Indian Navy chief Admiral&nbsp;Karambir&nbsp;Singh will be visiting Russia&nbsp;next week to witness the Russian Navy Day celebrations. He is the&nbsp;third high-level Indian official to visit Russia&nbsp;this year&nbsp;after Foreign Secretary Harsh&nbsp;Shringla&nbsp;and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Indian Navy chief has travelled to Myanmar, Bangladesh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Australia in the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia will hold the main&nbsp;celebration&nbsp;of the navy day in St Petersburg on July 25. It is a national holiday in Russia and is celebrated on the last Sunday of July. Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tabar will be taking&nbsp;part&nbsp;in the celebrations of the Navy Day of Russia. The ship had sailed from India last month and reached&nbsp;Russia, after exercising with&nbsp;navies of countries,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Greece, France and Egypt.&nbsp;

Navy chiefs of other countries,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Iran's Navy Commander Admiral Hossein&nbsp;Khanzadi,&nbsp;will also be present in the country for the celebrations.&nbsp;

The visit by the Indian Navy chief to the country happens at a time when both countries are all set to host the maiden foreign and defence&nbsp;ministers dialogue and annual India-Russia summit-level talks.&nbsp;

Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh will be visiting Russia next week to witness the Russian Navy Day celebrations. He is the third high-level Indian official to visit Russia this year after Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh will be visiting Russia next week to witness the Russian Navy Day celebrations. He is the third high-level Indian official to visit Russia this year after Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Indian Navy chief has travelled to Myanmar, Bangladesh and Australia in the past. Russia will hold the main celebration of the navy day in St Petersburg on July 25. It is a national holiday in Russia and is celebrated on the last Sunday of July. Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tabar will be taking part in the celebrations of the Navy Day of Russia. The ship had sailed from India last month and reached Russia, after exercising with navies of countries, such as Greece, France and Egypt. Navy chiefs of other countries, such as Iran's Navy Commander Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, will also be present in the country for the celebrations. The visit by the Indian Navy chief to the country happens at a time when both countries are all set to host the maiden foreign and defence ministers dialogue and annual India-Russia summit-level talks.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh to visit Russia next week 

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

A US&nbsp;aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US&nbsp;Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway. 
 
China frequently objects to US&nbsp;military missions in the South China Sea saying they do not help promote peace or stability, and the announcement follows China blasting the Group of Seven nations for a statement scolding Beijing over a range of issues. 
 
"While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the US&nbsp;Navy said. 
 
"Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the US&nbsp;Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific." 
 
The carrier is being accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey, it added. 
 
China has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, including building artificial islands and air bases. 
 
The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. 
 
US&nbsp;warships have passed through the South China Sea with increasing frequency in recent years, in a show of force against the Chinese claims.

A US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway.

A US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway. China frequently objects to US military missions in the South China Sea saying they do not help promote peace or stability, and the announcement follows China blasting the Group of Seven nations for a statement scolding Beijing over a range of issues. "While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the US Navy said. "Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the US Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific." The carrier is being accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey, it added. China has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, including building artificial islands and air bases. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. US warships have passed through the South China Sea with increasing frequency in recent years, in a show of force against the Chinese claims.

US Navy says carrier group operating in South China Sea

A fire broke out in an Iranian navy vessel near the mouth of the Gulf, but the entire crew was able to safely disembark, the semi-official news agency Fars quoted a navy statement as saying on Wednesday. 
 
Firefighting operations continued on board the ship, which was near the Iranian port of Jask, situated on the Gulf of Oman, the statement said, adding that the vessel was on a training mission. 
 
The statement did not give the cause of the fire. 
 
In April, Iran said one of its vessels, the Saviz, had been targeted in the Red Sea, after media reports, the ship had been attacked with limpet mines. 
 
It was the latest in a reported series of attacks on Israeli- and Iranian-owned cargo ships since late February in which the two arch-enemies accused each other of responsibility. 
 
Last year, an Iranian warship accidentally struck another with a missile during an exercise, killing 19 sailors and wounding 15 others. 
 
The incident took place during training in the Gulf of Oman, a sensitive waterway that connects to the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran regularly conducts exercises in the area. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A fire broke out in an Iranian navy vessel near the mouth of the Gulf, but the entire crew was able to safely disembark, the semi-official news agency Fars quoted a navy statement as saying on Wednesday.

A fire broke out in an Iranian navy vessel near the mouth of the Gulf, but the entire crew was able to safely disembark, the semi-official news agency Fars quoted a navy statement as saying on Wednesday. Firefighting operations continued on board the ship, which was near the Iranian port of Jask, situated on the Gulf of Oman, the statement said, adding that the vessel was on a training mission. The statement did not give the cause of the fire. In April, Iran said one of its vessels, the Saviz, had been targeted in the Red Sea, after media reports, the ship had been attacked with limpet mines. It was the latest in a reported series of attacks on Israeli- and Iranian-owned cargo ships since late February in which the two arch-enemies accused each other of responsibility. Last year, an Iranian warship accidentally struck another with a missile during an exercise, killing 19 sailors and wounding 15 others. The incident took place during training in the Gulf of Oman, a sensitive waterway that connects to the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran regularly conducts exercises in the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire on Iran navy ship at mouth of Gulf, crew evacuated: Report

Barge P305, which sank during Cyclone Tauktae fury six days ago, was located on the seabed on Saturday, the Navy said, while it continued the search for 20 missing personnel from two vessels.&nbsp;

There was no trace yet of nine personnel from barge P305 and 11 from tugboat Varaprada while the death toll on P305 rose to 66 with the recovery of six more bodies during the day, a Navy spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Barge P305 has been located on the seabed after systematic search by INS Makar employing advanced side scan sonar while search for the missing personnel will continue through the night, he said.&nbsp;

The Navy also deployed specialised diving teams to boost the search and rescue operations (SAR). "So far, 66 mortal remains have been recovered. The SAR ops are continuing through the night," the spokesperson said. "To augment the ongoing SAR ops for the missing crew of Barge P305 and Tug Varaprada, specialised diving teams onboard INS Makar with side-scan sonar and INS Tarasa sailed out early morning today from Mumbai," the Navy spokesperson had tweeted earlier in the day.&nbsp;

Of the 261 personnel, who were on barge P305, 186 have been rescued so far, 66 are dead and nine are missing. Of the 13 persons on Varaprada, two have been rescued. While all the 440 persons on barges Gal Constructor and Support Station 3 (SS-3) and drillship Sagar Bhushan were brought ashore to safety, Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the Mumbai coast as the search and rescue operations entered the sixth day on Saturday. &nbsp;

Struggling to establish the identity of almost half the victims of the P305 barge tragedy, police initiated the process of conducting the DNA testing of the bodies, an official said on Saturday. &nbsp;

A Mumbai police spokesperson said the Navy has handed over the bodies recovered so far to the city police. As many as 41 bodies were handed over to the relatives after the completion of formalities, he said. &nbsp;

Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform of state-run oil and gas major ONGC, sank on Monday evening off the Mumbai coast during the cyclone. The barge had gone adrift in the cyclone fury before sinking. Some bodies are decomposed, some others have deep injuries and therefore, they are beyond recognition, the official said. &nbsp;

Blood samples of the deceased and their immediate relatives are being collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai, he said. "After the samples are matched, the bodies will be handed over to the respective family members," he said, adding that the DNA sampling process is expected to be completed in the next three days. &nbsp;

RT-PCR tests to ascertain whether the victims had COVID-19 infection were also conducted, he said. Mumbai police have also announced they will conduct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge remained in the turbulent area despite warnings about cyclone Tauktae, an official said. The police have also registered accidental death reports in connection with the death of the personnel on the barge. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Barge P305, which sank during Cyclone Tauktae fury six days ago, was located on the seabed on Saturday, the Navy said, while it continued the search for 20 missing personnel from two vessels.

Barge P305, which sank during Cyclone Tauktae fury six days ago, was located on the seabed on Saturday, the Navy said, while it continued the search for 20 missing personnel from two vessels. There was no trace yet of nine personnel from barge P305 and 11 from tugboat Varaprada while the death toll on P305 rose to 66 with the recovery of six more bodies during the day, a Navy spokesperson said. Barge P305 has been located on the seabed after systematic search by INS Makar employing advanced side scan sonar while search for the missing personnel will continue through the night, he said. The Navy also deployed specialised diving teams to boost the search and rescue operations (SAR). "So far, 66 mortal remains have been recovered. The SAR ops are continuing through the night," the spokesperson said. "To augment the ongoing SAR ops for the missing crew of Barge P305 and Tug Varaprada, specialised diving teams onboard INS Makar with side-scan sonar and INS Tarasa sailed out early morning today from Mumbai," the Navy spokesperson had tweeted earlier in the day. Of the 261 personnel, who were on barge P305, 186 have been rescued so far, 66 are dead and nine are missing. Of the 13 persons on Varaprada, two have been rescued. While all the 440 persons on barges Gal Constructor and Support Station 3 (SS-3) and drillship Sagar Bhushan were brought ashore to safety, Naval and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft scoured the waters off the Mumbai coast as the search and rescue operations entered the sixth day on Saturday. Struggling to establish the identity of almost half the victims of the P305 barge tragedy, police initiated the process of conducting the DNA testing of the bodies, an official said on Saturday. A Mumbai police spokesperson said the Navy has handed over the bodies recovered so far to the city police. As many as 41 bodies were handed over to the relatives after the completion of formalities, he said. Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform of state-run oil and gas major ONGC, sank on Monday evening off the Mumbai coast during the cyclone. The barge had gone adrift in the cyclone fury before sinking. Some bodies are decomposed, some others have deep injuries and therefore, they are beyond recognition, the official said. Blood samples of the deceased and their immediate relatives are being collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai, he said. "After the samples are matched, the bodies will be handed over to the respective family members," he said, adding that the DNA sampling process is expected to be completed in the next three days. RT-PCR tests to ascertain whether the victims had COVID-19 infection were also conducted, he said. Mumbai police have also announced they will conduct a probe as to why the ill-fated barge remained in the turbulent area despite warnings about cyclone Tauktae, an official said. The police have also registered accidental death reports in connection with the death of the personnel on the barge. (With inputs from agencies)

Barge P305 located on seabed, Indian Navy continues search for 20 missing personnel  

UK Navy's largest ship HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier leading the Carrier Strike Group will sail to India and the wider Indo-Pacific region next month. While on India visit, it will conduct joint exercises with Indian forces in the Indian Ocean which a release from the British High Commission in Delhi said will be about " expanding interoperability and enhancing capabilities to defend against shared threats and protect our democratic values."

The Strike Group comprises Type 45 destroyers HMS Defender and HMS Diamond, Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Kent and HMS Richmond, and tanker and storage ships Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring.

"The UK and India are natural defense partners, particularly in world-class research, development and training. The Carrier Strike Group’s collaboration with India will build the foundations for this relationship to flourish even further," said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

On a 28-week deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will travel over 26,000 nautical miles from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, from the Gulf of Aden to the Arabian Sea, and from the Indian Ocean to the Philippine Sea.&nbsp;

The development comes as part of London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The carrier will sail to Japan, South Korea, Singapore among the 40 countries it will visit and undertake 70 engagements.

The development comes even as both sides have been increasing high-level engagement. Last year, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had visited India, and later this year Indian PM Modi is expected to travel to the UK to take part in the G7 summit in Cornwall. Both countries have bi-annual exercises--Exercise Ajeya Warrior, for the army, Exercise Konkan for the navy, and Exercise Indra Dhanush for the Air Force. UK has the 5th largest defense budget, highest in Europe and second highest in NATO. The country is also the 2nd largest defense exporter in the world.

UK Navy's largest ship HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier leading the Carrier Strike Group will sail to India and the wider Indo-Pacific region next month. While on India visit, it will conduct joint exercises with Indian forces in the Indian Ocean which a release from the British High Commission in Delhi said will be about " expanding interoperability and enhancing capabilities to defend against shared threats and protect our democratic values.

UK Navy's largest ship HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier leading the Carrier Strike Group will sail to India and the wider Indo-Pacific region next month. While on India visit, it will conduct joint exercises with Indian forces in the Indian Ocean which a release from the British High Commission in Delhi said will be about " expanding interoperability and enhancing capabilities to defend against shared threats and protect our democratic values." The Strike Group comprises Type 45 destroyers HMS Defender and HMS Diamond, Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Kent and HMS Richmond, and tanker and storage ships Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring. "The UK and India are natural defense partners, particularly in world-class research, development and training. The Carrier Strike Group’s collaboration with India will build the foundations for this relationship to flourish even further," said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. On a 28-week deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will travel over 26,000 nautical miles from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, from the Gulf of Aden to the Arabian Sea, and from the Indian Ocean to the Philippine Sea. The development comes as part of London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The carrier will sail to Japan, South Korea, Singapore among the 40 countries it will visit and undertake 70 engagements. The development comes even as both sides have been increasing high-level engagement. Last year, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had visited India, and later this year Indian PM Modi is expected to travel to the UK to take part in the G7 summit in Cornwall. Both countries have bi-annual exercises--Exercise Ajeya Warrior, for the army, Exercise Konkan for the navy, and Exercise Indra Dhanush for the Air Force. UK has the 5th largest defense budget, highest in Europe and second highest in NATO. The country is also the 2nd largest defense exporter in the world.

UK's largest naval ship to sail to India next month

Even as it faces increasingly hostile neighbourhood, China is ramping up its military capabilities. As per a report in Chinese state-owned Global Times, China has developed a stealth-detecting radar.

The reports are describing the radar as one of the 'star products' at the Nanjing exhibition which ends on Saturday. The radar is being touted as being able to detect stealth aircraft, including drones, and low-flying missiles.&nbsp;

The so-called "YLC-48 radar" is portable and can be carried by one soldier, according to the Global Times. The report said that the radar can conduct missions under all-weather conditions, and can be rapidly deployed and withdrawn.

China is traditionally and comparatively has been considered a bit weaker in its naval assets. But recent decades have seen it rapidly developing its naval forces.

China has now deployed its first advanced amphibious assault ship and two other vessels. As per local media, the commissioning ceremony was attended by President Xi Jinping himself.

The Hainan, the Dalian and the Changzheng-18 were placed in active service on Friday. Out of these vessels, the Hainan is China's first type 075 amphibious assault ship. The Dalian is a type 055 destroyer while Changzheng-18 is a nuclear-powered submarine.

Even as it faces increasingly hostile neighbourhood, China is ramping up its military capabilities. As per a report in Chinese state-owned Global Times, China has developed a stealth-detecting radar.

Even as it faces increasingly hostile neighbourhood, China is ramping up its military capabilities. As per a report in Chinese state-owned Global Times, China has developed a stealth-detecting radar. The reports are describing the radar as one of the 'star products' at the Nanjing exhibition which ends on Saturday. The radar is being touted as being able to detect stealth aircraft, including drones, and low-flying missiles. The so-called "YLC-48 radar" is portable and can be carried by one soldier, according to the Global Times. The report said that the radar can conduct missions under all-weather conditions, and can be rapidly deployed and withdrawn. China is traditionally and comparatively has been considered a bit weaker in its naval assets. But recent decades have seen it rapidly developing its naval forces. China has now deployed its first advanced amphibious assault ship and two other vessels. As per local media, the commissioning ceremony was attended by President Xi Jinping himself. The Hainan, the Dalian and the Changzheng-18 were placed in active service on Friday. Out of these vessels, the Hainan is China's first type 075 amphibious assault ship. The Dalian is a type 055 destroyer while Changzheng-18 is a nuclear-powered submarine.

China unveils stealth-detecting radar, adds assault ships to naval fleet

Indian Navy on Thursday pitched in to locate the missing Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402. The submarine went missing on Wednesday, 60 miles off the coast of Bali with 53 people on board.

Indian Navy has sent its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which departed from Visakhapatnam to support the Indonesian Navy in search and rescue efforts for KRI Nanggala.

Equipped with the latest technology and capabilities, DSRV has a Side Scan Sonar to locate the position of any submarine in distress. It can provide immediate relief by posting Emergency Life Support Containers with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

Indian Defence ‌Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Gen Prabowo Subianto.

&nbsp;“I am extremely pained to hear about the missing Indonesian Submarine Nanggala with 53 crew on board. As a well wisher and a defence Minister myself I can feel the pain and anguish. At this point I would like to extend the full support of the Indian Armed Forces to the Indonesian Rescue effort,” Singh said, according to a release from the Indian Navy.

“I have also tasked the Indian Air Force to see the feasibility of induction of the DSRV intervention system by air. India is committed to assist our strategic partners during times of necessity. Please accept my concern and best wishes to a successful rescue,” he said.

Gen Subianto acknowledged and appreciated India’s support to Indonesia, the release said.

India is among the few countries in the world capable of undertaking Search and Rescue of a disabled submarine through a DSRV, the Navy release said.

Indian Navy’s DSRV system can locate a submarine upto 1,000 metre depth utilising its state-of-the art Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). After the submarine is successfully located, another sub module of DSRV- the Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) - mates with the submarine to rescue the trapped personnel. The SRV can also be used to provide emergency supplies to the submarine.

Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy share a strong partnership of operational cooperation. The two navies have been exercising regularly in the past and have developed synergy and interoperability which is considered important for the present mission.

The Indian effort comes even as both countries have been engaging on several fronts from defence to maritime collaboration.&nbsp;

Indian Navy has been providing support in the region in several ways, including by providing medicine, food supplies amid the Covid pandemic. Under its Sagar missions 1, 2 and 3, it reached out to more than 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region, Africa and ASEAN with supplies to deal with the Covid crisis.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, other countries in the region, namely Singapore and Malaysia, have dispatched vessels to support Indonesia.&nbsp;

Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a statement said, "The Republic of Singapore Navy’s MV Swift Rescue – our submarine rescue vessel – was dispatched expeditiously...as fast as she could get ready after our navy chief received a request for assistance from his Indonesian counterpart."

Indian Navy on Thursday pitched in to locate the missing Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402. The submarine went missing on Wednesday, 60 miles off the coast of Bali with 53 people on board.

Indian Navy on Thursday pitched in to locate the missing Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402. The submarine went missing on Wednesday, 60 miles off the coast of Bali with 53 people on board. Indian Navy has sent its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which departed from Visakhapatnam to support the Indonesian Navy in search and rescue efforts for KRI Nanggala. Equipped with the latest technology and capabilities, DSRV has a Side Scan Sonar to locate the position of any submarine in distress. It can provide immediate relief by posting Emergency Life Support Containers with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Indian Defence ‌Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Gen Prabowo Subianto. “I am extremely pained to hear about the missing Indonesian Submarine Nanggala with 53 crew on board. As a well wisher and a defence Minister myself I can feel the pain and anguish. At this point I would like to extend the full support of the Indian Armed Forces to the Indonesian Rescue effort,” Singh said, according to a release from the Indian Navy. “I have also tasked the Indian Air Force to see the feasibility of induction of the DSRV intervention system by air. India is committed to assist our strategic partners during times of necessity. Please accept my concern and best wishes to a successful rescue,” he said. Gen Subianto acknowledged and appreciated India’s support to Indonesia, the release said. India is among the few countries in the world capable of undertaking Search and Rescue of a disabled submarine through a DSRV, the Navy release said. Indian Navy’s DSRV system can locate a submarine upto 1,000 metre depth utilising its state-of-the art Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). After the submarine is successfully located, another sub module of DSRV- the Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) - mates with the submarine to rescue the trapped personnel. The SRV can also be used to provide emergency supplies to the submarine. Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy share a strong partnership of operational cooperation. The two navies have been exercising regularly in the past and have developed synergy and interoperability which is considered important for the present mission. The Indian effort comes even as both countries have been engaging on several fronts from defence to maritime collaboration. Indian Navy has been providing support in the region in several ways, including by providing medicine, food supplies amid the Covid pandemic. Under its Sagar missions 1, 2 and 3, it reached out to more than 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region, Africa and ASEAN with supplies to deal with the Covid crisis. Meanwhile, other countries in the region, namely Singapore and Malaysia, have dispatched vessels to support Indonesia. Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a statement said, "The Republic of Singapore Navy’s MV Swift Rescue – our submarine rescue vessel – was dispatched expeditiously...as fast as she could get ready after our navy chief received a request for assistance from his Indonesian counterpart."

Indian Navy pitches in to find missing Indonesian submarine

When the Australian Navy recently induced a new ship - it booked dancers who twerked before the guests. If the inappropriate performance wasn't enough, a deceptive video of the event from a broadcaster has now triggered outrage. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Australia: Dancers twerk at Navy Ship Launch

Prosecutors in Mexico have arrested 30 Marines in connection with the disappearances of an unspecified number of people in the northern state of Tamaulipas in 2014, the Navy said on Monday. &nbsp;

"Thirty naval service members were made available to the Attorney General's Office on April 9 in compliance with arrest warrants... for the alleged crime of forced disappearance of persons," the Navy Secretariat said in a statement.&nbsp;

The statement did not elaborate on the precise date of the disappearances or the number of victims, but it said the arrests were related to investigations into events that occurred in Nuevo Laredo in the state of Tamaulipas, on the border with the United States, in 2014.&nbsp;

The Navy said it decided to hand over the uniformed men 'in strict adherence with protocol' so that prosecutors can 'carry out the pertinent investigations’. &nbsp;

Tamaulipas, long marred by violence linked to drug trafficking, has one of the highest rates of missing persons in the country, especially on roads that lead to the border with the United States. &nbsp;

Most of the disappearances are blamed on drug cartels, but law enforcement officials, especially state and municipal police, have also been charged.&nbsp;

Monday's announcement marked the largest detention of military personnel in connection with enforced disappearances in recent years in Mexico. &nbsp;

The government had announced that arrest warrants were being prepared against the military for the disappearance in 2014 of 43 students from the Ayotzinapa school in the southern state of Guerrero, but it has not officially reported whether those warrants have already been carried out. &nbsp;

Between the end of 2006, when the government launched a military offensive against the drug gangs, and December of last year, Mexico had 80,517 reports of missing persons, according to official figures. &nbsp;

In the same period, some 300,000 people have been killed, with most of the deaths blamed on organised crime groups.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prosecutors in Mexico have arrested 30 Marines in connection with the disappearances of an unspecified number of people in the northern state of Tamaulipas in 2014, the Navy said on Monday.

Prosecutors in Mexico have arrested 30 Marines in connection with the disappearances of an unspecified number of people in the northern state of Tamaulipas in 2014, the Navy said on Monday. "Thirty naval service members were made available to the Attorney General's Office on April 9 in compliance with arrest warrants... for the alleged crime of forced disappearance of persons," the Navy Secretariat said in a statement. The statement did not elaborate on the precise date of the disappearances or the number of victims, but it said the arrests were related to investigations into events that occurred in Nuevo Laredo in the state of Tamaulipas, on the border with the United States, in 2014. The Navy said it decided to hand over the uniformed men 'in strict adherence with protocol' so that prosecutors can 'carry out the pertinent investigations’. Tamaulipas, long marred by violence linked to drug trafficking, has one of the highest rates of missing persons in the country, especially on roads that lead to the border with the United States. Most of the disappearances are blamed on drug cartels, but law enforcement officials, especially state and municipal police, have also been charged. Monday's announcement marked the largest detention of military personnel in connection with enforced disappearances in recent years in Mexico. The government had announced that arrest warrants were being prepared against the military for the disappearance in 2014 of 43 students from the Ayotzinapa school in the southern state of Guerrero, but it has not officially reported whether those warrants have already been carried out. Between the end of 2006, when the government launched a military offensive against the drug gangs, and December of last year, Mexico had 80,517 reports of missing persons, according to official figures. In the same period, some 300,000 people have been killed, with most of the deaths blamed on organised crime groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico detains 30 Marines in collection with disappearances of several people in 2014 

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? 
&nbsp;

Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-the-us-navy-conduct-an-operation-near-lakshadweep-376542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law.

But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing.

This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture.

This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself.&nbsp;

The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter.

This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China.

On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted.

As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships.

Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this.

When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then.

Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit.

It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage.

New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India.

"We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement.

This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ.

Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home.

A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely.

What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance. US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law. But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing. This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture. This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself. The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter. This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China. On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted. As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships. Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this. When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then. Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit. It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage. New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India. "We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement. This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ. Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home. A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely. What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

US Navy manoeuvre near Lakshadweep was an unnecessary act

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10.&nbsp;

According to an official release, Indian Naval ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at Mongla from March 8 to 10 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship.&nbsp;

"This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India's firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," the statement read.&nbsp;

On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm the Indian Navy's solidarity and partnership with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships' crew will participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies, the statement added.&nbsp;

On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar embarked on his official visit to Dhaka to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh, wherein he held talks with his counterpart on the progress of bilateral ties. This will be PM Modi's first foreign trip in over a year mainly because of the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of the liberation war in which the Pakistan Army was thrown out of Bangladesh and 90,000 of their troops were made to surrender. Meanwhile, a number of events are being organised by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decisive war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10.

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10. According to an official release, Indian Naval ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at Mongla from March 8 to 10 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship. "This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India's firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," the statement read. On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm the Indian Navy's solidarity and partnership with Bangladesh. Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships' crew will participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies, the statement added. On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar embarked on his official visit to Dhaka to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh, wherein he held talks with his counterpart on the progress of bilateral ties. This will be PM Modi's first foreign trip in over a year mainly because of the Covid-19 pandemic. India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of the liberation war in which the Pakistan Army was thrown out of Bangladesh and 90,000 of their troops were made to surrender. Meanwhile, a number of events are being organised by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decisive war. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy ships to visit Bangladesh to mark 50th anniversary of 1971 war

NATO and Russia will be coming together for the first time in a decade to share the same platform this month in Pakistani waters, the last time the Russian navy conducted joint military drills with NATO members was in the "Bold Monarch" exercise in 2011, which took place off the coast of Spain.

The exercise titled AMAN 2021 under the tag of “Together for Peace” kicks off in Pakistani waters from 11th February and will continue until the 16th of February. The collaborative drills are being held since 2007 when it started with three participants.

A total of 46 countries would be participating in the Aman 2021 exercise which includes participating fleets from, US, China, Russia, UK, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries from ASEAN, South Asia, African Union, EU, GCC and NATO among others.

“Exercise AMAN is about bridging gaps and making it possible to operate together in pursuance of common objectives,” Rear Admiral Naveed Ashraf, commander of the Pakistani fleet, said Monday. 
&nbsp; 
An official statement quoted him as saying that participating nations will attend the military drills with their “surface and air assets, special operation forces and maritime teams.” 
&nbsp; 
“Pakistan considers that maritime security is not just important for itself but for all other countries whose prosperity and progress are strongly bonded with the seas,” Ashraf said.

The main objective/ theme of AMAN series of multinational exercises are to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain including piracy. The conduct of exercise AMAN is divided into Harbor and Sea Phases.

As many as 46 countries and 115 observers participated in Aman-19 naval exercises and around 11 navies, including those of China, US, UK, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia, Oman; Sri Lanka participated with their warships.

NATO and Russia will be coming together for the first time in a decade to share the same platform this month in Pakistani waters, the last time the Russian navy conducted joint military drills with NATO members was in the "Bold Monarch" exercise in 2011, which took place off the coast of Spain.

NATO and Russia will be coming together for the first time in a decade to share the same platform this month in Pakistani waters, the last time the Russian navy conducted joint military drills with NATO members was in the "Bold Monarch" exercise in 2011, which took place off the coast of Spain. The exercise titled AMAN 2021 under the tag of “Together for Peace” kicks off in Pakistani waters from 11th February and will continue until the 16th of February. The collaborative drills are being held since 2007 when it started with three participants. A total of 46 countries would be participating in the Aman 2021 exercise which includes participating fleets from, US, China, Russia, UK, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries from ASEAN, South Asia, African Union, EU, GCC and NATO among others. “Exercise AMAN is about bridging gaps and making it possible to operate together in pursuance of common objectives,” Rear Admiral Naveed Ashraf, commander of the Pakistani fleet, said Monday. An official statement quoted him as saying that participating nations will attend the military drills with their “surface and air assets, special operation forces and maritime teams.” “Pakistan considers that maritime security is not just important for itself but for all other countries whose prosperity and progress are strongly bonded with the seas,” Ashraf said. The main objective/ theme of AMAN series of multinational exercises are to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain including piracy. The conduct of exercise AMAN is divided into Harbor and Sea Phases. As many as 46 countries and 115 observers participated in Aman-19 naval exercises and around 11 navies, including those of China, US, UK, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia, Oman; Sri Lanka participated with their warships.

46 countries including Russia, NATO coming to Pakistan for maritime exercise

As part of increased defense cooperation, India &amp; Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

This was one of the key outcomes of the virtual meet between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich that took place on Friday.

A readout of the meet from Indian defense ministry said both ministers,"discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum.".

Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing.

The release explained out,"Ministers discussed collaboration in Defence Industry capability building, training and cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations"

India assured Vietnam, a key partner in Indo-Pacific that it remains committed to the modernization of the Vietnamese Armed Forces during. Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides.

The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on 10 Dec through virtual mode.

As part of increased defense cooperation, India & Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

As part of increased defense cooperation, India & Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions. This was one of the key outcomes of the virtual meet between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich that took place on Friday. A readout of the meet from Indian defense ministry said both ministers,"discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum.". Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing. The release explained out,"Ministers discussed collaboration in Defence Industry capability building, training and cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations" India assured Vietnam, a key partner in Indo-Pacific that it remains committed to the modernization of the Vietnamese Armed Forces during. Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides. The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on 10 Dec through virtual mode.

India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding

The US sent two long-range bombers into China’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), according to the flight monitor Aircraft Spots.

The provocative flights took place while China was holding large naval exercises in the region.

Despite a stalemate with the transfer of power between President-elect Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, the USAF is continuing its missions in East Asia, as demonstrated by plane tracker Aircraft Spots' tweet Tuesday morning that two USA F B-1B bombers had allegedly flown into China's ADIZ.

The B1-B has the biggest payload of any bomber and is a departure from the fighter jets and spy planes the American forces have sent before on missions so close to the Chinese coast.

Such heavy aircraft are not known for being deployed on spying missions, suggesting that the US was sending a blunt warning.

The flight path shown by Aircraft Spots' tweet shows the last recorded location of the bombers being just inside China's ADIZ in the East China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US sent two long-range bombers into China’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), according to the flight monitor Aircraft Spots. The provocative flights took place while China was holding large naval exercises in the region.

The US sent two long-range bombers into China’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), according to the flight monitor Aircraft Spots. The provocative flights took place while China was holding large naval exercises in the region. Despite a stalemate with the transfer of power between President-elect Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, the USAF is continuing its missions in East Asia, as demonstrated by plane tracker Aircraft Spots' tweet Tuesday morning that two USA F B-1B bombers had allegedly flown into China's ADIZ. The B1-B has the biggest payload of any bomber and is a departure from the fighter jets and spy planes the American forces have sent before on missions so close to the Chinese coast. Such heavy aircraft are not known for being deployed on spying missions, suggesting that the US was sending a blunt warning. The flight path shown by Aircraft Spots' tweet shows the last recorded location of the bombers being just inside China's ADIZ in the East China Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Two US bomber jets penetrate Chinese air defence zone as Beijing’s navy mounts massive exercises

Turkey and Greece are NATO allies but, they have mobilized their navies against each other. Both sides have been at odds over a host of issues.

Now, a spark, triggered by Recep Tayyi̇p Erdogan is pushing Turkey and Greece closer to a military confrontation.

Turkish and Greek ships are sailing in waters of geopolitics in the eastern Mediterranean.

The differences are old. But some have turned into disputes, threatening to engulf the whole of Europe.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-greece-and-turkey-on-a-war-path-323295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A battle for gas reserves could push Turkey and Greece into a military confrontation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses to budge, he said: "We are determined to do whatever is necessary in military, politic and economic sense. We invite our counterparts to get it together and avoid mistakes that would bring their destruction."

What explains Erdogan's assertiveness?

The Turkish president has consolidated power at home. He now wants to make Turkey a superpower.

That's the promise he made to the voters of Turkey in 2018.

These territorial claims and new-found aggression are a message to the people of Turkey.

In 2017, Erdogan challenged a hundred-year-old Lausanne treaty and revived the territorial dispute.

In 2019, Turkey claimed that northern Syria is part of the Turkish homeland.

Erdogan backed his words with his military posturing to assert control over the region. He even intervened militarily, alongside its proxy --- the Syrian national army. As of today --- they control several parts of northern Syria.

Here is the pattern of Erdogan's moves.&nbsp;

1. Rejection of mutually agreed treaties

2. Military adventurism

3. Claiming disputed territory

4. And bullying neighbours

Which country has mastered this playbook?

These are the hallmarks of Chinese expansionism and this is how China approaches territorial disputes.

Beijing has been sailing its ships in the disputed South China sea. Staking claim to territory that belongs to others, or is disputed.

Rejecting old treaties-- like the Simla accord and the McMahon line. These are used by India to define its boundary with China.

On Tuesday, the Turkish navy held a drill in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan declared Turkey will not make any concessions.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "Turkey, in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black sea will get what is its right. In the same way we don't have our eyes on someone else's territory, sovereignty, interests, we will not give any concessions on that which is ours."

The Turkish president wants to appear strong at home and the blue motherland plan --- a pitch by Erdogan to turn Turkey into a real maritime power -- is a step in that direction.

But unlike China, it does not have the firepower to back its territorial claims and it's up against some formidable navies in the Mediterranean.

Turkey and Greece are NATO allies but, they have mobilized their navies against each other. Both sides have been at odds over a host of issues. Now, a spark, triggered by Recep Tayyi̇p Erdogan is pushing Turkey and Greece closer to a military confrontation.

Turkey and Greece are NATO allies but, they have mobilized their navies against each other. Both sides have been at odds over a host of issues. Now, a spark, triggered by Recep Tayyi̇p Erdogan is pushing Turkey and Greece closer to a military confrontation. Turkish and Greek ships are sailing in waters of geopolitics in the eastern Mediterranean. The differences are old. But some have turned into disputes, threatening to engulf the whole of Europe. A battle for gas reserves could push Turkey and Greece into a military confrontation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses to budge, he said: "We are determined to do whatever is necessary in military, politic and economic sense. We invite our counterparts to get it together and avoid mistakes that would bring their destruction." What explains Erdogan's assertiveness? The Turkish president has consolidated power at home. He now wants to make Turkey a superpower. That's the promise he made to the voters of Turkey in 2018. These territorial claims and new-found aggression are a message to the people of Turkey. In 2017, Erdogan challenged a hundred-year-old Lausanne treaty and revived the territorial dispute. In 2019, Turkey claimed that northern Syria is part of the Turkish homeland. Erdogan backed his words with his military posturing to assert control over the region. He even intervened militarily, alongside its proxy --- the Syrian national army. As of today --- they control several parts of northern Syria. Here is the pattern of Erdogan's moves. 1. Rejection of mutually agreed treaties 2. Military adventurism 3. Claiming disputed territory 4. And bullying neighbours Which country has mastered this playbook? These are the hallmarks of Chinese expansionism and this is how China approaches territorial disputes. Beijing has been sailing its ships in the disputed South China sea. Staking claim to territory that belongs to others, or is disputed. Rejecting old treaties-- like the Simla accord and the McMahon line. These are used by India to define its boundary with China. On Tuesday, the Turkish navy held a drill in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan declared Turkey will not make any concessions. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "Turkey, in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black sea will get what is its right. In the same way we don't have our eyes on someone else's territory, sovereignty, interests, we will not give any concessions on that which is ours." The Turkish president wants to appear strong at home and the blue motherland plan --- a pitch by Erdogan to turn Turkey into a real maritime power -- is a step in that direction. But unlike China, it does not have the firepower to back its territorial claims and it's up against some formidable navies in the Mediterranean.

Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation

The CBI has booked four Navy officers and 14 others for allegedly generating fake bills of Rs 6.76 crore for supplying IT hardware to the Western Naval Command, officials said.

Captain Atul Kulkarni, Commanders Mandar Godbole and R P Sharma, and Petty Officer LOG (F&amp;A) Kuldeep Singh Baghel allegedly prepared seven fraudulent bills of Rs 6.76 crore, they said Wednesday.

"All these accused naval officers abused their official position to defraud the naval authorities and rob the exchequer of public money which led to pecuniary gain to themselves," according to the CBI FIR.

The probe agency has also carried out searches in this connection, sources said.

The bills were allegedly raised between January and March in 2016 at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai for supplying information technology and networking related hardware.

"None of the items mentioned in the bills were supplied to HQ, WNC (Western Naval Command). No documents pertaining to preparation of the bills i.E. Approvals, financial sanction, purchase orders, receipt vouchers, etc. Are available at HQ," the CBI FIR said.

The agency has also booked four officials of the Controller of Defence Accounts, besides private companies Star Network, ACME Networks, Cyberspace Infovision and Moksh Infosys.

The CBI has booked four Navy officers and 14 others for allegedly generating fake bills of Rs 6.76 crore for supplying IT hardware to the Western Naval Command, officials said.

The CBI has booked four Navy officers and 14 others for allegedly generating fake bills of Rs 6.76 crore for supplying IT hardware to the Western Naval Command, officials said. Captain Atul Kulkarni, Commanders Mandar Godbole and R P Sharma, and Petty Officer LOG (F&A) Kuldeep Singh Baghel allegedly prepared seven fraudulent bills of Rs 6.76 crore, they said Wednesday. "All these accused naval officers abused their official position to defraud the naval authorities and rob the exchequer of public money which led to pecuniary gain to themselves," according to the CBI FIR. The probe agency has also carried out searches in this connection, sources said. The bills were allegedly raised between January and March in 2016 at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai for supplying information technology and networking related hardware. "None of the items mentioned in the bills were supplied to HQ, WNC (Western Naval Command). No documents pertaining to preparation of the bills i.E. Approvals, financial sanction, purchase orders, receipt vouchers, etc. Are available at HQ," the CBI FIR said. The agency has also booked four officials of the Controller of Defence Accounts, besides private companies Star Network, ACME Networks, Cyberspace Infovision and Moksh Infosys.

CBI books 4 Navy officers for generating fake bills to defraud Western Naval Command

United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has arrived in the Indian Ocean to take part in a naval exercise with Indian warships near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

WION Dispatch: USS Nimitz entered Indian Ocean crossing Malacca strait

US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman & Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait. Watch report

Indian navy to conduct joint exercise with US warships; Strong strategic signal to China?

America's largest warship likely to exercise with Indian Navy amid Chinese aggression

In a first for the Russian Navy, an all-female navy crew carried out patrols on the Black Sea on Friday (July 10) in preparation for Russia's Navy Day celebrations later this month.

All-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol in first for Russian Navy

SURTASS: How Japan, US 'wolfpacks' can now seek Chinese submarines in the Ocean

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 

Military training is about reshaping social norms and obeying commands, irrespective of who the commander is. Military personnel should stand for discipline and not discrimination.

The women officers in the Indian Army aren't making any unrealistic demand. A&nbsp;plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India by women officers demanding permanent commission. In other words, a career in the Army until they retire.

Currently, women in the Indian Army can only serve up to 14 years. 
 
The world has come a long way since military roles were gender-specific. Today, women officers across the world rub shoulders with their male counterparts.

Months into World War I, the triple alliance and the entente met with an unexpected crisis - the shortage of troops. There were no men to guard the borders or fight the enemy.

So several thousand men had to give up farming and their daily jobs to join combat roles. Women too were rushed to camps, but their task was different.

They were expected to nurse the injured soldiers back to health. That was the early 1900s, an age defined by clear division of labour and gender roles.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Today, women are in the frontline, they are in the cockpit and on the deck. Armed Forces are no-longer a male-exclusive club.

Women comprise nearly 15 per cent of Canada's fighting force, 19 per cent of the French military and 10 per cent of the German military.

In Australia, women make up 14.3 per cent of the Army, the number is 4.5 per cent in China's People Liberation Army, and 3.8 per cent in the Indian Army.

Women also make up 14 per cent of the active-duty Army in the United States of America. At least 16 countries allow women to serve in combat roles.

They have equal rights to military stars, stripes and medals as their male counterparts. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In 2016, Brazil allowed women to enter combat training. The year before that, United Arab Emirates allowed a female fighter pilot to strike a mission against the Islamic State in Syria. South Korea opened combat positions to women as early as the 1990s.

In China, the first class of female fighter pilots graduated in 2009. Germany opened combat roles to women in 2001. Women make up almost 2 per cent of the French combat infantry.

In 1985, Norway became the first nation to open all combat jobs to women. Israel allowed women in combat roles in 1995.

The Philippines did the same in 2006. A woman officer of the US army once shared her experience of serving in Afghanistan. She said women were integral to combating cultural warfare.

At warzones where local women often hide ammunition, terrorists and critical intel, it's the women officer who play a crucial role in getting the complicit locals to break their silence and confederate.

Women are essential to peace-keeping - at home and outside. It's time more countries rise up the ranks and usher in gender balance in their Armed Forces.

 
&nbsp;

Military training is about reshaping social norms and obeying commands, irrespective of who the commander is. Military personnel should stand for discipline and not discrimination.

Military training is about reshaping social norms and obeying commands, irrespective of who the commander is. Military personnel should stand for discipline and not discrimination. The women officers in the Indian Army aren't making any unrealistic demand. A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India by women officers demanding permanent commission. In other words, a career in the Army until they retire. Currently, women in the Indian Army can only serve up to 14 years. The world has come a long way since military roles were gender-specific. Today, women officers across the world rub shoulders with their male counterparts. Months into World War I, the triple alliance and the entente met with an unexpected crisis - the shortage of troops. There were no men to guard the borders or fight the enemy. So several thousand men had to give up farming and their daily jobs to join combat roles. Women too were rushed to camps, but their task was different. They were expected to nurse the injured soldiers back to health. That was the early 1900s, an age defined by clear division of labour and gender roles. Today, women are in the frontline, they are in the cockpit and on the deck. Armed Forces are no-longer a male-exclusive club. Women comprise nearly 15 per cent of Canada's fighting force, 19 per cent of the French military and 10 per cent of the German military. In Australia, women make up 14.3 per cent of the Army, the number is 4.5 per cent in China's People Liberation Army, and 3.8 per cent in the Indian Army. Women also make up 14 per cent of the active-duty Army in the United States of America. At least 16 countries allow women to serve in combat roles. They have equal rights to military stars, stripes and medals as their male counterparts. WATCH: × In 2016, Brazil allowed women to enter combat training. The year before that, United Arab Emirates allowed a female fighter pilot to strike a mission against the Islamic State in Syria. South Korea opened combat positions to women as early as the 1990s. In China, the first class of female fighter pilots graduated in 2009. Germany opened combat roles to women in 2001. Women make up almost 2 per cent of the French combat infantry. In 1985, Norway became the first nation to open all combat jobs to women. Israel allowed women in combat roles in 1995. The Philippines did the same in 2006. A woman officer of the US army once shared her experience of serving in Afghanistan. She said women were integral to combating cultural warfare. At warzones where local women often hide ammunition, terrorists and critical intel, it's the women officer who play a crucial role in getting the complicit locals to break their silence and confederate. Women are essential to peace-keeping - at home and outside. It's time more countries rise up the ranks and usher in gender balance in their Armed Forces.

Explained: Rise of women soldiers around 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.

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 state of Indian economy reflected in India's GDP to the growth of 4.8 per cent in 2019-20, and its projected GDP growth as per IMF at 5.8 per cent for 2020-21, coupled with the rise in fiscal deficit to 3.8 per cent, has constrained the government from enhancing the allocations for the Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

The increased allocations to socio-economic sectors for boosting economic growth and on development of infrastructure had a bearing on the defence allocation, with a marginal increase in the defence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/union-budget-2020-government-has-taken-bold-steps-to-put-economy-back-on-track-278226">budget allocation</a> from Rs 318,000 crores in &nbsp;2019-20 to Rs 337,533 crores for 2020-21.&nbsp;

The allocation for the revenue head continues to be in excess of the capital expenditure. Revenue allocation is essential for the maintenance of the weapons, equipment, transport and ammunition for the smooth functioning of the Armed Forces, apart from repairs, overhauls and procurements for the recoupment of the stores and the reserves. &nbsp;

The revenue allocation saw a marginal increase from Rs 201901.76 in 2019-20 to Rs 209319.00 for 2020-21 (Increase of Rs 7417.24 crores)&nbsp;

On the capital expenditure allocation, there is only an increase of Rs 3340 crores in the budgetary allocation from a RE (Revised Estimates) in 2019-20 of Rs 110,394.31 crores to Rs 113734 crores for 2020-21. &nbsp;

Despite a rationalisation of the requirements carried out by the Navy and IAF, (though the allocation to the Navy has risen from 13 per cent to 18 per cent in the current budget), this allocation with the committed liabilities, of the past will fall short of the requirements for modernisation.&nbsp; 
 
WATCH: Budget 2020: Hits and misses 
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The largest increase in terms of budgetary allocation for capital expenditure is for the IAF of Rs 3979 crores followed by Army at Rs 3531 crores. The Indian Army has committed liabilities for the pending procurements of artillery gun systems, rifles and ammunition. IAF has liabilities for the acquisition of aircraft&nbsp;both from HAL and abroad.&nbsp;

Closer scrutiny of the allocation of the capital expenditure, reveals there is an enhanced share for aircraft and aero engines, for all the 3 services from FY 2019-20 to FY 2020-21 apart from their core acquisitions of weapon systems and naval fleet.&nbsp;

The allocation for aircraft and aero engines, for the Army, is Rs 4000 crores up from Rs 2115 Crores from last FY; Navy from Rs 2400 crores to Rs 4640 crores; and IAF from Rs 24807 to Rs 26909 crores to the FY 2020-21. Much of the increased IAF allocation will go to HAL for funding the contract of 83 LCA Mk-1A.&nbsp;

The Indian Armed Forces need to continue their modernisation to meet the growing challenges in the neighbourhood but the performance on the key economic parameters, will not allow for greater budgetary support in the next financial year(s).&nbsp;

Some long in the pipeline reforms such as enhanced FDI for Defence manufacturing, IPR protection and Defence SEZs will bring in more commitment of investment in defence production.&nbsp;

A two-pronged pragmatic approach could hold the key for meeting our security challenges.&nbsp;

At the strategic level of international relations – by forging alliances with partners who hold a stake in the Indian Sub-continent and the Indian Ocean Region. &nbsp;

The Quad in the Indian Ocean Region is one such welcome move, apart from securing naval berths in the friendly nations from Vietnam and Indonesia in the East to Qatar and Seychelles in the West, to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region buttressed by Chinese investments and OBOR.&nbsp;

The second approach involves a more pragmatic approach to continue modernisation of the Armed Forces by way of greater participation of the private industry through reliance on making in India and also assembling in India. &nbsp;

This initiative has given proven results in terms of faster induction of patrol vessels for Navy, K9 Catapult for the Indian Army and large number of key systems including airframes for LCA being sourced from the private industry – moving forward, the shortlisting of L&amp;T with MDL for the P75I project as a Strategic Partner, displays the growing confidence on the capabilities. &nbsp;

There needs to be more such partnerships of the Public Sector and Private Sector, to meet the shortfalls in the budgetary allocation to fill in the wide gaps of technology, capital and to broad base the defence production in the country.&nbsp;

With the creation of the office of CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) and the enhanced powers of procurement to the services, it is hoped that the three wings of India’s armed forces may operate in synergy in terms of defence spends, both for capital and revenue expenditure. India’s security concerns mandate a strong army, navy and air force where the three wings work cohesively for maximum tactical and operational efficiency.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

*Source for Data: Union Finance Ministry Expenditure Budget Bill FY 2020-21.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The state of Indian economy reflected in India's GDP to the growth of 4.8 per cent in 2019-20, and its projected GDP growth as per IMF at 5.8 per cent for 2020-21, coupled with the rise in fiscal deficit to 3.

The state of Indian economy reflected in India's GDP to the growth of 4.8 per cent in 2019-20, and its projected GDP growth as per IMF at 5.8 per cent for 2020-21, coupled with the rise in fiscal deficit to 3.8 per cent, has constrained the government from enhancing the allocations for the Ministry of Defence. The increased allocations to socio-economic sectors for boosting economic growth and on development of infrastructure had a bearing on the defence allocation, with a marginal increase in the defence budget allocation from Rs 318,000 crores in 2019-20 to Rs 337,533 crores for 2020-21. The allocation for the revenue head continues to be in excess of the capital expenditure. Revenue allocation is essential for the maintenance of the weapons, equipment, transport and ammunition for the smooth functioning of the Armed Forces, apart from repairs, overhauls and procurements for the recoupment of the stores and the reserves. The revenue allocation saw a marginal increase from Rs 201901.76 in 2019-20 to Rs 209319.00 for 2020-21 (Increase of Rs 7417.24 crores) On the capital expenditure allocation, there is only an increase of Rs 3340 crores in the budgetary allocation from a RE (Revised Estimates) in 2019-20 of Rs 110,394.31 crores to Rs 113734 crores for 2020-21. Despite a rationalisation of the requirements carried out by the Navy and IAF, (though the allocation to the Navy has risen from 13 per cent to 18 per cent in the current budget), this allocation with the committed liabilities, of the past will fall short of the requirements for modernisation. WATCH: Budget 2020: Hits and misses × The largest increase in terms of budgetary allocation for capital expenditure is for the IAF of Rs 3979 crores followed by Army at Rs 3531 crores. The Indian Army has committed liabilities for the pending procurements of artillery gun systems, rifles and ammunition. IAF has liabilities for the acquisition of aircraft both from HAL and abroad. Closer scrutiny of the allocation of the capital expenditure, reveals there is an enhanced share for aircraft and aero engines, for all the 3 services from FY 2019-20 to FY 2020-21 apart from their core acquisitions of weapon systems and naval fleet. The allocation for aircraft and aero engines, for the Army, is Rs 4000 crores up from Rs 2115 Crores from last FY; Navy from Rs 2400 crores to Rs 4640 crores; and IAF from Rs 24807 to Rs 26909 crores to the FY 2020-21. Much of the increased IAF allocation will go to HAL for funding the contract of 83 LCA Mk-1A. The Indian Armed Forces need to continue their modernisation to meet the growing challenges in the neighbourhood but the performance on the key economic parameters, will not allow for greater budgetary support in the next financial year(s). Some long in the pipeline reforms such as enhanced FDI for Defence manufacturing, IPR protection and Defence SEZs will bring in more commitment of investment in defence production. A two-pronged pragmatic approach could hold the key for meeting our security challenges. At the strategic level of international relations – by forging alliances with partners who hold a stake in the Indian Sub-continent and the Indian Ocean Region. The Quad in the Indian Ocean Region is one such welcome move, apart from securing naval berths in the friendly nations from Vietnam and Indonesia in the East to Qatar and Seychelles in the West, to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region buttressed by Chinese investments and OBOR. The second approach involves a more pragmatic approach to continue modernisation of the Armed Forces by way of greater participation of the private industry through reliance on making in India and also assembling in India. This initiative has given proven results in terms of faster induction of patrol vessels for Navy, K9 Catapult for the Indian Army and large number of key systems including airframes for LCA being sourced from the private industry – moving forward, the shortlisting of L&T with MDL for the P75I project as a Strategic Partner, displays the growing confidence on the capabilities. There needs to be more such partnerships of the Public Sector and Private Sector, to meet the shortfalls in the budgetary allocation to fill in the wide gaps of technology, capital and to broad base the defence production in the country. With the creation of the office of CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) and the enhanced powers of procurement to the services, it is hoped that the three wings of India’s armed forces may operate in synergy in terms of defence spends, both for capital and revenue expenditure. India’s security concerns mandate a strong army, navy and air force where the three wings work cohesively for maximum tactical and operational efficiency. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) *Source for Data: Union Finance Ministry Expenditure Budget Bill FY 2020-21.

Budget 2020: Here's what's in store for the Defence sector

The Three Service Chiefs of Indian defence services, Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and newly appointed Indian Army chief Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane were course-mates in National Defense Academy (NDA).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-continues-to-exist-in-pakistan-army-chief-mm-naravane-to-wion-271729">Also read: Terror camps continue to 'exist in Pakistan', says Army Chief MM Naravane to WION</a> 
 
All three service chiefs on Indian Armed Forces did the 56th course collectively from the National Defense Academy (NDA) in 1976.&nbsp;

This is the second time inside the recorded past of the Indian Army when the heads of the three armed forces are the cadets of the same batch of NDA.

In 1991, the then chiefs of three armed forces Army Chief Sunit Francis Rodriguez, Naval Chief Admiral Laxmi Narayan Ramdas and Air Chief Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri were the batchmates of same NDA course.

According to the news reports, all three services heads of Indian Armed forces have&nbsp;a common Indian Air Force (IAF) connection as their fathers had served in it.

The National Defense Academy (NDA) is the joint institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the all three services, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force train together before they go on to particular assistance foundations for additional pre-commissioning preparing. The NDA is situated in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.

The Three Service Chiefs of Indian defence services, Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and newly appointed Indian Army chief Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane were course-mates in National Defense Academy (NDA).

The Three Service Chiefs of Indian defence services, Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria, Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and newly appointed Indian Army chief Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane were course-mates in National Defense Academy (NDA). Also read: Terror camps continue to 'exist in Pakistan', says Army Chief MM Naravane to WION All three service chiefs on Indian Armed Forces did the 56th course collectively from the National Defense Academy (NDA) in 1976. This is the second time inside the recorded past of the Indian Army when the heads of the three armed forces are the cadets of the same batch of NDA. In 1991, the then chiefs of three armed forces Army Chief Sunit Francis Rodriguez, Naval Chief Admiral Laxmi Narayan Ramdas and Air Chief Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri were the batchmates of same NDA course. According to the news reports, all three services heads of Indian Armed forces have a common Indian Air Force (IAF) connection as their fathers had served in it. The National Defense Academy (NDA) is the joint institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the all three services, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force train together before they go on to particular assistance foundations for additional pre-commissioning preparing. The NDA is situated in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.

From NDA to Defence Chiefs: Common connection between all three heads of Indian Armed Forces

Government of India today appointed Bipin Rawat as its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the single-point advisor to the government. General Rawat's new duties will include heading the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

Government of India today appointed Bipin Rawat as its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will act as the single-point advisor to the government. General Rawat's new duties will include heading the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The newly instituted designation aims to integrate different branches of the Indian armed forces. The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War. Watch: General Bipin Rawat, who served a full three-year-long term as the Indian Army Chief after he superseded two officers in 2016, was announced as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) today. Besides being at the helm of important operations, Rawat has a vast experience in high altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations. Rawat was born in Pauri, Uttarakhand, and is currently serving as the 32nd Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the office he had assumed in September 2019. Earlier, he served as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff starting December 2016. The new CDS was awarded the 'Sword of Honour' from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun after being commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1978. Additionally, he has also commanded an Infantry Battalion, along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector; a Rashtriya Rifles Sector, and an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley. Rawat also commanded a Multinational Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has also received awards for gallantry and distinguished service carrying various military decorations including Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). Rawat attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, New Zealand.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-approves-funds-for-updating-national-population-register-officials-269981">Central Government</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.

"Government has approved the creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff. The officer to be appointed as Chief of Defence Staff will be a four star General and will also head the Department of military affairs," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a press conference.

According to the Government Sources the Armed forces will fall under ambit of Department of Military Affairs which will have appropriate expertise to manage military affairs. Chief of Defence Staff will head it.&nbsp;

The Department of Military Affairs will have appropriate mix of civilian and military officers.

The department of military affairs under the Chief of Defence Staff will facilitate restructuring of military commands for optimal utilization of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint/ theatre commands.

Chief of Defence Staff will also have a second role, will be the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In this role, the CDS will be supported by the Integrated Defence Staff.

Earlier in the morning the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff.&nbsp;

The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War.

The officer appointed for the post of Chief of Defence Staff is expected to be responsible for creating synergy in operations and finances for the armed forces.

The CDS is expected to be the main point of contact between the armed forces and the government on the issues related to the armed forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-unveil-atal-bihari-vajpayee-statue-in-lucknow-tomorrow-269943">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> had announced the creation of the new office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on August 15 in his Independence Day speech.

(With inputs from ANI)

Central Government on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.

Central Government on Tuesday approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. "Government has approved the creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff. The officer to be appointed as Chief of Defence Staff will be a four star General and will also head the Department of military affairs," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a press conference. According to the Government Sources the Armed forces will fall under ambit of Department of Military Affairs which will have appropriate expertise to manage military affairs. Chief of Defence Staff will head it. The Department of Military Affairs will have appropriate mix of civilian and military officers. The department of military affairs under the Chief of Defence Staff will facilitate restructuring of military commands for optimal utilization of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint/ theatre commands. Chief of Defence Staff will also have a second role, will be the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In this role, the CDS will be supported by the Integrated Defence Staff. Earlier in the morning the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved creation of post of Chief of Defence Staff. The first recommendation for creating the post was made after the 1999 Kargil War. The officer appointed for the post of Chief of Defence Staff is expected to be responsible for creating synergy in operations and finances for the armed forces. The CDS is expected to be the main point of contact between the armed forces and the government on the issues related to the armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the creation of the new office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on August 15 in his Independence Day speech. (With inputs from ANI)

Government approves Chief of Defence Staff post, single-point military adviser to government

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise.

The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia.

Army - land warfare

The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin.&nbsp;

Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh.

The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place.

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Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> 
 
Tri services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Counter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Counter</a> Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedNations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedNations</a> mandate. <a href="https://t.co/aQ76H2CKtC">pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205091543549403136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Naval warfare

"The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement.

INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise.&nbsp;

INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft.

On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea.

 
Aerial warfare

Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning &amp; Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames.

Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft.

The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. 
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Training together to achieve <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Interoperability?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Interoperability</a> 
 
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Babina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Babina</a>.Tri-Services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse &amp; share best practices in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CounterTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CounterTerrorism</a> drills in ten days Exercise. <a href="https://t.co/WX27bQ586f">pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205009773885841408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaPhase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaPhase</a> of Indo-Russian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Triservice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Triservice</a> exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019 off Goa. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSTarkash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSTarkash</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSAditya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSAditya</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ship Yaroslav Mudry in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Encounter</a> Exercise &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrossDeck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrossDeck</a> flying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaRiders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaRiders</a> exchanged between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ships followed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirDefence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirDefence</a> exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. <a href="https://t.co/o7icW9ZBp1">pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1207330046400065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony. The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia. Army - land warfare The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin. Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh. The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place. Exercise #INDRA 2019#Synergy Tri services contingents of #Russian and #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse #Counter Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the #UnitedNations mandate. pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × Naval warfare "The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement. INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise. INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft. On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea. Aerial warfare Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning & Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames. Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft. The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. Training together to achieve #Synergy & #Interoperability Exercise #INDRA commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at #Babina.Tri-Services contingents of #Russian & #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse & share best practices in their #CounterTerrorism drills in ten days Exercise. pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × "As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. #SeaPhase of Indo-Russian #Triservice exercise #INDRA 2019 off Goa. #INSTarkash, #INSAditya & #RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry in #Encounter Exercise & #CrossDeck flying. #SeaRiders exchanged between #IndianNavy & #RuFN ships followed by #AirDefence exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1 — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2019 × "The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

India-Russia joint tri-service excercise 'Indra 2019' concludes

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