India aims to bring back 14,000 people by its massive repatriation plan. This exercise will involve navy ships and public carriers to bring back stranded Indians. Watch report.

India to launch massive repatriation plan: Exercise involves navy ships, public carriers

India is working with some Arab Gulf states in an effort to repatriate hundreds of thousands of migrant laborers stranded by the coronavirus pandemic

India's massive repatriation plan to start from May 7

On Tuesday, India has sent three naval ships to evacuate its citizens stranded in the Maldives and UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Three ships sent to evacuate Indians from the Maldives and UAE

The Indian Navy said today that it has&nbsp;launched Operation "Samudra Setu"(Sea Bridge) as part of national effort to repatriate Indian citizens from overseas due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gathering-of-not-more-than-50-persons-allowed-at-weddings-home-ministry-296813">coronavirus </a>crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-operate-two-special-flights-from-doha-for-stranded-indians-296814">Also Read:&nbsp;Government to operate two special flights from Doha for stranded Indians</a>

The Navy said Jalashwa and Magar ships are presently enroute port of Malè in&nbsp;Maldives to commence evacuation operations for stranded Indians from May 8 as part of Phase-1.

The Navy said the evacuated personnel will disembark&nbsp;at Kochi in Kerala and entrusted to the care of state authorities.

"This operation is being carried out in close coordination with ministries of defence, external affairs, home affairs, health and various other agencies of the government of India and state governments," it added.

Meanwhile, the home ministry said that passengers found to be "symptomatic" shall be immediately taken to a medical facility and the remaining passengers shall be taken to "suitable institutional quarantine facilities to be arranged by the states."

"These passengers shall be kept under institutional quarantine for 14 days," the MHA said.

"If they test negative after 14 days, they will be allowed to go home and will undertake self-monitoring of their health for 14 more days as per protocol," the home ministry said, adding,"the remaining persons will be shifted to medical facility by states and governments of union territories."

The Indian Navy said today that it has launched Operation "Samudra Setu"(Sea Bridge) as part of national effort to repatriate Indian citizens from overseas due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Indian Navy said today that it has launched Operation "Samudra Setu"(Sea Bridge) as part of national effort to repatriate Indian citizens from overseas due to the coronavirus crisis. Also Read: Government to operate two special flights from Doha for stranded Indians The Navy said Jalashwa and Magar ships are presently enroute port of Malè in Maldives to commence evacuation operations for stranded Indians from May 8 as part of Phase-1. The Navy said the evacuated personnel will disembark at Kochi in Kerala and entrusted to the care of state authorities. "This operation is being carried out in close coordination with ministries of defence, external affairs, home affairs, health and various other agencies of the government of India and state governments," it added. Meanwhile, the home ministry said that passengers found to be "symptomatic" shall be immediately taken to a medical facility and the remaining passengers shall be taken to "suitable institutional quarantine facilities to be arranged by the states." "These passengers shall be kept under institutional quarantine for 14 days," the MHA said. "If they test negative after 14 days, they will be allowed to go home and will undertake self-monitoring of their health for 14 more days as per protocol," the home ministry said, adding,"the remaining persons will be shifted to medical facility by states and governments of union territories."

Navy launches Operation 'Samudra Setu' to evacuate stranded Indians

Indian Navy chopper showered rose petals over health workers, especially frontline staff at the Goa Medical College, the state''s biggest hospital and a quarantine facility for Covid-19 patients

Navy chopper showers rose petals on Goa Medical college

The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will be thanking the COVID-19 warriors on Sunday for their readiness to help and all their efforts during these tough times.&nbsp;

This activity will take place in Mumbai and Kerala. Western Naval Command will illuminate five naval ships from 7:30pm to 11:59pm on Gateway of India. The same activity will be carried out in Kerala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-militants-killed-in-kashmir-encounter-operation-underway-296224">Also read:&nbsp;Two militants killed in Kashmir encounter; operation underway</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian Air Force chopper showers flower petals on Chirayu Medical College &amp; Hospital in Bhopal to express gratitude towards medical professionals fighting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/fi0AtFh2Uk">pic.twitter.com/fi0AtFh2Uk</a>
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The ships will also have banners with 'India salutes corona warriors' written on them.

Indian Coast Guards were seen rehearsing on the coasts on Saturday evening.

The activity is being conducted along with Indian Air Force's act of showering flower petals on selected hospitals and War Memorial in Delhi, as an act of gratitude for COVID-19 workers.

The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will be thanking the COVID-19 warriors on Sunday for their readiness to help and all their efforts during these tough times.

The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will be thanking the COVID-19 warriors on Sunday for their readiness to help and all their efforts during these tough times. This activity will take place in Mumbai and Kerala. Western Naval Command will illuminate five naval ships from 7:30pm to 11:59pm on Gateway of India. The same activity will be carried out in Kerala. Also read: Two militants killed in Kashmir encounter; operation underway #WATCH: Indian Air Force chopper showers flower petals on Chirayu Medical College & Hospital in Bhopal to express gratitude towards medical professionals fighting #COVID19. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/fi0AtFh2Uk — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020 × The ships will also have banners with 'India salutes corona warriors' written on them. Indian Coast Guards were seen rehearsing on the coasts on Saturday evening. The activity is being conducted along with Indian Air Force's act of showering flower petals on selected hospitals and War Memorial in Delhi, as an act of gratitude for COVID-19 workers.

Indian Navy to thank COVID-19 warriors by illuminating naval ships

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a fly-past over Dal Lake in Srinagar on Sunday morning to express gratitude to medical professionals and other frontline workers at the forefront of battle against the deadly Coronavirus.

IAF conducts flypasts across the Nation, C-130 hercules flies over Delhi

The Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy joined hands on Sunday (May 3) to express their gratitude to corona warriors, including healthcare workers, police, and forces who are at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Illuminated Indian naval vessels salute coronavirus warriors

In India, 21 Indian Navy personnel tests positive for pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a Naval site which is established in Mumbai. Most of the cases are asymptomatic.

India: 21 Indian Navy personnel tests positive for COVID-19 at a Naval site in Mumbai

6 Indian Navy sailors showed COVID-19 symptoms, 21 sailors tested positive for COVID-19

Supreme Court on Tuesday granted permanent commission to&nbsp;women in the Indian Navy.

The bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said denying permanent commission to women officers who have served the nation would result in a serious miscarriage of justice.

India's top court said men and women officers should be treated equally and asked the government to consider granting permanent commission to all women officers in the Navy within three months with increments.

"Women can sail with the same efficiency as male officers and there should be no discrimination," the Supreme Court observed.

The apex court said, "Once the statutory bar was lifted to allow entry of women officers then male and female officers are to be treated equally in granting permanent commission."&nbsp;

The court quashed prospective effect of policy barring women officers inducted before 2008 from being granted permanent commission in Navy.

Supreme Court on Tuesday granted permanent commission to women in the Indian Navy. The bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said denying permanent commission to women officers who have served the nation would result in a serious miscarriage of justice.

Supreme Court on Tuesday granted permanent commission to women in the Indian Navy. The bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said denying permanent commission to women officers who have served the nation would result in a serious miscarriage of justice. India's top court said men and women officers should be treated equally and asked the government to consider granting permanent commission to all women officers in the Navy within three months with increments. "Women can sail with the same efficiency as male officers and there should be no discrimination," the Supreme Court observed. The apex court said, "Once the statutory bar was lifted to allow entry of women officers then male and female officers are to be treated equally in granting permanent commission." The court quashed prospective effect of policy barring women officers inducted before 2008 from being granted permanent commission in Navy.

Supreme Court grants permanent commission to women officers in Navy

How Israel's Derby missile can change the game for India's fighter Tejas

The Indian Coast Guard launched the sixth offshore patrol Vessel 'Yard 45006 Vajra' at the Kattupalli shipyard, near Chennai, in the presence of Minister of State for Shipping (Independent charge) and Chemicals and fertilisers, and other dignitaries from the Indian Coast Guard and Larsen &amp; Toubro Shipbuilding.&nbsp;

The launching marks an important milestone as a vessel touches the water for the first time.&nbsp;

In India, ships have historically been launched with a Puja ceremony that dedicates the ship to a God and blessings are sought for the ship and her sailors. The ceremony involves a lady breaking a coconut on the bow of the vessel, along with Puja and festivities. The ship was launched by Smt Geeta Mandaviya, wife of Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya.

The offshore patrol Vessel (Vajra) is 98 meters long, 15 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of about 2100 tons and is equipped with two navigations radars with the latest communication technology.&nbsp;

<img alt="Vajra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45c5e772-b797-4b4a-bace-7dc076bbd45c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_56.jpg" />

<img alt="Vajra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d7798ca-74d7-4398-9610-be0c5ac29d8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_43.jpg" />

This vessel has an endurance of 5000 nautical miles and can travel at a top speed of 26knots. Armed with a CRN 91 30mm Naval gun and two 12.7mm guns the ship would be utilized for day and night surveillance, besides anti-terror, anti-smuggling operations in the exclusive economic zone and for coastal security.&nbsp;

It is also capable of carrying a twin-engine helicopter, which will enhance its surveillance, search and rescue capability.

Speaking at the event, Chairman and Managing Director of L&amp;T Shipbuilding Retd Vice-admiral B Kannan said, "this is the sixth OPV built against a Ministry of Defence contract of 2015. We are required to design and construct 7 vessels, of which five have been delivered before the contract schedule and four are already in service. The construction process involved joining many blocks together, of which some of our heaviest blocks weighed over 100tons. We hope to commence the afloat phase very soon and complete the harbour trial and sea-trial phase by June this year."

"These series of seven ships are based on our own indigenous design and are built for completely meeting the Coast Guard’s requirements. We have also brought in improvements in the construction process. The internals(pre-outfitting) of the ship is 72% complete, a figure that is very high for defence ships. This type of engineering ensures that majority of the pumps, cables, and other equipment are fitted as the construction progresses, as opposed to fitting them at the later stages of construction." he told WION.&nbsp;

In his address, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recalled the glory of Indian shipbuilding and maritime sector during the rule of Shivaji. Responding to a question from WION, he said, "we have 61 vessels for the Coast Guard that are in the pipeline, as of today and we are depending on both public sector and private sector firms for the construction. We are looking to enhance national security by providing berthing facility for the Indian Coast Guard at every one of the 12 major ports and will fulfil their requirements.” He added that the Government was also working on reducing the dependence on the roadways and railways by ensuring that larger volumes of cargo can be transported via inland waterways.”

Addressing the gathering, K Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said, "we have christened the vessel 'Vajra' in today’s ceremony and the launching marks a very important milestone, as she would be touching the water for the first time. The Coast Guard began in 1977 with two vessels and five boats. We have made swift progress since then with the support of PSUs and Private shipyards and have 146 surface platforms and 62 aircraft currently. The Interceptor boats are our workhorses and OPV form a strong backbone. We have a daily deployment of 50 ships and 10 aircraft for monitoring and securing our 7516 coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2mn sq km"

The Indian Coast Guard launched the sixth offshore patrol Vessel 'Yard 45006 Vajra' at the Kattupalli shipyard, near Chennai, in the presence of Minister of State for Shipping (Independent charge) and Chemicals and fertilisers, and other dignitaries from the Indian Coast Guard and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding.

The Indian Coast Guard launched the sixth offshore patrol Vessel 'Yard 45006 Vajra' at the Kattupalli shipyard, near Chennai, in the presence of Minister of State for Shipping (Independent charge) and Chemicals and fertilisers, and other dignitaries from the Indian Coast Guard and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding. The launching marks an important milestone as a vessel touches the water for the first time. In India, ships have historically been launched with a Puja ceremony that dedicates the ship to a God and blessings are sought for the ship and her sailors. The ceremony involves a lady breaking a coconut on the bow of the vessel, along with Puja and festivities. The ship was launched by Smt Geeta Mandaviya, wife of Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya. The offshore patrol Vessel (Vajra) is 98 meters long, 15 meters wide and has a gross tonnage of about 2100 tons and is equipped with two navigations radars with the latest communication technology. This vessel has an endurance of 5000 nautical miles and can travel at a top speed of 26knots. Armed with a CRN 91 30mm Naval gun and two 12.7mm guns the ship would be utilized for day and night surveillance, besides anti-terror, anti-smuggling operations in the exclusive economic zone and for coastal security. It is also capable of carrying a twin-engine helicopter, which will enhance its surveillance, search and rescue capability. Speaking at the event, Chairman and Managing Director of L&T Shipbuilding Retd Vice-admiral B Kannan said, "this is the sixth OPV built against a Ministry of Defence contract of 2015. We are required to design and construct 7 vessels, of which five have been delivered before the contract schedule and four are already in service. The construction process involved joining many blocks together, of which some of our heaviest blocks weighed over 100tons. We hope to commence the afloat phase very soon and complete the harbour trial and sea-trial phase by June this year." "These series of seven ships are based on our own indigenous design and are built for completely meeting the Coast Guard’s requirements. We have also brought in improvements in the construction process. The internals(pre-outfitting) of the ship is 72% complete, a figure that is very high for defence ships. This type of engineering ensures that majority of the pumps, cables, and other equipment are fitted as the construction progresses, as opposed to fitting them at the later stages of construction." he told WION. In his address, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recalled the glory of Indian shipbuilding and maritime sector during the rule of Shivaji. Responding to a question from WION, he said, "we have 61 vessels for the Coast Guard that are in the pipeline, as of today and we are depending on both public sector and private sector firms for the construction. We are looking to enhance national security by providing berthing facility for the Indian Coast Guard at every one of the 12 major ports and will fulfil their requirements.” He added that the Government was also working on reducing the dependence on the roadways and railways by ensuring that larger volumes of cargo can be transported via inland waterways.” Addressing the gathering, K Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said, "we have christened the vessel 'Vajra' in today’s ceremony and the launching marks a very important milestone, as she would be touching the water for the first time. The Coast Guard began in 1977 with two vessels and five boats. We have made swift progress since then with the support of PSUs and Private shipyards and have 146 surface platforms and 62 aircraft currently. The Interceptor boats are our workhorses and OPV form a strong backbone. We have a daily deployment of 50 ships and 10 aircraft for monitoring and securing our 7516 coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2mn sq km"

Indian Coast Guard launches offshore patrol vessel Vajra; to be operational by October 2020

Indian Navy is scaling up its cooperation with Myanmar and has offered training of the personnel of the country's Navy. The offer was made during Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh's visit to the neighbouring country from February 17 to 20.

During the visit, Admiral Karambir Singh held talks with Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Navy Admiral Tin Aung San and called on Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. He also met with the political leadership and called on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar Navy is a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and participates in the activities conducted under its construct.

Admiral Karambir Singh also interacted with the trainees of National Defence College in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw and visited the Naval Dockyard and Training Command of the Myanmar Navy in Yangon.

Both Indian and Myanmar's Navy interact with each other through the medium of staff talks, Joint Working Group Meeting on Maritime Cooperation and other operational interactions which include port visits, coordinated Patrols, bilateral exercises, training and hydrography. 
&nbsp;

Indian Navy is scaling up its cooperation with Myanmar and has offered training of the personnel of the country's Navy. The offer was made during Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh's visit to the neighbouring country from February 17 to 20.

Indian Navy is scaling up its cooperation with Myanmar and has offered training of the personnel of the country's Navy. The offer was made during Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh's visit to the neighbouring country from February 17 to 20. During the visit, Admiral Karambir Singh held talks with Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Navy Admiral Tin Aung San and called on Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. He also met with the political leadership and called on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar Navy is a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and participates in the activities conducted under its construct. Admiral Karambir Singh also interacted with the trainees of National Defence College in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw and visited the Naval Dockyard and Training Command of the Myanmar Navy in Yangon. Both Indian and Myanmar's Navy interact with each other through the medium of staff talks, Joint Working Group Meeting on Maritime Cooperation and other operational interactions which include port visits, coordinated Patrols, bilateral exercises, training and hydrography.

Indian Navy to scale up training of Myanmar Navy personnel 

The Tupolov aircraft arrived in Kolkata on Friday where India's second Naval Museum is coming up soon. 
&nbsp; 
The dismantled TU – 142 aircraft arrived in Kolkata and the work on reassembling the aircraft will soon begin as the Naval Museum starts taking shape. The aircraft, which was handed over to the KMDA authorities will now begin reassembling it. 
&nbsp; 
According to sources, by the end of March, the reassembling of the aircraft is expected to be completed. 
&nbsp; 
On the other hand, West Bengal state authorities have begun work on the museum with initial work being completed at the site of the museum.

"Meanwhile the preparatory activities at New Townsite has commenced. The land at New town adjacent to the police station has been cleared, flattened and the base on which the aircraft will be erected has been completed,"&nbsp;said a release from the Ministry of Defence.

<img alt="Indian naval museum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="affc7a62-2fac-43f7-88c2-de8492e4a67e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20200215-WA0019.jpg" /> 
&nbsp;<img alt="Naval museum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="96af41f1-4306-4a3e-b42d-66fb49ee35ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20200215-WA0018.jpg" /> 
The Indian Navy is setting up a permanent TU 142 aircraft in Kolkata,&nbsp;second such museum in the country after Vizag Naval Museum. 
&nbsp; 
While the TU-142 has been handed over by the Indian Navy, the West Bengal government will be setting up the museum and also bear the cost of building it. Government sources say it will be thrown open by mid-2020. 
&nbsp; 
The expenses for dismantling, transporting the TU-142 aircraft and assembling it in Kolkata is also being borne by the Bengal state government.

The Tupolov aircraft arrived in Kolkata on Friday where India's second Naval Museum is coming up soon. The dismantled TU – 142 aircraft arrived in Kolkata and the work on reassembling the aircraft will soon begin as the Naval Museum starts taking shape.

The Tupolov aircraft arrived in Kolkata on Friday where India's second Naval Museum is coming up soon. The dismantled TU – 142 aircraft arrived in Kolkata and the work on reassembling the aircraft will soon begin as the Naval Museum starts taking shape. The aircraft, which was handed over to the KMDA authorities will now begin reassembling it. According to sources, by the end of March, the reassembling of the aircraft is expected to be completed. On the other hand, West Bengal state authorities have begun work on the museum with initial work being completed at the site of the museum. "Meanwhile the preparatory activities at New Townsite has commenced. The land at New town adjacent to the police station has been cleared, flattened and the base on which the aircraft will be erected has been completed," said a release from the Ministry of Defence. The Indian Navy is setting up a permanent TU 142 aircraft in Kolkata, second such museum in the country after Vizag Naval Museum. While the TU-142 has been handed over by the Indian Navy, the West Bengal government will be setting up the museum and also bear the cost of building it. Government sources say it will be thrown open by mid-2020. The expenses for dismantling, transporting the TU-142 aircraft and assembling it in Kolkata is also being borne by the Bengal state government.

Tupolov aircraft for India's second naval museum arrives in Kolkata

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference?

Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. &nbsp;

He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. 
 
So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished?&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units.&nbsp;

Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores.

But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons:

First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget.&nbsp;

Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades.&nbsp;

The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons.

Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases.

All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US.

Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals.

Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms.

But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled.

The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems.

First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer.

This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing.&nbsp;

Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget.

The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases.

Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically.

India aspires to become a global power and for that, India must have a modern military force, among other things. India buys a bulk of its defence equipment and there is urgent need to make it domestically. So, there's a market, there's demand, there's a push from the government and India has the technological know-how, then why hasn't Make in India made a difference? Last year, Former Army Chief General VP Malik - the man who led the Indian Army during the Kargil war spoke about it. And he made a strong case for making defence equipment in India. He said that unless India becomes adequately self-reliant in defence, our national security remains vulnerable. So, why has India's domestic arms industry not flourished? For the longest time, defence manufacturing in India was in the hands of state-owned companies. Private players were allowed only in 2001. A report from 2019 says that even today, bulk of the business goes to the public sector units. Last year, the annual turnover of private sector companies was close to Rs 15 thousand crores. Public sector units earned more than four times this figure. Their turnover was well over Rs 60 thousand crores. But, the Armed Forces have not had good experiences working with India's Defence PSUs. They give three reasons: First, professionalism, or the lack of it. Second, delays in deliveries, and third, overshooting the budget. Let's take the case of HAL, it had the exclusive rights to manufacture foreign jets in India. Last year, the Indian Air Force told the government that production delays are impacting its combat strength, particularly, when it comes to the Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Fighter fleets that were undergoing upgrades. The IAF pointed out delays, ranging from two to six years. As a result, costs have also gone up. Furthermore, India lacks the talent to develop futuristic weapons. Research and Development is still restricted to government agencies like DRDO. So, the Defence Forces have little choice and they have to resort to off the shelf purchases. All the major contracts the Narendra Modi government has signed have been off the shelf. There has been no transfer of technology, this includes 36 Rafale jets from France, the S400 Missile Defence system from Russia, and the Apache and Chinook from the US. Although, the government should be given credit where it's due. Some major bottlenecks for the entry of the private sector have been removed under the Modi government, like - increasing the FDI cap, easing licensing conditions and reduced time frame for obtaining defence exports approvals. Several private players have entered the market - Adani Defence and Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge and Mahindra and Mahindra. They have all tied up with foreign Defence manufacturing firms. But as of last year, some deals were yet to be finalised, a few have even hit dead ends or have been cancelled. The private sector hasn't really been able to graduate from making small components to creating full-blown systems. First of all, finalise the pending deals. Second, invest more in defence research and development. Third, encourage private players and startups to build indigenous offerings. And fourth, push for weapons imports that come with a technology transfer. This will boost India's know-how in defence manufacturing. Another major concern is the budget. India might not have enough money to clear big-ticket purchases. This is where the Defence Forces must consider deeper integration of resources and talent and open up some room in the budget. The appointment of the Chief of Defence staff is a step in that direction. The more immediate concern is the pending defence procurement. Public-private partnerships must be encouraged to complete priority purchases. Delaying the development of India's defence manufacturing not just makes our imports bills bigger, it even forces the Armed Forces, bureaucrats and the government to make compromises with national security. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India's defence manufacturing gaps

The Prime minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay has thanked India for the relief assistance it has provided to the African country in the aftermath of the devastating floods and said Indian Navy's presence is a "welcomed" one.

Madagascar welcomes India's help in dealing with floods

With operation Vanilla, India became the first responder to reach out to cyclone and flood-ravaged Madagascar on Tuesday. Under the operation, Indian Navy deployed its INS Airavat to support the country.

INS Airavat will be deployed to Antsiranana, a port in northern Madagascar for Humanitarian Assistance and disaster relief mission.

The ship is carrying five pallets each of victualing, clothing and naval stores along with three pallets of medicines.

It will reach Madagascar on Wednesday and will carry out transportation and evacuation of personnel using four large and two medium-sized boats.

Fear of hunger and malnourishment in mounting Madagascar after heavy flooding and landslides ravaged the country.

According to a report, almost 92,000 people have been impacted by the floods. At least 30 have been killed while many have been displaced.

President of Madagascar had requested for international support to deal with the situation after which India deployed its INS Airavat.

Madagascar is part of "Vanilla" island nations, from which the operation derived its name.

Madagascar along with Seychelles, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, Mayotte, are known as vanilla islands since they grow this orchid in abundance.

Last year, Indian Navy had sent three of its ship to provide relief to neighbouring Mozambique which was hit by deadly cyclone Idai.

INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul were sent to the south-east African country for humanitarian assistance and were able to rescue over 200 people.

With operation Vanilla, India became the first responder to reach out to cyclone and flood-ravaged Madagascar on Tuesday. Under the operation, Indian Navy deployed its INS Airavat to support the country.

With operation Vanilla, India became the first responder to reach out to cyclone and flood-ravaged Madagascar on Tuesday. Under the operation, Indian Navy deployed its INS Airavat to support the country. INS Airavat will be deployed to Antsiranana, a port in northern Madagascar for Humanitarian Assistance and disaster relief mission. The ship is carrying five pallets each of victualing, clothing and naval stores along with three pallets of medicines. It will reach Madagascar on Wednesday and will carry out transportation and evacuation of personnel using four large and two medium-sized boats. Fear of hunger and malnourishment in mounting Madagascar after heavy flooding and landslides ravaged the country. According to a report, almost 92,000 people have been impacted by the floods. At least 30 have been killed while many have been displaced. President of Madagascar had requested for international support to deal with the situation after which India deployed its INS Airavat. Madagascar is part of "Vanilla" island nations, from which the operation derived its name. Madagascar along with Seychelles, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, Mayotte, are known as vanilla islands since they grow this orchid in abundance. Last year, Indian Navy had sent three of its ship to provide relief to neighbouring Mozambique which was hit by deadly cyclone Idai. INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul were sent to the south-east African country for humanitarian assistance and were able to rescue over 200 people.

India deploys INS Airavat to flood-ravaged Madagascar for humanitarian assistance

India on Sunday successfully test-fired a 3,500-kilometre range nuclear-capable missile that can be launched from a submarine. The missile is being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is to be fitted into the indigenously built Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines of the Indian Navy.

India successfully test-fires 3,500 km range K-4 nuclear capable missile

Indian Navy has deployed its sole aircraft carrier, the Queen of battle till the Arabian sea to closely watch over the joint military drills between China and Pakistan. The INS Vikramaditya was the fleet of the mig 29k fighter jets on board, who will be monitoring the nine-day mega naval exercise sea guardian 2020. #WION #WIONNews #IndianNavy #Navy #Pakistan #China #MilitaryDrill

WION Dispatch: INS Vikramaditya monitors Pak-China naval drill

The Indian Navy has banned navy personnel from using social media and smartphones at naval bases, dockyards and onboard warships. This stringent step has been taken by the force after seven Navy personnel were caught leaking sensitive information to enemy intelligence agencies on social media. #IndianNavy #Navy #Smartphones #WION

Indian Navy bans use of smartphones at naval bases, warships

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on December 31 expressed his gratitude to soldiers and their kin as he demitted office after a grand farewell ceremony. General Rawat will officially take over as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all matters relating to tri-services, on January 1, 2019. #BipinRawat #CDS #IndianArmy #ChiefOfAllForces #IndianForces #AirForce #IndianNavy

India General Bipin Rawat: Will form strategy after assuming charge

India gets its first military 'Superchief' as Bipin Rawat

After Indian Navy Busted An Espionage Racket, It Has Banned Smartphones Across Naval Bases, Dockyards & Ships. #Gravitas

Gravitas: Indian Navy Bans Use Of Smartphones, Social Media

After the recent arrest of seven Navy personnel for allegedly sharing sensitive information linked to Pakistan, the Indian Navy has issued directives to ban smartphones and social media use onboard ships and naval bases.&nbsp;

A senior Navy officer said that all social networking platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others, would not be allowed at the naval bases and ships from now on.&nbsp;

Smartphones would also not be permitted to operate, the official said.&nbsp;

On December 20, seven Navy personnel and a Hawala operator were arrested from Mumbai, Karvar and Visakhapatnam after a joint operation by the intelligence agencies busted an espionage racket linked to Pakistan.

Reportedly, the accused were sharing sensitive information about the movement of Indian warships and submarines to the Pakistani agents.&nbsp;

The intelligence agencies said that some more suspects are being interrogated.&nbsp;

After the incident, the Indian Navy said that there is no security breach and all critical assets are safe.

The operation was named 'Dolphin's Nose' and was jointly executed by central, naval intelligence officials and Andhra Pradesh Police.&nbsp;

The accused are currently under judicial custody. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

After the recent arrest of seven Navy personnel for allegedly sharing sensitive information linked to Pakistan, the Indian Navy has issued directives to ban smartphones and social media use onboard ships and naval bases.

After the recent arrest of seven Navy personnel for allegedly sharing sensitive information linked to Pakistan, the Indian Navy has issued directives to ban smartphones and social media use onboard ships and naval bases. A senior Navy officer said that all social networking platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others, would not be allowed at the naval bases and ships from now on. Smartphones would also not be permitted to operate, the official said. On December 20, seven Navy personnel and a Hawala operator were arrested from Mumbai, Karvar and Visakhapatnam after a joint operation by the intelligence agencies busted an espionage racket linked to Pakistan. Reportedly, the accused were sharing sensitive information about the movement of Indian warships and submarines to the Pakistani agents. The intelligence agencies said that some more suspects are being interrogated. After the incident, the Indian Navy said that there is no security breach and all critical assets are safe. The operation was named 'Dolphin's Nose' and was jointly executed by central, naval intelligence officials and Andhra Pradesh Police. The accused are currently under judicial custody. (with inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy bans use of social media platforms, smartphones

The Indian Navy is planning to build a fleet of 18 conventional and six nuclear attack submarines as part of its plans for its underwater fleet.

"Eighteen (Conventional) plus six SSN (nuclear-powered attack) submarines are planned but the existing strength is 15 and 1 SSN is available on lease," the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in the winter session of Parliament.

The Indian Navy had planned to build six nuclear attack submarines along with the Arihant Class SSBNs which are nuclear-powered submarines equipped with nuclear missiles.

The nuclear attack submarines are also planned to be built indigenously in partnership with private sector industries.

At present, the Navy is operating Russian-origin Kilo Class, German-origin HDW class and the latest French Scorpene-class submarines in the conventional domain while in the nuclear section, it has leased one INS Chakra (Akula class) from Russia.

The Navy also informed the committee that in the last 15 years, only two new conventional submarines have been inducted including the Scorpene-class vessels INS Kalvari and the INS Khanderi.

"It was further informed that the existing 13 conventional submarines are between 17 to 31 years old," the standing committee report said.

The Navy is also working on a plan to build six new submarines under its Project 75 India in which six more conventional submarines would be built by the Navy in partnership with Indian companies and foreign origin equipment manufacturers.

The project would be undertaken under the strategic partnership policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Navy is planning to build a fleet of 18 conventional and six nuclear attack submarines as part of its plans for its underwater fleet. "Eighteen (Conventional) plus six SSN (nuclear-powered attack) submarines are planned but the existing strength is 15 and 1 SSN is available on lease," the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in the winter session of Parliament.

The Indian Navy is planning to build a fleet of 18 conventional and six nuclear attack submarines as part of its plans for its underwater fleet. "Eighteen (Conventional) plus six SSN (nuclear-powered attack) submarines are planned but the existing strength is 15 and 1 SSN is available on lease," the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in the winter session of Parliament. The Indian Navy had planned to build six nuclear attack submarines along with the Arihant Class SSBNs which are nuclear-powered submarines equipped with nuclear missiles. The nuclear attack submarines are also planned to be built indigenously in partnership with private sector industries. At present, the Navy is operating Russian-origin Kilo Class, German-origin HDW class and the latest French Scorpene-class submarines in the conventional domain while in the nuclear section, it has leased one INS Chakra (Akula class) from Russia. The Navy also informed the committee that in the last 15 years, only two new conventional submarines have been inducted including the Scorpene-class vessels INS Kalvari and the INS Khanderi. "It was further informed that the existing 13 conventional submarines are between 17 to 31 years old," the standing committee report said. The Navy is also working on a plan to build six new submarines under its Project 75 India in which six more conventional submarines would be built by the Navy in partnership with Indian companies and foreign origin equipment manufacturers. The project would be undertaken under the strategic partnership policy.

Indian Navy planning to build six nuclear attack submarines: Navy to Parliamentary panel

Amidst Indian Navy Chief's Visit To Lanka, President Gotabaya Changes Tune On Hambantota Port. #Gravitas #IndianNavy #SriLanka #WION

Gravitas: Sri Lanka In China's Fold Amidst Crackdown On Dissent

How Indian Navy is calibrating its Indo-Pacific strategy

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics.&nbsp;

Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean.

And the question is simple - is India ready for the final frontier? How does India compare with other countries, especially China?

As always, numbers give perspective. According to the Global Firepower Index, the US tops the list, followed by Russia, China and India, but on the seas, China's navy is the clear leader.

One can check any metric, china's maritime power has multiplied in the last decade.

China's naval ambitions have two aspects:

One, the careful and gradual build-up to dominate the East China Sea, as well as, South China Sea. Two, Beijing wants more access to the Indian ocean

China has trade interests and territorial interests and it won't back down. It is buying access to crucial ports through big-ticket infrastructure loans.

In future, these ports could host China's military installations. The pattern is obvious and that brings us to India.

India's Navy is by no means inferior, but it's not enough to be on the back foot and play a catch-up - it's time to match-up with China.

There are 32 ships and submarines that are under construction. The Indian government has also approved the construction of another 56 warships and six submarines - as a part of its 10-year plan.

Some of these plans are already at an advanced stage. There is a 12 billion-dollar initiative called project 75I to acquire advanced submarines.&nbsp;

It's not just acquisition, India has also domestically built a nuclear-powered missile submarine - the INS Arihant.

This submarine has already completed its first deterrence patrol and will enable India to fire nuclear weapons across all routes - sea, air and land.

India has to boost its maritime power to counter China. It is making the right moves. India is strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, like the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

India is engaging with strategic coalitions such as the QUAD (the four-nation bloc of India, Japan, Australia and America-- to counter China's maritime expansion).

In fact today, India's Navy chief admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the Navy's success in curbing piracy and reiterated the commitment to force modernisation of Indian Navy.&nbsp;

Not just that, Admiral Singh acknowledged the rise of China's influence in the Indian ocean but he expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any challenge on coastal security. The comments signify India's emphasis on naval supremacy in the Indian ocean.

About 40 per cent of India's trade happens with the littoral countries along the Indian Ocean rim. For maritime trade as well as security, the Indian Ocean region is the biggest game. India needs to put all its energy in preserving the advantages in the ocean and find new gains.

Without an iota of doubt, the sea is the next frontier. There are plenty of challenges, but there are truckloads of opportunities too for New Delhi. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics. Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean.

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics. Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean. And the question is simple - is India ready for the final frontier? How does India compare with other countries, especially China? As always, numbers give perspective. According to the Global Firepower Index, the US tops the list, followed by Russia, China and India, but on the seas, China's navy is the clear leader. One can check any metric, china's maritime power has multiplied in the last decade. China's naval ambitions have two aspects: One, the careful and gradual build-up to dominate the East China Sea, as well as, South China Sea. Two, Beijing wants more access to the Indian ocean China has trade interests and territorial interests and it won't back down. It is buying access to crucial ports through big-ticket infrastructure loans. In future, these ports could host China's military installations. The pattern is obvious and that brings us to India. India's Navy is by no means inferior, but it's not enough to be on the back foot and play a catch-up - it's time to match-up with China. There are 32 ships and submarines that are under construction. The Indian government has also approved the construction of another 56 warships and six submarines - as a part of its 10-year plan. Some of these plans are already at an advanced stage. There is a 12 billion-dollar initiative called project 75I to acquire advanced submarines. It's not just acquisition, India has also domestically built a nuclear-powered missile submarine - the INS Arihant. This submarine has already completed its first deterrence patrol and will enable India to fire nuclear weapons across all routes - sea, air and land. India has to boost its maritime power to counter China. It is making the right moves. India is strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, like the Maldives and Sri Lanka. India is engaging with strategic coalitions such as the QUAD (the four-nation bloc of India, Japan, Australia and America-- to counter China's maritime expansion). In fact today, India's Navy chief admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the Navy's success in curbing piracy and reiterated the commitment to force modernisation of Indian Navy. Not just that, Admiral Singh acknowledged the rise of China's influence in the Indian ocean but he expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any challenge on coastal security. The comments signify India's emphasis on naval supremacy in the Indian ocean. About 40 per cent of India's trade happens with the littoral countries along the Indian Ocean rim. For maritime trade as well as security, the Indian Ocean region is the biggest game. India needs to put all its energy in preserving the advantages in the ocean and find new gains. Without an iota of doubt, the sea is the next frontier. There are plenty of challenges, but there are truckloads of opportunities too for New Delhi. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India vs China - battle for influence in Indian Ocean

Sub Lieutenant Shivangi of the Indian Navy became the first naval woman pilot on Monday as she joined the operational duties in Kochi naval base. Watch this video to know more.

Indian Navy welcomes first woman pilot

Indian Navy Drives Away Chinese vessel. To know more watch the video

WION Dispatch: Indian Navy Drives Away Chinese vessel

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