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<ul><li>Indian Army has placed fresh orders for Spike which is an anti-tank missile, from Israel using its emergency purchase powers. </li><li>The procurement was discussed at the annual Army Commanders meeting in April and the orders have been placed this month. </li><li>The missiles come with a 4 kilometer range and can be fired from various platforms. </li><li>DRDO successfully tested indigenous Nag anti-tank missiles in July. </li></ul> Indian Army’s fire power is set to get turbocharged as it placed orders for Israel’s anti-tank Spike missiles. Spike is an advanced missile system which is known as fire-and-forget guided missile, developed by the country. The Army invoked its power to make emergency purchases for operational preparedness to place this order, reported the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-army-places-order-for-procuring-spike-missiles/articleshow/70164204.cms">Economic Times</a>. The missiles come with a range of four kilometres and can be deployed in mountainous terrain as well and plains. The missiles are also special as they can be deployed and launched from different platforms including land vehicles, helicopters, ships and ground launchers, as per sources. After the Balakot strike The procurement of the missiles was discussed after the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-air-force-distances-itself-from-casualty-count-in-balakot-air-strikes-says-up-to-government-to-confirm/articleshow/68254527.cms">Balakot strike</a> in April, during the annual Army Commanders meeting.The proposal was cleared in the meeting itself, and the orders were made placed this month. The special powers for procurement of weapons were given to the three armed forces after the IED blast in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pulwama-attack-jaish-e-mohammad-jem-leadership-eliminated-within-100-hours/articleshow/68059011.cms">Pulwama</a> on February 14, which had killed more than 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personals. The forces have special powers to procure equipment worth ₹300 crore. These orders have been placed after the three service chiefs and Defence ministry officials made a presentation before the its Minister Rajnath Singh, soon after he took charge last month. While the Indian Army is prioritising the purchase of precision guided missiles for its artillery ammunition, India itself is developing indigenous anti-tank missiles. Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested Nag anti-tank missiles on July 7 in the Pokhran firing range, as per <a href="https://www.army-technology.com/news/india-drdo-nag-anti-tank-guided-missiles/">ANI</a>. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defence-budget-2019-20indias-defence-budget-has-nearly-doubled-in-5-years/articleshow/70037360.cms">India’s defence budget has nearly doubled in 5 years but the money is not enough to upgrade the weapons</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-air-force-will-participate-in-largest-ever-air-exercise-with-france/articleshow/69939727.cms">France and India come closer after Rafale deal, to conduct largest-ever air exercises</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-air-force-distances-itself-from-casualty-count-in-balakot-air-strikes-says-up-to-government-to-confirm/articleshow/68254527.cms">Indian Air Force distances itself from casualty count in Balakot air strikes, says up to government to confirm</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pulwama-attack-jaish-e-mohammad-jem-leadership-eliminated-within-100-hours/articleshow/68059011.cms">Whoever picks up gun in Kashmir will be eliminated, says Indian Army</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Indian Army invokes emergency powers to buy Israel’s fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles

<ul><li>The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated work on two of its ambitious ‘Make in India’ projects to acquire 114 fighter jets and the C-295 transport aircraft. </li><li>The project for 114 fighter jets is presently the biggest deal around the world, and includes French, US, Rusian and the European fighter Eurofighter Typhoon. </li><li>The project is worth ₹1,50,000 crore and the C-295 transport aircraft is worth ₹11,929 crore. </li></ul>The Indian Air Force has initiated the process of its two ambitious Make in India projects for 114 fighter jets and 56 medium transport transport aircraft, worth about ₹1,50,000 crore. The authorities are working on a project to manufacture 114 fighter jets, as the request for proposal (RFP)---which invites interested bidders---might be issued in late 2019 or early 2020, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-pushes-for-mega-make-in-india-projects-for-fighters-transport-planes/articleshow/70120240.cms?from=mdr">reported the Time of India</a>. A large number of international players are known to be interested to take part in indegenous production of these fighter jets. One of them known to be in the race is Rafale, along with F/A-18 and F-16 from the US, Mig 35 and Sukhoi-35 from Russia, Gripen-E from Sweden, and the Eurofighter typhoon. Depleting Numbers The proposal for 114 fighter jets is presently world’s biggest deal in aviation industry. “The 114-fighter project is crucial because the 36 Rafales and the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft will not make up for the fast depleting numbers. There is an urgent need to plan for the future,” <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-pushes-for-mega-make-in-india-projects-for-fighters-transport-planes/articleshow/70120240.cms?from=mdr">a source told TOI</a>. The Indian Air Force (IAF) severely lacks fighter squadrons. Only 30 of the 42 available squadrons are in working condition. However, these numbers will be reinforced as Rafale jets from France will be delivered in May 2020. The deal worth ₹56,000 crore was finalised in 2016. The induction team of the IAF which includes 10 pilots, 10 flight engineers and 40 technicians are currently undergoing training in France. Tata-Airbus venture The Air Force is already working on medium transport aircraft which will be manufactured by the TATA-Airbus consortium. This production is expected to kickstart in 2019-20. The TATA-Airbus joint venture for 56 twin turboprop tactical C-295 is in its final stages. “The extensive trials and CNC (contract negotiations committee) are over now. DAC will take up the project to approve certain deviations before sending it to the cabinet committee on security for the final nod,” as per sources. The C-295 planes will replace the Avro Aircraft, which was first inducted in 1960’s. Initially valued at ₹11,929 crore, it was meant for the Indian private sector to enter aerospace manufacturing. The aircraft will be delivered in two phases. Airbus will supply the first 10 aircraft and the remaining 40 will be manufactured by TATA in India, over the next eight years. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Air Force to call bids for 114 jets worth ₹1,50,000 crore--to be Made in India

<ul><li>The Indian army has revised its policy for the purchase of four wheelers from the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) which sets vehicle purchasing limit at ₹12 lakh for officers. </li><li>General Bipin Rawat, attributed the decision to budgetary constraints and step to bring parity among Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks (ORs). </li><li>The new ceiling has also set the engine limit for officers at 2500 CC and for JCOs and other ranks at 1400 CC. </li></ul>Indian army Junior Commissioned officers and other rank jawans are set to gain from the new policy of the Indian army on the purchase of four wheelers from Canteen Stores Department (CSD). Earlier there was no limit on the purchase of four wheelers from the CSD canteens, but the new rules have set a limit due to which expenditure on cars more than ₹12 lakh, excluding GST is no more permissible for the officers. The new expenditure limit for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) and jawans of other ranks ₹6.5 lakh including GST. Speaking at a seminar of retiring officers, on June 27 the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that the policy changes are going to bring parity in the opportunities to use the CSD facility to buy four wheelers among officers and not just officers, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/price-ceiling-on-the-purchase-of-four-wheelers-from-csd-due-to-budgetary-constraint-army-chief/articleshow/69968031.cms">reported the Economic Times</a>. Explaining the reason for the policy changes, General Rawat said that the Parliament sanctions a fixed amount for CSD under miscellaneous heads for buying essential items to be provided to the army personnel including four wheelers, and high value car purchases by officers leaves less opportunities for JCOs and other ranks. The <a href="https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=eE5gXwRZLNFCokYZlobZWw==&amp;ParentID=x9XdWbgX/9flpihdvNGPLw==">Quartermaster General’s branch</a> of the Indian army, which is responsible for planning, provisioning and issue of supplies to the Army, last month, issued an order that placed restrictions on the expenditure and capacity of the cars that can now be purchased from the canteen. The new orders started functioning from June 1. The new policy The new rules Restrictions over capacity of the engines have also been applied. Commissioned officers at most can buy cars with 2500 CC, whereas for JCOs and other ranks the limit is 1400 CC. Junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and jawans, will now be allowed to buy a four wheeler once in service and once after retirement. The time in between purchases is reduced from ten to eight years. This will further benefit non-commissioned officers who have high aspirations to buy four wheelers, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/price-ceiling-on-the-purchase-of-four-wheelers-from-csd-due-to-budgetary-constraint-army-chief/articleshow/69968031.cms">as per reports</a>. The policy has also made changes in the frequency of the purchases. Officers can now buy two cars in eight years which was four years before the order was issued. “Earlier they could buy any top vehicle model they wanted. Now, they can’t. And the frequency of buying still remains the same for them, except for the gap between two vehicle purchases,” said an official. The official also said that the decision on placing a price ceiling was taken in view of the ‘larger picture’. The government provides 50% GST rebate on all CSD items once price negotiations are complete which provides the army personnel with cash saving benefits. “The chief had also said that if someone has the capability to buy a luxury car, then he can do it from the civil market,” another official said. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Army’s junior officers and jawans gain from new canteen store policy aimed to bring in ‘parity’

<ul><li>.On June 27, India paid homage to the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army, Sam Manekshaw, MC on his 11th death anniversary. </li><li>The hero of the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war died in 2008 in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. </li><li>Actor Vicky Kaushal is set to essay Field Marshal’s role in an upcoming film directed by Meghna Gulzar of ‘Raazi’ fame. </li></ul>As India paid homage to Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, MC on his 11th death anniversary, Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal broke the Internet with a social media post, announcing his next film based on him. Kaushal shared his first look from the movie, and the social media is in awe of the striking resemblance. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">The swashbuckling general &amp; the first Field Marshal of India- SAM MANEKSHAW. I feel honoured &amp; proud of getting a chance to unfold his journey on-screen. Remembering him on his death anniversary &amp; embracing the new beginnings with <a href="https://twitter.com/meghnagulzar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@meghnagulzar</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RonnieScrewvala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonnieScrewvala</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/RSVPMovies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSVPMovies</a> <a href="https://t.co/ozyUO69wKV">pic.twitter.com/ozyUO69wKV</a>&mdash; Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) <a href="https://twitter.com/vickykaushal09/status/1144107310857383936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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 Meghna Gulzar of Raazi fame will direct the movie which will be produced by Ronnie Screwvala. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">A Soldier’s Soldier. A Gentleman’s Gentleman. In remembrance, on the death anniversary of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. It is my honour to tell the story of one of India&#39;s greatest war heroes, with <a href="https://twitter.com/vickykaushal09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vickykaushal09</a> essaying the historic man!<a href="https://twitter.com/RonnieScrewvala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonnieScrewvala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RSVPMovies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSVPMovies</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ry4J7EIFjN">pic.twitter.com/Ry4J7EIFjN</a>&mdash; Meghna Gulzar (@meghnagulzar) <a href="https://twitter.com/meghnagulzar/status/1144101697477914624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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 ‘Sam Bahadur’ Known widely as Sam Bahadur, he was the Chief of Army Staff during 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war. He was the first general of the modern Indian army to be made a field marshal. Manekshaw’s career lasted four decades, and saw five wars. He also successfully masterminded the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. He died on June 27, 2008 at the age of 94, in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. “General Bipin Rawat COAS and all ranks of the Indian Army pay homage to Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw on his 11th death anniversary. Field Marshal Manekshaw, one of the world’s leading military professionals developed Indian Army into an effective instrument of war,” <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1144198766783651842">tweeted</a> ADGPI-Indian Army. The Burma Campaign The Field Marshal was born on April 3rd, 1914 and did his early schooling in Amritsar. He was amongst the first batch of 40 cadets to be selected for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and was <a href="https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1PTC2C.aspx?MnId=1+DDxl9H3tErntKfyLzp0w==&amp;ParentID=sJd1OldpEVzlIcnANQnk0g==&amp;flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==">commissioned</a> into the 12 Frontier Force Rifles in 1934. He earned fame early on in his career when he led his soldiers despite being severely wounded, during the first Burma campaign in World War II. In a rare case of its kind, his divisional Commander, Sir David Tennent Cowan, pinned his own Military Cross on to the Captain’s chest saying, “ A dead person cannot be awarded a Military Cross.” Manekshaw was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968 for his service to the nation. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Vicky Kaushal to play India’s ‘greatest war hero’ Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, MC in upcoming film; check out the striking resemblance

<ul><li>India successfully tested its Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) last night which is a part of its two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence Program (BMD).</li><li>PDV, in particular, is a missle that engages targets 50 kms above the Earth’s atmosphere. </li><li>Earlier reports suggest that the PDV could potentially replace the existing combination of missiles.</li></ul>Tensions are at a precarious point where China, Russia, the United States, Japan and, of course, India are in an arms race to beef up their economic and military arsenals. India’s newest milestone is a <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-tests-interceptor-missile-that-can-engage-targets-above-atmosphere-1920981">successful test</a> of the the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) off the eastern coast of the country. This is a part of India's two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence Program (BMD). Originally <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/drdo-readies-shield-against-chinese-icbms-41421-2009-03-09">announced</a> in 2009 as a defence requirement against China’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the PDV engages targets in the Earth’s exo-atmosphere. Targets are usually at an altitude that’s nearly 50 km above the Earth’s atmosphere. India conducted its test at around 8PM on 23 September from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of the Odisha, a state on the eastern border of India. <div type="image" title="Mahogany Photo Simple Flowcharts(2)" msid="65933731" hostid="261"></div>

 India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Program The PDV and Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) work together to destroy missiles at exo-atmospheric altitudes, and the Ashivin Advanced Defence (AAD) is in place to intercept missiles within the atmosphere at heights of 20-40kms. So, the BMD system, as of now, can allegedly target medium range ballistic missiles that are travelling between the speeds of Mach 3 and Mach 8. When the PDV was originally tested in 2014, it missed its target though the launch was still considered a success by the DRDO scientists at that time. During the second test in 2017, reports claimed that the target was destroyed at 100kms. That being said, India is also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/10/india-and-russia-ink-s-400-missile-air-defense-system-deal/">speculated</a> to have signed a deal for Russian-made S-400 Triumf advanced air defense systems, or SA-21 Growlers. The reports also suggest that the S-400’s in combination with the 40N6 surface-to-air missile, will be superior to what the PDV can accomplish. In a nuclear arms’ competition, BDM systems play a pivotal role in rendering the opposition obsolete. And, while we understand how the missile works, its true test would be in actual combat conditions. India’s BDM system puts it in an exclusive group with the United States, Russia, France, Israel and China. These are the only countries in the world with a developed missile defence system. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

India strengthens its Ballistic Missile Defence Program with a successful interceptor missile test

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/51089035.cms" />Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to up the allocation in defence by 9% to Rs 2.68 lakh crore. 
 
In the Budget 2016-17, the pension bill may go up by more than Rs 80, 000 crore. 
 
In 2015-16 budget, out of Rs 93,675 crore, Rs 77,406 crore were earmarked for acquisition of weapon systems for the three forces. 
 
However, the commitments haven’t been fulfil as yet due to payments for previous procurements were to be disbursed after reaching certain milestones. 
 
"In some cases, deliveries or milestones could not be ensured on time by the departments. This has resulted in some funds for committed liabilities also lapsing," a senior official told ET. 
 
(Image: Reuters) 
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Budget 2016: Arun Jaitley may hike defence budget allocation by 9%

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/51057235.cms" />

	 
	Considering the massive military modernization, OROP commitments and implementation of Seventh Pay Commission a hike is warranted in allocation in the upcoming Budget 2016 for Defense sector. 
	 
	Post the Gurdaspur and Pathannkot attack, the army’s main focus has been on border management. At present, it is more manpower oriented rather than technological. The border management needs a complete overhaul making it more dependent on state of the art technology. A lesson needs to be learnt from Israel whose border management is mainly monitored through technology and less on manpower. The internal security duties and frequent deployment for natural disasters too need to prepare a lot. 
	 
	More autonomy for Airforce? 
	 
	The air force is still dependent on the bureaucratic hurdle of getting the Rafale. Even after the decision of buying the 36 fighters off the shelf, the negotiations are still on. It was expected to be signed during the visit of French President on republic day, but didn’t. The good news though is about the spectacular performance of home made Tejas at the recently completed Bahrain Air Show. Tejas, a 4.5 generation aircraft like Rafale, has always been insufficiently funded by the government and undermined by the IAF with periodic rewriting of ASRs. 
	 
	Indian Navy 
	 
	The Navy showcased its growing supremacy at the recently concluded International Fleet Review (IFR). The Navy has emerged as an effective tool of Indian diplomacy in past years, making it imperative for policy-makers to redefine the role of the nation’s naval forces in Indian strategy. The Indian Navy’s role is now changed from being local sea control and shore defense orientation, to a more aggressive naval posture. India needs blue water navy not only to meet emerging naval threats from Pakistan and China. It also has to safeguard strategic location at the center of the Indian Ocean as well as to protect its extensive exclusive economic zone. 
	 
	The Indian Navy also has a 15-year plan to achieve full indigenization in all phases of warship construction as a part of Make in India campaign. But it’s a real long time and the Navy to maintain its supremacy in Indian Ocean and to withstand the rising Chinese Navy’s ambition, still needs Submarines, Frigates and helicopters. 
	 
	Make in India 
	 
	Make in India has led to a lot possibilities for private partnership in defense which can bolster manufacturing sector. In a significant boost for the Indian Air Force, Phil Shaw, chief executive of Lockheed Martin India Private Ltd said "We are ready to manufacture F-16 in India and support the Make in India initiative," at the Singapore Airshow 2016. There have been lots of interesting deals that have been signed under Make In India campaign recently: 
	 
	1) BAE Systems to partner with Mahindra for assembling &amp; testing M777 howitzers 
	 
	2) Bharat Forge forms joint venture with Rafael; to manufacture high-tech defence components 
	 
	3)Mahindra, Airbus sign pact to form joint venture for military helicopters 
	 
	Defense allocation: India versus its neighbours 
	 
	In the neighborhood, Pakistan's defense budget has consistently been getting an almost double-digit growth meanwhile China maintains a defense budget which is three times the size of India. China’s dangerous adventures can gauged from the recent news that is has deployed surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) near a Chinese-held feature in the Paracel Island group. As reported by Fox News the missile deployment, based on analysis of satellite imagery; the news has since been confirmed by both the U.S. Department of Defense and Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND). 
	 
	Incidents of border stand-offs in the North and claiming of Aksai Chin are major irritants. Besides, India's traditional strategy to combat insurgency and terrorism remains military oriented. Combined with the ambition to extend our maritime sphere of interest, these potential threats will require India to give a boost in its defense spending. 
	 
	Looking at India’s neighborhood scenario the government needs to take a call whether it can or cannot hike the defense spending. Our defense strategy should be based on therealities of the money this government can actually spend. 
	 
	One also needs to look in to the fact that continued government’s fiscal deficit targets and the need to increase the budget allotment on Education, Health and policies for the poor farmers will also be deciding a factor if this Government can actually spend more than 2% of its GDP on defense. 
	 
	The article has been authored by defense analyst Sunil Rampore, who works as a leading consultant in defense and aerospace industry. 
	 
	Image Credit: Indiatimes.com
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Budget 2016: Can the Indian defense forces get a little more than 2% of the GDP?

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/50996018.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" />Stating that defence services and vendors were facing procedural difficulties in procurement of equipment, Vice Admiral SPS Cheema today said these procedures were being reviewed by the government.
 

	"These (procurement procedure) difficulties will be addressed in these reviews," a Navy release quoted Cheema as saying.
 

	He was speaking at the launch of the two-day clothing and footwear seminar-cum-exhibition organised for the first time by the Indian Navy here today.
 

	At the exhibition, several firms showcased their products and offerings that could be of use to defence and paramilitary forces, the release said.

	"The seminar was yet another effort by the Indian Navy towards achieving improvement in quality of clothing, smart stitching and footwear while propelling the cause of Make in India," it added.

	 
	Gautam Singhania, CMD, Raymond group delivered the keynote address on the occasion.

	 
	He apprised the audience about the developments in the textile industry, which can be of great use to the armed forces, the release said.
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Defence procurement procedures being reviewed by govt: Cheema

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	India and the Maldives today decided to deepen bilateral ties, especially in the critical sector of defence and security.
 

	Visiting Maldivian Defence and National Security Minister Adam Shareef met his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar here this evening and held delegation-level talks during which it was decided that the two nations should deepen and broaden their defence cooperation, official sources said.
 

	The development comes at a time when the Chinese are increasing their footprint in the archipelago nation.
 

	China is funding several infrastructure projects across the Maldives. The governments electoral pledges, like building a bridge between capital Male and the airport island of Hulhule and development of its main international airport, also hinges on soft loans being considered by Beijing.
 

	Chinese businesses, mostly state-owned corporations, have recently forayed into the Maldives with investments in areas such as the upmarket luxury tourism industry.
 

	The Maldives also held its second investment forum in the Chinese capital last November.
 

	External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, during her visit to Maldives in October 2015, had said that India will always be the net security provider to the Indian Ocean archipelago.
 

	She, however, had stressed that it was important to insulate both nations from trends towards radicalisation and terrorism. 
	 
	(Image credits: PIB)
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Ahead of Budget, India-Maldives to deepen defence, security ties

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49805347.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> What India was able to do in three long days, France managed to do in merely three hours. The response of two nations to terrorist attacks similar in nature reflects the alertness of the French security forces on the one hand and an embarrassing poor counter-terrorism mechanism of India on the other. 7 years on after the Mumbai carnage saw loss of 166 lives and left a nation in utter shock at the devastation, are we in any better position to deal with terrorism now? 
 
“To say that we have a strong security mechanism in place after 26/11 and we are better prepared to face a Paris or Mumbai-like attack would be an exaggeration,” says strategic analyst and former diplomat Mr Rajiv Dogra. 
 
"Had that been the case, we would not have had the Udhampur attack or for that matter the one in Gurdaspur where our cops were fighting with vintage rifles and without wearing bullet-proof vests. When they don’t have proper equipment, how can we expect them to fight off swiftly deadly terror attacks. Remember, they are fighting terrorists who carry sophisticated weapons,” he says. 
 
If we go down the memory lane, on Nov 26, 2008, the 10 AK-47 wielding Pakistani terrorists had landed in Mumbai's Badhwar Park in Colaba from the sea and laid siege to several key locations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Hotel, Chabad House and Leopold Cafe. It took three days for our men to end the terror assault by killing nine of the gunmen and nabbing Kasab who was later executed. Following the carnage, several security measures were expedited. Coastal patrolling by Navy, Coast Guard and marine police were increased sharply. The entire west coast is even today reportedly under continuous surveillance by ships and aircraft of Navy and Coast Guard, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) beefed up electronic surveillance at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal. Closed-circuit cameras, heavy-duty X-ray baggage scanners, portable baggage scanners, door-frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, canines (six of them are trackers) were put in place. Futuristic armored vehicles mounted with machine guns patrolled the iconic Gateway of India that was transformed from a bustling tourist hive to a controlled fortress. Hotel security had airport-like scanners, car bomb checks for every vehicle and armed guards. 
 
How many of them are still functional? Were they simply an impulse to public hysteria, media trial and a close scrutiny by the world, nobody really knows. There is no government transparency or accountability on what is being done despite cross-border terrorist infiltration and the ruthless deaths of our soldiers at the borders every passing minute. The question to ask is: Are we doing enough to ensure security of Indians? 
 
More efforts are needed to reduce the country's vulnerability to such terror strikes, feel experts. Look at the way UK for instance took learning from the Mumbai attacks. The British PM David Cameron recently said:“Ever since the coordinated firearms attacks in Mumbai in 2008 took place, we have all been working together to ensure we could respond to such an attack. With great degree of planning, co-ordination and a great ambition for mass casualty attacks, it is clear that the threat from ISIL (Islamic State) is evolving. And we must recognize that however strong we are, however much we prepare, we in the UK face the same threat.” ​ 
 
In view of the increasing terrorism threat that several countries face, Rajiv Dogra echoes similar concerns as the British PM on their rising power: “Look at the ISIS. It’s worrying to see how quickly they were able to mount retaliatory attacks on Russian, Lebanese and French interests. They combine speed, power, terror and indoctrination to cruel effect. All this should be of concern to us. Moreover in India's case the odds are a thousand times greater than those for other countries because there is State support to terrorists acting against India. Add to it the fact that people like Hafiz Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim roam free and the dimension of danger multiplies further.” 
 
Added to this is the incompetence of our intelligence machinery that relies heavily on the internet or telephone intercepts that are now running dry. Terrorists have become way smarter and are maintaining email and telephone secrecy thereby giving the intelligence agencies a run for their money. We keep intercepting cross-border satellite phone conversation between terrorists but are unable to decode their encrypted conversations. This proves to be a major stumble-block in combating infiltration or averting attacks. In the case of Mumbai attacks, this lapse on our part is what largely helped the terrorists in entering Mumbai fearlessly via the coastal route. 
 
In Paris, despite tight security, they were able to enter by intermingling with the locals. By hook or by crook, they have been able to mobilise support for their cause. Modern modes of communication are proving helpful to them owing to its far reach and a tool that guarantees lesser threat of them being tracked by enemies. 
 
“Terrorists are using the cyber space increasingly, a space where keeping tab is extremely difficult. Not even the best security officials in the world can do anything if a person sitting in some corner of the country is influenced by radical ISIS ideology and decides to self-destruct,” says 
Rajiv Dogra. 
 
When such difficulties are also being faced by powerful nations like the France and UK despite having modern technologies, better trained cops, sound intelligence machinery and an already tight security framework in place, it is worrying to see how India, a country that ISIS reportedly plans to take control of in the next five years, has not even begun preparing for such attacks despite being a victim of terrorism for decades. 
 
It's time we buck up because let us face it, the bitter truth is terrorists are already one step ahead of us!
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Is India better prepared for an ISIS-led Mumbai-like attack? The answer is a resounding No!

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