Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Eyeing intel on Chinese movements, Indian Army allows winter grazing along LAC

The Indian Army is also providing security and other amenities to the shepherds. 

Eyeing intel on Chinese movements, Indian Army allows winter grazing along LAC
Author
New Delhi, First Published Jan 3, 2022, 11:12 AM IST

Aiming to further strengthen its intelligence apparatus, the Indian Army is now providing villagers access to traditional winter grazing ground along the Line of Actual Control, bordering China. The Indian Army is also providing security and other amenities to the shepherds. The locals have been playing an important role in intelligence gathering for the Indian Army. 

The decision comes in the backdrop of the standoff between India and China at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh since May 2020. Though disengagement has happened at several points, the de-escalation process is yet to happen. So far, the two militaries have held 13 rounds of talks to resolve the impasse. 

Earlier, the Army used to desist the villagers from accessing the grazing lands. Time and again, Chushul Councillor Stanzin Konchok had raised this issue and even met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in this regard last month.

Singh was informed as to how the nomad community is being used by the Chinese army along the Line of Actual Control to transgress. The locals of Chushul also apprised the minister that the security forces on the Indian side are restricting the shepherds to grazing lands for grazing of livestock.

In the garb of grazing livestock, the Chinese Army has been trying to dominate the areas and claim the areas as their own. An official confirmed the recent development and said that the Indian Army is helping villagers, shepherds and nomads get access to the traditional grazing lands. 

About two months ago, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson had convened a meeting to review and find solutions with regards to restrictions imposed on shepherds to access traditional grazing lands. In reply to Stanzin’s letter, the defence ministry in April had said that the grazers have been advised to restrict their cattle movement due to the ongoing operational situation in the Ladakh region.

Also Read: China maps out new provocation; renames 15 places in Arunachal Pradesh

Also Read: Spooked by India's Rafale jets, Pakistan buys full squadron of 25 J-10C fighters from China

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios
Next Article

HAL's Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A fighter makes maiden sortie (WATCH)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) achieved a significant milestone as it completed the maiden flight of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A fighter aircraft in Bengaluru on Thursday. Lasting 15 minutes, this flight marks a pivotal moment in India's efforts towards indigenous aircraft development.

HAL Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A fighter makes maiden sortie
Author
New Delhi, First Published Mar 28, 2024, 2:13 PM IST
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whatsapp

State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-made indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas Mk1A had successfully conducted its first flight for 18 minutes on March 28 over Bengaluru's skies. The HAL had to deliver the first LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter in February 2024, but the delivery got delayed. The HAL is expected to deliver the aircraft to the IAF in a couple of months.

About a month ago, the Tejas Mk1A programme witnessed a successful flight with the integration of the Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) in prototype LSP7. The DFCC integrated is indigenously developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer features a Quadraplex Power PC-based Processor, high-speed autonomous state machine-based I/O controller, enhanced computational throughput and complex on-board software compiled to DO178C level- A safety requirements. 

"The aircraft taxied out from the hangars of HAL's Aircraft Division and took off at 1:15 pm and successfully landed at 1:33 pm. Chief Test Pilot Group Captain KK Venugopal flew the aircraft," an official said. 

The Indian Air Force’s ‘Cobras’, Number 3 Squadron, will be the first to operate the LCA Mk 1A, as it retires its ageing Russian-origin MiG-21 Bisons. The Tejas Mk1A has over 40 enhancements from its previous version of the home-grown fighter project, which is already in operation. These enhancements include air-to-air refuelling, beyond-visual-range [BVR] capabilities, and enemy radar interference capacity, among others.

In January 2021, the Indian Air Force placed an order for 83 LCA Mk1A fighter aircraft and in December 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-headed defence acquisition council gave approval for the procurement of an additional 97 LCA Mk1A fighter aircraft from HAL.

With the induction of the first version of LCA Tejas in 2016, the IAF is currently operating with two Squadrons -- 45 and 18 at the Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu. Currently, the HAL produces eight LCA aircraft per year and it is expected to double it by 2025, and subsequently, to 24 aircraft per year over the succeeding three years. Presently, the IAF has 40 aircraft of the first version of LCA.

Next Article

Fact-Check: Indian Army says Gorkha Brigade NOT being downsized

The Indian Army clarified that the views expressed in the article titled 'Army's Gorkha Brigade Needs Reorganisation' on March 24, 2024, are solely the personal opinions of the author. 

Fact check Indian Army says Gorkha Brigade NOT being downsized
Author
New Delhi, First Published Mar 27, 2024, 10:21 PM IST
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whatsapp

The Indian Army has issued a clarification regarding recent concerns circulating in the media and social media platforms regarding the downsizing of the Gorkha Brigade, as highlighted in an article published in the Sunday Guardian. 

The Indian Army clarified that the views expressed in the article titled 'Army's Gorkha Brigade Needs Reorganisation' on March 24, 2024, are solely the personal opinions of the author. The Army further said that the views do not represent the official stance of the Indian Army, nor are there any plans within the Army for such reductions or reorganization of the Gorkha Brigade. 

The clarification came after columnist Gautam Das, in his opinion piece featured in the Sunday Guardian, expressed concerns about the potential downsizing of the Gorkha Brigade due to Nepal's decision to halt the recruitment of its citizens into the Indian Army in 2022. 

Das speculated that as a result, the Gorkha Brigade, which comprises approximately 70 per cent Nepali citizens, may see a significant reduction in size. He suggested that with the composition of the Gorkha Brigade expected to consist mainly of Indian-domiciled Gorkhas, the number of battalions could decrease from around 40 to possibly six to ten.

To address the impending reduction in the Gorkha Brigade's size, Das proposed merging the existing four Gorkha Training Centres into one. He advocated for retaining the 11th Gorkha Rifles Training Centre in Lucknow Cantonment due to its modern facilities, sufficient training area, and consistent recognition as the top infantry recruit training centre in the Indian Army. 

Das argued that consolidating the training centres into one location would streamline operations and facilitate the transition to a smaller Gorkha Brigade. He also suggested repurposing the other three training centres located in Subathu, Varanasi, and Shillong for alternative military uses.

Also Read: In a first, UK warships dock at Chennai shipyard for maintenance

Next Article

Exercise Tiger Triumph: Indian Army to execute move to simulated island nation for complex operations

Key operations include ship-to-shore manoeuvres, establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, and joint drills aimed at enhancing operational capabilities against asymmetric threats

Exercise Tiger Triumph: Indian Army to execute move to simulated island nation for complex operations
Author
New Delhi, First Published Mar 27, 2024, 12:19 PM IST
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whatsapp

The 14-day second edition of tri-services India-US Amphibious Exercise 'Tiger Triumph 2024' is underway at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. Along with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, a battalion group of 700 Indian Army personnel is also participating in the exercise. The exercise is being conducted in two phases -- harbour and sea phases. The services concluded the harbour phase at Visakhapatnam on March 25 and kick-started the sea phase at Kakinada on Tuesday. 

During the sea phase, the Indian Army will execute a strategic move to a simulated island nation, setting the stage for a series of complex operations. 

"The first major operation will be a ship-to-shore move, demonstrating the precision and coordination required for amphibious operations. This includes troops to swiftly disembark and establish a secure perimeter, showcasing their professionalism and readiness for challenging environments," sources in the defence establishment said. 

Exercise Tiger Triumph: Indian Army to execute move to simulated island nation for complex operations

Besides, establishing an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp will be a key focus of the exercise, reflecting the commitment of both forces to humanitarian assistance. "The camp setup involves logistical challenges and coordination efforts, highlighting the importance of efficient planning and execution in disaster relief operations," they said.

During the remaining days of the exercise, the troops will also conduct sub-conventional operations and joint drills aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of both forces in combating asymmetric threats. “These exercises will include convoy operations, IED drills, cordon and search operations, and counter-ambush drills, demonstrating the readiness of the forces to tackle diverse challenges,” they added.

The primary focus of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, strengthen bilateral relations, and refine capabilities in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) and sub-conventional operations. It must be mentioned that the Indian Army contingent is being represented by components from Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Para SF, Artillery, Engineers and other supporting Arms apart from assorted systems of multiple Drones, Anti Drone equipment, and ICVs.  

In the harbour phase, the exercise included communication checks to ensure seamless coordination between the participating forces. Personnel from both countries exchanged visits to each other's ships, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

Next Article

Will keep taking 'affirmative action' to secure Indian Ocean Region: Indian Navy Chief

Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted the effectiveness of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act and the navy's proactive approach in inspecting vessels suspected of piracy triggers. The operation also addressed concerns regarding attacks on merchant vessels and rising insurance and container costs, attributing piracy resurgence to profit-driven motives

Will keep taking 'affirmative action' to secure Indian Ocean Region: Indian Navy Chief
Author
New Delhi, First Published Mar 24, 2024, 12:25 AM IST
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Whatsapp

Indian Navy on Saturday completed 100 days of Operation Sankalp Phase 2, which coincided with the handing over of 35 Somali pirates to Mumbai Police, who had surrendered before the naval force off Somalia's coast three days back after 40 hours. In these 100 days of operation Sankalp, the Indian Navy had deployed 10 warships, helicopters, Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance P8I aircraft and over 500 Indian Navy personnel, including marine commandos (MARCOS).

Interacting with the media persons in Delhi, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said this is the largest pirate surrender exercise in the last 10 years. In a reply to a query on captured Somali pirates, Admiral Kumar said: “Earlier we never had any law, so it was quite nebulous. In our earlier operations, whenever we captured there was hardly any place where you could take them for handing over. Only the Yellow Gate police station in Mumbai was nominated to handle them. But now all coastal police stations have been empowered.”

"We have this anti-piracy Act which has been a great enabler for the security forces particularly for the Navy since we are involved in anti-piracy operations. There are very few countries which have such an Act. This has empowered us to visit, board, search and seize," he said.

He also added, “Any suspicious vessel craft or fishing boat or dhow which we suspect, we board, inspect and if we find piracy triggers like skiffs, weapons, ammunition then we take action to ensure that they don't proceed with their mission. This has been a great enabler and one of the reasons why we have been successful.”

The navy chief also said that in these 100 days “we have done more than 1000 boarding. Boarding a vessel at sea is not easy. There are roughly about 1800 crafts of all types from fishing vessels to merchant vessels. Just to board one vessel and to inspect it thoroughly will take nothing less than 5-6 hours. So that is the type of effort that is required if you want to inspect a vessel and certify that it is clear and not involved in illegal activities.” 

India Navy a net security provider in Indian Ocean Region

"This is a testament to the new and confident Bharatiya Nau Sena and we are trying to wear a new identity of Bharat. These 100 days of sustained Op Sankalp have also broken the myth of soft and swift operations. Therefore, there is a need to realize that we have been able to carry forward sustained operations if we need to ensure safety, security and stability in the ocean,” Admiral R Hari Kumar said.

"The pace of the operation has been quite high and you may ask how we are able to sustain it. As of yesterday, we had 11 submarines operating simultaneously in the sea where more than 35 ships and over 5 aircraft deployed in different parts of the Indian Ocean Region,” he added.

The Indian Navy chief said that the Indian Navy will keep on taking “affirmative action” in an effort to ensure a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region.

Has an Indian-flagged vessel been targeted by Houthis rebels? 

The Navy chief said that no Indian-flagged vessel" has been targeted by the Houthis at sea. “They have not targeted any of our Indian flag vessels or vessels plying to Indian ports and so on. So as far as we are concerned, we really have no quarrel with them,” Admiral R Hari Kumar said.

“But we have our ships deployed there, which can protect our shipping if there is a need to do so. We are escorting them now, essential cargo that is fertilizers, crude and finished products. These are being escorted based on the request of our Ministries... We had a large number of ships that have been escorted, about 150 lakh tonnes of commodities that have been escorted safely in the last 100 days. We will continue to do that and we will watch the situation,” he added.

Is Iran behind the attack on merchant vessels?

"These missiles are also being fired by the Houthis only. Where they got the missiles, probably Iran or somewhere we do not know. We have not recovered any missile debris, we only recovered a drone. Drones can be made by anybody; they are made from commercially available materials,” Admiral R Hari Kumar said.

In reply to a question on the origin of the missiles that have been used in the attacks, the navy chief said: "They have ballistic missiles as well which they have been firing. But we have not recovered any of it. So we do not know the origin and who made it. Probably we have been told that they get support from Iran, so it could have been from there."

Has insurance and container costs gone up?

"This HRA (high-risk area) has already come back in many ways. Some notifications have already happened by agencies from London. The insurance rates have gone up, by almost 35 to 40%. Container costs have gone up from $500 up to $2000 or $2000 plus. Almost 40 -- 50% of the companies have started re-routing their ships around the Cape of Good Hope. What happens is the freight charges and insurance charges will go up. Where is the effect going to be felt? It is going to be felt by you and me, people like us as consumers,” the Indian Navy chief said.

Has piracy now become an industry?

He said that this piracy has again resurfaced as an industry to profiteer or to gain from the disorder that is happening in that area. In the last 100 days, the Indian Navy has saved 102 lives, including that of 27 Pakistanis and 30 Iranians in different piracy-related operations.