Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 1965 war hero

Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 1965 war hero Arjan Singh dies at 98

Arjan Singh, who led the IAF during the India-Pakistan war in 1965, is considered an icon and a war hero. “India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh," said PM Modi.

File photo of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, famous for his role in the the 1965 India- Pakistan war. He passed away at the age of 98 (PTI Photo)

Arjan Singh, Marshal of the Indian Air Force and the only officer of the force to be promoted to five-star rank, died Saturday at the Army Research and Referral hospital in New Delhi. He was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition after he suffered a cardiac arrest this morning, the Defence Ministry said. He was being treated at the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences Centre of the hospital.

Singh, who led the IAF during the India-Pakistan war in 1965, is considered an icon and a war hero. He was visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ,  Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and chiefs of three forces in the hospital. The Punjab government has declared three days of mourning as mark of respect to the Marshal of IAF.

“India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. We remember his outstanding service to the nation. Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh’s determined focus on capacity building in the IAF added great strength to our defence capabilities. India will never forget the excellent leadership of Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh in 1965, when the IAF saw substantial action,” said PM Modi in a series of tweets.

“Sometime back I met him, who despite his ill health tried to get up to salute even though I said no. Such was his soldier discipline. My thoughts are with his family & those mourning the demise of a distinguished air warrior & fine human, Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh. RIP,” he added.

Singh was born on April 15, 1919 in undivided Punjab and went on to be selected for the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell in 1938 when he was just 19. He flew Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North Western Frontier Province as a member of the No.1 IAF Squadron as part of his first posting. He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944 and received the Distinguished Flying Cross the same year for successfully leading the squadron during combat. On 15 August 1947, he was given the honour of leading the fly-past of more than a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort in the national capital. In August 1964, Singh took over as the Chief of Air Staff (CoAS) in the rank of Air Marshal.

“A testing time came in September 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam, in which an armoured thrust targeted the vital town of Akhnur, he was summoned into the Defence Minister’s office with a request for air support. When asked how quickly the IAF will be ready for operations,he replied with his characteristic nonchalance,”…in an hour”. And true to his word, the Air Force struck the Pakistani offensive in an hour. He led the IAF through the war showing unparalleled leadership,” a government release said.

Known to be an officer who has flown over 60 aircraft throughout his service, he remained a flyer until the end of his illustrious career.

Following his retirement, Singh served as an ambassador to Switzerland in 1971, concurrently serving as the ambassador to Vatican as well. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his leadership during the 1965 war.

“Arjan Singh was and remains a source of inspiration to generations of Indians,” the government release said.

source : Indian Express

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव ने भारतीय वायु सेना के वायुसेना उपप्रमुख का कार्यभार संभाला

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव , पीवीएसएम एवीएसएम वीएम वीएसएम एडीसी, ने आज वायुसेना मुख्‍यालय में वायुसेना उप-प्रमुख का कार्यभार सँभाल लिया। वायुसेना उप-प्रमुख का पदभार संभालने से पूर्व उन्‍होंने आज सुबह इंडिया गेट स्‍थित अमर जवान ज्योति पर श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। वायुसेना मुख्यालय (वायु भवन) में उनके आगमन पर एयर मार्शल को एक औपचारिक गार्ड ऑफ ऑनर दिया गया।

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव को 15 जून 1979 को भारतीय वायुसेना में एक लड़ाकू पायलट के रूप में नियुक्‍त किया गया था। वह राष्ट्रीय रक्षा अकादमी और डिफेंस सर्विसेज स्टाफ कॉलेजवेलिंगटन के छात्र रह चुके हैं। वह 3800 से अधिक घंटे के उड़ान संचालन और प्रशिक्षण उड़ान के साथ एक एफसीएल (फाइटर कॉम्‍बेट लीडर) और एक "कैट ए" अहर्ताप्राप्‍त फ्लाइंग प्रशिक्षक हैं।

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव एक प्रमुख फाइटर बेस के एओसी भी रहे हैं। उन्होंने मिग-21 बीआईएसओएन स्क्वाड्रन की कमान के अलावा एक सिंगल यूनिट और एक फॉरवरर्ड बेस के प्रमुख अभियान अधिकारी की भी कमान संभाली है। सिग्नल यूनिट के स्टेशन कमांडर के रूप में उन्होंने भारतीय वायु सेना में आधुनिक परिसंपत्तियों और सेंसरों को शामिल करने में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाई। वायुसेना उपप्रमुख के तौर पर पदभार संभालने से पहले वे पश्चिमी वायु कमान (डब्ल्यूएसी) के एओसी-इन-सी, पूर्वी वायु कमान (ईएसी) एओसी-इन-सी, वायु सेना (संचालन) के महानिदेशक, एओसी कोबरा ग्रुप, एडी कमांडर और सीएसी मुख्यालय में एयर आई और विभिन्न स्टाफ नियुक्तियों पर कार्यभार सँभाला और वायुसेना मुख्‍यालय (वीबी) में ऑपरेशन/प्‍लान्‍स निदेशालय में कार्य किया।

उनकी सराहनीय सेवा और असाधारण कार्य के लिए उन्‍हें राष्‍ट्रपति के द्वारा परम विशिष्ट सेवा पदक, अति विशिष्ट सेवा पदक, वायु सेना पदक, विशिष्ट सेवा पदक और एडीसी से सम्मानित किया गया।

उनकी पत्‍नी श्रीमती अंजना देव हैं, उनके एक पुत्र भारतीय वायुसेना में एक लड़ाकू पायलट हैं। एयर मार्शल देव एक प्रबुद्ध पाठक हैं और रचनात्मक लेखन और प्रौद्योगिकी के क्षेत्र में रुचि रखते हैं।

***

एसएस-6599

(Release ID 57899)

Modi government offers to buy 200 foreign combat jets…if they’re Made-in-India - Indian Express

The Indian Air Force is desperately trying to speed up other acquisitions and arrest a fall in operational strength, now a third less than required to face both China and Pakistan.

By: Reuters | New Delhi | Updated: October 29, 2016 6:13 pm

Dassault Rafale fighter jets fly over the Pyramid of the Louvre Museum as part of a rehearsal of the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris, France, July 11, 2016. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

India is offering to buy hundreds of fighter planes from foreign manufacturers – as long as the jets are made in India and with a local partner, air force officials say. A deal for 200 single-engine planes produced in India – which the air force says could rise to 300 as it fully phases out ageing Soviet-era aircraft – could be worth anything from $13-$15 billion, experts say, potentially one of the country’s biggest military aircraft deals. After a deal to buy high-end Rafale planes from France’s Dassault was scaled back to just 36 jets last month, the Indian Air Force is desperately trying to speed up other acquisitions and arrest a fall in operational strength, now a third less than required to face both China and Pakistan.

But Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration wants any further military planes to be built in India with an Indian partner to kickstart a domestic aircraft industry, and end an expensive addiction to imports. Lockheed Martin said it is interested in setting up a production line for its F-16 plane in India for not just the Indian military, but also for export.

And Sweden’s Saab has offered a rival production line for its Gripen aircraft, setting up an early contest for one of the biggest military plane deals in play.

“The immediate shortfall is 200. That would be the minimum we would be looking at,” said an air officer briefed on the Make-in-India plans under which a foreign manufacturer will partner local firms to build the aircraft with technology transfer.

India’s defence ministry has written to several companies asking if they would be willing to set up an assembly line for single-engine fighter planes in India and the amount of technology transfer that would happen, another government source said.

“We are testing the waters, testing the foreign firms’ willingness to move production here and to find out their expectations,” the person said.

OPERATIONAL GAPS

India’s air force originally planned for 126 Rafale twin-engine fighters from Dassault, but the two sides could not agree on the terms of local production with a state-run Indian firm and settled for 36 planes in a fly-away condition.

Adding to the military’s problems is India’s three-decade effort to build a single-engine fighter of its own which was meant to be the backbone of the air force. Only two of those Light Combat Aircraft, called Tejas, have been delivered to the air force which has ordered 140 of them.

The Indian Air Force is down to 32 operational squadrons compared with the 45 it has said are necessary, and in March the vice chief Air Marshal B.S. Dhanoa told parliament’s defence committee that it didn’t have the operational strength to fight a two front war against China and Pakistan.

JET MAKERS RESPOND

Saab said it was ready to not only produce its frontline Gripen fighter in India, but help build a local aviation industry base.

“We are very experienced in transfer of technology – our way of working involves extensive cooperation with our partners to establish a complete ecosystem, not just an assembly line,” said Jan Widerström, Chairman and Managing Director, Saab India Technologies.

He confirmed Saab had received the letter from the Indian government seeking a fourth generation fighter. A source close to the company said that while there was no minimum order set in stone for it to lay down a production line, they would expect to build at least 100 planes at the facility.

Lockheed Martin said it had responded to the defence ministry’s letter with an offer to transfer the entire production of its F-16 fighter to India.

“Exclusive F-16 production in India would make India home to the world’s only F-16 production facility, a leading exporter of advanced fighter aircraft, and offer Indian industry the opportunity to become an integral part of the world’s largest fighter aircraft supply chain,” Abhay Paranjape, National Executive for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Business Development in India said in an email.

U.S. TOP SUPPLIER
Lockheed’s offer comes on the back of expanding U.S.-India military ties in which Washington has emerged as India’s top arms supplier in recent years, ousting old ally Russia.

Earlier this year Boeing also offered India its twin-engine F/A-18 Hornets, but the level of technology transfer was not clear. India has never previously attempted to build a modern aircraft production line, whether military or civilian. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has assembled Russian combat jets including the Su-30, but these are under licensed production.

“We have never had control over technology. This represents the most serious attempt to build a domestic base. A full or a near-full tech transfer lays the ground for further development,” said retired Indian air marshal M. Matheswaran, a former adviser at HAL.

He said the Indian government would be looking at producing at least 200 fighters, and then probably some more, to make up for the decades of delay in modernising the air force.

Indian Express

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25 Years On, Air Force Memorialises Death of 28 in IAF Plane Crash By Kiran Parashar K M

 

Published: 25th March 2016 06:03 AM  Last Updated: 25th March 2016 06:09 AM

 

On March 25, 1991, around 8 am, a group of young and enthusiastic Indian Air Force technical trainees were eagerly waiting for their first travel experience in a Defence aircraft. But what happened next turned out to be one of the most tragic episodes in the country’s defence memoirs. The plane crashed, leaving 25 trainees and three crew members dead, minutes after take-off.

Exactly 25 years later, families of the deceased are planning to meet in Bengaluru to commemorate the youngsters. The youths had just passed out of Air Force Technical College, Jalahalli.

The incident still haunts the air force officials who witnessed it. One of them is retired flight lieutenant Sajan Zacharias.

“We had finished 21 days of training and were eagerly waiting to travel in Avro HS 748. Most of us were boarding an aircraft for the first time,” Zacharias said.

“Around 70 promising technical trainees, aged between 22 and 24, all engineering graduates, reached Yelahanka Air Force station early in the morning. It was a part of their curriculum to travel in an air force vehicle. A senior official divided us into four to five groups and the first team boarded Avro HS 748. The others remained near the air traffic control room. Minutes after the flight took off, it crashed. It took some time to identify the flight. We were waiting anxiously and then came the confirmation that the flight which crashed was that carrying the trainee staff. We were shocked and did not know how to respond to the situation,” he said.

“Soon, a senior official came and asked us to call our parents and inform them that we are safe.

“The team was yet to come out of the shock after the incident. A few days later, there were many senior officials from Defence who came to us and gave motivational speeches. They said we have to move forward after we lose our loved ones.”

‘We Look At March 25 As The Day We Were Reborn’

Every year on March 25, I look at the day as the one I was reborn and ask myself what have I contributed to the country in this second life. It could have been any of us that day. I feel, we should never take life for granted,” said retired flight lieutenant Sajan Zacharias, who now trains people from various sectors about life skills.

The Man Who Carried the Coffins

Retired Wing Commander A K Das, who was a 22-year-old engineering graduate then, was also among those who was at the accident spot on the fateful day.

“Twenty-five years after the incident, we still remember those people who passed away in the crash,” he said.

Recalling the aftermath of the incident, Das said, “On March 28, I was among the trainees who carried the coffins to Wilson Garden crematorium. The people I had met only a few days ago were now in coffins I was carrying. It was a shocker. However, being in defence, one has to be positive enough to handle such a situation.”

“I was also asked to coordinate with the family members of the deceased who rushed to Bengaluru the very next day. They had many questions for us. They were in shock and were heartbroken. Though we were still recovering from the shock, we took care of the victims’ families.”

Father Sets up Memorial for Son

Pilot Officer Vikram Chowhan’s father Colonel M P S Chowhan set up a school in his son’s name — Vikram Bal Vidya Mandir — near his ancestral village in Uttar Pradesh.

The school has at least 1,000 students from nearby villages and has been donated to the Uttar Pradesh government for its functioning.

Col Chowhan passed away in 2013.

avro hs 748 air tragedy march 25, 1991

Twenty-five years after a plane crash at Yelahanka Air Force Station left 25 IAF technical trainees and three crew members dead, families of the deceased plan to commemorate their loved ones in Bengaluru

An Indian Air Force Avro aircraft crashes at the Yelahanka Air Force Station on March 25, 1991, killing 28

Those killed include crew members and cadet technical officers of Air Force Technical College, Jalahalli

Soon after take-off, pilot reports a technical snag. the plane touches down the airfield’s rocky terrain

Fire tenders put off the flames within 15 minutes of the crash but find only the charred remains of the victims

8.15 am crash-land

Following technical snag, the pilot tries to forcefully land, causing the plane to go up in flames

The AVRO that Crashed

The Indian Air Force AVRO HS-748 was manufactured under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at Kanpur in the mid-sixties. It was among the first batch of AVROs handed over to the Air Force for transport duties.

The AVRO that Crashed

The Indian Air Force AVRO HS-748 was manufactured under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at Kanpur in the mid-sixties. It was among the first batch of AVROs handed over to the Air Force for transport duties.

What is AVRO 748?

The plane was being used by the VVIP communication squadron of the Indian Air Force for VIP movement. The AVROs were also used as passenger planes by Vayudoot — a regional airline which was a joint-venture between Indian Airlines and Air India.

First & The Last Ride

• There were around 70 technical trainees (aged between 22 and 25 years) at the Yelahanka Air Force Station.
• It was a part of their
• curriculum to trhttp://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/25-Years-On-Air-Force-Memorialises-Death-of-28-in-IAF-Plane-Crash/2016/03/25/article3344784.eceavel in an air force vehicle.
• The trainees underwent routine medical check-up.
• They were then divided into four to five groups and the first team boarded Avro HS 748. The others waited near the air traffic control room.
• Minutes after the flight took off, probably 160 feet above ground, the plane crashed

 

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/25-Years-On-Air-Force-Memorialises-Death-of-28-in-IAF-Plane-Crash/2016/03/25/article3344784.ece

Strategic partners in Defence production - Sushant Singh

Who gets to make in India, who doesn’t A close look at what the strategic partnership model means, and the debate around its pros and cons.

Written by Sushant Singh | Published:January 26, 2016 12:41 am

Naval warship INS Kochi at the Mumbai dockyard. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

When Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced the new Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016, earlier this month, he clarified that the chapters on strategic partners in defence production will be finalised after studying the Aatre Task Force’s report. A closer look at what this strategic partnership model means, and the debate around its pros and cons.

What is the ‘strategic partners model’ in defence production?

A major recommendation of the Dhirendra Singh Committee, formed to review the defence procurement procedure, which submitted its report last year, was to identify select Indian private sector defence manufacturers as “strategic partners”. These companies would play central roles in developing “complex and strategic systems” within the country, or receive technology transferred from foreign suppliers in large defence contracts. The committee argued that this will create capacity in the private sector on a long-term basis, which will be over and above the capacity and infrastructure that exists in defence public sector units. It will spur the sectors towards a more efficient and effective mode of operation.

But a company that has been declared a strategic partner in any one platform, say submarines, will not be be chosen as a strategic partner for any other programme, such as aircraft or artillery guns. This is to prevent conglomerate monopolies from emerging at the very start.

How will strategic partners be selected?

The defence ministry formed a task force headed by former DRDO chief V K Aatre to recommend the modalities of the strategic partnership model. It submitted the second part of its report earlier this month where it divided the sectors eligible for strategic partnerships into two groups.

In Group 1, there are aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, submarines, warships, guns (including artillery guns) and armoured vehicles including tanks. In Group 2, the segments are: metallic material and alloys, non-metallic material (including composites and polymers) and ammunition, including smart ammunition.

The task force recommended that in the initial phase, only aircraft, helicopters, submarines, armoured vehicles and ammunition be considered for strategic partnerships. It has also recommended a series of criteria for the ranking of the companies, whereby the highest-ranked applicant company shall be selected by the defence ministry as a strategic partner.

Do other countries follow this model?

The US and France are two major defence manufacturers where a similar system has been in vogue for quite some time.

Has this model been proposed in India earlier?

Yes. In 2006, the Kelkar Committee had proposed the model of ‘Raksha Udyog Ratnas (RuRs) or Industry Champions’ to empower large private sector companies as “system integrators”. However, the then UPA government did not implement the proposal because of the opposition from trade unions of defence PSUs and ordnance factories.

Are the private companies happy with the proposal?

No. Though they broadly like the idea, most top defence manufacturers are sharply critical of the task force’s recommendation of restricting each strategic partner to a single strategic system. They feel that this model would restrict them to just one field and, therefore, their overall investment and growth plans will be affected. Some firms have already created capabilities in various sectors and their investments will go waste. The task force also proposes to ban strategic partners from cross holdings in another strategic partner company and to seek government permission for any material change in their share-holding structure, which the private companies are opposed to.
Smaller firms feel that the selection criteria mean that only big companies will get selected as strategic partners. The defence ministry has, however, promised that interests of small and medium enterprises will be taken care of.

Are there any other objections?

Many feel that such a model, where a private company is guaranteed a particular project, is a return to the old licence raj and will create monopolies. Sacrificing the benefits of competitive bidding for a cost-plus model, where the company will be reimbursed its expenses plus a fixed profit, they say, will breed inefficiency and make private firms just another version of public sector units. There is also a fear among defence companies that such a model will bring charges of return of “crony capitalism”. Foreign defence suppliers feel that this restricts their options as the Indian government will be deciding their Indian partner for them.

[Indian Express]

Fresh protest in Pathankot over terror attack, locals burn effigy of Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif

By: PTI | Pathankot | Updated: January 3, 2016 4:35 pm

A number of local residents raised anti-Pakistan slogans close to the air force station where the attack took place.

Civilians watch from an adjacent market as security men stop commuters from proceeding towards the Pathankot air force base in Pathankot, India, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. (Source: AP)

A fresh anti-Pakistan protest broke out in Pathankot town on Sunday with the locals burning an effigy of the neighbouring nation following the terror attack on Air Force base.

A number of local residents raised anti-Pakistan slogans close to the air force station where the attack took place.

They set Pakistan’s effigy on fire, holding the country responsible for continued attacks in Punjab, even as they demanded that stern action be taken against it.

As the combing and search operation continue, residents continued to live in panic.

“We continue to live in fear as the situation is still not clear. The government or concerned authorities should throw light so that we can get on with our daily lives,” Jarnail Singh, a local resident, said.

Read | LIVE: Terrorist shot dead inside Pathankot Air Force Base, two more holed up

Another local resident, Rani, claimed that her children were still panic-stricken.

“Normally, during winter vacations when their school remains closed, I do not see my two children, aged 11 and 7  for entire day as they are busy playing. But now they are scared to come out of the house after the terror attack,” she said.

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/fresh-protest-in-pathankot-over-terror-attack-locals-burn-effigy-of-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif/#sthash.AUv5xlHm.dpuf

Punjab again: Second attack in six months

The terrorists seemed to have taken the same road as the ones last summer. The point where they abducted the SP on Friday, and left the car later, indicates that they crossed Dina Nagar.

Written by Kanchan Vasdev | Chandigarh | Updated: January 3, 2016 11:53 am

Punjab has not seen many major jihadi attacks originating in Pakistan in recent years, and the terrorists would have banked on the element of surprise — something that is likely to change now. (Source: Express photo)

The second terrorist attack in Punjab — both in undivided Gurdaspur district — in less than six months underscores the vulnerability of the state, especially the areas close to the border with Pakistan, and shows up the failure to plug gaps in the counterterror security grid.

When the police station in Dina Nagar was attacked on July 27 last year, the police had put out the theory that the terrorists had targeted the small town in frustration after losing their way and stumbling upon it. Three civilians and four policemen were killed in the attack by three terrorists who fired on a bus before striking the police station.

READ | Pathankot: Armed forces have strength to defeat evil intentions of our enemy, says PM Modi

Saturday’s intrusion by five terrorists into the Pathankot airbase was different. This time, the men seemed to know where they wanted to go, hijacking one car, and then another, the second one with a blue beacon, to get to the destination.

The terrorists seemed to have taken the same road as the ones last summer. The point where they abducted the SP on Friday, and left the car later, indicates that they crossed Dina Nagar. Like in July, this time too, they wore Army fatigues.

READ | First terrorist was killed while he was climbing 10 ft high wall

Sources said authorities in Punjab had received an input from the Intelligence Bureau in October warning of another possible terror attack in Gurdaspur. In December, a more specific input was given, which said a defence installation was likely to be targeted.

In the Dina Nagar case, Punjab Police set up an SIT, which made no headway. The police and BSF could not agree on where the terrorists had come from. That question remains unresolved.

 

The International Border in Punjab and Jammu has been an infiltration target because of the tighter security along the LoC, as well as its proximity to Hindu-dominated Jammu and Punjab. The vulnerability of Punjab would appear to have something to do with the strengthening of the counterinsurgency grid in J&K after attacks in Kathua, Samba and Jammu over the last couple of years. There are nakas virtually every kilometre on the highways, and tight vigil at the nullahs. In the circumstances, Punjab would appear an easier target. Punjab has not seen many major jihadi attacks originating in Pakistan in recent years, and the terrorists would have banked on the element of surprise — something that is likely to change now. Widening the arc of the attack into largely peaceful Punjab would stretch the security forces on the borders. It could also boost the morale of Sikh militant groups in Pakistan. (With Arun Sharma in Jammu)

 

[Indian Express]

 

Pathankot attack: NSG commando Lt Col Niranjan killed, Rajnath Singh says ‘nation salutes his sacrifice’

Lt Col Niranjan, a member of the NSG's Bomb Disposal Squad, was killed while he was defusing the grenade at the Pathankot air base during combing operations.

By: PTI | Pathankot | Published:January 3, 2016 1:08 pm

Heavily-armed Pakistani terrorists had attempted to storm the base, triggering a day-long gunbattle at the airbase, barely 35 kms from the Indo-Pak border. (PTI Photo)

A fresh grenade blast ripped through the air force base here this morning claiming the life of an NSG commando, as three other security men succumbed to injuries in a hospital after yesterday’s terror attack taking the toll of Indian security personnel to seven.

Lt Col Niranjan, a member of the NSG’s Bomb Disposal Squad, was killed while he was defusing the grenade at the scene of the terror attack as part of the combing operations that continued through the night. Four other security men were also injured in the blast.

“Pained to know about demise of Lt. Col. Niranjan of NSG during mopping out ops at Pathankot, nation salutes his sacrifice,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly said.

Defence sources said Niranjan, a resident of Kerala, was killed while trying to retrieve the grenade from the body of a dead terrorist.

Three members of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) succumbed to injuries in the hospital here during the night.

Four attackers, a Garud commando and three DSC were killed yesterday when heavily-armed Pakistani terrorists had attempted to storm the base, triggering a day-long gunbattle at the airbase, barely 35 kms from the Indo-Pak border.

Among those battling for their lives in the hospital are 8 DSC personnel and a Garud commando.

Meanwhile, the joint combing operation was still underway, a police official said, adding that the NIA had taken over the probe into the terror incident. Some senior officials of the Punjab Police led by DGP Suresh Arora are also present here.

The official said the operation will end only after a thorough search, going on inside the IAF base and nearby areas, was completed.

Various security agencies, including the Army, Indian Air Force, Central forces and Punjab Police were involved in the joint operation.

A large cache of arms and ammunition have already been recovered during the sanitisation and search operations.

IAF helicopters were also seen flying over the base and nearby areas to assist the ground forces in the operations.

In the wee hours yesterday, the group of terrorists in army fatigues had attempted to storm the base with the obvious intent of destroying MiG-21 fighter jets and MI-25 attack helicopters housed there.

The attackers were believed to have infiltrated from Pakistan and there was speculation that they may belong to Jaish-e-Mohammad headed Maulana Masood Azhar of the Kandahar hijack episode.

The terrorists were carrying Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, 52 mm mortars, AK rifles and GPS machine.

Based on intercepts, security agencies believe that one Nazeer from Bahawalpur in Pakistan was leading the group.

Defence sources said the terrorists sneaked into the nearly 2000-acre air base through a forested area where they were confronted by the Quick Reaction Team of Garud commandos. They managed to go up to 400 metres but were still 700 metres away from the area where the IAF aircraft fighters were stationed.

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/pathankot-attack-nsg-commando-lt-col-niranjan-killed-rajnath-singh-says-nation-salutes-his-sacrifice/#sthash.Jb6M42QB.dpuf

 

Indian Express

Pathankot: Lt Col succumbs to injuries; fresh firing reported at Air Force Base

A day after the Pathankot air force base was attacked by terrorists suspected to be members of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, extensive combing operations continue at the base as well as the village. Seven security personnel have lost their lives.

By: Express Web Desk | Pathankot | Updated: January 3, 2016 1:08 pm

Pathankot attack: Security forces stand guard near a road barrier outside an Indian air force base in Pathankot, 430 kilometers (267 miles) north of New Delhi, India, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

A day after the Pathankot air force base was attacked by terrorists suspected to be members of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, extensive combing operations continue at the base as well as the village. Seven security personnel have lost their lives.

Pakistan on Saturday evening condemned the terror strike and asserted that building on the goodwill created during the recent high level contacts, it remained committed to partner India in tackling terrorism. The attack comes days after PM Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to Pakistan.

Read: Punjab govt yet to decide on handing over probe to NIA

Also Read: Pathankot terrorist called mother: I am going to be a martyr

Also Read: Commonwealth Shooting champion Fateh Singh martyred in the Pathankot attack

Click here to read the news in Hindi

Updates:

12. 30 pm: Lt Col Niranjan of the NSG has lost his life during a combing operation at the Pathankot Air Base. Meanwhile, fresh firing has been reported from inside the Air Force Base, in what could be an indication that the operation is currently on.

“Pained to know about demise of Lt. Col. Niranjan of NSG during mopping out ops at Pathankot. The nation salutes his sacrifice,” Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said.

11.15 am: Security personnel have begun extensive combing operations in Akalgarh village and the adjoining areas. Police officials have sealed all approach routes to the village and attack helicopters are flying low over the area.

10.45 am: Three jawans were injured during the combing operations at the air force base, news agency PTI, quoting defence sources, said.

9.00 am (January 3): Search operations resume at Pathankot air base after Saturday’s terror attack. While there were reports of firing being heard inside the base, they were attributed to combing operations. Helicopters were also seen flying over the base, to assist ground staff.

9:45 pm: Compliments to our jawans for their valour and courage while fighting terrorists: President Pranab Mukherjee

9:30 pm: I salute the brave martyrs for making the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our Motherland: Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister

8:55 pm: Security forces should remain vigilant against any threat to the peace of our nation: President Mukherjee

Read: Pathankot attack major challenge for PM Modi’s Pakistan gambit: Omar Abdullah

8:50 pm: Strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Air Force Base in Pathankot in Punjab: President Pranab Mukherjee

8:13 pm:

8:10 pm: My tributes to those martyred thwarting cowardly attack in Pathankot Air Base: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

8:00 pm: I compliment security forces for swift and effective response: Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister

7:50 pm: I want to assure countrymen that our armed forces have strength to defeat evil intentions of our enemy: PM.

7:30 pm:

7:20 pm: Enemies of humanity who can’t see India progress, such elements attacked in Pathankot but our security forces did not let them succeed: PM

7:10 pm: Nation is proud of its brave security forces who have always rose to the occasion. I salute our forces on successful operation in P’kot: HM

7:00 pm: We have also lost security personnel in Pathankot attack. My heartfelt condolences to their families.We can never forget their sacrifice: HM

6:45 pm: I congratulate our armed forces and other security forces on successfully neutralising all the five terrorists: Rajnath Singh

6:00 pm: Fifth terrorist neutralized, combing operation continues.

5:45 pm: Pak number used to hire taxi by terrorists in Pathankot: reports

5:30 pm: Due to effective preparation and coordinated efforts by all security agencies terrorists were detected by aerial surveillance platforms: IAF

READ: Terror-related incidents in Punjab between 2001-2016

5:10 pm: Intelligence inputs had been available of a likely attempt by terrorists to infiltrate into the military installation in Pathankot area: IAF

Security forces stand guard near a road barrier outside an Indian air force base in Pathankot, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016.(AP Photo/Channi Anand)

5:00 pm: The likely plan of the terrorists to destroy valuable assets of the Air Force has been foiled. Currently the operation is going on: IAF

4:45 pm: It raises security concerns for Punjab as the state is witnessing a sudden surge in such activities after being peaceful for the last 20 years,” said Surjewala.

WATCH VIDEO

4:40 pm: The current module appears to have come from Pakistan in the same fashion. Secondly the terror camps that are run by terrorists for carrying on anti- India activity in POK continues to be supported by Pakistani establishments:  AICC Communication department chief Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.

4:30 pm: Pakistan today condemned the terror strike at an Air Force base in Pathankot by heavily- armed Pakistani terrorists and asserted that building on the goodwill created during the recent high level contacts, it remained committed to partner India in tackling terrorism.

3:58 pm: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan: “Pakistan condemns the terrorist incident in Pathankot, India, today, in which many precious lives have been lost.

We extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India and the bereaved families and wish the wounded speedy and full recovery.

Building on the goodwill created during the recent high level contacts between the two countries, Pakistan remains committed to partner with India as well as other countries in the region to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism afflicting our region.”

3:40 pm: Defence Minister Parrikar is being briefed by the three Service Chiefs and NSA Doval.

3:35 pm:

3:30 pm:

3:15 pm: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal who is rushing to Pathankot, said that the number of militants killed in the terror attack is “not known” yet.

“I don’t want to give any news that is not at all correct. I am in touch with them and I will also visit Pathankot at 4 PM today.”

“Due to the thrashing incident yesterday, there was a timely alert. Had it not been so, the damage could have been more,” Badal said.

SEE PICTURES: Terrorist attack at Pathankot IAF base days after Modi’s visit to Pakistan

3:00 pm: Pakistan condemns the terrorist attack in Pathankot, a statement reads. It adds that Pakistan remains committed to partner with India and other countries to eradicate the menace of terror.

2:10 pm: Strongly condemn terrorist attack in Pathankot. My deepest condolences to families of the brave soldiers martyred in attack: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi

1:10 pm: RJD chief Lalu Prasad says this is not the right time to question foreign policy. “I stand with our soldiers in this fight,” he added.

12:40 pm: Click here to see first pictures from the site.

12:30 pm: We are now getting reports of aerial firing by Air Force choppers at the site.

11:55 am: ANI is reporting that a Defense Service Corps jawan has succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to 3 among the security forces.

11:45 am: The terror attack should be condemned outright, says Congress’s Ahmed Patel

11:30 am: “Punjab shares a long border with Pakistan. Terrorism trying to enter Punjab once again but BJP will deal with it strictly,” Punjab BJP chief Kamal Sharma

11:10 am: A team of NIA personnel have reached Pathankot: PTI

11:05 am: Press Trust of India says a second personnel of the IAF has been killed.

11:00 am: The terrorists are suspected to belong to Jaish-e-Mohammed, the terror outfit from Pakistan.

11:15 am: Sound of three grenade blasts heard inside airbase.

10:55 am: Sounds of firing from within the airbase again.

10:50 am: Pakistan is our neighbour and we want peace, but any attack on India will get a befitting response: Rajnath Singh tells ANI

10:40 am: Home Minister Rajnath Singh told ANI that he was happy the security forces gave a befitting response to terrorists in Punjab. “The country is proud of them,” he said.

10:25 am: We are now getting confirmation that at least one IAF personnel has been killed in the attack. Some others are injured as well.

10:15 am: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will hold a high-level meeting with officials.

9:25 am: Local police in the area have been telling people not to come out of their homes.

9:20 am: The SUV that was snatched from the police officer on Friday was found in a Himachal village 1 km away from the perimeter of the Air Force base.

9:10 am: 80 per cent of the Air Force base has been sanitised. One shot was fired from an administrative block at 7:45 am. Security forces are now believed to be closing into this block.

There are 12 entry points into the base.

9:00 am: We are getting reports that four terrorists have been killed in the attack.

8:20 am: Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah says the attack is the first major challenge to PM Modi’s Pakistan gambit.

“From past experience I’m sure it emerge that these militants crossed over within the last few hours with the airbase as a specific target,” he wrote in a tweet.

8:00 am: Meanwhile, officials at the highest levels have convened a meeting at the Air Force headquarters in New Delhi. The situation is being monitored, ANI reports.

7:50 am: Security has been tightened in Ludhiana and surrounding areas.

7:45 am: Surinder Singh, SHO, Sarabha Nagar tells news agency ANI that the entire state of Punjab is on high alert after the attack.

7:30 am: We are getting reports that NSG and Garud Commando Force are engaged with terrorists.

7:15 am: Early in July, the Army had sounded alerts about possible attacks in border areas following the attack in Gurdaspur. Read the story here.

6. 44 am:

6.24 am:

5.48 am:

5.36am:

(With inputs from Kamaldeep Singh Brar, Man Aman Singh Chhina, Divya Goyal, Nirupama Subramanian)

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/live-terror-attack-at-pathankot-air-force-base-2-terrorist-killed/#sthash.xWKvU6qM.dpuf

[Indian Express]

2016: A time for Manohar Parrikar to deliver on Defense —and what about OROP?

Manohar Parrikar will have to find a way to soothe frayed tempers sooner rather than later lest it snowballs into another OROP-like intractable issue.

 

 

Manohar Parrikar took over as the defence minister from Arun Jaitley in November 2014 and so 2015 has been the first full calendar year he has been in-charge. With his IIT education and record as the chief minister of Goa, Parrikar came to South Block with a heavy burden of expectations.

This year, the defence ministry was mostly in news for something which doesn’t directly concern the serving military personnel: the demand of One Rank One Pension (OROP) made by ex-servicemen. It’s been quite a drama: prolonged protests followed by a decision on OROP announced by the government, its rejection by the ex-servicemen and a renegotiation between the two sides — and finally, a government order while protests continue. With the recommendations of Seventh Pay Commission likely to be implemented in 2016, the OROP issue is likely to meld into the Pay Commission announcement.

However, the armed forces are dissatisfied with the recommendations of the Pay Commission and have conveyed their concerns to the defence minister. Parrikar will have to find a way to soothe frayed tempers sooner rather than later lest it snowballs into another OROP-like intractable issue.

To Parrikar’s credit, he has been able to finally announce the construction of a National War Memorial in Delhi. It was one of the election promises made by the BJP and one of the four announcements made in the President’s first inaugural address to Parliament in June 2014.

Last month, Parrikar also received the report of the committee of experts constituted to review service and pension matters including potential disputes, minimising litigation and strengthening institutional mechanisms related to redressal of grievances. Implementing its forward-looking recommendations will require a concerted political push from the defence minister to overcome the institutional inertia.

Parrikar has publicly committed himself to the creation of the post of a Chief of Defence Staff or a Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. This is a recommendation of the Group of Ministers pending from the era of the earlier NDA government. In his address to the Combined Commanders Conference earlier this month, the Prime Minister spoke of the need for an integrated command. That is an ambitious call and if the post of CDS or Chairman COSC is linked to the creation of integrated commands, Parrikar will find it difficult to keep his commitment in the coming year.

An unfortunate metric by which all defence ministers are now judged in India is of defence procurement. Parrikar announced a couple of deadlines for the release of the revised Defence Procurement Procedure but they have not been met. This has led to a lack of clarity on the Make in India programme in the defence sector. While a large number of announcements have been made on the acceptance of its necessity every month by the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the defence minister, they have not resulted in the issue of request for proposals. Even for the contracts where price negotiations have been concluded, the deals have not been inked in. In fact, the only major deal inked during the year was for Chinook and Apache helicopters signed during Prime Minister’s September trip to the US.

The delay in signing of deals has raised questions about the availability of resources for defence procurement. The acquisitions for the new China Strike Corps have also slowed down. The Revised Estimates for the funds available with the defence ministry – under capital expenditure for new procurement – which will be finalised by the finance ministry this week, will provide a better idea of the money available. If enough money is available with the defence ministry, we might see an upsurge in deals being signed in the first three months of 2016. The first among them could be the deal for 36 Rafale fighters which is supposed to be signed on the eve of French President’s Republic Day visit to India.

The defence minister has been energetic in his foreign visits, where he has displayed his commitment to the agenda of Make in India and defence diplomacy. Japan is now a permanent participant in Exercise Malabar and the Indian military is now conducting joint exercises with more than 20 countries. Parrikar became the first Indian defence minister to be invited to Hawaii-based US Pacific Command headquarters and witness aviation exercises aboard a US aircraft carrier. He also had fruitful visits to South Korea and Russia this year.

For Parrikar, who is fully settled in the job now, 2016 will be a good year to start delivering.

[Indian Express]

Government Must Upgrade Pay to Attract Talent to Army By Iqbal Malhotra

Published: 26th December 2015 10:00 PM   Over the last three years, I have been fortunate to produce five feature-length documentaries for Discovery Channel on subjects involving the Indian Army. I have closely interacted with the Northern Command and officers of the XIVth, XVth and XVIth Corps of the Army, from Lieutenant Generals to Captains. It has been a really rewarding and informative experience. I was pleasantly surprised to find that even the younger officers posted at the LoC have a well-developed strategic perspective on the expectations that we have from the Army and the limitations under which they operate. The officers are secular, seasoned and mature in their outlook, and this stems from the traditions and training that the Army inherited from the British. It is these values and responsibilities that make the Indian Army an extremely professional organisation. I recollect visiting the VIth Grenadiers at the LoC and was impressed to see the battallion temple and mosque standing side by side, and both the pandit and maulvi eating together at the reception organised by the Commanding Officer. It made me proud to see such unity in our otherwise extremely fractured polity today. Unfortunately, the new rulers of post-Independence India did away with the parity, privileges and pensions that the Indian Army enjoyed with its civilian counterparts in the ICS and IAS. This was a deliberate exercise to ring-fence the Army and ensure that it was not only permanently downgraded, vis-a-vis the bureaucracy, but it took away the Army’s authority while continuing to keep it accountable. The Army thus had to improvise and fend for itself. Simultaneously, afraid of a potential coup, the politician created a vast “second army” in the form of a plethora of para-military forces, which were directly under bureaucratic control and owed their loyalty to the bureaucracy and not to their own command structures. This also enabled the politician-bureaucratic nexus to engage in “manufactured internal wars” against all manner of insurgents, which provided immense opportunities to make vast amounts of money. A case in point is the annual cost to the country of waging the war against the Maoists. While all this was happening, across the border, the Officer Corps of the Pakistan Army was elevated to the status of the most privileged body in that polity and was the recipient of privileges, patronage and power that was unparalleled in our country. This attracted the best talent in Pakistan to the Army as the passion for soldiering was fuelled by privileges. In light of these glaring systemic distortions and its intransigence and lack of generosity in granting the One Rank One Pension (OROP) package parity that veterans are agitating for, the government is ensuring that only those youngsters fuelled by passion will enlist. What about others sitting on the fence? If the systemic distortions are rapidly removed, it may be possible to bridge the shortfall in officers that the Army is currently facing. Our country needs this, because we face unparalleled strategic threats to our security and require an Officer Corps in the Armed Forces that is both capable and secure to deal with them. The government needs to act fast. It needs to resolve OROP and rapidly upgrade the officer package to attract our best young men and women. It needs to cut down on manufactured conflicts and divert those resources to where they are really needed. The author is a filmmaker   Wish you the best YR Raghavan raghavan_yr@yahoo.com [Tri Services Veterans]
[Indian Express]

A trust deficit – Indian Express

Three military chiefs’ joint memorandum to defence minister on pay commission report sends disquieting signals.

The public debate over the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission report has focused on its financial implications and likely impact on the government’s fiscal deficit target. Little attention has been paid to the issues raised by various Central government services affected by these recommendations. As per procedure, their concerns are considered by a committee of secretaries under the cabinet secretary, which sends the recommendations to the Union cabinet for approval. This method has worked well so far, as it doesn’t deal with the substantive questions or allege an inherent bias in the deliberations of the pay commission. Now, by writing a joint memorandum to the defence minister over the pay commission recommendations, however, the three military chiefs have taken the controversy to a different — and disquieting — level.

Not only is it extremely rare for the three chiefs to jointly sign a memorandum — the seniormost service chief usually signs tri-service letters as the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee — but also the issues raised by them point to a complete lack of trust in the commission’s recommendations. The defence services believe that their joint presentations to the pay commission, unlike those made by civilian employees, have been dismissed without even being included in the report. A downgrade of the status of military officers vis-a-vis their civilian counterparts, fixation of hardship allowances at lower rates, and denial of a real non-functional upgrade have been identified by the service headquarters as issues that emanate from the allegedly anti-military bias of the pay commission.

The three chiefs have asked the defence minister to institute an expert committee, with members from the armed forces, to look into these grievances. These issues have also been flagged by the three chiefs informally to the defence minister, Manohar Parrikar, who has asked for a formal presentation this week. It will take more than a presentation, however, to bridge the widening trust gap between the uniformed personnel and the government. The unresolved issue of one rank one pension has already created tensions that are adversely affecting the military. The political leadership needs to actively reach out to the military, redress their genuine concerns and restore their trust in government. Simultaneously, the top military leadership needs to quell the tide of heightened emotions in the defence forces to reinforce the well-established balance of civil-military relations. India is situated in a tough neighbourhood and beset with several internal security problems. It cannot afford to have a disaffected military, least of all over the issue of pay and allowances.

[Indian Express]

‘Make in India’ to be at the centrestage of India-Russia strategic relationship - Indian Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday. (Source: PTI)

With regard to nuclear energy, Modi said the pace of cooperation is increasing and progress is being made on 12 Russian reactors at two sites in India.

INDIA AND Russia on Thursday agreed to put the government’s flagship “Make in India” programme at the centrestage of their strategic relationship, as New Delhi and Moscow decided to build nuclear reactor components and military helicopters in India. Apart from helicopters, the agreement is expected to result in the construction of 12 atomic plants with the involvement of Indian firms.

 

Russia is the first country to have agreed to take the initiative under the “Make in India” umbrella in two key strategic sectors — nuclear and defence. Sources said that while this move is perceived as a vote of confidence in India’s economy, it also puts a lid — at least, for the time being — on concerns in New Delhi about Moscow’s growing proximity to Islamabad. After bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The Inter-Governmental Agreement on the manufacture of Kamov-226 helicopters in India is the first project for a major defence platform under the Make-in-India mission. It is, rightly, with our most important defence partner.”

 

The Prime Minister said that the two sides made progress on a number of other defence proposals which would boost manufacturing and readiness with next-generation equipment. On the nuclear field, Modi said, “The pace of our cooperation in nuclear energy is increasing. We are making progress on our plans for 12 Russian nuclear reactors at two sites.

 

The agreement today will increase Indian manufacturing content in these reactors. It supports my mission of Make in India. I thank President Putin for his support.” Putin said Unit-II of the Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu, being built by Russia, will be commissioned within weeks and negotiations are at an advanced staged for units III and IV. The two sides inked 16 pacts, which included those on the nuclear and defence sectors.

 

On defence, a joint statement said, “The sides took note of achievements in the field of joint design, development and production of high-technology military equipment. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to expand the scope of such cooperation and to avail of the opportunities provided by the Make in India initiative in the defence sector and directed the concerned agencies to finalise such projects between relevant entities and enterprises of the two countries at the earliest.” On the nuclear front, the joint statement reaffirmed that cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a “cornerstone” of the Russia-India strategic partnership.

 

It said that the two sides welcomed progress in identifying the second site in India for an additional six nuclear reactor units to be set up in cooperation with Russia. “They agreed to actively work towards localisation of manufacturing in India under the aegis of Make in India and in tandem with the serial construction of nuclear power plants,” said the statement. Summit-level talks between the two countries at the highest level have been taking place alternately in Moscow and New Delhi since 2000. This time, with Putin by his side, Modi stressed on the need for the world to unite against terrorism “without distinction and discrimination between terrorist groups and target countries”, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Sharing concern over terrorism, the two sides pressed for a joint fight against the global menace “without selectivity and double standards”, the joint statement said. Putin conveyed Russia’s “strong support” to India’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, saying it is a “deserving and strong candidate that can bring an independent and responsible approach” within the world body. Without naming Syria, Modi said, “We agree that an early political settlement through dialogue in West Asia is essential for restoring stability and containing extremism in the region. Indeed, all nations must come together, with sensitivity to each other, to address the challenges of our times.” Wrapping up the talks, Modi said that just like he visited Russia twice this year, he looked forward to welcoming Putin in India next year for the BRICS Summit as well as the Annual Summit.

 

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/first-defence-deal-under-make-in-india-pm-modi-signs-deal-with-russia-to-manufacture-226-choppers/#sthash.obAqtBP3.dpuf

[Indian Express]

N-deal, bullet train, defence: India, Japan fast-track ties - Indian Express

Opening the doors for nuclear commerce with the world, especially with American and French companies, India and Japan signed on Saturday a pact on civilian nuclear cooperation after five years of negotiations.

 

With Japan holding significant stakes in US companies like GE and Westinghouse, and the French firm Areva, the deal is crucial for setting up nuclear power plants using Japanese reactors.

   

After signing the Memorandum of Understanding on peaceful use of nuclear energy with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Hyderabad House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, we have scaled new summits in our shared journey. The memorandum we signed on civil nuclear energy cooperation is more than just an agreement for commerce and clean energy.”

 

“It is a shining symbol of a new level of mutual confidence and strategic partnership in the cause of a peaceful and secure world. I know the significance of this decision for Japan. And I assure you that India deeply respects that decision and will honour our shared commitments,” he said.

 

Later, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said they have “concluded the negotiations”, and now “technical” and “legal” vetting needs to be done by both sides.

 

The joint statement said the two prime ministers welcomed the agreement reached between the two governments on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and confirmed that this agreement will be signed after the technical details are finalised, including those related to necessary internal procedures.

 

The two sides also signed an MoU on the introduction of Japan’s high speed train — the Shinkansen on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.

 

Modi said, “No less historic is our decision to introduce high speed rail on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector through Japan’s Shinkansen, known for its speed, reliability and safety.”

 

Appreciating the “extraordinary package of approximately 12 billion US dollars and technical assistance, on very easy terms” for this project, he said: “This enterprise will launch a revolution in Indian railways and speed up India’s journey into the future. It will become an engine of economic transformation in India.”

 

The joint statement said the two prime ministers welcomed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation on introduction of Japan’s High Speed Railways (HSR) technologies (the Shinkansen system) to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.

 

In a major boost to defence cooperation, India and Japan also signed two pacts, including an agreement concerning transfer of defence equipment and technology cooperation. This agreement provides a framework to “enhance defence and security cooperation by making available to each other, defence equipment and technology necessary to implement joint research, development and/or production projects or projects”.

 

Asked whether there was any progress on the procurement of US-2 amphibious aircraft, Jaishankar said that no decision has been taken on that.

 

The other agreement on defence issues pertained to security measures for the protection of classified military information. They also decided that Japan will now be part of the India-US Malabar exercises on a regular basis, a shift from the earlier practice when it was not a regular feature. The two sides decided to begin Air Force-to-Air Force staff talks.

 

Modi also announced that India will extend “visa on arrival” to Japanese citizens including for business purpose from March 1, 2016. “This is different from the electronic visa facility that is being extended globally,” he said.

 

Besides these four agreements, 12 more agreements were signed between the two sides on a broad range of issues — railways, tax matters, health and energy among others.

Abe, who met President Pranab Mukherjee, visited Varanasi with Modi and watched the aarti at the Dasashwamedh Ghat.

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/n-deal-to-bullet-train-to-defence-pacts-fast-track-india-japan-ties/#sthash.1ArFlN4U.dpuf

 

[ Indian express ]

 

Parrikar to Launch Media Blitzkrieg against Protesting Veterans

By Pradip R Sagar 

 

NEW DELHI: The Defence Ministry will launch a publicity blitzkrieg to counter the “negative propaganda” on the One Rank, One Pension scheme.

The ministry feels that despite agreeing to a majority of the demands of the veterans and resolving the four-decade-old issue, a section of the defence personnel are continuing their agitation to discredit the government.

According to sources, the department of ex-servicemen’s welfare has been directed by the ministry to come out with detailed advertisements, explaining each and every issue of the OROP scheme, in all newspapers, including vernaculars, which was notified by the government early this month.

An awareness campaign will also be launched keeping in view the forthcoming Assembly elections in states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, which has a large population of defence personnel.

On the issue of OROP, both the government and the veterans have come out against each other and the latter even burnt their medals in protest recently, forcing Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to publicly denounce their action and assert that all their demands cannot be met.

Parrikar has repeatedly said in public that the behaviour of the ex-servicemen, protesting the notification on OROP scheme, was “unlike that of a soldier” and that they had been misguided.
Parrikar has also gone ahead to say that medals were a recognition of the nation for the sacrifices of the armed forces and as such, burning or returning them was an insult to the nation and the defence forces. The government also feels that veterans’ protest has political linkages. “It is very disturbing that a section of the veterans are spreading misinformation on OROP despite the government paying over `8,000 crore annually to settle the four-decade-long demand of defence personnel. Some clarity is required to counter the misinformation campaign,” said an official of the department.

The issue of veterans has now become a political weapon as various opposition parties have come out in support of the protesting veterans. The Congress has accused the government of practising “politics of deception”  and AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the OROP notification a farce and claimed it was not in the right spirit.

Alleging there are ‘seven pitfalls’ in the government’s notification of the OROP, a section of the veterans  are also considering legal options, including a petition in the Supreme Court  challenging the notification as they claim to have lost faith in the government.

[New Indian Express]
Published: 27th November 2015 04:19 AM  Last Updated: 27th November 2015 04:19 AM