<ul class="summary-list"><li>Russia hasn't fulfilled a weapons delivery contract, India says.</li><li>India says the Ukraine war meant Russia was unable to export the weapons it ordered. </li></ul>Russia failed to supply weapons it had been contracted to deliver because of being embroiled in the war in Ukraine, according to the Indian military, one of the Kremlin's main customers.The Indian Air Force <a href="https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/lsscommittee/Defence/17_Defence_36.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disclosed this week to its parliament</a> that a "major delivery" contracted from Russia would not be showing up.The delay was blamed on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has cost vast numbers of lives and destroyed tanks, helicopters, planes and other equipment in large numbers.It did not say what was missing, though <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/russia-cannot-meet-arms-delivery-commitments-because-war-indian-air-force-says-2023-03-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters reported</a> that Russia had been due to deliver two S-400 Triumf air-defense systems.The S-400s would have completed an order for five systems, which India bought for a total $5.4 billion in 2018.According to the report, India also relies on Moscow for parts for its fleet of Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter jets: both Russian models.Russia has long been India's largest arms supplier, with a March report from <a href="https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/2303_at_fact_sheet_2022_v2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stockholm International Peace Research Institute</a> saying that Russia supplies around 45% of its weapons and military equipment.That study noted that invading Ukraine harmed Russia's ability to export its weapons, as so many were diverted to the front in Ukraine. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-ukraine-war-lost-half-its-tanks-senior-us-official-2023-2?r=US&amp;IR=T">A US official in February said that Russian forces</a> were suffering acute ammunition shortages, and its number of tanks was running low. Reports have abounded of Russian soldiers on the front complaining of inadequate weaponry.As <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-parades-advanced-military-tech-soldiers-die-ukraine-soviet-weapons-2023-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Insider reported in March</a>, Russia is still touting its wares at international arms shows despite leaving its troops in Ukraine to get by with Soviet-era equipment. The report came as Russia attempted to gear up its weapons production in the hope of gaining ground in Ukraine.At a visit to an arms-manufacturing plant in Tula last December, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia must increase the rate of its weapon production and improve their quality, <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/putin-tells-russian-defense-industry-to-up-its-game/6889998.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the US-funded site Voice of America reported.</a>Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, ramped up the pressure at a recent meeting on arms supply, reading out a WWII-era message from Soviet dictator Josef Stalin threatening to "crush" factory chiefs who didn't boost production. A spokesperson at the Russian embassy in New Delhi told Reuters that "we don't have information which may confirm" what was in the Indian report.

India complains that Russia isn't delivering weapons it owes because it's throwing everything at Ukraine

<ul><li><keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword>’s Sub Lt Kumudini and Sub Lt Riti Singh are set to become the first women officers to be deployed on a frontline warship as crew members.</li><li>In a first, a women fighter pilot is all set to enter an all-made <keyword id="1061921" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rafale-Squadron">Rafale squadron</keyword> of the Indian Air Force in Ambala, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-rafale-squadron-1st-woman-fighter-pilot-1723845-2020-09-21">according to India Today</a>.</li><li>Armed forces, in general,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-navy-took-26-years-to-get-its-first-female-pilot-may-take-even-more-time-to-get-women-on-ships/articleshow/72384992.cms"> have a very low proportion of women</a> personnel. </li></ul>Women officers in the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force are finally taking the lead. For years now, women officers in the Indian armed forces have been in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-navy-took-26-years-to-get-its-first-female-pilot-may-take-even-more-time-to-get-women-on-ships/articleshow/72384992.cms">very small numbers</a>. But the glass ceiling is slowly being broken. According to Indian Navy, four women officers, today, passed the ‘Observe Course” and are set to join their duties. Indian Navy’s Sub Lt Kumudini and Sub Lt Riti Singh are the first women officers to be deployed on a frontline warship as crew members. Both the naval officers will work as airborne tacticians. Meanwhile, Sub Lt. Afnan Sheikh and Sub Lt. Kreeshma R. will be operating fixed wing aircraft of the Navy. Sub Lt Kumudini and Sub Lt Riti studied engineering and joined the Indian Navy in 2019. They successfully passed Indian Navy’s ‘<a href="https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/page/observer.html">Observe Course</a>’ at Southern Naval Command in Kochi on September 21. All the four women officers participated in the batch of 21 Navy and Coast Guard personnel. This comes as a landmark moment for Indian Navy, which got its first woman pilot, Lieutenant Shivani, just nine months ago. <div type="twitter" handle="DefencePROkochi" handlename="PRO Defence Kochi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1160146068106969090/7XzGoE5J_normal.jpg" favoritecount="20" retweetcount="9" status="The offrs are part of the 17 offr (13 men, 04 women) who qualified as Airborne tacticians on 21 Sep 20@ INS Garuda,… https://t.co/Yqqz9Gxd6A" createdat="1600675205000" id="1307952727226343424"></div> Women officers are rising from across the seas to fly higher in the skies too. According to reports, a female pilot could soon be operating a Rafale. A woman fighter pilot could fly the Rafale In a first, a woman fighter pilot is all set to be a part of the Rafale squadron of the Indian Air Force in Ambala, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-rafale-squadron-1st-woman-fighter-pilot-1723845-2020-09-21">according to India Today</a>. The women officer, whose name has not been disclosed due to security reasons, is one of the ten female-fighter pilots currently under training. She will begin actively participating in duties along with the 17 Squadron soon. Indian Air Force <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-rafale-squadron-1st-woman-fighter-pilot-1723845-2020-09-21">formally inducted </a>five Rafale fighter jets to the fleet of <keyword id="6355075" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAF">IAF</keyword>’s 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows” at a glittering ceremony in Ambala air base. The pilot has already undergone a full fighter training course and already knows hot to operate MiG-21 fighters. In India, IAF’s 10 women pilots have operated on a variety of aircraft including 30 MKI and MiG-29 UPG. Just four years ago, Flt Lt Avani Chaturvedi, Flt Lt Bhawanna Kanth and Flt Lt Mohana Singh became the first women fighter pilots in the country. This may come as an achievement, however, India still has a long way to go. Armed forces, in general,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-navy-took-26-years-to-get-its-first-female-pilot-may-take-even-more-time-to-get-women-on-ships/articleshow/72384992.cms"> have a very low proportion of women</a> personnel. The Air Force has the highest share of women officers in India at 13.9%. Whereas, there are only 6% female officers in Indian Navy. The Indian Army has an even lower proportion of women at only 3.8%. SEE ALSO: '<a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/there-should-be-a-price-on-carbon-says-an-expert-pushing-for-policies-to-combat-climate-change/articleshow/78230563.cms">There should be a price on carbon,’ says an expert pushing for policies to combat climate change</a>

From a Navy warship to possibly flying the Rafale – women officers take the lead in India’s defense

<ul><li><keyword id="6354642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi">Modi</keyword> is also expected to address the 14 Corps officials and meet soldiers who were injured during the Galwan Valley clash with China.</li><li>The prime minister is accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane. </li><li>This came a day after <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajnaths-planned-visit-to-ladakh-rescheduled-sources/articleshow/76751349.cms">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had put off his planned visit to Ladakh</a>, according to official sources.</li></ul><keyword id="6354814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> has reached <keyword id="57867" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="leh">Leh</keyword> and will be visiting <keyword id="26604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ladakh">Ladakh</keyword> later in the day to <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/india/pm-modi-reaches-leh-to-review-security-situation-amid-border-standoff-with-china-2698867.html">review the security situation</a> amid border dispute with China. Modi is also expected to address the 14 Corps officials and meet soldiers who were injured during the Galwan Valley clash with China. The prime minister is accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane. Modi’s visit comes a day after <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajnaths-planned-visit-to-ladakh-rescheduled-sources/articleshow/76751349.cms">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh put off his planned visit to Ladakh</a>, according to official sources. Earlier, the Army Chief Army General MM Naravane was expected to accompany the Defence Minister. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last seven weeks. The tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/at-least-3-soldiers-are-dead-after-a-simmering-conflict-between-india-and-china-in-the-himalayas-erupted-into-gunfire/articleshow/76402734.cms"> it is yet to give out the details.</a> Earlier on June 30, both the military delegates met for the third time in Eastern Ladakh to resolve the border issue, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-is-ready-for-the-long-haul-with-china-until-winter-after-the-third-round-of-military-talks/articleshow/76725494.cms">which went on for around 12 hours</a>. After which China agreed to move back to Pangong Tso, <a href="https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-china-deploys-two-more-divisions-of-troops-across-lac-report/355809#:~:text=China%20has%20agreed%20to%20move,Finger%204%20and%20Finger%205.&amp;text=The%20dialogue%20was%20carried%20out,who%20were%20in%20Chinese%20captivity." data-type="tilCustomLink">but they did not</a>. India claims Line of Actual Control at Finger 8, and Chinese PLA is sitting between Finger 4 and Finger 5. Despite all the talks, the PLA continues to earmark its territory at all the standoff points by physical deployment, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amid-stand-off-with-china-cds-bipin-rawat-expected-to-be-in-ladakh-today/story-hTV2bJhGvamJS95B0W1RSP.html">military commanders told Hindustan Times</a>. India has also deployed its Army and Air Force to prevent any further escalation. Yesterday (July 2), the government also approved a proposal for procurement of 21 MiG-29 fighter aircraft, along with upgradation of 59 Mig-29s, and 12 more Su-30 MKI aircraft from Russia. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-rushes-to-buy-fighters-amid-border-standoff-with-china/articleshow/76750438.cms">To strengthen the armed forces for defending the borders, the Defence Acquisition Council </a>meeting, chaired by Rajnath Singh, accorded approval for capital acquisitions of various platforms and equipment required by the three services. "Proposals for an approximate cost of ₹38,900 crore were approved," a Defence Ministry statement said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/iit-delhi-researchers-say-green-tea-black-tea-haritaki-have-anti-viral-capabilities-to-fight-coronavirus/articleshow/76763548.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">IIT Delhi researchers say green tea, black tea, haritaki have anti-viral capabilities to fight coronavirus</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pakistan-is-trying-to-piggyback-on-india-china-border-dispute-as-loc-ceasefire-violations-triple/articleshow/76762269.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Pakistan is trying to ‘piggyback’ on India-China border dispute as LoC ceasefire violations triple</a>

PM Narendra Modi visits Ladakh – two weeks after the Galwan valley standoff with China

India vs China defense budget and equipment comparison

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A hand-to-hand skirmish high in the Himalayas this month was the deadliest border clash between <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> in decades.</li><li>The two sides are working to ease tensions, but the showdown still has the potential to spark a broader war between two of the world's largest and well-equipped militaries — here's how those two forces stack up.</li></ul>A medieval-style brawl between Chinese and Indian soldiers on their border in <keyword id="26604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="ladakh">Ladakh</keyword> this month turned a usually bloodless dispute into a potential cause for war between the world's two most populous countries.The brawl lasted six hours and killed 20 Indian soldiers. Chinese officials have not said how many of their soldiers were killed or wounded but have <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/jun/22/china-finally-admits-it-lost-less-than-20-soldiers-in-clash-with-india-2159915.html?fbclid=IwAR0pxiHVF-AmAV6iaEW9FKvYDeTejMoMMoSvrvLBvosmhH5R2sFX4svchig">admitted</a> to losing "less than 20" troops after India reportedly handed over 16 bodies.The clash is the biggest development in a standoff that began in early May and was the first time <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/forgotten-in-fog-of-war-the-last-firing-on-the-india-china-border/article31827344.ece">since 1975</a> that the two nuclear-armed nations shed blood over their decades-long <keyword id="6417196" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="border-dispute">border dispute</keyword>.Both sides are <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-china/indian-and-chinese-military-agree-to-disengage-on-disputed-himalayan-border-idUSKBN23U115" target="_blank" rel="noopener">working to ease tensions</a> in the region, but the days since, both have deployed hundreds of thousands of soldiers. India and China have also <a href="https://www.opindia.com/2020/06/while-china-builds-new-fortifications-india-moves-its-jets-and-helicopters-to-forward-bases-along-lac-report/">moved</a> advanced air assets to forward operating bases in the region and begun building new fortifications.<h2>The world's 2 biggest militaries</h2><div type="image" title="Indian army soldiers" height="982" width="1500" msid="76580460" hostid="261"></div>China and India today are giants.The two countries together <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/19/health/india-china-world-population-intl-hnk/index.html#:~:text=China%2520and%2520India%2520currently%2520account,and%2520India%2520to%25201.3%2520billion.&amp;text=That%2520would%2520put%2520China's%2520population,1.5%2520billion%2520forecast%2520for%2520India.dia.">account</a> for about 37% of the world's population and are the second- and fifth-largest <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/the-5-largest-economies-in-the-world-and-their-growth-in-2020-2020-01-22">economies</a>, respectively. They are also the second- and third-largest <a href="https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2020/global-military-expenditure-sees-largest-annual-increase-decade-says-sipri-reaching-1917-billion">spenders</a> on defense and are <a href="https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing.asp">ranked</a> fourth and fifth on the Global Firepower Index, which ranks potential military strength.China and India also have the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/militaries-most-active-duty-soldiers-troops-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two largest active-duty armies</a>, China with about 2.1 million active servicemen and India with roughly 1.4 million.<h2>China has a technological advantage</h2><div type="image" title="China army base Himalayas" height="1729" width="2500" msid="76580464" hostid="261"></div>On the whole, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is widely seen as more technologically advanced than India's military.In China's arsenal are stealth fighters, a larger number of nuclear submarines, more military <a href="https://ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database">satellites</a>, and a wider array of modern vehicles and small arms.Some of those weapon systems were built with places like the Himalayas in mind, such as the <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/type-15-meet-tank-china-could-use-fight-india%25E2%2580%2594or-launch-amphibious-invasion-119781">Type 15</a> light tank and a new 155 mm vehicle-mounted howitzer; both were <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EueZdJW_DM">recently featured</a> in televised drills in Tibet.<div type="image" title="China Chinese troops soldiers Tibet training" height="1809" width="2500" msid="76580474" hostid="261"></div>This technology gap "owes primarily to the fact that the Chinese have invested more resources into modernizing their military for a long time at a sustained and high level," Timothy Heath, a senior international and defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told Insider.The PLA has gone through a massive modernization and restructuring effort since the 1990s, which has been one of the biggest priorities for its leaders, <a href="https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/stratperspective/china/ChinaPerspectives-10.pdf/">especially</a> President Xi Jinping.China has also shifted from buying advanced equipment from foreign suppliers to being able to produce its own domestic designs.<div type="image" title="India border soldier troops Himalayas" height="1667" width="2500" msid="76580482" hostid="261"></div>Conversely, India has had to rely on foreign suppliers for advanced equipment, and its domestic industries have not been able to produce the type of equipment in the numbers needed to rival China.Until recently, India had not been able to invest the amount of money in defense that countries like China, Russia, and the US do because of its smaller economy. India also needs to send resources to address more immediate threats."Part of the issue with India is that their security problem is much more fragmented," Heath said, noting India's long-time fight with insurgents and the constant challenge from Pakistan.<h2>The technology gap is smaller the Himalayas</h2><div type="image" title="Indian fighter jet Himalayas Ladakh" height="1667" width="2500" msid="76580492" hostid="261"></div>But none of this means that the <a href="https://www.belfercenter.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/india-china-postures/China%2520India%2520Postures.pdf">outcome is preordained</a>. While the PLA has more advanced equipment, most of its best assets and units are focused in eastern and southern China, poised to face off against the US, Japan, or Taiwan.A war with India would be fought largely in the tough, mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, landscape that is radically different from what most of the PLA is trained to deal with. Moreover, India's military is a <a href="https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/imbalance-of-power">capable and well-equipped force</a>.In particular, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI all-weather multirole air-superiority fighter is regarded as superior to the Chinese J-8, J-11, and Su-27 fighters stationed in the region.<div type="image" title="India Chinook helicopter Himalayas Ladakh" height="1666" width="2500" msid="76580501" hostid="261"></div>The IAF also has a number of US-made Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters already deployed, and unlike the Chinese pilots, they have more dedicated experience flying in the region's <a href="https://www.drivespark.com/off-beat/why-planes-dont-fly-over-himayalas-tibet/articlecontent-pf84128-025108.html">very difficult conditions</a>.Further, India has more advanced air assets already in the region and closer to potential conflict zones, whereas China's air bases are fewer and further inland.India is also expecting its order of S-400 air-defense systems from Russia this fall. This will free up more IAF aircraft for ground-attack roles.<h2>India's army is modernizing</h2><div type="image" title="India Brahmos cruise missile" height="920" width="1400" msid="76580514" hostid="261"></div>India's army is going through a modernization process. It's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkxWgZZlHeU">replacing</a> its domestically made INSAS rifle and AK-47s with the modern AK-203 and SIG 716 assault rifles. It is also replacing the World War II-era Sterling submachine gun with Caracal CAR 816s and for the first time introducing dedicated sniper rifles like the Barret M95 and Scorpio TGT.In February, the army <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-us-sign-contract-for-additional-apache-attack-choppers/articleshow/74299279.cms">signed</a> a contract for six US-made Apache helicopter gunships and is expected to soon order a number of Indian-made HAL light combat helicopters, which are designed to operate in the Himalayas.When it comes to armor, India's T-90 and T-72 tanks should also be worthy adversaries to China's Type 99 and Type 96 tanks.India also has the Brahmos ram-jet supersonic cruise missile. Developed in a joint venture between India and Russia, it is capable of reaching Mach 3, making it one of the fastest missiles in the world. It can be launched from ground and naval launchers and was recently <a href="https://swarajyamag.com/insta/amid-mounting-tensions-with-china-iafs-brahmos-a-supersonic-cruise-missile-is-now-ready-for-combat-use">approved</a> for use by the Indian Air Force.<h2>Experience is a factor</h2><div type="image" title="Indian soldiers troops Himalayas Ladakh" height="1666" width="2500" msid="76580525" hostid="261"></div>The Indian army also has an edge in experience. India has fought numerous wars with Pakistan, most recently the Kargil War in 1999. It has also fought decades-long insurgencies in Jammu and Kashmir and was involved in the Sri Lankan Civil War.One Chinese analyst <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-has-largest-most-experienced-mountain-army-in-the-world-says-chinese-military-expert/story-4eR8hDrrshV7j59OHvfIYO.html">acknowledged</a> that India is "the world's largest and experienced country with plateau and mountain troops."Conversely, China has not fought a major war with anyone since its brief war with Vietnam in 1979 and has used <a href="https://www.cfr.org/blog/what-motivates-chinese-peacekeeping">UN peacekeeping missions</a> as a way for its troops to gain experience.<div type="image" title="China Chinese troops soldiers Tibet training" height="1833" width="2500" msid="76580537" hostid="261"></div>However, as Heath <a href="https://www.rand.org/blog/2018/11/chinas-military-has-no-combat-experience-does-it-matter.html">points out</a>, "combat experience does not automatically translate into military advantage."In particular, the Chinese "are in a better position to concentrate and mass force than the Indians," Heath says. "It doesn't matter how good and experienced your troops are if you're outnumbered 10 to one."Moreover, China's ability to move forces means it may be able to quickly redeploy some of its best equipment and assets, like stealth fighters and ballistic-missile systems.<h2>A naval confrontation</h2><div type="image" title="Chinese China navy submarine" height="920" width="1400" msid="76580546" hostid="261"></div>While China and India don't share a maritime border, they both have vested interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the Strait of Malacca, the shipping channel that connects the Indian and Pacific oceans.The vast majority of China's oil imports flow through that strait, as does a large percentage of global trade.China is <a href="https://bpr.berkeley.edu/2019/08/26/the-malacca-dilemma-a-hindrance-to-chinese-ambitions-in-the-21st-century/">keenly aware</a> of its importance and is determined strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean. China has established <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-troops-to-overseas-base-operational-security-concerns-for-us-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a naval base in Djibouti</a>, may be <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/06/02/chinas-new-high-security-compound-in-pakistan-may-indicate-naval-plans/#7c1ce8631020">building</a> another in Pakistan, and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/world/asia/china-sri-lanka-port.html">controls</a> a port in Sri Lanka.The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has benefited greatly from investment and reforms. It is now one of the <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a27532437/china-now-has-more-warships-than-the-us/">largest and strongest</a> navies in the world and has advanced vessels like nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines, guided-missile frigates and destroyers, and two aircraft carriers with more on the way.<div type="image" title="India navy Kalvari submarine" height="667" width="1000" msid="76580556" hostid="261"></div>India too has advanced naval assets and <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/top-story/indian-navy-to-build-24-submarines-including-six-nuclear-warships/story/392809.html">plans</a> to build more. It currently has one active aircraft carrier with another expected to start sea trials next year and has a number of advanced frigates and submarines, including two nuclear ones.But the Indian Navy is still outclassed. China's Southern Theater Command alone has more diesel-electric attack submarines and guided-missile frigates than the entire Indian fleet.However, India has the same advantage that China enjoys in the East China Sea: proximity to its mainland. Any fight with the PLAN would likely be in India's backyard, which means it can use land-based aircraft and coastal defenses against PLAN ships.<h2>Ballistic and nuclear missiles</h2><div type="image" title="India missile" height="1454" width="2200" msid="76580563" hostid="261"></div>The biggest fear, of course, is that any conflict between China and India will turn nuclear. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute <a href="https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2020/nuclear-weapon-modernization-continues-outlook-arms-control-bleak-new-sipri-yearbook-out-now">estimates</a> that China has 320 nuclear warheads while India has 150.Though China has more advanced delivery systems and warheads, the proximity of the two countries means that even conventional missiles and aircraft could still deliver massive destruction to Chinese and Indian cities.However, most observers don't believe that a conflict stemming from current border disputes will lead to nuclear war. Both countries have a "no first use" policy, meaning they will only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack.<div type="image" title="China soldiers India border guard" height="1094" width="2300" msid="76580571" hostid="261"></div>The mass use of ballistic missiles also runs the risk of unintended escalation and prolonging conflict, as they would likely only create stretches of no man's land.The disputes in question may not be seen as worth such destruction. As Heath put it: "risking such massive losses over a barren and desolate stretch of land up in the mountains — it's hard to see how that would be justified."Any war between China and India, then, will most likely see troops attempting to take and hold land in the harsh Himalayas, where air support will be limited, and Indian efforts to fend Chinese ships off of its mainland.

India and China's deadliest border clash in decades risks war between nuclear-armed rivals — here's how the world's 2 largest militaries stack up

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">AP Photo/Pavel GolovkinRussian air force Su-30MKI fighter jet takes off during the MAKS-2015 International Aviation and Space Show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, Russia.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>The Russian <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">defense</keyword> ministry wants permission to shoot down passenger planes considered a threat in emergency situations.</li><li>The Russian military seeks to take extreme measures only if "there is a real risk of people's death or an environmental accident, including the direct threat of an air attack on critical infrastructure."</li><li>Russia accidentally shot down a commercial airliner in the 1980s, and it is under investigation for its alleged involvement in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014.</li></ul>The Russian defense ministry is reportedly seeking the approval of new rules that would give the military permission to shoot down passenger planes deemed dangerous in emergency situations.Existing legislation offers contradictory statements on how the military should respond to, for example, a 9/11 situation. The military is both allowed to fire on hijacked civilian aircraft and prohibited from destroying a passenger jet if there are hostages on board.If the new rules are approved, the Russian military will be allowed to open fire on passenger jets that "refuse to obey commands to land," The Moscow Times <a href="https://themoscowtimes.com/news/russian-military-seeks-permission-to-shoot-down-passenger-planes-64110">reported</a> Friday, citing the draft regulations submitted by the defense ministry for public debate.The military would be required to warn the aircraft with visual signals or warning shots before taking steps to down it, and such extreme measures would only be taken if "there is a real risk of people's death or an environmental accident, including the direct threat of an air attack on critical infrastructure.""Sadly, people on the plane will die, but this will prevent a more terrible catastrophe," Russian Senator Frants Klintsevich <a href="https://iz.ru/818491/aleksei-ramm-aleksandr-kruglov-bogdan-stepovoi/kurs-na-porazhenie-samolety-narushiteli-gosgranitcy-razreshat-sbivat">explained</a> to Izvestia, a pro-Kremlin daily. He stressed that this would bring Russian policies more in line with those practiced in "many other countries."The US military stands ready to shoot down hijacked commercial airliners, the New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/03/us/us-practices-how-to-down-hijacked-jets.html">reported</a> in 2003, two years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A senior general told the Times that the US military practices shooting down hijacked passenger jets three to four times a week. It's unclear if that pace has been maintained.The policies are in place, though, but only as a last resort.Russia has a tragic history when it comes to the downing of passenger planes. Russian soldiers are accused of shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over the Ukraine in 2014 with a surface-to-air missile fired from a Russian anti-aircraft battery, Newsweek <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/russia-military-passenger-jets-shoot-down-kremlin-hijacking-malaysia-airlines-1288374">reported</a>. Russia denies any involvement in the incident, which killed 298 passengers.In 1983, the Soviet military, by its own admission, shot down a Korean Airlines flight, ending the lives of all 269 people on board. Locked in a Cold War with the US, the Soviets thought the aircraft was a US Boeing RC-135 spy plane, Russia Today <a href="https://www.rt.com/russia/448588-aircraft-military-engagement-rules/">reported</a>.The US made a similar mistake just five years later during the Iran-Iraq war, accidentally <a href="https://www.vox.com/2014/7/17/5912699/7-times-militaries-have-shot-down-civilian-planes">downing</a> an Iranian passenger jet carrying around 300 people. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coast-guard-boot-camp-military-basic-training-cape-may-new-jersey-2018-12">Inside the Coast Guard's 8-week boot camp where recruits go through extreme physical tests and brutal 'smoke sessions'</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The Russian military wants authority to shoot passenger jets out of the sky

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">AP Photo/Manish SwarupIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Goa, India, October 16, 2016.</div></div></div><ul><li>Indian and Chinese troops squared off high in the Himalayas during a 73-day standoff in summer 2017.</li><li>That border dispute never came to open blows, and the two countries have both tried to mend ties since.</li><li>But the border is still disputed, and both sides are still watching each other warily in an area that could easily flare up again.</li></ul>At the end of August 2017, Indian and Chinese troops backed away from a 73-day standoff high in the eastern Himalayas, where their borders meet those of Bhutan.The two countries, both nuclear-armed and among the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-powerful-militaries-in-the-world-ranked-2018-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most powerful militaries</a> on the planet, have tried to mend ties since then, but the rivalry remains, and the small swath of land they nearly came to blows over last summer remains a flash point.The spat between began in mid-June, when Bhutan <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/26/world/asia/dolam-plateau-china-india-bhutan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noticed</a> Chinese personnel trying to extend an unpaved road on the Doklam Plateau, which China calls Donglang, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-and-india-and-doklam-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a mountainous area</a> reaching as high as 14,000 feet.China <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/26/world/asia/dolam-plateau-china-india-bhutan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the construction was an internal affair, as it took place on its own territory, but Bhutan alerted India, which sent troops to halt the work.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">ReutersA map of Donglang, or Doklam, a disputed area between China, India, and Bhutan.</div></div></div>While India <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/world/asia/china-india-standoff-withdrawal.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">does not claim</a> the disputed territory, a 34-square-mile chunk of the plateau, it sees it as a buffer zone for a narrow strip of land called the "chicken neck," a valuable link between its northeast and the rest of the country.Chinese and Indian troops squared off just a few hundred feet apart.A few hundred troops from each side were believed to be arrayed around the construction site. About <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-and-india-and-doklam-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3,000 troops</a> from each country were thought to be in the general area around Doklam. Other military units were thought to be in the area, though exact numbers were not clear, especially for Chinese forces.India said it was <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2103881/dispatch-doklam-indians-dig-long-haul-standoff-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acting on behalf</a> of its ally, Bhutan, which does not have formal ties with China, but the showdown reminded many of the 1962 Sino-Indian war, which started over a border dispute."China has been active in trying to build roads and infrastructure in this strip of territory disputed by Bhutan and China, but what happened last year was they tried to extend a road they had built further south," said Jeff Smith, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Desmond BoylanChinese and Indian border guards at the Nathu La mountain pass, between Tibet and the tiny northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, July 6, 2006.</div></div></div>"That prompted the Indian military to intervene, because it was starting to draw the Chinese down further south, into territory they claimed but even closer to an area that would give them a strategic advantage in any sort of conflict," Smith said.That position would "give them the high ground in an area near the ... Bhutan-India-China border," Smith added. "And India sort of drew a red line and said 'no.'"The standoff intensified day by day. Beijing carried out military exercises in Tibet shortly after it began. Indian troops reinforced their positions, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2103881/dispatch-doklam-indians-dig-long-haul-standoff-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> building bunkers, bringing in artillery and light tanks, and laying land mines to counter a potential Chinese attack.But both sides <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/world/asia/china-india-standoff-withdrawal.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">had reason</a> to seek a way out of the standoff at Doklam. Talks continued, and the confrontation ended on August 28, 2017, when New Delhi and Beijing agreed to an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-and-china-agree-to-disengagement-along-disputed-frontier-indian-government-statement-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"expeditious disengagement"</a> of their forces.A few weeks after the disengagement, Chinese President Xi Jinping <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-chinas-xi-wants-to-put-relations-with-india-on-right-track-xinhua-2017-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he wanted to put his country's relationship with India on the "right track." In early 2018, India appeared to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-dalai-lama-faces-cold-shoulder-as-india-looks-to-improve-china-ties-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">distance itself</a> from the Dalai Lama, seeking more <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/India-uses-rumor-of-Dalai-Lama-s-ill-health-to-mend-China-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conciliatory</a> ties with China.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">AP/ Anupam NathAn Indian girl with an Indian flag at the Indo-China border in Bumla, 15,700 feet above sea level in Arunachal Pradesh, India, October 21, 2012.</div></div></div>This summer, India and China agreed to <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/wuhan-effect-india-china-to-jointly-train-afghan-diplomats/articleshow/65003167.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jointly train</a> Afghan diplomats, and Delhi said it would not <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-says-wont-gang-up-against-china-in-indo-pacific-1882875" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seek to align</a> against Beijing elsewhere. This month, Chinese <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">Defense</keyword> Minister Wei Fenghe is in India, where <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-china-defense-minister-meets-indian-pm-as-ties-warm-further-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he praised</a> their relations as a friendship dating to ancient times.But activity has also continued in Doklam."The two sides disengaged from the site of the standoff, but they did not withdraw, and there are still a large number of Chinese and Indian troops near the standoff site," said Smith, author of "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Peace-China-India-Rivalry-Twenty-First/dp/1498520928" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cold Peace</a>," about the rivalry between China and India in the 21st century."China has continued construction on what it claims is its side of the China-Bhutan border," he added, "but it continues construction in territory ... disputed between China and Bhutan but not south of where India has drawn as a red line."Both sides appear to have bolstered the forces they have stationed around Doklam.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">US Air Force/Wikimedia CommonsA member of the Indian air force marshals in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI on the flight line at Lajes airfield in the Azores, July 13, 2008.</div></div></div>Imagery <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/preparing-rematch-top-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reviewed earlier this year</a> by intelligence firm Stratfor showed that in late 2017 and early 2018, India greatly increased its deployment of Su-30MKI combat aircraft to the Siliguri Bagdogra and Hasimara airbases.The Su-30MKI is India's top-of-the-line fighter and is <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-successfully-test-fires-brahmos-from-sukhoi-30-fighter-aircraft/articleshow/61751675.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">able to fire</a> the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile.Even more activity was visible around the more advanced facilities at the Chinese airbases in Lhasa and Shigatse, including airfield upgrades and a large presence of helicopters, early-warning and command aircraft, parts of the HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missile, and unmanned aerial vehicles. (China puts <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/preparing-rematch-top-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more assets</a> at these bases because, unlike India, it does not have facilities closer to the border area.)Doklam "does remain a potential flare-up spot," Smith said, with the Chinese in particular looking for an edge.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Google MapsDeployments and activity at Chinese and Indian airbases around the Doklam Plateau increased in late 2017 and early 2018.</div></div></div>"I imagine the Chinese are not pleased with how events unfolded last year, and there are some who felt like they were somewhat embarrassed by India," Smith said. "So I'm sure they're redoubling their efforts down there to ensure that something like that doesn't happen again."A lack of clear short-term gains to be had make it unlikely China "will push the envelope in Doklam," he added, but Beijing may be preparing its forces in order to be "in a much better position tactically" in case of another confrontation there."It's peaceful now, but it's still volatile," Smith said. "There are still a lot of troops on both sides, nearby, watching each other very closely." <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/asia-earth-ice-melted-rising-ocean-coastline-china-india-2015-3">Animated map shows what would happen to Asia if all the Earth's ice melted</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Tensions are still simmering a year after the world's 2 biggest countries almost clashed over a border at the top of the world

To counter the massive construction and development on the Chinese side along the 1800 km border, India is fast equipping itself with sufficient 
 Strategic launch bases in Arunachal Pradesh for the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF). This strategic launch base is called an Advance Landing Ground or ALG. 
 
After activating IAF four Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) at Ziro, Along, Mechuka and Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, the IAF on August 19 th made yet another ALG-the 5th in the row in the North East region at Arunachal Pradesh itself. 
 
These ALGs act as transportation hubs during peace time and in case of contingencies like road closure, landslides, conflicts and war like situations the ALGs would act as launch bases for support of troops as well as replenishment of supplies. 
 
The ALGs got an impetus after state government and the forces witnessed massive construction and development on the Chinese side along the 1,080-km border. The area remains a bone of contention between the Indian and Chinese forces where the line of actual control acts as the de facto border. 
 The upgraded Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated by <keyword id="638723" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kiren-Rijiju">Kiren Rijiju</keyword>, MoS for Home Affairs in the presence of Air Marshal C Hari Kumar AVSM VM VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command on August 19. 
 
Apart from serving the strategic advantage, the ALG at Pasighat will facilitate air connectivity with rest of the country and give a huge fillip to tourism in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. 
 
A flypast by a formation of three Sukhoi-30 MKI Air Dominance Fighter aircraft, that took off from one of the forward Airbases was a highlight of the event. This was followed by a Su-30MKI also landing at the ALG. 
 
The touchdown by a frontline fighter jet of the IAF at the ALG is a 'historic first' in the predominantly hilly state of Arunachal Pradesh, which has several ALGs at varying altitudes. 
 
The new runway surface and other infrastructure built are similar to the other upgraded ALGs that have been inaugurated in the recent months. 
 Replete with facilities such as aprons for ground manouevering, <keyword id="735991" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-traffic-control-tower">Air Traffic Control Tower</keyword>, perimeter road and a security wall, the ALG will facilitate operations of fixed wing aircraft as well as helicopters of both civil and military operators. 
 
The ALG at Pasighat was taken over by the IAF in February 2010. Previously, it was small strip that was partly paved, partly grassy, and reinforced with perforated steel plates. It was utilized in the past for air maintenance sorties and casualty evacuation by the IAF. Commercial helicopter operations were also being undertaken from the helipads that existed earlier. 
 The <keyword id="54875" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airports-Authority-of-India">Airports Authority of India</keyword> (AAI) is also the process of setting up a civil terminal, the construction of which has yet to commence. Now the need of the hour is for all agencies to get together and make it happen. 
 It may be recalled that following a MoU between Government of Arunachal Pradesh and <keyword id="6369097" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Defence">Ministry of Defence</keyword> in June 2009, the IAF had embarked on an ambitious reconstruction plan to upgrade eight ALGs, including infrastructure development at an overall outlay of nearly Rs. 1,000 Crore. 
 
Two ALGs at Tuting and Tawang are expected to be ready by the year end, while the ALG at Vijaynagar would undertake for reconstruction as soon as the road connectivity between Miao and Vijaynagar is restored.

Countering China:
India readies the 5th ALG for IAF at Pasighat in Arunachal
Pradesh

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">ReutersRussian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems taking part in the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, May 9, 2015.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>India's prime minister will meet with Russia's president in India this week.</li><li>They are expected to sign a raft of agreements, including arms deals that may run afoul of the US.</li><li>The US, which wants stronger ties with India, has warned against the deals and may resort to sanctions.</li></ul>India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi this week to sign billions of dollars worth of arms deals.India has longstanding <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">defense</keyword> ties with Russia, but the latest round of agreements comes as the US, which has sought closer ties with Delhi, tries to isolate Moscow with sanctions on its defense industry.The summit on Thursday and Friday will include talks between the leaders and with ministers and business people, and it will conclude with the signing of 23 bilateral documents, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov <a href="http://tass.com/politics/1024010" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> this week."The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air-defence systems," Ushakov <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-russia-india-to-sign-s-400-missile-deal-this-week-kremlin-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion."The S-400 deal, which India has been negotiating for years, has become a point of contention with the US.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Ahmad MasoodRussian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</div></div></div>India sees it as a way to bolster its defenses, deterring China, with which it has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tensions-between-china-and-india-continue-year-after-doklam-standoff-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a longstanding border dispute</a>, and gaining an edge over Pakistan, a traditional rival. India has fought wars with both countries.The S-400 can track multiple targets and fire missiles with ranges up to 250 miles. It is said to be able to detect stealth aircraft. The head of the country's air force <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-waiver-pending-india-russia-to-sign-defence-deal-this-week-1926046" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the system would arrive in 24 months.Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-risks-us-sanctions-with-5-billion-purchase-of-russian-missiles-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> at the of September that "it is at a stage where it can be finalized."Under the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act, however, the Trump administration is required to sanction countries doing business with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors. The US has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amid-trade-war-the-us-sanctions-china-for-buying-russian-weapons-2018-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">already sanctioned China</a> for buying Russian fighter jets and the S-400."The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability - including the S-400," a US State Department official told Reuters.There is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-us-opens-way-for-india-to-escape-sanctions-over-russia-arms-imports-2018-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a waiver</a>, but it can only be granted under certain conditions. India has <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/russia-india-to-sign-deal-on-s-400-air-defence-systems-this-week-kremlin/articleshow/66044294.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> that it will ask for that exemption, but the US has said it's not guaranteed.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Russian Ministry of DefenseRussia's S-400 air-defense system.</div></div></div>"There are strict criteria for considering a waiver," a US official <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/forgo-s-400-system-us-tells-india/article25115782.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told The Hindu</a> this week. "The waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously purchased equipment."Some analysts see the Trump administration as leaning toward a waiver for the sake of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-risks-us-sanctions-with-5-billion-purchase-of-russian-missiles-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national-security interests</a>, but the possibility that Congress could tighten sanctions on Russia in the future mean that exemption <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/forgo-s-400-system-us-tells-india/article25115782.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could be reviewed</a> later.The S-400 is not the only deal to be completed.India is expected to announce a <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-clears-way-for-2-2-billion-frigates-deal-with-russia/articleshow/65835654.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2.2 billion deal</a> for four Russian frigates, two of which will be delivered and two of which will be built in an Indian shipyard. The two sides are also expected <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/09/28/india-approves-s-400-buy-from-russia-amid-expectations-for-more-bilateral-deals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to sign</a> a deal to license the production of Russian AK-103 assault rifles in India.The slate of agreements, worth <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/massive-arms-package-over-rs-50-000-crore-to-be-signed-during-putin-s-visit-1354545-2018-10-03" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some $8 billion</a> in total, "is indeed a bit larger than the average arms deal, but I don't find the value or scale extraordinary," said Jeff Smith, a research fellow for South Asia at the Heritage Foundation."It reflects the reality that India is the world's largest importer of arms and Russia is India's top supplier of defense equipment," Smith said, adding that it is normal to sign multiple deals at summits, "even when the actual contracts and delivery dates may be spread out over several years."<h2>Cheap weapons, easy cash</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Mark Wilson/Getty ImagesModi with President Donald Trump.</div></div></div>The Putin-Modi summit comes a few weeks after India's defense and foreign ministers met their US counterparts for a meeting that produced a communications agreement allowing more <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-india-comcasa-deal-improves-ability-to-communicate-and-track-subs-2018-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interoperability between their militaries</a>.The US has sought deeper ties with India for some time, selling Delhi <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-weapons-causing-problems-for-us-india-military-ties-2018-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$15 billion in weapons</a> over the past decade. US defense contractors have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-risks-us-sanctions-with-5-billion-purchase-of-russian-missiles-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> the running to replace India's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-wants-to-buy-110-fighter-jets-china-growing-tension-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aging Russian-made fighter jets</a>. The US also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-renames-pacific-command-to-indo-pacific-command-to-counter-china-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently renamed</a> US Pacific Command as US Indo-Pacific Command to highlight its view of India in the region.India has been receptive to US overtures, but its existing defense relationships and longstanding policy of <a href="https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2018/10/03/the_22_indiaus_dialogue_and_the_maritime_tango_in_the_indo-pacific_113858.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-alignment</a> continue to influence its foreign affairs.The communications agreement signed in September <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-india-comcasa-deal-improves-ability-to-communicate-and-track-subs-2018-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">took years to negotiate</a>, delayed by political resistance in India and wariness about opening Indian communications to the US.CAATSA has also not had a deterrent effect. Sitharaman, the defense minister, has <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-defence-ties-with-russia-will-not-be-impacted-by-us-sanctions-sitharaman/articleshow/65843230.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> sanctions would not affect Delhi's defense ties with Moscow."India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," she said in September.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">US Air Force/Wikimedia CommonsAn Indian air force member marshals an Indian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI at Lajes airfield in the Azores, July 13, 2008.</div></div></div>India's defense minister was in Russia on an official visit that a spokesman <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-chief-begins-russia-visit-focus-on-boosting-defence-ties/story-HxESa5SZ3GFodxw46GZZ6J.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> "another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership" and in taking "military-to-military cooperation to the next level."Delhi has sought <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/09/28/india-approves-s-400-buy-from-russia-amid-expectations-for-more-bilateral-deals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">workarounds</a> to CAATSA, including purchases in rupees and rubles rather than dollars, and it now wants <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/09/28/india-approves-s-400-buy-from-russia-amid-expectations-for-more-bilateral-deals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an agreement</a> to build and upgrade Russian weapons systems - including Sukhoi fighter jets and T-90 tanks - in India.While Smith said he expected India's and Russia's respective geopolitical orientations to gradually "continue to drift in separate directions," a major shift in their defense relationship in the near future was unlikely."Russian arms exports serve both countries' interests," Smith said. "For India they offer relatively effective and affordable military hardware that's easily integrated with existing legacy platforms. For the Russian defense establishment they provide a critical source of revenue and continued access to the world's largest defense import market.""Those conditions endure, untethered from their respective geopolitical trajectories." <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uss-indianapolis-wreckage-discovered-navy-worst-disaster-at-sea-2017-8">The wreckage of a World War II-era US warship that the Navy called the worst disaster at sea has been discovered</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Russia is about to sell a US ally billions of dollars in weapons, and Trump may have to respond

Once India's former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had said “To be safe on land, we must be supreme at sea”. Much has been said about the <keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword>'s blue water aspirations over time. However a number of experts have already described the Indian Navy as being a blue-water navy and the intentions of developing blue-water capabilities were outlined under the 2007 Maritime Capabilities Perspective Plan. In the recent times India has built one of the largest and most powerful navies in the world with an indication towards major possibilities of further growth. It has 2 conventional Aircraft carriers, 1 amphibious transport dock, 50 Frigates, Destroyers and Corvettes one nuclear-powered and14 conventionally-powered attack submarines and a many other naval ships including around 100 armed patrol ships with the Indian Coast Guards. 
 
Why Blue Water Capabilities? 
Ability to operate across the deep waters of open oceans along with the maritime expeditionary capabilities is required to be a <keyword id="2880481" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Blue-Water-Navy">Blue Water Navy</keyword>. Blue Water capability is required to project the power of India’s area of strategic interest in the <keyword id="12350" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword>. It is marked by the increased presence of the Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf and the Horn of Africa to the Strait of Malacca, and it also conducts anti-piracy operations and partnership building exercises with other major navies in the region. 
 
Blue water capability is necessary to shift the balance of power to an extent in India's favor and is also fueled by Beijing's “String of Pearls” strategy in the Indian Ocean. China's intention in building of maritime facilities in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar can be seen as an encirclement in the Indian ocean which can have serious outcomes in the coming future. True Blue Water capabilities not only protect India's own territory but also enables to project power beyond it. 
 
The Nuclear Triad 
Delivery of a nuclear arsenal through strategic bombers, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) is termed as a nuclear triad. The purpose of having a nuclear triad is to increase the second strike capability and the nuclear deterrence. A three-branched nuclear capability significantly reduces the possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation's nuclear forces in a first-strike attack. India maintains a no first use nuclear policy as a part of its credible minimum deterrence doctrine. 
 
India has surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles such as Agni missile system with a range of 5000-8000kms which can be tipped with the nuclear warheads and forms the land based part of the nuclear triad. It can deliver nuclear warheads through air with the help of strategic bombers like Jaguars, SU-30MKI and Dassault Mirage 2000H. India operates a nuclear-powered missile submarine, <keyword id="45878" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="INS-ARIHANT">INS Arihant</keyword> which is capable of launching nuclear capable K- family missiles like Sagarika and K-4 which has a range up to 5000kms. Once deployed in 2016 India will complete its nuclear triad to be a true Blue Water Navy. 
 
Area of Thrust and the future India has transformed itself into a self-sufficient navy and the future lies in developing <keyword id="6500558" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indigenous">indigenous</keyword> platforms, systems, sensors and weapons as part of the nation's modernization and expansion plan. As of now the Indian Navy has around 45 vessels of various types under construction including; an aircraft carrier, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, conventional and nuclear-powered submarines. 
 Indian navy operates two carrier task forces centered on <keyword id="317546" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="INS-Vikramaditya">INS Vikramaditya</keyword> and <keyword id="65178" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="INS-Viraat">INS Viraat</keyword>. India needs at least 5 more aircraft-carriers out of which 3 should be nuclear-powered with a capacity of having 60-70 fixed winged aircrafts on it. Dependency on MIG-29K for its carrier can be understood for now but India should also look and invest in a new indigenously developed carrier based fighter so that it can move from STOBAR to CATOBAR system and that fighter should have an extended range of around 3500kms. The road ahead for the Indian Navy's true Blue Water aspiration requires time-bound completions and proper policy framework. 
 
(Image Courtesy: wallpaper-kid.com)

Indian Navy's Blue Water journey: the road ahead

AP Photo/Manish Swarup Indian Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> with Chinese President <keyword id="191809" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xi-Jinping">Xi Jinping</keyword> in Goa, <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>, October 16, 2016. <ul class="summary-list"><li>A year after a showdown along their disputed border, India and <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> have improved their relationship.</li><li>Despite that renewed cooperation, the strategic issues driving the tension between them are unresolved.</li><li>Persistent issues, along with other moves both sides are making, increase the chances of a future clash.</li></ul>At the end of August 2017, India and China backed away from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tensions-between-china-and-india-continue-year-after-doklam-standoff-2018-8" target="_blank">a 73-day standoff</a> on the Doklam Plateau, high in the eastern Himalayas. In the year since, both sides have sought to mend ties, especially after a summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in the eastern Chinese city of Wuhan in April. The two countries are engaged in a kind of "recalibration" of their relationship, even though deeper-rooted issues that divide them persist, according to Faisel Pervaiz, a South Asia analyst at geopolitical-intelligence firm Stratfor. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan Chinese and Indian border guards at the Nathu La mountain pass, between Tibet and the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, July 6, 2006. The appointment of Vijay Gokhale, who was ambassador to China during the Doklam crisis and helped resolve the dispute, to foreign secretary was "an indication that India wants to take ... a less confrontational posture," Pervaiz said. China, too, has come to believe it needs "a bit more calm" with its neighbors, including India, in part because of contentious relations with the US, Pervaiz added, though he stressed that Beijing's change in thinking was likely temporary. China has also made overtures to India about a potential partnership in trade disputes with the US. This week, <keyword id="6358777" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="New-Delhi">New Delhi</keyword> and Beijing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-china-launch-joint-training-for-afghanistan-plan-more-projects-2018-10" target="_blank">launched</a> a joint program to train Afghan diplomats, and China's ambassador to the country <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-china-launch-joint-training-for-afghanistan-plan-more-projects-2018-10" target="_blank">predicted</a> more cooperation there in the future. Next week, they are to sign a <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-participation-in-global-counterterror-front-high-on-rajnath-singhs-china-visit/article7895845.ece" target="_blank">long-discussed</a> internal-security agreement <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-a-first-india-china-to-sign-internal-security-agreement-next-week-1933038" target="_blank">expected to cover</a> cooperation on intelligence sharing, disaster mitigation, and other issues. Despite the apparent rapprochement, the two countries are keeping a close eye on each other. Reuters Map locating Donglang, or Doklam, a disputed area between China, India, and Bhutan. While India has largely pulled back from positions it took during the Doklam standoff, imagery reviewed by Stratfor in January showed that in late 2017 and early 2018, Delhi <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tensions-between-china-and-india-continue-year-after-doklam-standoff-2018-8" target="_blank">increased its deployments</a> of combat aircraft to bases near the disputed area. Those images showed <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tensions-between-china-and-india-continue-year-after-doklam-standoff-2018-8" target="_blank">even more activity</a> around Chinese bases in Tibet, north of the disputed area, including airfield upgrades and a large aircraft presence. (China puts more assets at those bases because it does not have bases closer to the border area.) This month, officials <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-bunkers-at-lhasa-airport-worry-india/story-B85jNuqEH72jiPk7sPKbcM.html" target="_blank">told Hindustan Times</a> that Delhi was concerned about construction at the Chinese air base in <keyword id="69031" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="lhasa">Lhasa</keyword>, which included bomb-proof bunkers for aircraft and expanded <keyword id="839167" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="surface-to-air-missile">surface-to-air missile</keyword> batteries. "You need blast- or bomb-proof hangars for fighters only if there is a possibility of hostilities," one official said. Any activity with military hardware or other assets that could have military applications around the eastern end of India and China's shared border was likely to attract scrutiny, Pervaiz said. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri A snow-covered Indian army camp at the India-China trade route at Nathu-La, 34 miles north of Gangtok, capital of India's northeastern state of Sikkim and near the Doklam Plateau, January 17, 2009. "If you are India or China and you are seeing any sort of moves that either military is making, you view that almost through the lens of paranoia - that if you're making that move, how can that be used against us in a potential conflict?" he told Business Insider. The Doklam Plateau sits at the southern edge of the Himalayan mountain range, where the elevation is on average close to 15,000 feet. High altitudes and rough terrain put considerable limitations on military operations. While the higher elevation gives China an <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/sizing-competition-doklam-plateau" target="_blank">advantage</a> in surveillance and physiological acclimatization, lower air density hinders jet aircraft engines and limits the weaponry and fuel that aircraft can carry. China's air force is larger than India's, but it only has five air bases in Tibet - though upgrades at the Lhasa base described by <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-bunkers-at-lhasa-airport-worry-india/story-B85jNuqEH72jiPk7sPKbcM.html" target="_blank">Hindustan Times</a> include special helicopter bases that allow them to take off and land with full payloads. India's air power in the region would offer it some advantages. Indian air bases, including those that received more aircraft earlier this year, are closer to the area in question than China's bases. India <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/sizing-competition-doklam-plateau" target="_blank">counts 20 air bases</a> within range of the Line of Actual Control, which separates Indian- and Chinese-claimed territory. India has also also practiced with transport planes at forward landing areas in the region. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri/Files An Indian army officer, left, talks with a Chinese soldier at the 14,140-foot high Nathu-la pass on the country's northeastern border with China, April 9, 2005. But China's air defenses are more <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/sizing-competition-doklam-plateau" target="_blank">effective and reliable</a> than India's. And China has more artillery that can fire farther and is more mobile. Thin air at higher elevations hinders traditional rocket propulsion, but Chinese officials claimed in August they were progressing on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-says-making-progress-with-electromagnetically-launched-rockets-2018-8" target="_blank">a type of electromagnetic propulsion</a> that would give rocket artillery longer range and more accuracy. Both countries can be expected to use land-attack cruise missiles - the Indian Su-30MKI jets deployed to the area are capable of firing India's Brahmos missile. But China has a larger inventory of them, and the paucity of Chinese targets in the area north of the border would likely mean Beijing would have the edge. Much of the fighting in a conflict around Doklam would likely be done on the ground, even though the terrain would limit quick strikes and mass movement of troops. REUTERS/Frank Jack Daniel Monpa tribeswomen employed by the Indian army work on India's Tezpur-Tawang highway, which runs to the Chinese border in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, May 28, 2012. Both countries are among <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-powerful-militaries-in-the-world-ranked-2018-2" target="_blank">the most largest militaries</a> in the world. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/militaries-most-active-duty-soldiers-troops-2018-5#2-india-1362500-active-personnel-14" target="_blank">China's 2.1 million active-duty troops</a> are far more than India's 1.3 million, though Indian troops may bring more experience to bear. Indian fought its last war, with Pakistan, in 1999 and has been involved in sporatic clashes with Pakistan, as well as counterterror and counter-insurgency operations for years. (Delhi was developing a special Mountain Strike Corps for the northern border, but it <a href="https://www.janes.com/article/81837/indian-army-shelves-plans-for-new-fighting-corps" target="_blank">was shelved</a> this summer.) China fought its last war in 1979 - a three-week incursion into Vietnam that ended with China's withdrawal, though both sides claimed victory. Xi has <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2153579/chinas-army-infiltrated-peace-disease-after-years" target="_blank">ordered</a> China's military to increase readiness and launched reforms to the force. Along the Line of Actual Control, however, China may gain an edge through <a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/sizing-competition-doklam-plateau" target="_blank">superior</a> command, control, and communications and through its unified command structure in the region, whereas India divides the region among three combatant commands. REUTERS/Frank Jack Daniel An Indian army truck drives along India's Tezpur-Tawang highway, which runs to the Chinese border, in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, May 28, 2012. India is aware that it would likely lose a military confrontation with China, Pervaiz said, as it did in 1962. (Mao later said China invaded essentially <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/this-is-how-it-could-go-down-if-china-and-india-went-to-war-2017-8" target="_blank">to teach India a lesson</a>.) A conflict now is not in the interest of either country, he added, but "they both are going to continue to sharpen their capabilities in the event that there ever is a conflict [in order] to be able to fight and execute on that conflict, no doubt about it." Since the end of the Doklam standoff, China has kept the assets it deployed there - tents, bunkers, and vehicles, Pervaiz said - in place, even as Indian forces withdrew. Questioned about that change in parliament earlier this year, the Indian <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">Defense</keyword> Ministry tacitly admitted "China has actually altered those facts on the ground" and India had to accept the change, Pervaiz said. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri Indian soldiers play a friendly volleyball match with Chinese soldiers at the Indo-China border at Nathula in Sikkim state, about 109 miles from the northeastern Indian city of Siliguri, September 15, 2005. India too has pursued a longer-term shift in its strategy toward the disputed border. Delhi tried to minimize the number of roads in the border area after the 1962 war in order to deprive future enemies of transportation routes. Since the 1990s, however, India has switched to what Pervaiz called "an offensive-defense posture, meaning that we're not just going to deny the Chinese access to roads in our region. We're actually going to start building more roads and infrastructure so that our military can be better positioned." REUTERS/Adnan Abidi A signboard on the Indian side of the Indo-China border at Bumla, in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, November 11, 2009. Amid the recalibration, the broader strategic issues driving tensions between India and China - the border dispute or China's partnership with India's rival, Pakistan - have not dissipated, suggesting the current period is one in which both sides are trying to manage their disputes, which Pervaiz analogized to treating a chronic illness. "It may be that the physician says that you're not going to get rid of this," he said. "This is something you're going to have to live with for the rest of your life, but we can manage it ... and then the symptoms can stay under control." Even though neither side sees conflict as in their interest, deep-seated disputes that persist raise the chances one may occur. "In the long run, because the strategic drivers are still there, and they're building up their assets, the roads, the bunkers," Pervaiz said, "that that does mean in the future, there's actually a heightened probability there's going to be some sort of confrontation, even if it's a small one." <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/asia-earth-ice-melted-rising-ocean-coastline-china-india-2015-3">Animated map shows what would happen to Asia if all the Earth's ice melted</a></h3> <pre style="display: none;">function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</pre>

You Searched For "MKI fighter" and got 11 results

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