INDEX

PAGE
SL.NO. TITLE
NO.

IDSA - OCTOBER 2017

1 Rohingya Issue and Bangladeshs Domestic 3

Politics

2 Comprehensive Integrated Border 4

Management System

3 Sector specific ease of doing business indices 5

4 Lull at Doklam: Time for a Holistic Strategic 5

Review

5 EMP Weapons and the New Equation of War 7

6 Indias Strategic Connect with the World 8

7 The Trump Challenge to the JCPOA 9

8 The Myth of an Iran-Russia Alliance in 11

Afghanistan

9 ASEAN Defence Ministers meet 12

10 US stand on Pakistan 12

11 Indias Wildlife Trafficking Epidemic 13

12 New Interlocutor for Kashmir 14

13 Defence Glossary 16
 3

IDSA OCTOBER 2017

1. ROHINGYA ISSUE AND The government is also criticised about the

adequacy of relief provided to the Rohingya as
BANGLADESHS DOMESTIC POLITICS
well as on the extent to which the local
What is the issue? communities in the vicinity of the relief camps
The influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar has are being adversely affected.
affected the political environment in Bangladesh. What are the consequences of housing refugee
What is the stand of the Bangladesh population?
government?
The destitute Rohingyas are vulnerable to be
Bangladesh government introduced a five- attracted by terrorist groups.
point plan, set up safe zones under
There are concerns about the risks of these
international supervision for the Rohingyas in
groups merging with local population and
the territory of Myanmar and the return of all
posing threats to local communities where
the refugees in Bangladesh to Rakhine under
refugees are sheltered.
secure conditions.
The possibility of extremist communal
A consensus is emerging among the political
elements and presence foreign terror groups
parties of Bangladesh that the Rohingya
are seen detrimental to the peace and stability
refugees have to be eventually repatriated to
of the country.
Myanmar.
How this issue needs to be addressed?
Myanmar is compelled to accept Rohingyas
The Bangladesh military has been tasked to
back under assured security and livelihood
organize some of the relief infrastructure for
sustaining conditions.
the Rohingya refugees in the affected districts.
What are the on-going internal issues in
The objective is to temporarily rehabilitate the
Bangladesh?
refugees and separate them from the local
Present governments failure to obtain
population as well as harmful political and
resolution from the UNSC to censure
anti-social elements.
Myanmar are being criticised.
The militarys involvement is intended to
Meanwhile some Bangladeshi groups have
supplement the efforts of the civil machinery
condemned the Rohingya related
on relief administration as well as monitor the
developments in Myanmar.
refugees.
Anti-Buddhist sentiments may be raised by
The support of international community to
radical Muslim elements which would induce
reverse the refugee influx will determine
Bangladesh Buddhists to condemn the
Bangladeshs domestic politics.
Rakhine holocaust.
The actions taken by countries like India and
The Rohingya problem has resulted in the
China are of salience in this regard considering
diversion of a substantial portion of revenue
their capacity to contribute to the mitigation of
on immediate refugee relief activities and
the crisis to an extent.
rehabilitation.

 4

2. COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED It uses electronic surveillance and organises

the BSF personnel into quick reaction teams to
BORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
enhance their detection and interception
What is the issue? capabilities.
Recently a Comprehensive Integrated Border Its three main components were
Management System (CIBMS) has been
1. High-tech surveillance devicesfor
implemented in a pilot basis, to address the
round-the-clock reconnaissance of the
various concerns of the existing border
international border.
guarding system.
2. Communication network
The CIBMS is similar to SBInet, a US initiative
including fibre optic cables and
which had many shortcomings.
satellite communication for
What were the concerns in existing border transmitting data gathered by these
guarding system? diverse high-tech surveillance and
After the independence, especially after the detection devices.
1980s, there was an increase in cross-border 3. Command and control centrefor
threats. receiving the transmitted data and
The high-tech equipments did not provide all- providing a composite picture of the
round security and did not work in adverse international border.
climatic conditions. This would help senior commanders analyse
Being manpower intensive, the system was not and classify the threat and mobilise resources
effective in providing rest and relief to BSF accordingly to assist the field commander in
troops. his response.

There were also significant gaps at rivers and What is the SBInet and its shortcomings?

lakes running along the border fences. The Secure Border Initiative network (SBInet)
It was not an integrated system and therefore of the United States was a new high tech
failed to provide a common operating picture surveillance system in the cross-border
at all levels. regions.

International borders were breached by It was launched in 2006 as a pilot project

infiltrators in sustained and successful andcomprised of new surveillance

attempts, this compelled the BSF to review the technologies, operating procedures and
effectiveness of the existing electronic systems. command, control, communications, and
intelligence (C3I) technologies.
What is a CIBMS?
The assessment conducted in 2010, revealed
The CIBMS is seen as a robust and integrated
that the system suffered numerous technical
system, capable of addressing the gaps in the
glitches and was not feasible, therefore it was
present border security structure.
shelved in 2017.
It will seamlessly integrate human resources,
The DHS failed to formulate well defined
weapons, and high-tech surveillance
objectives and clear specifications for
equipments.
purchasing the high tech equipments.
The purpose of the CIBMS is to eventually
The technical requirements were left to the
replace manual surveillance of the
decision of prospective contractors.
international borders
 5

The officers of the Custom Border Patrol (CBP)
lacked the technical expertise and handed over
electronic surveillance to contractors without
any oversight.
What are the challenges faced by CIBMS?
Similarly within the defence manufacturing
sector, getting credit may not affect the big
firms as much as it affects the MSMEs.
Some parameters which are critical for defence
manufacturing like assurance for developing

The CIBMS faces all the above stated prototype and supply order are not part of the

shortcomings of the SBInet. parameters of present EDB Index.

BSF does not have the required technical There is also a lack of adequate information

know-how to offer clear guidelines to the about the defence procurements and

vendors for providing suitable products. quantitative requirements of equipments and

weapon systems continue to pose a challenge.
Operation and maintenance of the
sophisticated equipments remains a problem There is time delay, complexity and

as the personnel lack technical expertise. opaqueness in almost all phases of defence
procurement and manufacturing.
Centralised decision making could hamper
with the timely and effective responsiveness of There is absence of a new defence

the BSF on ground. procurement policy which will act as an

umbrella and cover various aspects like
Erratic power supply and adverse climatic and
specifications, decisions, issues, etc.
terrain conditions could potentially undermine
the functioning of the sophisticated system. Addition of a new procurement categories like
Buy (Indian Designed, Developed and
Manufactured) and adoption of formats like
3. SECTOR SPECIFIC EASE OF DOING the strategic partnership model seem to have
complicated the procedure rather than
BUSINESS INDICES
simplified it.
What is the issue?

The objective of making India a manufacturing

hub is not backed by a conducive ecosystem to 4. LULL AT DOKLAM: TIME FOR A
conduct business. HOLISTIC STRATEGIC REVIEW
There is a need for creating sector specific What is the issue?
index for defence manufacturing to monitor
The standoff at Doklam raised genuine
the ease of doing business (EDB) and solve
concerns about the situation going out of hand.
particular issues faced by it.
The present tactical pause should be used to
What are the problems specific to Defence
initiate a holistic strategic review.
manufacturing?
What were the motives behind Chinas interest
Defence manufacturing sector is governed by
in the region?
complex procedures and driven by a large
number of players. Regional connectivity - Doklam was aimed
at changing the status quo on the ground but
Some of the parameters of EDB are less
with overarching strategic ramifications.
relevant like thetrading across the borders
which is more important for an IT firm than China aims to promote the development of the

for defence manufacturing. Yadong region, which is connected to Lhasa

with a highway passing through Bhutans
territory.

This highway is linked to Chinas aim of re-
establishing Tibets geopolitical centrality in
the trans-Himalayan region.
Diplomatic ties - China wants to establish
formal ties with Bhutan, set up an embassy in
Thimphu and develop direct trade connections
with it.
This is also to check Indias efforts to help
Bhutan.
Security - This region will increase its
military posture and ensure upper hand in any
conflict with India.
Given the strong Indian positions in Sikkim
and adjacent areas, control of the Doklam
plateau would allow Chinas military to cut
through Bhutan to the Siliguri corridor.
Thus, to cut off Indias North-eastern states
from the rest of the mainland.
What is Chinas strategy?
Chinas grand strategy encompasses three
concise objectives:
Safeguarding Sovereignty
external non-interference, safeguarding core
interests, control of the South China Sea,
unification of Taiwan, and integration of
claimed territories with the
including South Tibet (Arunachal Pradesh).
China has pursued the strategy
encroachment nibble and negotiate for its
expansionist policies along its land borders
and maritime frontiers.
Maintaining Stability - The assertiveness
around its periphery is attributed to its age old
belief of a subdued neighbourhood being an
essential prerequisite for stability.
They are averse to any challenge
competition and since ancient times advocate
mitigating a threat by eliminating it.
Only when confronted with
adversary, non-coercive means
adopted as an interim expedient.
6
Sustaining economic progress - China
being a lonely power has optimally used its two
allies Pakistan and North Korea to serve its
economic interests in the Indian subcontinent
and the Korean Peninsula.
China is in a quest to shape a Sino-centric
global order i.e. A unipolar Asia and a bipolar
world.
Mega projects like the Belt-Road Initiative
(BRI) and Maritime Silk Route are means of
power projection to catapult China into the
superpower league.
How India can tackle Chinas strategy?
To counter Chinas growing influence around
the neighbourhood, India has to play a larger
role in the region by aligning with strategic
partners, the US and Japan, besides other
friendly nations.
India must push for a multipolar world and
undergo a transformational process to match
the Chinas efficency.
The defence expenditure needs to be improved
- besides and investments increased in building
infrastructure, military modernisation and
technology up-gradation.
There has to be a pragmatic threat assessment
mainland
to evaluate the security environment and
regional dynamics.
of
Need for formulation of Doctrine of Limited
War, since the conflicts are reduced to
localised & limited combats.
The development of integrated and sustainable
logistics is a pre-requisite for success in a
limited conflict.
It is crucial to relook the border management
system and provide a single nodal agency to
or
coordinate the functioning of multiple organs
involved in safeguarding Indias borders.
a stronger
may be
 7

5. EMP WEAPONS AND THE NEW Low earth orbit (LEO) satellites also failed
after a few months of the test, as residual
EQUATION OF WAR
radiation damaged their solar arrays and
What is EMP? electronics.
An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an intense More tests by the US and the erstwhile USSR
burst of electromagnetic (EM) energy that yielded similar results, with even underground
causes, or can be used to cause, damage. cables suffering damage.
Natural EMP is always noticed as disturbances The devastating effects of EMP were only then
on the radio during lightening, but the solar realized and this led to the further
geo-magnetic storms cause much more development of nuclear bombs optimized for
powerful EMPs. EMP effects, rather than physical destruction.
Electric and magnetic fields resulting from At present, NNEMP weapons are part of major
intense EMPs induce damaging currents and powers military arsenals in the form of either
voltage surges in electrical/electronic systems, aircraft or missile delivered e-bombsor
burning out their sensitive components such mounted systems on aircraft, drones or
as semi-conductors. missiles.
What are NNEMP Weapons?
Boeing claims to have successfully tested an
EMPs can also be generated artificially EMP missile Counter-electronics High-
through nuclear explosions, or non-nuclear powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project
radio frequency weapons. (CHAMP) at the Utah Test and Training
Range in 2012.
Non-Nuclear EMP weapons are Directed
Energy Weapons which generate a less Given their relative ease of development, there
powerful EMP and have radii of effectiveness is a possibility for the smaller countries to
ranging from a few hundred meters to a few possess them.
kilometres. What are the threats of EMP weapons?
NNEMP weapons or e-bombs are easy to Militaries heavily reliant on advanced
develop and relatively inexpensive and could electronics right from small weapons and
be put together using Commercial-Off-The- communication devices to aircrafts, air defence
Shelf (COTS) materials. systems, radars, and naval ships, among others
EMP weapons are called as Day-1 weapons, are insufficiently hardened against EMP.
since they are likely to be used as early as Therefore, at every level, militaries are
possible in war to maximize asymmetry. vulnerable to EMP attacks and the damage to
How the EMP weapons have evolved? the electronics will take considerable time to
repair.
In 1962 US conducted a high altitude nuclear
test code-named Starfish Prime in Johnston Besides military targets, a number of strategic
Island, Pacific Ocean. civilian targets, like urban data and
communication centres, stock exchanges and
The effects of this test was felt in Hawaii more
hospitals could be attacked by e-bombs.
than 1400 kilometres away.
They could also be used covertly to attack
Electrical equipments, street lights, alarms,
important targets during peace time.
circuit breakers, and communications
equipments all showed signs of distortion and The collateral damage potential of e-bombs
damage. depends on the target characteristics which
makes their use sinister.
 8

First use of nuclear weapons carries the This is in consonance with changing global
escalatory risk of retaliatory nuclear strikes. realities from unipolar to multipolar world

What are the developments of EMP in India? order.

KALI (Kilo Ampere Linear Injector) is a linear In such a scenario, connectivity offers a

electron accelerator being developed in India, nuanced economic-strategic approach for

by Defence Research Development global interactions.

Organisation (DRDO) and Bhabha Atomic What are the existing strategic initiatives of
Research Centre (BARC). India?

It is designed to damage missiles launched in International North-South Corridor -

India's direction, by emitting powerful pulses connects Mumbai with Helsinki through Iran,
of Relativistic Electrons Beams (REB) which Russia and Central Asia.
damages the on-board electronic systems.
This multi-modal transnational transport
How should India guard against EMP? network bypasses the traditional route through

Important military structures have to be Suez Canal and reduces the current

fortified and fibre-optic networking should be transportation time by 10 to 12 days.

developed. The present members of this initiative in

India should consider developing an offensive addition to India, Iran and Russia are

NNEMP capability, given the asymmetrical Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria,

advantage and practical employability of e- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine,

bombs. Turkey, Oman and Syria.

Besides physically destroying the weapon Motor Vehicles Agreement was initiated

delivery platform, metal encasing of systems is by India between Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-

considered to be the most effective protection Nepal to ensure seamless connectivity in the

against EMP. South Asian region.

Project Mausam launched in 2014,

involves 39 countries in the Indian Ocean
6. INDIAS STRATEGIC CONNECT littoral, and is being jointly sponsored by the
WITH THE WORLD Ministry of Culture, Indira Gandhi National
Centre for the Arts and the Archaeological
What is the issue?
Survey of India.
India is taking steps to promote global connectivity as
one of the strategic dimensions of its foreign policy. It aims to re-establish communications among
countries of the Indian Ocean, revive ancient
What is the importance of promoting global
maritime routes, a unique blend of geo-culture
connectivity?
with geopolitics.
Routes are the main vector of any connectivity
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport
projects which creates access in the geo-
Project will link Lawngtlai in Mizoram
political space.
through River Kaladan to the deep sea port at
This advantage of economic mileage ascertains Sittwe in Myanmar.
the strategic importance of connectivity
This will ensure the landlocked states of India
projects.
have easier and quicker accessibility to the
Moreover, there has been a global trend deep sea port in Myanmar and will provide
towards fostering greater economic greater economic viability to the India-ASEAN
connectivity among states and regions. strategic partnership.

What are the newly proposed projects of
India?
East-West Economic Corridor is the
proposed route from India to Vietnam which
extends the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway
to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam in the
second phase.
The road is expected to boost trade and
commerce in the ASEANIndia Free Trade
Area, as well as with the rest of Southeast Asia.
Asia Africa Growth Corridor- The joint
declaration on Asia-Africa-Growth-Corridor
(AAGC) by India and Japan.
It aims to develop quality infrastructure,
digital connectivity, skill development and
establishment of contact between people in
Africa, South Asia, East & South East Asia and
Oceania.
Thus, it will help to realize the idea of creating
free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
India- Afghanistan Air Corridor - will
provide Afghan a direct connectivity route to
tap the vast Indian consumer market.
It also boost Indias long-term efforts in
facilitating Afghanistans comprehensive
economic reconstruction process.
India-Iran-Afghanistan trade and
transport corridor centred on the Iranian
port of Chabahar, has the potential to become
a game-changer in the inter-regional strategic
matrix of Central and South Asia.
The proposed rail route network connects
Chabahar with Zahedan in Iran and link it to
the Zaranj-Delaram road in Afghanistan will
connect India directly to Afghanistan and
Central Asia, while offering landlocked
Afghanistan, and eventually Central Asia, an
alternate route to the Indian Ocean.
Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor
will connect South Asia with North-East Asia
and the Pacific region.
9
The planned corridor will reduce the time to
transfer cargo to 24 days as against the usual
40 days through Europe.
It has the potential to provide India an
opportunity to better cultivate the natural
resource-rich Russian Far East.
What are the advantages of proposed projects
for India?
India has advantage in terms of engaging with
new friends in Africa and in the Indian Ocean
rim area.
It also helps in revitalising new areas of
cooperation with old friends such as Russia,
Iran, Afghanistan and ASEAN states.
The most significant achievement for India is
the convergence of its strategic vision with the
visions of two global powers the US and Japan.
These endeavours to further Indias strategic
connect with the world will potentially shape
the future of the global multipolar spectrum
and Indias prominent role in such a
framework.
7. THE TRUMP CHALLENGE TO THE
JCPOA
Why in news?
Recently US administration as a part of new Iran
strategy, denied re-certification for Iran under JCPOA.
What is JCPOA?
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
or Iran nuclear deal is an international
agreement between Iran, the P5+1 (UNSC five
permanent members - China, France, Russia,
United Kingdom, United States plus Germany)
and the European Union.
Under the agreement, Iran agreed to
1. Eliminate its stockpile of medium-
enriched uranium,
2. Cut its stockpile of low-enriched
uranium by 98%,

3. Reduce by about two-thirds
number of its gas centrifuges for 13
years,
4. Not build any new heavy-water
facilities for the same period of time.
To monitor and verify Iran's compliance with
the agreement, the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) will have regular access
to all Iranian nuclear facilities.
The agreement provides that in return for
verifiably abiding by its commitments, Iran
will receive relief from U.S., European Union,
and United Nations Security Council nuclear-
related economic sanctions.
What the provisions of JCPOA convey?
The US President is required to certify every
90 days that US national security interests
were not breached and Iran is compliant to the
JCPOA.
The P5+1 can seek access of sensitive military
sites from Iran only by providing the specific
reasons.
Resolving any contentions relating to such
access issues, must be carried via
mechanism of the Joint Commission.
It also clearly mentions that
implementation of the pact will contribute to
regional and international peace and security.
What are the charges against Iran?
The quantity of heavy water produced
exceeded the limits prescribed by JCPOA.
More numbers of advanced IR-6 centrifuges
are maintained than allowed.
Restrictions on the IAEA inspectors and not
providing access to military sites where
nuclear-related activities could take place.
Iran not living up to the spirit of the deal by
not playing a positive regional role as agreed
during the JCPOA.
10
the What are the conflicting stances by the US
administration?
President Trump was not in favour of the Iran
deal right from the beginning and sought to
dismantle it.
There was visible difference of opinion
between the President and the other Officials
on the issue of Iran deal.
Defence Secretary and few senior cabinet
members were accommodative of the Iran deal
as it had some merits even though an
imperfect arms control deal.
The US govt is also blamed for omitting the
context and perspective while censuring Iran
for the violations that occurred briefly in 2016.
Since those violations did not prevent the
President from certifying Irans compliance
then.
What is the position of Iran in this regard?
Iran has allowed over 400 IAEA inspections,
and over 80 short-notice inspections, to
various parts of its nuclear programme.
The IAEA moreover has daily access to Natanz,
the
the only location where Iran is permitted to
enrich uranium for 15 years period.
full
Iran has restricted inspection of IAEA to
sensitive military sites without adhering to
the provisions mentioned in JCPOA.
What are the other actions of US to contain
Iran?
Strengthening of sanctions on the Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to further
prevent Iran from developing inter-continental
ballistic missiles.
Concerns emanating from the sunset clauses
of the JCPOA which gradually remove
restrictions on Irans nuclear programme are
being addressed.
 11

8. THE MYTH OF AN IRAN-RUSSIA In light of this border security argument, Irans

military cooperation with the Taliban has been
ALLIANCE IN AFGHANISTAN
most extensive in the three western provinces
Why in news? of Afghanistan that border Iran.
Recently US administration criticized Russia and Iran
Iran believes its influence over Afghanistan
for providing military and financial support to Taliban
will be maximized through a more gradual
fighters in Afghanistan.
shift toward a political settlement.
What are the motives of Russia in Afghan?
What are the obstacles in Russia-Iran Axis?
For Russia and Iran, Afghanistan is more likely
The Iran-Afghanistan relationship
to be an area of geopolitical competition than a
deteriorated in July 2017, when Iran criticized
sphere of cooperation.
Afghanistans water management and
Russia and Iran have both strengthened their irrigation projects for causing environmental
links with the Taliban in recent months. damage in Iran.

Moscow also had distributed small arms to This divergence limits the potential for
Taliban fighters via Iranian proxies. Moscow-Tehran diplomatic and military
cooperation in Afghanistan.
Russian analysts have justified Moscows
cooperation with the Taliban, by emphasizing There is also possibility for Russia to pivot
the Talibans effectiveness as a partner in towards Riyadh in their attempts to resolve
curbing drug trafficking to Central Asia. Afghanistans security crisis and distance from
Tehran.
Russia has invested in 150 major economic
projects in Afghanistan, reopened a Russian Durable cooperation between Russia and Iran
cultural centre in Afghanistan, and helped on Afghanistan depends on their rationale for
upgrade Afghanistans air force technology. providing diplomatic and military support for
the Taliban.
These projects have increased the credibility of
Moscows efforts to host peace negotiations Disagreements between Russian and Taliban
between the Afghan government and the officials on Afghanistans political future are
Taliban. present and Moscow fears negative
implications of appearing sympathetic to the
This is seen as a move to counter U.S.
Talibans expansionist ambitions in
influence in Afghan and reach a diplomatic
Afghanistan.
resolution to the Afghan political crisis
through dialogue between senior Afghan Supporting the Talibans efforts to overthrow
officials and Taliban militia leaders. the Afghan government does not benefit
Russias interests.
Russia wants to transition from the military
conflict to diplomatic resolution phase of the It would irreparably strain Moscows
Afghanistan war as soon as possible. relationships with two of its Central Asian
partners, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
What are the intentions of Iran in assisting
Afghan? What are the concerns for US?

The Iranian government has justified these Iran is harbouring Taliban leaders and
partnerships by arguing that a large U.S. troop fomenting sectarian violence in Afghanistan.
presence on Irans borders poses a threat to
Arguments for the development of a Russia-
Irans security.
Iran-Taliban axis exaggerate the potential for
 12

cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in Nations and got consent from ASEAN, during
Afghanistan. 2017 ADMM.

Many analysts have speculated that How China is getting closer with Singapore?
Afghanistan will eventually replace Syria as the For China, Singapore is a more trustworthy
next major theatre of Moscow-Tehran and reliable partner compared to some other
cooperation. states in ASEAN.
US criticism followed allegations that Iranian China has already lauded Singapore several
Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) forces routinely times for its positive and constructive role
fight alongside Taliban militias in Afghanistan. as ASEAN coordinator.

Notably, the city-state has no claims at stake in

9. ASEAN DEFENCE MINISTERS MEET the South China Sea.

Why in news? China expressed appreciation for Singapores

efforts at strengthening ASEAN-China ties.
Recently ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)
was held at Philippines. The Peoples Liberation Army and the
Singapore Armed Forces have conducted a
What are the implications of the meet?
series of regular interactions, including army
As early as 2015, China has proposed joint exercises and exercise Maritime Cooperation.
maritime drills with ASEAN nations in the
Singapore and China defence ties are seen as a
South China Sea.
warm and friendly bilateral defence
China stated that the drills would be one way relations, steadily progressed since 2014.
of achieving the aim of jointly solving disputes
and controlling risks.

In 2016, China once again suggested joint

10. US STAND ON PAKISTAN
drills with the ASEAN nations, in an attempt What is the issue?
to reduce risk of actual conflict and to
Recently U.S. Secretary of State visited
practice Code of Unexpected Encounters in
Pakistan.
the Sea (CUES).
His visit has a clear intent of taking action
China and Singapore met on the sidelines of
against a range of militant proxies.
the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting
(ADMM) and 4th ADMM-Plus in the What are the implications of US moves?

Philippines Meet. US wants Pakistan to take action against the

Singapore, in its current role as the country militant proxies which allegedly continue to

coordinator for ASEANChina dialogue find shelter inside Pakistans borders.

relations, will also take on the 2018 This conditions based approach of US will be
chairmanship of ASEAN, currently held by the based upon whether Pakistan take action what
Philippines. it feels necessary to create more reconciliation

The two nations discussed practical initiatives opportunities in Afghanistan.

to advance ASEAN-China relations, including The United States has made clear that unless
planning for conduct of an inaugural ASEAN- Pakistan isolates the Afghan Talibans support
China maritime exercise. bases, which allegedly have roots inside

China has called for a joint maritime exercise Pakistan, peace and reconciliation in

with the Association of Southeast Asian Afghanistan will be impossible.


US secretary visit communicated a message
that Washington has delivered to Pakistan
countless times during the past decade, shows
that the trust deficit between the two countries
still remains an issue.
Pakistan is confronted mainly because of the
huge number of terrorist organizations that
find safe havens inside Pakistan.
What are the motives of US behind this move?
USA called Pakistan an incredibly important
partner in the context regarding what it can do
to diffuse some of these challenges that the
region faces, particularly in Afghanistan.
Taking a conditions-based approach, the
United States wants Pakistan to do more to
fight extremism.
Washington continues to believe that unless
Afghan Taliban safe havens in Pakistan are
crushed and neutralized, the chances of the
Taliban joining any peace process are zero.
For Washington, Pakistan appears to be the
key challenge that is hindering the Afghan
peace process by continuing its alleged support
for various militant proxies in Afghanistan.
What is the reaction of Pakistan to US move?
Pakistans civilian and military leadership
briefed US about the countrys recent counter-
terrorism efforts, which have reportedly
eliminated all major militant sanctuaries in
Pakistan.
It also expressed concerns related to its own
security situation, which remains under threat
from militant hideouts in Afghanistan.
Pakistans on its part wants to demonstrateits
commitment to civilization, order, and peace
to the US.
13
11. INDIAS WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING
EPIDEMIC
Why in news?
Recent reports proves Poaching and illegal wildlife
trade is on the rise in India.
What are the recent estimates of illegal
wildlife trade?
This year has been particularly tough for the
countrys natural heritage.
There is an unsettling 52 percent spike in
poaching and wildlife crimes between 2014
and 2016.
Recent seizures have highlighted threats even
to Indias national animal and bird, the Royal
Bengal tiger and the peacock.
In 2016, 50 tigers were poached, the highest
number in the past decade, spite long-standing
conservation efforts being in place.
Rhinosare now on the list of endangered
species due to the trade of rhino horn.
The wildlife trade includes primates, ivory
from elephants, orchids, live birds, reptile
skins, butterflies, animal furs, and tropical
fish. Tigers are executed for their bones and
skin.
What are the reasons for trafficking?
Studies suggest that over 200 species of birds
found in India are traded to be used for
different purposes, including petting,
consumption, medicine, and zoo exhibits.
Rhino horn is today sold at a whopping $
29,000 a kilogram.
Theres also great demand for rhino meat and
bones for medicinal purposes in China, Korea,
Taiwan and Japan.
The main incentive for the illegal wildlife trade
is the premium such goods fetch in the market.
They also illustrate the increasingly organized
and sophisticated operations of criminal
syndicates involved in the trade.
 14

The main reason for the unabated wildlife
trafficking across India is
international land borders.
Indias biggest challenge is the implementation
of laws, due to the paucity of staff among
monitoring authorities.
Five crore [50 million] people living around
its porous national parks and sanctuaries are working as
partners in environment conservation, this
must be encouraged.
Recently for spotlighting the richness and
diversity of its flora and fauna India celebrated

What are actions of the government on the annual Wildlife Week.

traffickers? India launched a 15-year National Wildlife

Current laws prohibit trade in over 1,800 Action Plan (2017-31) with a special focus on

species of wild animals, plants, and their peoples participation.

derivatives under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, It is also to be understood that poaching
1972. wildlife as well will not only end up killing

The Indian Penal Code and The Prevention of animals, but also ruin biodiversity, leading to

Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 empower an unbalanced food chain and ultimately

authorities to penalize and jail those who harm threatening all forms of life.

wildlife.

India has also been a member of the 12. NEW INTERLOCUTOR FOR
Convention on International Trade in
KASHMIR
Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora
(CITES) since 1976. Why in news?

The international agreement between A new interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir was
governments aims to ensure that the recently appointed to end the long insurgency in the
international trade in specimens of wild state.
animals and plants does not threaten their What is the need for this move on Kashmir?
survival.
2017 has been the most violent year in the
To discourage the practice of collecting animal valley for decades, with daily instances of
trophies, India took a policy decision in 2014 to clashes between civilians, security forces, and
prohibit the import of trophy articles made of militants.
species listed in CITES or lookalikes of any
Following growing casualty figures, the
species protected under the Wild Life
appointment of a new interlocutor seems to
(Protection) Act, 1972.
indicate New Delhis inclination for dialogue.
However, any of these measure has not been
Counterinsurgency operations were picked up,
too effective as the criminals are
militants and their hideouts were specifically
disproportionately receive small punishments
targeted and destroyed, mass curfews were
when compared to the magnitude of the crime
implemented and internet access in the valley
they had committed.
was cut off.
How this issues can be addressed?
In security circles, there was a need to
The lack of political will and governance demonstrate to the Kashmiri populace that an
failures must be addressed. insurgency could not survive against the full

Disincentives for over-exploitation and illegal might of the state machinery.

trade, such as penalties for legal infringements The point was made that no concessions could
must be made strong enough. be gained by gunmen, either Pakistani or local
insurgents.
 15

New interlocutor, Mr. Dineshwar Sharma will What
be allotted status equivalent to that of a
cabinet secretary.
More importantly, he would be granted full
independence to decide his own course of
action and talk to whoever he wants to.
To work for the progress of J&K India thinks
insurgency can be resolved by embracing all
Kashmiris.
What are Indias pervious experiences with an
interlocutor?
Earlier interlocutors in Jammu and Kashmir
and met more than 1000 delegations from all
22 districts in the state.
They also recommended that the armys
visibility in the valley be reduced, human
rights violations be urgently addressed, and
the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers
Act be reviewed.
are the challenges before the
interlocutor?
It remains to be seen whether he can create an
atmosphere of dialogue in a region that has
become increasingly fiery over the past years.
The task at hand will require a prodigious skill
at balancing out opposing parties.
For, interlocutor to create the conditions for
talks, he will not only have to deal with
separatist elements such as the Hurriyat
Conference but also with the hawkish
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Finally, Sharma will also have to deal with the
evergreen issue of Pakistan as New Delhi for
now refuses to countenance a diplomatic
solution for Kashmir involving Pakistan.

All these suggestions were duly ignored by

New Delhi.

In many cases, the appointment of

interlocutors appeared as simply measures to
buy India some additional time, or a response
to international pressure over stringent
crackdowns in the valley.
 16

DEFENSE GLOSSARY

INDIAN NAVY - SURFACE SHIPS It was acquired from Russia and will be the
biggest and heaviest ship to be operated by the
AIR CRAFT CARRIERS
Indian Navy.
Aircraft carriers
It has been renamed in honour
of Vikramaditya, a legendary emperor
INS Vikramaditya of Ujjain, India.
INS viraat DESTROYERS
(decommissioned)

What are destroyers?

In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast,

INS Vikrant (decommissioned)
maneuverable long-endurance warship
Indias first aircraft carrier was acquired from
It is intended to escort larger vessels in
Great Britain
a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend
INS Viraat (decommissioned) them against smaller powerful short-range
INS Viraat (R22) in Sanskrit language means attackers.
'Giant'.

It is a Centaur class Aircraft Carrier. Delhi class Kolkata-class

INS Viraat is the flagship of the Indian Navy,
INS Mysore INS Kolkata
the oldest carrier in service and one of two
INS Delhi INS Kochi
aircraft carriers based in the Indian Ocean
INS Mumbai INS Chennai
Region.

Viraat was completed and commissioned in

1959 as the Royal Navy's HMS Hermes and Delhi class
was transferred to India in 1987. The Delhi class destroyers are guided-missile
INS Vikramaditya destroyers.

INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev- The Delhi class vessels are the largest warships
class aircraft carrier which entered into service fully designed and built in India.
with the Indian Navy in 2013. These ships have been built at Mazagon Dock
Limited in Mumbai.
 17

Rajput class Shivalik class

The Rajput class guided-missile destroyers are These are the multi-role frigates and are the
also known as Kashin-II class. first-of-its kind warships built in India
incorporating stealth features.
he ships were built in the former Soviet Union.
The category- classification is named after the
These ships are the first ships in the Indian
Indian Mountain Ranges by the name of
Navy to deploy the BrahMos supersonic cruise
'Shivalik Hills'.
missile systems.
Talwar class
The role of Rajput class ships involves
protection such as anti-aircraft and anti- The Talwar class of frigates of Indian Navy has
submarine warfare for carrier task force been built in Russia under an Indo-Russian
defense against submarines, low-flying joint production.
aircraft, and cruise missiles. The Talwar class guided missile frigates are
Kolkata-class modified Krivak III class frigates from Russia.

Kolkata class destroyers are follow-on of the Kamorta Class

legendary Project 15 Delhi class destroyers. The ship is fitted with Anti-submarine Rockets
FRIGATES and Torpedoes, Medium and Close-in Weapon
Systems and indigenous surveillance
What are frigates?
radar Revathi.
Frigate, any of several different types of small and
The ship is also capable of carrying an integral
fast warships, usually either the square-rigged sailing
ASW helicopter.
ships of the 17th19th century or the radar- and sonar-
equipped antisubmarine and air-defense ships Godavari class
of World War II and after. The Godavari class frigates are the guided-
missile frigates.

The Godavari class was the first significant

indigenous warship design and development
initiative of the Indian Navy.

Its design is a modification of the Nilgiri class

frigate with a focus on indigenous content, a
larger hull and updated armaments.
Brahmaputra class Talwar Class
Brahmaputra Class

INS Brahmaputra INS Talwar The Brahmaputra class frigates are the guided-
INS Betwa INS Trishul missile frigates of the Indian Navy designed
INS Beas INS Tabar and built in India.

INS Teg CORVETTES

Shivalik class INS Tarkash What are corvettes?
INS Trikand
INS Shivalik Corvettes slot under frigates but above patrol
INS Satpura Godavari class boats or missile boats as a classification of
INS sahyadri surface combatants.

INS Ganga
Kamorta Class INS Gomati

INS Kamorta
INS Kadmatt
 18

A corvette is a small warship. It is traditionally LANDING PLATFORM DOCK (LPD)

the smallest class of vessel considered to be a
Austin Class
proper (or "rated") warship.
It is an amphibious transport dock currently in
The modern types of ship below a corvette
service with the Indian Navy.
are coastal patrol craft and fast attack craft.
It is used to transport and land Marines, their
Kora class
equipment and supplies by embarked landing
Kora Class corvettes are guided-missile craft or amphibious vehicles augmented by
corvettes. helicopters in amphibious assault.

Their primary role is as surface combatants. A secondary mission is evacuation and civilian
disaster relief.

Veer class Kora class

INS Veer INS Kora

INS Nirbhik INS Kirch
INS Nishank INS Kulish
INS Nirghat INS Karmu
INS Vibhuti k
INS Vipul
INS Vinash Abhay Class LANDING SHIP TANK
INS Vidyut Magar Class
INS Nashak INS Abhay
The Magar class landing ships are amphibious warfare
INS Prabal INS Ajay
vessels of the Indian Navy, currently in active service.
INS Pralaya INS Akshay
INS Nipat
Magar class
Shardul class
Veer Class
INS Magar
INS Shardul
The Veer class corvettes meaning 'Brave' form INS Gharial
INS Kesari
the 22nd Killer Missile Vessel Squadron of INS Airavat
Indian Navy.

It attacked and sunk 2 destroyers, a

Shardul Class
minesweeper and various other support
Shardul class landing ships are large
vessels off Karachi during Operation Trident
and Operation Python of the Indo-Pakistani amphibious warfare vessels.

War of 1971. They are an evolution of the Magar class

Abhay Class amphibious landing ships.

The Abhay class corvettes of the Indian Navy The class has an indigenous content of over

are customized variants of the Soviet Pauk 90% with state-of-the-art equipment

class corvettes. LANDING CRAFT UTILITY

This class is primarily intended for coastal
patrol and anti-submarine warfare.
LCU (MK-3, MK- 4) Class
The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) is a type of
boat used by amphibious forces to transport
equipment and troops to the shore.
 19

They are capable of transporting tracked or AUXILIARY SHIPS

wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious
Fleet Tankers
assault ships to beachheads or piers.
INS Jyoti
LCU MK-3 LCU MK-4 INS Aditya

INS Deepak
LCU 36,37,38,39 LCU 51, 52
INS Shakti

OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL Torpedo Recovery Vessels

Sukanya class INS Astradharini

The Sukanya class patrol vessels are large, Ocean Going Tugs
offshore patrol craft.
INS Gaj
Vessels of the Sukanya class are named after
SMALL FIGHTING SHIPS
notable women from Indian epics.

They are lightly armed since they are utilized Super Dvora II Class (FACs)
primarily for offshore patrol of India's origin Israel
exclusive economic zone.
FAC T-80
However, they are capable of being heavily FAC T-81
armed and upgraded to light frigates should FAC T-82
the need arise. FAC T-83
FAC T-84,85,86
Sukanya class Saryu Class

INS Sukanya INS Saryu Water Jet Fast Attack Craft

INS Subhadra INS Sumitra (WJFAC)
INS Suvarna INS Sunayna
INS Savitri INS Sumedha INS Tarmugil
INS Sharda INS Tillanchang
INS Sujata INS Tiyahu
INS Tarasa
MINESWEEPERS
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to Bangaram Class
engage in minesweeping. Using various mechanisms
intended to counter the threat posed by naval mines, INS Bangaram
waterways are maintained clear for safe shipping. INS Bitra
Karwar class INS Batti Malv
INS Baratang
INS konkan

INS Kozhikode SURVEY SHIPS

Sandhayak Class
INS Cannanore

INS Cuddalore INS Nirupak

INS Investigator
INS Kakinada (decom)
INS Sutlej
INS Karwar (decom) INS Jamuna
INS Sandhyak
INS Darshak
INS Sarvekshak
 20

TRAINING VESSELS SSN VS SSBN

INS Tir The SSN, commonly referred to as the fast

attack submarine, is an abbreviation for
INS Varuna
Submersible Ship Nuclear, while the SSBN
Sail Ships / Boats stands for the Submersible Ship Ballistic
Missile Nuclear.
INSV Tarangini The SSN and SSBN are powered by nuclear
INSV Sudarshini reactors.
INSV Mhadei
The major difference between these two is
INSV Tarini
majorly the primary functions that they are
designed to undertake.
VISAKHAPATNAM-CLASS DESTROYER
The Submersible Ship Ballistic Missile Nuclear
is designed to launch in the structure of fast
Vishakapatnam class missiles and mainly of a states nuclear system.

These are designed to track down and defeat

INS Visakhapatnam
both the SSBN and the assailant aggression
INS Mormugao
and also the surface warheads by aid of the
INS Paradip
cruise missiles.
INS Porbandar
The SSBN are designed to carry long-distance
Visakhapatnam class (Project 15B) is a class missiles.
of stealth guided missile destroyers
Strategic attacks are mainly carried out by the
This is a Guided Missile Destroyer ship of SSBN.
Project 15B.
SSN are mainly used in shot range assailant
The Project 15B missile destroyers are modern attacks and are also used to conduct classified
warships equipped with the latest weapons operations like surveillance, intelligence and
package, in continuation of the lineage of the any other highly classified missions.
highly successful Delhi and Kolkata Class
The Submersible Ship Nuclear does carry
ships.
cruise missile and other ammunitions that are
SUBMARINES used in carrying out attacks.

SUBMERGE SHIP BALLISTIC Arihant class

It is a submarine deploying submarine- INS Arihant is India's first nuclear-powered

launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with submarine (indigenously built).
nuclear warheads. It was jointly developed by the Indian Navy,
If it is powered by Nuclear energy it is called Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and
SSBN (else only SSB). Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) at the naval dockyard in
These submarines became a major deterrent
Visakhapatnam.
weapon system in the Cold War period because
of its nuclear deterrence. This is a ship submersible ballistic, nuclear
(SSBN) submarine.
They can fire missiles thousands of kilometers
from their targets, and acoustic quieting makes
them difficult to detect.
 21

DIESEL-ELECTRIC SUBMARINES
Sindhughosh class

Sindhughosh class

INS Sindhughosh
INS Sindhudhvaj
INS Sindhuraj
INS Sindhuvir
INS Sindhuratna
Russian designers assisted in building the INS Sindhukesari
vessel. INS Sindhukirti
Arihants design is based on the Russian INS Sindhuvijay
Akula-1 Class submarine. INS Sindhurashtra
Projects: Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV).
Origin: former Soviet Union.
It is the first ballistic missile submarine to
have been built by a country other than one of Sindhughosh-class submarines are Kilo-class
the P5 members of the UNSC. diesel-electric submarines.

The submarines are powered by a pressurised Designed under - Project 877.

water reactor with highly enriched Shishumar class:
uranium fuel.
Shishumar-class vessels are diesel-electric
Arihant class Attack submarines.

Origin : Germany
INS Arihant
INS Aridhaman Shishumar class:
Chakra (Akula II) class:
INS Shishumar (S44)
Chakra (Akula II) class INS Shankush (S45)
INS Shalki (S46)
INS Chakra INS Shankul (S47)

Kalvari class
They were leased from Russia.
Kalvari class
Under Project 971 is a nuclear-powered attack
submarine (SSN) first deployed by the Soviet
INS Kalvari
Navy
INS Khanderi
The Akula 2 class submarine, though not the INS Karanj
latest class of nuclear-powered fast-attack
submarines in the world. But still considered INS Kalvari:
one of the most advanced.
It was the first of the six scorpene class
Capable of sailing at speeds up to 35 knots submarines built under project 75I
(nearly 65 km per hour) under water, it is
It is a diesel-electric attack submarine which is
among the quietest Russian submarines.
designed in by French naval
 22

defence and Energy Company DCNS and being

manufactured at Mazagon Dock Limited in
Mumbai.

All six Kalvari class submarines being built in

India will be equipped with this anti-ship
missile, which has a proven record in combat.

These missiles will provide the submarines the

ability to neutralise surface threats at extended
ranges.

It is also built with superior stealth capability.

INS Kalvari is followed by INS Kandheri