The nomenclature Indo-Pacific as against Asia-Pacific was coined after a statement made by the then US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. US coined this terminology possibly due to the emerging geopolitics of the region and the emerging dynamics in the Indian Ocean with an imprint of the South China Sea (SCS). Thus far Chinese activism in the South China Sea was limited to disputes between ASEAN and China. While the U.S. remained preoccupied with GWOT (Global War on Terrorism), ISIS and now Ukraine, the Chinese economic and military might turn overbearing on smaller nations in the region. They largely obeyed the diktat of the Chinese without questioning its legitimacy, particularly on the issues of freedom of navigation and sovereignty of islands except for occasional grumbling. In the recent past, China has gone too far in exercising her claims to sovereignty by reclaiming over 2000 acres (8.1 sq km) in the SCS. China has exercised a slow and deliberate strategy of acquiring and building artificial islands, and maritime features by coercion and many times by force. Blockade of Taiwan from all sides and in a recent incident PLA Coast Guard ship ramming into a Philippines supply ship engaged in support operation within its own EEZ near Second Thomas Shoal has sent shockwaves amongst ASEAN armed forces.
China has built a 3000 Metres runway on the Fiery Cross Isle by reclaiming almost 1 sq km, giving her the ability to operate all types of aircraft IE Y 20 transport, J 10 and J 11 fighters from the Spratlys. The reclamation in the northern part of Spratlys has given China another 3.95 sq km reef which is adequate for a 3000 metre runway. This has provided her two long runways in north and south of Spratley, thus bolstering its ability to more stringent enforcements. vis a vis less capable nations of the ASEAN and curtailing the freedom of navigation of countries transiting in and out of SCS. This is a confrontationist challenge.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
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NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
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The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.