nimble Viet Cong guerillas inflicted military defeats on three of the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, including China in 1979.
But operating submarines is a far more complex game than running fleet-footed guerillas. The Vietnam People’s Navy, essentially a gunboat navy that has never operated submarines, is attempting one of the biggest capability leaps by any global navy in buying these complex undersea platforms.
This is where the Indian navy, that has operated Kilo-class submarines in tropical waters for over thirty years, fits in. It needs to provide Vietnamese submariners with the tactical training to exploit the sturdy Kilo class submarines to their maximum war-fighting potential, particularly the second, six-month advanced phase where crews spend 45 days on board submarines at sea. At the end of this one-year course, the crew are presented with the prestigious twin dolphins which qualify them as full-fledged submariners.
In the advanced course, crews are taught to stalk enemy warships, mine harbours, snoop on the enemy, hunt submarines and, crucially, how to use the formidable 220-km range "Klub" cruise missiles to attack targets on land and at sea.
In short, this is the training that will ensure the Vietnamese People’s Navy can inflict heavy losses on a maritime aggressor and even take the fight to the adversary’s home turf. An undersea Viet Cong force that is also an excellent opportunity for India to put some steel into its "Act East" policy.
Good!!!
We gave Russia-India venture another potential buyer for submarines and most importantly a nice check point for the not peaceful aggressive china
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India, Vietnam ink def pacts to counter China
NEW DELHI: India and Vietnam added a strong defence component to their relationship even as PM Narendra Modi and his counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc upgraded bilateral ties to a level Hanoi enjoys only with Russia and China. Describing Vietnam as a "strong pillar of India's 'Act East' policy," Modi said "our bilateral ties are based on strong mutual trust, understanding and convergence of views on various regional and global issues".
India has agreed to give a $500 million defence line of credit to help Vietnam source more military hardware from India.
Delhi and Hanoi signed a contract for fast offshore patrol vessels by L&T with Vietnam Border Guards under a $100 million letter of credit that had been given earlier. The defence cooperation will jump to a whole new level when India finally makes a decision to transfer the Brahmos missile to Vietnam, which has been on Hanoi's wishlist for some time. Modi said the credit was for "facilitating mutual defence cooperation" and the ties between the two countries would "contribute to stability, security and prosperity in this region". At an official luncheon, he said, "As partners, we must also take advantage of our synergies to face emerging regional challenges and exploit new opportunities."
A space agreement takes forward a decision that allows India to set up a satellite tracking and imaging centre in southern Vietnam that will give Hanoi and Delhi an eye over the entire region including China and the South China Sea. While such centres have environmental, agricultural and weather functions, they serve a dual security purpose. Ajoint statement issued at the end of the visit said that "PM Modi announced a grant of $ 5 million for the construction of an Army Software Park at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang".
The visit in itself was a strong signal to China, a country that is a strategic challenge in its current avatar as an aggressive, expansionist giant.
The two sides also signed an agreement on double taxation avoidance, more and more important as Indian businesses set up shop in Veitnam. Moreover, Delhi's concerns over selling the BrahMos to Hanoi also appear to be fading as India and Vietnam move closer and align their strategic interests.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...cts-to-counter-China/articleshow/54000372.cms
NEW DELHI: India and Vietnam added a strong defence component to their relationship even as PM Narendra Modi and his counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc upgraded bilateral ties to a level Hanoi enjoys only with Russia and China. Describing Vietnam as a "strong pillar of India's 'Act East' policy," Modi said "our bilateral ties are based on strong mutual trust, understanding and convergence of views on various regional and global issues".
India has agreed to give a $500 million defence line of credit to help Vietnam source more military hardware from India.
Delhi and Hanoi signed a contract for fast offshore patrol vessels by L&T with Vietnam Border Guards under a $100 million letter of credit that had been given earlier. The defence cooperation will jump to a whole new level when India finally makes a decision to transfer the Brahmos missile to Vietnam, which has been on Hanoi's wishlist for some time. Modi said the credit was for "facilitating mutual defence cooperation" and the ties between the two countries would "contribute to stability, security and prosperity in this region". At an official luncheon, he said, "As partners, we must also take advantage of our synergies to face emerging regional challenges and exploit new opportunities."
A space agreement takes forward a decision that allows India to set up a satellite tracking and imaging centre in southern Vietnam that will give Hanoi and Delhi an eye over the entire region including China and the South China Sea. While such centres have environmental, agricultural and weather functions, they serve a dual security purpose. Ajoint statement issued at the end of the visit said that "PM Modi announced a grant of $ 5 million for the construction of an Army Software Park at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang".
The visit in itself was a strong signal to China, a country that is a strategic challenge in its current avatar as an aggressive, expansionist giant.
The two sides also signed an agreement on double taxation avoidance, more and more important as Indian businesses set up shop in Veitnam. Moreover, Delhi's concerns over selling the BrahMos to Hanoi also appear to be fading as India and Vietnam move closer and align their strategic interests.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...cts-to-counter-China/articleshow/54000372.cms
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China should worry about India-US LEMOA
Chinese commentators, punch drunk on being the world’s second largest economy, promptly reacted negatively to India’s signing of the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) with the US.
This agreement allows mutual access to military facilities for refuelling—flashback: remember Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar’s secretive one-off okay to refuelling US planes during the first Gulf War against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq?
LEMOA also allows for provisioning and replenishment of supplies, a kind of stevedoring exercise, all on a reimbursable basis. LEMOA does not automatically allow for military bases to be set up, and/or the stationing of troops, but these too can be authorised on a case-to-case basis within the framework of this momentous agreement. So it looks innocuous, but is not. China is right on its significance.
The other two “foundational” agreements out of four, typically signed between America and its defence partners, are now under discussion. They are the CISMOA (Communications Interoperability & Security Memorandum of Agreement), and the BECA (Basic Exchange & Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation). No timelines for their signing, however, have been posted as yet.
However, not only did the Pentagon reiterate its support for India’s entry into the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers’ Group), after the recent Chinese block, it mentioned India’s recent inclusion in the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime), which does not count China as a member so far, as well.
That LEMOA coincided with the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to New Delhi, even as Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is in Washington interacting with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. It comes after India was designated as a “Major Defence Partner” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2016. And all of 12 years after the first in the series of four enabling agreements, the GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement) was signed by the Vajpayee/Dubya Bush governments in 2002.
The UPA did not move forward at all on this strategic embrace during its decade in power. This is probably because it was caught up in the web of its own policy history on Nehruvian non-alignment, Indira Gandhi’s time as a satellite of the USSR, and pathological fear of Chinese umbrage carried over into the Manmohan Singh regime.
For, India, LEMOA, its own $150 billion defence shopping list inclusive of Make in India over the next decade and its Modi doctrine of “enlightened self-interest” puts it in a unique position. It’s the biggest defence purchase wish-list in the world.
Meanwhile, at this juncture of geo-political imperatives, a military alliance with the US acts as a great equaliser vis-a-vis China and gives India time to build up its independent military readiness. Besides, America is not willing, anymore than its NATO or ANZAC allies, plus the emerging realignments in South/South East Asia, to give China any kind of walkover in the world dominance stakes.
Instead, China will have to eat a little crow and re-evaluate its own options. It must realise that it is deeply isolated, with only a couple of unstable rogue states in the form of Pakistan and North Korea for company. China’s old “string of pearls” strategy of encirclement of India via inducements to Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan etc., now lies in tatters. And Xi Jinping’s grandiose “belt and road” initiative, figuratively taking off from the Old Silk Route is viewed with suspicion in every part of its immediate neighbourhood.
As for India’s tried and tested ties with Russia, there will be no let up, and many military initiatives in parallel are indeed on the anvil. But yes, an edge of competition has already crept in and should work altogether in India’s favour. This has already been borne out in the nuclear power context, not only with Russia but also with France and the US—all supplying reactors and know-how.
We will, it is clear, cooperate with every other major military power such as Britain and France on a bilateral basis, too; and this includes Israel, Sweden, Italy; and press on with economic cooperation with many in the G-20 and BRICS and other formations like ASEAN/APEC, including China.
China too is keen to advance economic cooperation with India in manufacturing, infrastructure—particularly in Indian Railways—and trade. It is for it to resolve its aggressive tendencies, however, because India is no longer willing to be intimidated and has a number of other options.
For the moment, in keeping with its customary hubris, China said the signing of LEMOA meant “troubles”. This implies, despite the enigmatic-speak, not so much grief for itself because it is loath to admit that its posturing has been challenged. No, it is troubles for India that is being threatened. India is militarily ill-equipped and much poorer, it is true. But, unlike 1962, it is inconveniently nuclear weaponised. The threat of late, therefore, is of a multi-front conventional war, with Pakistan and China attacking in tandem. India does not have the wherewithal to fight this to win on its own currently, but with a little help from the US, it can and will.
Besides, this “troubles” remark came after the Chinese smirk on blocking our NSG bid. Just as other Chinese commentators in a security establishment think-tank growled, when India positioned its supersonic Brahmos missiles, on its north-eastern border areas. Some also grumbled when India positioned over 100 tanks in Ladakh not so long ago. And again when India raised the occupation/genocide/oppression by the Pakistani state in POK/Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.
There goes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing must be thinking, already being criticised by the jailed Baba Jan’s followers in Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK; and all those tonnes of precious minerals. And so, China allowed that it might “intervene” in Balochistan too.
China is most impressed with its own sizeable, largely copied from old US stock, military. It wants the world to fear its conventional and nuclear might. But then, China makes no secret of wanting to control half the world. Never mind what Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, even Hong Kong, Tibet and others in South/South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific think. And never mind what the International Court of Justice at The Hague has to say too. China wants the South China Sea for itself, and does not recognise The Hague ruling against it. It has been bumptiously issuing warnings to all and sundry within and without its range. It wants to dominate the Indian Ocean too and has been patrolling it mightily in recent years.
China’s mandarin notions on diplomacy also embolden it to ignore the wishes of other members of the UNSC, such as Russia, Britain and France, thinking that being factory to 40% of the world’s manufactured goods is enough leverage.
It has been trying, preposterously, from before President Xi Jinping’s time to buy-off the US, purchasing its treasury bonds in trillions, while, sotto voce, threatening monetary destabilisation. It particularly wanted to take advantage of US’ economic troubles post 2008 by upgrading its claims, if not the balance of payments, while attempting to cede a sphere of influence to it. Take the other half of the world, China seemed to say: meaning the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the North Sea etc. That the ancient, but newly prosperous Chinese, do not understand the implications of trying to parley on the basis of riches acquired thanks to the Nixon-Kissinger tilt against the USSR, with the world’s most technologically advanced military power, seems amply clear.
The US, the fact the Chinese try to ignore, is sized at 17 times greater than the next military establishment in line. So, for India, it’s a good eiderdown to get under, while continuing to deal fairly with the rest of the world.
http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/6309-china-should-worry-about-india-us-lemoa
Chinese commentators, punch drunk on being the world’s second largest economy, promptly reacted negatively to India’s signing of the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) with the US.
This agreement allows mutual access to military facilities for refuelling—flashback: remember Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar’s secretive one-off okay to refuelling US planes during the first Gulf War against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq?
LEMOA also allows for provisioning and replenishment of supplies, a kind of stevedoring exercise, all on a reimbursable basis. LEMOA does not automatically allow for military bases to be set up, and/or the stationing of troops, but these too can be authorised on a case-to-case basis within the framework of this momentous agreement. So it looks innocuous, but is not. China is right on its significance.
The other two “foundational” agreements out of four, typically signed between America and its defence partners, are now under discussion. They are the CISMOA (Communications Interoperability & Security Memorandum of Agreement), and the BECA (Basic Exchange & Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation). No timelines for their signing, however, have been posted as yet.
However, not only did the Pentagon reiterate its support for India’s entry into the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers’ Group), after the recent Chinese block, it mentioned India’s recent inclusion in the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime), which does not count China as a member so far, as well.
That LEMOA coincided with the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to New Delhi, even as Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is in Washington interacting with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. It comes after India was designated as a “Major Defence Partner” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2016. And all of 12 years after the first in the series of four enabling agreements, the GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement) was signed by the Vajpayee/Dubya Bush governments in 2002.
The UPA did not move forward at all on this strategic embrace during its decade in power. This is probably because it was caught up in the web of its own policy history on Nehruvian non-alignment, Indira Gandhi’s time as a satellite of the USSR, and pathological fear of Chinese umbrage carried over into the Manmohan Singh regime.
For, India, LEMOA, its own $150 billion defence shopping list inclusive of Make in India over the next decade and its Modi doctrine of “enlightened self-interest” puts it in a unique position. It’s the biggest defence purchase wish-list in the world.
Meanwhile, at this juncture of geo-political imperatives, a military alliance with the US acts as a great equaliser vis-a-vis China and gives India time to build up its independent military readiness. Besides, America is not willing, anymore than its NATO or ANZAC allies, plus the emerging realignments in South/South East Asia, to give China any kind of walkover in the world dominance stakes.
Instead, China will have to eat a little crow and re-evaluate its own options. It must realise that it is deeply isolated, with only a couple of unstable rogue states in the form of Pakistan and North Korea for company. China’s old “string of pearls” strategy of encirclement of India via inducements to Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan etc., now lies in tatters. And Xi Jinping’s grandiose “belt and road” initiative, figuratively taking off from the Old Silk Route is viewed with suspicion in every part of its immediate neighbourhood.
As for India’s tried and tested ties with Russia, there will be no let up, and many military initiatives in parallel are indeed on the anvil. But yes, an edge of competition has already crept in and should work altogether in India’s favour. This has already been borne out in the nuclear power context, not only with Russia but also with France and the US—all supplying reactors and know-how.
We will, it is clear, cooperate with every other major military power such as Britain and France on a bilateral basis, too; and this includes Israel, Sweden, Italy; and press on with economic cooperation with many in the G-20 and BRICS and other formations like ASEAN/APEC, including China.
China too is keen to advance economic cooperation with India in manufacturing, infrastructure—particularly in Indian Railways—and trade. It is for it to resolve its aggressive tendencies, however, because India is no longer willing to be intimidated and has a number of other options.
For the moment, in keeping with its customary hubris, China said the signing of LEMOA meant “troubles”. This implies, despite the enigmatic-speak, not so much grief for itself because it is loath to admit that its posturing has been challenged. No, it is troubles for India that is being threatened. India is militarily ill-equipped and much poorer, it is true. But, unlike 1962, it is inconveniently nuclear weaponised. The threat of late, therefore, is of a multi-front conventional war, with Pakistan and China attacking in tandem. India does not have the wherewithal to fight this to win on its own currently, but with a little help from the US, it can and will.
Besides, this “troubles” remark came after the Chinese smirk on blocking our NSG bid. Just as other Chinese commentators in a security establishment think-tank growled, when India positioned its supersonic Brahmos missiles, on its north-eastern border areas. Some also grumbled when India positioned over 100 tanks in Ladakh not so long ago. And again when India raised the occupation/genocide/oppression by the Pakistani state in POK/Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.
There goes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing must be thinking, already being criticised by the jailed Baba Jan’s followers in Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK; and all those tonnes of precious minerals. And so, China allowed that it might “intervene” in Balochistan too.
China is most impressed with its own sizeable, largely copied from old US stock, military. It wants the world to fear its conventional and nuclear might. But then, China makes no secret of wanting to control half the world. Never mind what Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, even Hong Kong, Tibet and others in South/South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific think. And never mind what the International Court of Justice at The Hague has to say too. China wants the South China Sea for itself, and does not recognise The Hague ruling against it. It has been bumptiously issuing warnings to all and sundry within and without its range. It wants to dominate the Indian Ocean too and has been patrolling it mightily in recent years.
China’s mandarin notions on diplomacy also embolden it to ignore the wishes of other members of the UNSC, such as Russia, Britain and France, thinking that being factory to 40% of the world’s manufactured goods is enough leverage.
It has been trying, preposterously, from before President Xi Jinping’s time to buy-off the US, purchasing its treasury bonds in trillions, while, sotto voce, threatening monetary destabilisation. It particularly wanted to take advantage of US’ economic troubles post 2008 by upgrading its claims, if not the balance of payments, while attempting to cede a sphere of influence to it. Take the other half of the world, China seemed to say: meaning the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the North Sea etc. That the ancient, but newly prosperous Chinese, do not understand the implications of trying to parley on the basis of riches acquired thanks to the Nixon-Kissinger tilt against the USSR, with the world’s most technologically advanced military power, seems amply clear.
The US, the fact the Chinese try to ignore, is sized at 17 times greater than the next military establishment in line. So, for India, it’s a good eiderdown to get under, while continuing to deal fairly with the rest of the world.
http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/6309-china-should-worry-about-india-us-lemoa
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Arms, copters sent to Myanmar
Insurgents may have to flee border bases after Delhi’s move
In what may force Indian insurgent outfits to leave their bases in Myanmar, New Delhi has started supplying advanced weaponry and gadgets to the Myanmar Army to enable it to set up its military headquarters close to areas occupied by the rebel groups.
Saying India and Myanmar had managed to develop a consensus on several bilateral issues during President U. Htin Kyaw’s New Delhi visit, authoritative security sources in the home ministry told this newspaper that India was also going to provide helicopters and other advanced gear to strengthen the strike capabilities of the Myanmar Army.
Noting that relations between the two neighbouring countries were at their best in the past 50 years, the sources said that Myanmar was confident of making its military headquarters functional in six months, that will reduce the comfort level of Indian insurgents operating from the neighbouring country.
Pointing out that newly-elected Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw had chosen India for his first visit outside the country, the sources said Myanmar had not only promised full military cooperation in tackling militants operating from its territory but also agreed to enhance road connectivity from India to Southeast Asia. Saying India had already succeeded in taking Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations on board regarding the trans-national highways proposed in its “Act East” policy, the security sources said that India had started investing heavily in Myanmar.
Admitting there was also stress on increasing people-to-people contacts between the two nations, the sources said Myanmar was equally concerned about its territory becoming a hub of insurgency.
Sources said Myanmar could play a vital role not only in ensuring and promoting peace and security in Northeast India but also in its economic growth.'
http://www.asianage.com/india/arms-copters-sent-myanmar-765
Insurgents may have to flee border bases after Delhi’s move
In what may force Indian insurgent outfits to leave their bases in Myanmar, New Delhi has started supplying advanced weaponry and gadgets to the Myanmar Army to enable it to set up its military headquarters close to areas occupied by the rebel groups.
Saying India and Myanmar had managed to develop a consensus on several bilateral issues during President U. Htin Kyaw’s New Delhi visit, authoritative security sources in the home ministry told this newspaper that India was also going to provide helicopters and other advanced gear to strengthen the strike capabilities of the Myanmar Army.
Noting that relations between the two neighbouring countries were at their best in the past 50 years, the sources said that Myanmar was confident of making its military headquarters functional in six months, that will reduce the comfort level of Indian insurgents operating from the neighbouring country.
Pointing out that newly-elected Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw had chosen India for his first visit outside the country, the sources said Myanmar had not only promised full military cooperation in tackling militants operating from its territory but also agreed to enhance road connectivity from India to Southeast Asia. Saying India had already succeeded in taking Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations on board regarding the trans-national highways proposed in its “Act East” policy, the security sources said that India had started investing heavily in Myanmar.
Admitting there was also stress on increasing people-to-people contacts between the two nations, the sources said Myanmar was equally concerned about its territory becoming a hub of insurgency.
Sources said Myanmar could play a vital role not only in ensuring and promoting peace and security in Northeast India but also in its economic growth.'
http://www.asianage.com/india/arms-copters-sent-myanmar-765
