Tuesday 24 December 2013

we mean business': India cancels privileges for American diplomats at airports across the country

The Indian government late on Thursday issued a letter to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelling all special privileges extended to US diplomats, consular staff and families at airports across the country.
The government is walking the talk on assertive action, ensuring that the relationship between India and the US is based strictly on reciprocity.
Devyani
The US Embassy in New Delhi had been issued with 11 special diplomatic cards that entitled them to special privileges at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
Four cards were permanent, including the ambassador and the deputy chief of the mission, while seven cards were transferable, to be used by US embassy staff.
These entitled them to receive special privileges such as parking, jumping the queue at immigration counters and access to VIP lounges.
"Indian consular staff have no such privileges in the US. This was a unilateral courtesy extended to US diplomats," a highly-placed source in the government told Mail Today.
New I-cards
Sources said new diplomatic identity cards have been ordered for US diplomats, consular staff and families.
These I-cards will specify the level of diplomatic immunity a US official can enjoy in India.
 
"In the US, identity cards issued to diplomats and consular officers clearly specify the level of immunity the cardholder enjoys. In select cases, it clearly says no immunity from arrest. Similarly we will also issue identity cards to each individual based on the degree of immunity,'' a source said.

Charges: A sketch shows India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade sitting at her arraignment in Manhattan Federal Court in New York
Charges: A sketch shows India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade sitting at her arraignment in Manhattan Federal Court in New York
The Indian government will also review the status of those persons working at the American School, American Centre, and a number of other places who have diplomatic identity cards as a courtesy.
Clear directive
The government's directive is clear - no extension will be given to US diplomats and families to turn in their diplomatic identity cards by December 23.
"All identity cards will automatically stand null and void at 5pm on December 24. Fresh identity cards will be issued to the US embassy employees giving immunity on a case-to-case basis.
"So far, we were giving diplomatic immunity to all personnel, including consular and at times even those working in allied offices. But these privileges will be withdrawn on December 23,'' the source added.
Top level sources in the government insist that India is neither over-reacting nor being vindictive.
"The removal of the concrete barrier was not reducing security - only reciprocating US's move to deny Indian embassy in Washington, DC reserved parking space. We want the US to realise this time we mean business,'' said a top officer. 
 

What is the Bureau of Diplomatic Security? 

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), whose agents apprehended Devyani Khobragade on December 12, is the security and law enforcement arm of the US Department of State. 
The Bureau, the State Department's website states, is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of US foreign policy. 
In the US, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2526691/We-want-US-know-mean-business-India-cancels-privileges-American-diplomats-airports-country.html#ixzz2oPMHrgbF
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Monday 16 December 2013

Stripped, searched alongwith sex workers and drug addicts: Khobragade's ordeal


Devyani Khobragade
Devyani Khobragade
India's Deputy Consul General in New York Devyani Khobragade was stripped in custody and made to stand with common criminals, drug addicts and sex workers by the New York Police.

39-year-old Dr Khobragade, a 1999 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer was on her way to drop her children to school when she was stopped by the police and handcuffed in full public view. A shocked, Dr Khobragade protested immediately saying she is a diplomat and enjoys immunity. But there was worse in store. She was handcuffed, taken to a police station where she was stripped and searched.

"This is in grave violation of the Vienna Convention. The US authorities knew she was a diplomat and yet they deliberately humiliated her. The US is well aware of the legal status of the case with the domestic help which was being pursued in a court of law in India. In fact India sought US help in the case. Yet the deliberate insult," sources said.

The New York Police, sources say were "following orders" that came from "higher ups."

"With United Nations in New York, diplomats from across the world live and work there. The New York Police knows better than to arrest and strip search diplomats. This was a move aimed to send a message and test India's response," sources added.

This is the second time the police in New York did so. The first time a diplomat's young daughter was arrested and locked up on false charges. India protested but the feeble protest appears to have emboldened the US further.

But this time India refuses to take it lying down. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday refused to meet a bipartisan US Congressional delegation. "The speaker was extremely angry not because Dr Khobragade is a Dalit, but because the US did this to a woman diplomat, a mother of two. She is impressed by the manner in which Dr Khobragade handled herself with dignity. But as a former diplomat and a woman, Meira Kumar wanted to send a message,'' sources in Parliament said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar
Not just Meira Kumar, even Shiv Shankar Menon, the national security advisor refused to meet the US Congressional delegation. "Whatever the provocation, the US government had no business to behave in the manner in which they did. It is not an error of judgement by one police officer. This is far more serious," sources added.

Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh who has just returned from the US had summoned US ambassador Nancy Powell and protested the treatment meted out to Dr Khobragade.

The government says the matter is being taken up with the US and the ill treatment of the woman diplomat by US is "unacceptable."

"The American violence against Dr Khobragade is nothing short of barbaric. It is shocking that details should come out on a day when the nation is still recovering from the shock of the incident of violence against Nirbhaya. Is there any difference between the criminals who acted against Nirbhaya and the New York authorities who have scarred the children of an able diplomat so horribly," Rajiv Dogra, India's former ambassador to Italy said.

Sunday 24 November 2013

Afghanistan seeks tanks, field artillery and attack helicopters from India

Afghanistan seeks tanks, field artillery and attack helicopters from India

150 battle tanks, 120 (105 mm) field guns, a large number of 82 mm mortars, one medium lift transport aircraft (AN-32), two squadrons of medium lift (24) and attack helicopters (24) and a large number of trucks and jeeps form a part of the wish list that Afghanistan has handed over to New Delhi to arm itself ahead of the 2014 NATO draw down. Afghanistan has also sought allied paraphernalia for training, maintenance and upkeep of the equipment.

Highly placed sources in the government have told Headlines Today that Afghanistan army also wants New Delhi to set up a military training facility for its officers and soldiers in Afghanistan and provide a training team immediately. The training is for English language, counter insurgency operations, ordnance-weapons & stores management and also vehicle repairs.

This is assistance apart from the 2 billion dollar aid India is providing to rebuild Afghanistan. India is providing a 2 billion US dollar line of credit to Afghanistan for infrastructure development projects including construction of dams, roads, bridges, Parliament, Schools, hospitals and training facilities. "India is working very closely with the US, Russia and several other countries on Afghanistan-post 2014 draw down and all like minded powers have one goal. Afghanistan cannot be permitted to slide back into the tumultuous days of Taliban at any cost. An effort is being made to synchronize the rebuilding effort,'' sources said.

And in a powerful signal to India, Afghanistan has turned down Pakistan's request for both training their service personnel and a generous line of credit to take "what they want'' from Pakistan ordnance factories. "Pakistan's all powerful Army Chief General Ashfq Pervez Kayani had visited Afghanistan and offered to train the Afghanistan army - both officers and men and also equip the Afghanistan army. One officer even attended the Command and Staff College in Quetta but in his assessment report after the course said officers in future should be sent to Staff College, Wellington (India),'' sources added.

More than 400 Afghan army officers have trained at National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakvasla, Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun and Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai in the past three years alone. A total of 1200 Afghan National Army officers have been trained by India. "And back in Afghanistan they proudly wear the NDA, IMA & OTA insignia on their uniform. Though the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has set up a training base for Afghan officers and enlisted men in Afghanistan itself - communication remains an issue. Therefore they prefer to undergo training in India. We give pre-commission training to 50 officers every year - but call for 150 applications and the cadets undergo an examination similar to services selection board (SSB) in Kabul itself,'' sources added. India does not weed out applicants based on their ethnic background. India is training Afghan cadets and officers from diverse ethno-religious backgrounds including Pashtun, Tajik and Uzbeks.

Afghanistan has also sought Indian assistance is setting up Base Repair Workshops for equipment. "A lot of equipment has been provided to them by different countries. They have so far been adopting a use and throw policy. That is very expensive and cannot be sustained. They have made an urgent request to help set up repair workshops and train their personnel in workshop operations and inventory management. Given the fact they have equipment from roughly 30 countries their inventories are also vast and almost unmanageable. This is one area where we are actively helping them,'' sources added.

Top level government sources have told Headlines Today that the prime minister's office is not very inclined to give lethal military hardware to the current Afghan army. "While India is focusing on capacity building, training and infrastructure, the NATO forces have so far been providing arms and ammunition to the Afghan army. 80 per cent of Afghan army equipment comes from NATO forces. The Afghan army is well provided for - when it comes to small arms, ammunition and infantry support weapons. However, there are real fears that area destruction weapons and tanks, artillery etc. could end up in wrong hands post 2014 US army drawdown. Therefore we prefer to adopt a wait and watch policy,'' sources added. India hopes ISAF will train and adequately arm the ANA before the 'final draw down' not just with infantry weapons but also Artillery, Tanks and other area domination weapons.

There is a small group that believes India should share weapons with the Afghan army and build their capacity to withstand a Taliban onslaught post 2014 drawdown. A defeatist mentality will only weaken the young Afghan army further. For now both the US and India appear to be adopting a wait and watch policy to see Afghan election results.

Speaking to Headlines Today Ambassador Jayant Prasad, India's former Ambassador to Afghanistan said: "India has always been a reliable partner of Afghanistan and there are three features that will define India-Afghan partnership for all times to come, perseverance, balance and adaptability. We will see the circumstances and do what ever is required to make Afghanistan stable and prosperous and that holds true of the defence sector too.''

Former Director General Military Intelligence (DGMI) Lt Gen Ravi Sawhney concurs. "Afghan National army needs an artillery Brigade and Armoured Brigade for protection against Taliban. India has stood by Afghanistan in its darkest days when they were practically abandoned by the world. We have a long term commitment to stabilize Afghanistan and India will not let them down.''


Wednesday 6 November 2013

IAF PULLS NO PUNCHES, LASHES OUT AT HAL

GAURAV C SAWANT
NOVEMBER 6

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has 150 Billion US Dollars worth of defence deals planned for the next 15 years and all the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will get is crumbs off the table. And that is because the HAL has not developed into an agency that can provide cutting edge state of the art technology to the IAF.

The IAF is miffed with HAL for not meeting deadlines, delivering cutting edge research and development or even keeping pace with international aviation giants. ``HAL has not been able to transform itself into a forward looking aerospace hub when compared to other agencies like Israeli Aircraft Industry or even Embraer of Brazil that started around the same time,’’ Air Marshal PP Reddy, director general flight safety and inspection said today. Speaking to Headlines Today on the sidelines of a conference on Challenges and Opportunities in Aerospace, Air Marshal Reddy insisted the way forward was more foreign direct investment in Defence sector. The IAF is at odds with defence minister AK Antony who barely three weeks ago put his foot down on 26 per cent FDI in defence.

``Aviation industry is capital intensive. There are long incubation periods. In this sector in India FDI was not permitted till 1991 and even now only 26 per cent is permitted which international players do not find attractive. Why restrict FDI? We need to think about it,’’ Reddy said. He drew parallels with international players like Agusta Westland saying it is owned by Finnmeccanica and UK had no problem having it. ``France, UK, US are countries where government contributes on R&D in the civil aviation sector too. There is no support to the same here. That needs to change,’’ he added.

The Air Warrior did not pull his punches taking on HAL. ``India is the largest importer of arms. A major portion of this is in the aerospace sector. 10-12 billion dollars which is 30-40 per cent of the defence budget is spent on purchases because the Indian aerospace industry has not been able to deliver,’’ he said. The IAF is cut up with HAL for not being able to meet its requirements. While HAL was on the ball in terms of R&D in the 1970s and 80s when it came up with Marut, Kiran and Ajit trainers, it could not keep pace with IAF requirements in the 80s. The HAL has still not been able to deliver an Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) to the IAF. ``Does the problem lie with the bureaucracy or lack of competition?’’ Air Marshal Reddy asks. There are challenges and solutions need to be found.

Aircraft engines and avionics will be a major chunk of purchases in the 150 billion dollar deals over the next decade and a half. ``However I am sad to say we even have to purchase washer and nuts from abroad,’’ Reddy added. The IAF hopes this tough talk will compel the aviation sector do look within and come up with quality control and meet deadlines on delivery. Speaking to Headlines Today SK Mittal, GM acquisition HAL said there had been delays and deadlines were missed but HAL was trying to deliver on time. ``As the end user the IAF is well within its rights to complain about delays and deadlines not being met. However, there are circumstances at times beyond our control which we are trying to overcome.’’

Thursday 31 October 2013

IS MEDIA ESCALATING INDIA-PAK TENSION? MY PAPER AT AN INDIA-PAK PEACE INITIATIVE

Good afternoon ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Gaurav Sawant and I am your punching bag for the session.

I want to begin by playing out a one minute long clip of a question I posed to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on board his special flight, when he was returning, after a 5 day two nation tour of Russia and China on 24th of October.

(PLAY CLIP)

Question (Gaurav C Sawant, Editor Headlines Today/Aaj Tak): Its been over three weeks since you met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in New York. Firing, Prime Minister, has not only increased at the LoC but also along the international border, are you disappointed with Nawaz Sharif and if Pakistan continues to fire, how should we respond Prime Minister?

Answer (Prime Minister): Let me say that I am disappointed, because in the New York meeting there was a general agreement on both the sides that peace and tranquillity should be maintained on the border, on the Line of Control as well as on the international border and this has not happened. It has come to me as a big disappointment. We had agreed at that meeting that the ceasefire which was made effective in 2003, if it has held ground for 10 years, it could be made to hold ground later on also. The fact that this is not happening, is something which is really a matter of disappointment. I sincerely hope that at this late hour Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will recognize that this is a development which is not good for either of the two countries.

(END CLIP)

Dr Manmohan Singh as you all acknowledge has invested a lot in peace with Pakistan. And he is a disappointed man. So is the nation. And we in the media, only reflect public opinion in general.

I want to ask a couple of questions -

By reporting Ceasefire violations along the LoC and IB and its impact on soldiers and civilians are we, the media, escalating India-Pak tensions? Or are those who violate the CFA (ceasefire agreement) escalating tensions?

By reporting that in August 2013 Hafiz Mohammed Saeed was leading the Eid prayers at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore and that he is the mastermind of a series of terror attacks across India, are we escalating India-Pakistan tensions? Or are those who turn Nelson’s Eye and are seen to be encouraging Saeed’s anti India activities escalating tensions?

It is Pakistan’s worst kept secret that Dawood Ibrahim wanted in India for 1993 blasts that killed 257 innocent Indians lives like a king in Karachi. Are we escalating tension by exposing Dawood and Pak double speak or are those who harbour terrorists like Dawood and Indian Mujahideen’s Bhatkal brothers escalating tension?

Ladies and gentlemen in my 19 years as a journalist I have covered almost all major terror attacks in India. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore….the smell of burnt flesh, the sight of charred remains and wailing families are something I have seen and reported on.

I reflect public resentment at Pakistan’s double cross and our government’s unnecessary accommodation of Pakistani sensitivities and engagement with Pakistan at all costs.

SOCIAL MEDIA

If you think TV is bad, twitter and face book are a good barometer to gauge public opinion. While some may be fringe elements, not all on twitter represent the fringe. From prominent voices in the country to the aam admi, just search India-Pakistan and you will see media is just telling you what the nation feels.

My information is not based on documents leaked by the deep state – propaganda against Pakistan - but on solid evidence that has been processed through courts of law in India and abroad.

I was in the Chicago federal court day in and day out covering the Tahawwur Hussein Rana trial and David Coleman Headley confessions. The FBI exposed the role of Pakistani state in the activities of Rana and Headley – not just in terror activities in India but also in Denmark.

It is in Pakistan’s interest to investigate those who dealt with Headley. Did Pakistan do so?

26/11 probe was a text book investigation. From Kasab’s confessions, to intercepting telephone conversations, to the Yamaha engine being sold by Japan to Pakistan to interrogation of Abu Jundal, deported from a friendly Arab country.

Ladies and gentlemen, Pakistan recently tried to stop the extradition of a terrorist from a friendly gulf country – going to the extent of producing a Pakistani passport and family in court. The Indian government then had to produce DNA samples to prove he was an Indian. 

That is how much Pakistan cooperates in the war on terror.

Ladies and gentlemen I want to ask one question:-

When your house is on fire what do you do?

Do you politely, with a glass of wine and caviar in your hand mumble apologetically terror should stop or do you scream from the roof top?

Ladies and gentlemen that is exactly what we in the media are doing. Screaming from the roof top – wake up. Stop this Pakistan sponsored terror.

Tell us are we wrong on FACTS?

I completely reject the theory it is a TRP game. This is far more serious than TRPs. 167 dead in Mumbai, over 100 ceasefire violations in two months alone, we just lost a lieutenant colonel in Samba, a JCO in Uri yesterday. This is not TRPs – at least not for me or the group I work for.

We demand accountability from our own government and as citizens of the world – from the Pakistani government. And we are glad our counterparts in Pakistan are doing the same. Asking tough questions. It was after all a Pakistani channel, Geo News, that first reached Kasab’s village and proved it to the world that he was a Pakistani terrorist.

India has changed. Something snapped during 26/11. Now we want answers. We don’t want war. Nobody is war mongering but it cannot be business as usual without the real perpetrators of 26/1 being punished and terror machinery aimed at India being shut down.

There will be no war. But the media will continue to expose you..and embarrass you…there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

And it is happening already. The recent arrest of Yasin Bhatkal has given even more information on the role that Pakistani deep state has played in sponsoring terror.

We must remain engaged is good. But is the media wrong when we ask what’s the goal?

Pak says TALK Kashmir. Ok so what on Kashmir? Can Pak take Kashmir by force? 1947, 65, 71, Kargil, terror – it is not happening by force and as you now realize, each time it hurts Pakistan even more.

Hot pursuit, surgical strikes, covert action – when media talks about options on the table – even our own government is critical of our debates. But it is good there is awareness in the masses and that brings more accountability from the system. Ours for sure, yours hopefully.

But at the same time nobody should have that Asha that ads in newspapers will bring aman. Even if you have full page aman ki asha ads, they ring hollow when the the front page is all about innocent Indian civilians or soldiers killed in Pak sponsored terror attacks.

CONCLUSION

1.   Accept the fact every time there is a terror attack, media will ask tough questions.

2.   Such is the nature of the beast that the questions will be biting and will hurt.

3.   Media is not war mongering. Media does not want war at the same time media also does not want perpetrators go unpunished.

4.   All options on the table, surgical strikes, drone attacks, covert operations are being discussed – at media level not government level. We have war gamed a surgical strike in Pakistan in our studio and told our viewers it will not bring a long lasting solution.

5.   If you dismiss evidence that convicted Kasab & Headley as hear say and literature – you expose yourself – your own lack of will or inability to deal with the real issue.

6.   There is total transparency in India – from LoC to Samba to beheading – we ask our government tough questions. I hope one day you in Pakistan will also ask your army and government the same tough questions. Why is Pak aiding, abeting and spreading terror across India, and Indian interests in Afghanistan.


WAY FORWARD

1.   ENGAGE WITH AS MANY JOURNALISTS ON BOTH SIDES AS POSSIBLE.

2.   LET THERE NOT BE A COSY CLUB OF LIKE MINDED JOURNALISTS LIKE SOME ORGANISATIONS HAVE BECOME. OTHERWISE YOU ARE ONLY PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED AND ENJOYING GOOD WHISKEY.

3.   SEND TV JOURNALISTS TO EACH OTHER’S ORGANISATION. SPEND A MONTH OR TWO IN EACH OTHER’S ORGANISATION. THEN YOU APPRECIATE THE OTHER BETTER.

4.   HAVE SEGMENTS OF NEWS FROM EACH OTHER’S COUNTRIES – GOOD & BAD. HAVE THEM ANCHORED FROM THEIR STUDIOS – EXPENSIVE – BUT DO-ABLE.

5.   Terror & talks cannot happen simultaneously. Go after elements that spread terror. Like Dr Singh told the Chinese premier Li Keiqiang – the friendship will grow but has to be built on the foundation of peace and tranquility along the Sino-Indian border.

We have to have peace at the borders and ensure Jihad tap is turned off. Then ladies and gentlemen sky is the limit.

And we could actually be reporting on a cricket match or an Indian movie being shot in Lahore and there’d be no resentment to Pakistani artists in Mumbai.

Thank you!

Monday 21 October 2013

Pakistan under watch: India hardens stance after repeated ceasefire violations

Pakistan under watch: India hardens stance after repeated ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts

Two Pakistani militants caught trying to corss the LOC at Kupwara on Oct 15, 2013. PTI
Pakistan is under watch after a series of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border, top government sources said on Sunday.

Even as Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tried once again to internationalise the Kashmir issue in the US, government sources in Moscow said, for forward movement of peace talks Pakistan has to restore peace along the LoC first.

J&K is a bilateral issue and there was no place for any third party, they said.

India, at the highest level, is also assessing if Pakistan is actually serious about restoring peace along the LoC. 

"The Director Generals of Military Operation (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan are constantly in touch and have been tasked to look for ways to restore peace and tranquility along the LoC. Let us give them a chance. We are assessing whether there is seriousness on the part of Pakistan to restore peace," government sources said.

The government's initial assessment clearly indicates that the ceasefire violations this year are more serious than before and there is a change in the pattern. "Till last year, these ceasefire violations were linked to infiltration. But this year, they are more than earlier. Usually, there is an increase because Pakistan tries to push in more terrorists in the higher reaches (like in Keran-Kupwara sector) before the snow comes in. We are now analyzing the reason for change in pattern. It (infiltration and ceasefire violations) is more than last year," sources added.

Government sources, however, refused to speculate whether this increase in infiltration and ceasefire violations along the LoC was happening with clearance from the civilian leadership in Pakistan or was the army acting of their own accord.
Take Our Poll: Should Indo-Pak peace talks continue?

There has been a recent hardening of stance on Pakistan-sponsored terror and firing along the LoC. Government sources indicate Pakistan has been keen on engagement between the foreign secretaries of the two countries on the issue but India has turned down the request.

This issue of ceasefire violation by Pakistan army (along the 771.2 km LoC and 200-km long international border) has to be sorted out by the DGMOs. However, no dates have so far been fixed for the DGMOs' meet. "They have been in touch. We need to give them time. Wait for the assessment and then move further,'' sources added.

SHUT JIHAD FACTORIES, INDIA-RUSSIA TELL PAK

GAURAV C. SAWANT
MOSCOW, OCT 22

In perhaps its harshest ever indictment of Pakistan sponsored terror without naming Islamabad, in a joint statement with Russia, New Delhi and Moscow said states that provide aid, abetment and shelter for terrorist activities are themselves as guilty as the actual perpetrators of terrorism. India and Russia called out to Pakistan to shut down the jihad factories operating out of Pakistan.

``They need to irreversibly shut down terrorist networks, organizations and infrastructure and show tangible movement in investigating and bringing quickly to justice all those responsible for acts of terrorism,’’ reads the joint statement issued after the longer than expected meeting between prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Top ranking diplomats Headlines Today spoke to confirmed this is so far the strongest and the most direct statement on the need to stop state sponsored terror and check international terror financing.

In a direct reference to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the joint statement reads: ``both countries agreed that there cannot be ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other justification to acts of terrorism. Incidents such as Mumbai Terror attacks or Beslan terrorist attack which resulted in the death of numerous innocent civilians cannot be justified on any grounds.’’

Though the joint statement does not name Pakistan, foreign secretary Sujatha Singh told journalists in Moscow that terror emanating from Pakistan and its spill over (into India and Afghanistan) was discussed. ``Terror has to be condemned in all its forms and there should be no tolerance for sheltering, arming, training or financing of terrorists,’’ she said. There is convergence of views between India and Russia on need to shut down terror factories that operate out of Pakistan and Islamabad’s reluctance to act against elements like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar. Terrorists operating out of Muridke and Swat region pose not only a direct threat to India but also to Afghanistan and other regional players.

Putin and Singh discussed the emerging situation in Afghanistan post the US draw down in 2014. Russia, however, sees a role for Pakistan in trying to contain the negative fallout in the region. India is trying to forge a wider alliance of regional powers to ensure terror factories are not only shut down but Pakistan takes effective measures to ensure they are not reopened.

``In multi ethnic and democratic societies such as India and the Russian Federation terrorist acts perpetrated under misleading slogans are in reality attacks on freedom and are aimed at undermining the territorial integrity of our nations,’’ says the statement. In a direct reference to Pakistan, the statement says ``such acts may have international linkages extending across and beyond the borders. States that provide aid, abet and shelter such terrorist activities are themselves as guilty as the actual perpetrators of terrorism,’’ the joint statement adds.



Saturday 19 October 2013

Pakistan still poses biggest threat to national security says Ministry of Defence

Pakistan still poses biggest threat to national security says Ministry of Defence

"Pakistan remains the principal national security threat to India in all military dimensions," says an internal assessment by the Ministry of Defence shared with other agencies and key lawmakers. 
The backgrounder note accessed by Headlines Today says the expanding footprints of extremists and terrorist organisations in Pakistan and their linkages with radical activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) pose a clear threat to India's security. 
The report ties up with the latest ground assessment on "increasing Pakistani footprint" in terrorist activities in north and south of Pir Panjal - both along the line of control and in depth areas. 
Indian police officials take position behind a vehicle during an attack by militants backed by Pakistan at Mesar in Samba District, 20kms south-east of Jammu
Indian police officials take position behind a vehicle during an attack by militants backed by Pakistan at Mesar in Samba District, 20kms south-east of Jammu
The report says Pakistan continues to be embattled with sectarian violence and that several non-state actors continue to operate with impunity. 
"Regardless of the internal political dynamics of its country, the Pakistani army remains implacably hostile to India as a fundamental strategic principle," it said.
"Based on intelligence inputs and recent activities along the LoC, especially in north Kashmir - Shalbhot, Gujjardur and Fateh Gali operations - we have assessed that Pakistan has raised specialist troops to launch probe operations. 
"Once the highly trained in combat probe party engages with security forces or finds gaps along the LoC, the rest of the infiltration party penetrates and rushes for depth areas," sources said. 
Adding weight to the MoD report, sources in Udhampur-based Northern Command said: "Pakistan is preparing a Hybrid unit of specialist troops for simultaneous border action, which includes killing and beheading of jawans, and infiltration along the 772 km-long LoC." 
And that is not all. The report raises the alarm by telling policymakers that "in view of the threat perception, defence preparedness is ensured by the three services through a mix of border management and deployment. Our armed forces must be prepared for a full-fledged war with offensive capabilities against our adversaries." 
Sources on the ground say that with the J&K assembly and general elections, and US forces drawing down in Afghanistan, in the coming months they see increased terrorist movement being directly helped by the Pakistan army. 
The recent Keran operation is being seen as part of the new terror policy adopted by Pakistan. 
"In Keran sector, Pakistan army resorted to heavy firing, at times firing 1,000 rounds of medium and heavy machine guns in one night (September 24) to help its specialist troops infiltrate. The infiltrators usually return when challenged, but in this case they engaged the security forces for 3-4 days," sources say. 
Ultimately when they could not break through from here, they returned only to try from adjoining sectors. 
Commanders on ground concur with the MoD assessment that, "provocations by Pakistan cannot be ruled out, it is our (government) resolve that our response should be to retaliate in a manner that will deter Pakistan from such actions."