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<ul class="summary-list"><li>India has long been one of the world's biggest arms buyers, relying on others to equip its forces.</li><li>But New Delhi is investing heavily in domestic production to arm itself and export to the world.</li></ul>India has long been the world's largest arms importer, relying on other countries to supply it with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-buying-new-light-tanks-for-himalayan-mountain-warfare-2023-6">tanks</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-jet-landing-on-vikrant-reflect-indian-aircraft-carrier-ambitions-2023-2">warships</a>, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indian-air-force-modernization-not-only-because-of-china-2021-9">fighter jets</a>. But it has been investing heavily in its domestic arms industry with the goal of equipping its own forces and increasing its arms sales around the world.New Delhi has made headway toward that goal with its "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative, launched in 2020, and by forging closer defense relationships with other countries.India's need to wean itself off its heavy dependency on arms imports became more apparent after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022. New Delhi still has close ties with Moscow but the war has made the Russians less dependable suppliers.Recent arms sales and exercises illustrate how India seeks to turn that domestic arms production into foreign sales and perhaps even take some of that market away from its biggest supplier.<h2>Shopping around</h2><div type="image" title="India army soldier Pinaka rocket launcher parade" height="1333" width="2000" msid="104092852" hostid="261" sizebytes="141000"></div>In September 2022, India agreed to sell its powerful Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia — the first foreign export of the Pinaka — along with anti-tank missiles and assorted ammunition in a $260 million deal.That sale came two and a half years after Armenia bought four of India's Swathi counter-battery radars, which track incoming artillery and rockets and plot return fire, for $40 million, choosing the Indian option over equivalent Polish and Russian systems in what was considered <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pips-russia-and-poland-for-40m-armenia-defence-deal/articleshow/74432148.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a big achievement</a> for the then-nascent Make in India program.New Delhi's aspirations for <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centres-new-plan-to-boost-exports-of-made-in-india-weapons-to-africa-middle-east/articleshow/100054640.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a foothold in the African and Middle East arms markets</a> would undoubtedly get a boost from a sizable arms deals with Egypt. Over the past decade, Egypt has spent large sums on high-end weapons systems, primarily from France and Russia. Between 2015 and 2019, <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/egypt-and-allure-military-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Egypt was the world's third-largest arms importer</a>.India has been improving its ties with Egypt, as seen in their expanded military exchanges.<div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Cairo" height="1479" width="1977" msid="104092853" hostid="261" sizebytes="91154"></div>India's air force and navy participated in Egypt's Bright Star-23, a multilateral military exercise, in September. It was the first time India had joined, and during the drills, an Indian air force Il-78 tanker <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/exercise-bright-star-23-indian-air-force-refuels-egyptian-rafale-fighters/articleshow/103603060.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refueled</a> Egyptian MiG-29M and Rafale fighters — Russian- and French-made jets, respectively.That refueling underscored the degree of interoperability the militaries have developed and illustrated the countries' rapidly growing defense ties — ties that may translate into arms sales, particularly of India's domestically developed weapons.In January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited New Delhi and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-25/india-hosts-egypt-s-sisi-as-it-looks-to-increase-defense-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussed</a> "defense platforms" and "equipment-related linkages" and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-egypt-will-seek-deepen-military-co-operation-foreign-secretary-2023-01-25/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deepening cooperation</a> between their militaries and defense industries.In June, Modi visited Egypt, the first visit to Cairo by an Indian leader <a href="https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-india-and-egypt-are-forging-new-strategic-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 1997</a>, where the two leaders decided to boost cooperation in several fields, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-meets-egypt-s-sisi-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-101687718543603.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including security and technology</a>. During Modi's visit, a former Indian Air Force chief <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-egypt-can-cooperate-in-field-of-military-rd-manufacturing-former-iaf-chief-on-pm-modis-state-visit/articleshow/101245090.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Indian media</a> that the countries were eager to cooperate on military research, development, and manufacturing.<div type="image" title="Egypt air force fighter jet India tanker refueling" height="1000" width="1500" msid="104092854" hostid="261" sizebytes="39568"></div>"There is a very significant possibility of exporting weapon systems, sensors and platforms and also supporting Egypt" in its efforts to "building up their own industrial complex," the former air force chief was quoted as saying, noting their "commonalities of equipment, and thinking."There have been reports that India is interested in <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/02/14/hal-pushing-for-lca-tejas-deal-with-malaysia-argentina-and-egypt-show-interest.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling Egypt about 20</a> its Tejas light multi-role combat jets and in setting up production lines for that aircraft and for Indian-made helicopters in Egypt.In February, the chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which makes the Tejas, <a href="https://www.egyptdefenceexpo.com/news/hal-egypt-tejas-aircraft-contract-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the company was in talks to supply 35 Tejas Mk-1As to Egypt alongside a complete technology transfer that would enable Cairo to build the aircraft locally. (Egypt and India collaborated on development of the Helwan HA-300 light supersonic interceptor in the 1960s, but that project was ultimately canceled.)India has also shown interest in exporting its domestically developed Akash medium-range air-defense system and the BrahMos cruise missile to a number of countries, <a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/02/egypt-india-russia-made-brahmos-missile-system-weapons.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including Egypt</a>. Brahmos is a joint Indian-Russian venture and officials are now <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-russia-joint-venture-hopes-5-bln-supersonic-missile-exports-by-2025-2022-10-18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">angling for billions</a> in foreign sales of it.<h2>Cashing in on the value market</h2><div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi helicopter factory" height="1157" width="2000" msid="104092855" hostid="261" sizebytes="138288"></div>While some of these deals could undoubtedly boost India's defense exports, it is still early days. After all, Indian defense exports in recent years were negligible compared to heavyweights like the US and France, and New Delhi remains heavily reliant on imports.In the coming years, India could carve out a sizable place for itself in the <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2022/05/helping-india-replace-russia-in-the-value-arms-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing market for "value arms,"</a> which caters to countries looking for a better deal on older or slightly less capable hardware.With a bigger share of that market, India could replace Russia and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-arms-sales-may-get-boost-from-russia-war-ukraine-2023-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete with China</a> for exports, profits from which would also help Indian firms develop indigenously made equipment to fulfill domestic requirements.While selling arms to Armenia may eventually be seen as the start of the Make in India initiative's ambitious effort to take New Delhi from the being the world's largest arms importer to a significant exporter, making that transformation is much easier said than done.Securing even bigger deals with Egypt and other countries, and sweetening the pot with technology transfers and other incentives, might get that effort farther off the ground, helping India stand out in a crowded marketplace.Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

India is a growing defense powerhouse, and now it's looking to cash in on it

<ul><li>“Our armed forces are always ready to stop any attempt of transgression at our borders,” <keyword id="6355121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajnath-singh" source="Orion">Rajnath Singh</keyword> told the Lok Sabha. </li><li>Indian and <keyword id="151196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chinese-troops" source="Orion">Chinese troops</keyword> clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in <keyword id="12277618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tawang-sector" source="Orion">Tawang sector</keyword> of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9. </li><li>The face-off resulted in "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides", the Indian Army said on Monday. </li></ul>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that timely intervention by Indian Army stopped the Chinese PLA troops from encroaching on the country's territory during the December 9 face-off at Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector. Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, the Defence Minister said that Indian Army bravely stopped the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA) PLA troops from encroaching on Indian territory, and forced them to withdraw to their posts. "On December 9, 2022 in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector PLA troops encroached upon and attempted to change status quo. This attempt was tackled by our troops in a determined manner. There was fist fight in during this face-off as well. Our troops bravely stopped PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha. The minister said that the issue had been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. "After this incident, on December 11, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart under the established system and discussed this incident. The Chinese side was refused all such actions and told to maintain peace at the border," Singh told the Lok Sabha. The Defence Minister said that no <keyword id="1052484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-troops" source="Orion">Indian troops</keyword> were killed or seriously injured in the incident. Singh said, "In this face-off, a few soldiers on both sides suffered injuries. I'd like to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own locations." "This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it," Rajnath Singh said. "I am confident this House will respect the capability, valour and commitment of our armed forces, Singh said. On Monday the Indian Army in a statement said: "On December 9, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector which was contested by own (Indian) troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides." "Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, own (Indian) commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity," it said. Opposition members earlier today created a ruckus in Parliament over the clash between troops of India and China. Soon after Rajnath Singh's statement, Opposition leaders staged a walkout from Lok Sabha.

No loss of life or serious injury to our soldiers: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tawang clash

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12500522" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="aircraft-carriers" source="Orion">Aircraft carriers</keyword> have been a dominant naval asset for nearly a century.</li><li>Their high cost and sturdy construction means those flattops often serve for decades.</li></ul>Since World War II, aircraft carriers have been one of the most important weapons in a military's arsenal.A nation with flattops can influence affairs far from its shores, and the more of them it can deploy, the farther it can project force around the world.The financial and technological requirements to build and deploy carriers means only a few countries can develop and maintain them. That barrier to entry means only few countries can field even one carrier.The US can deploy <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-us-navy-aircraft-carriers-supercarriers-to-ford-class-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers</a>, reflecting its superpower status. China is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-chinas-aircraft-carriers-compare-to-us-navy-flattops-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">building or testing three flattops</a>, and the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-uk-aircraft-carrier-ends-first-deployment-with-milestones-2021-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK has two new carriers</a>. Several other countries, including France, Russia, and India, have at least one.But carriers, once built, can serve for a long time. One of the longest-serving was <keyword id="13638258" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hms-hermes" source="Orion">HMS Hermes</keyword>, which spent a total of 58 years in the British and Indian navies.<h2>HMS Hermes</h2><div type="image" title="UK British aircraft carrier Hermes" height="1371" width="1828" msid="90901032" hostid="261"></div>HMS Hermes was a conventionally powered Centaur-class flattop that was laid down in 1944. Construction was paused for several years and the carrier wasn't launched until 1953. It entered service with the <keyword id="12018460" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="royal-navy" source="Orion">Royal Navy</keyword> in 1959.The flattop began its career as a CATOBAR <keyword id="11898296" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="aircraft-carrier" source="Orion">aircraft carrier</keyword> and could carry up to five fixed- and rotary-wing squadrons.Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery, or CATOBAR, carriers use catapults to launch aircraft and arresting wires to recover them, allowing planes to take off and land on a deck that's only a few hundred feet long instead of a mile or longer.But in the early 1970s, the Royal Navy decided to convert Hermes to support operations by Royal Marine Commandos — like the amphibious assault ships of the US Navy. Berthing space for 800 troops was added, and helicopters became Hermes' primary aircraft.Hermes was refit again in the early 1980s, when the threat from Soviet submarines prompted the Royal Navy to repurpose the ship for anti-submarine warfare. This modification also converted Hermes into a Short Take-Off, Barrier Arrested Recovery, or STOBAR, carrier.A ski jump was added to Hermes' bow and it once more hosted fighter jets, namely the Sea Harrier, which was designed for short and vertical takeoffs and landings.<div type="image" title="Royal Navy crewmen aboard aircraft carrier HMS Hermes" height="1278" width="2000" msid="90901033" hostid="261"></div>During the Falklands War in 1982, the HMS Hermes was the flagship of the British armada, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/falklands-war-almost-had-first-aircraft-carrier-battle-since-wwii-2021-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading more than 100 ships to the South Atlantic</a> to reclaim the islands from the Argentines.Hermes' sister ship and fellow STOBAR carrier, HMS Invincible, were crucial to the UK's success. Sea Harrier fighter jets operating from the two flattops gave the British air dominance and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sas-revisited-wwii-roots-in-daring-raid-during-falklands-war-2021-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ensured that ground troops could land on</a> and retake the Falklands.The Argentines recognized the importance of the British aircraft carriers and tried to sink them multiple times with daring air attacks. They sunk several escort ships and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/31/world/argentines-assert-they-hit-a-carrier.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed to have hit</a> Invincible, but the flattops emerged from the conflict unscathed. (The British armada <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-navy-used-impromptu-aircraft-carriers-to-recapture-falklands-2021-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">included two improvised carriers</a>, one of which was sunk.)Hermes' post-Falklands life was brief. After a refit and an exercise, the carrier was decommissioned in 1984, but that wasn't the end of its career.The British had previously tried to offload Hermes — including a mid-1960s offer to Australia that fell through because of the high cost to man and operate the carrier — and in 1983, they again offered to sell it to Australia, which once more turned them down.<div type="image" title="Indian navy sailor on aircraft carrier Viraat" height="1154" width="2000" msid="90901034" hostid="261"></div>The carrier was sold to India in 1986. After undergoing a refit, the carrier was commissioned into the <keyword id="11895652" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-navy" source="Orion">Indian navy</keyword> as <keyword id="13638259" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ins-viraat" source="Orion">INS Viraat</keyword> in a ceremony held in the UK in May 1987.It became the flagship of the Indian Navy and participated in a number of operations, including in the Indian peacekeeping mission in Sri Lanka in 1989 and in the Indian blockade of Pakistani ports during the Kargil War in 1999. Viraat als took part in exercise Malabar, an annual exercise involving the US, India, and other navies.After almost six decades in service, the Hermes was finally decommissioned by the Indian Navy in 2017. In 2019, the Indian government <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/goodbye-ins-viraat-after-33-years-of-serving-indian-navy-warship-put-to-rest-274220-2020-09-29" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decided</a> to scrap the carrier.After years of attempts by state governments and private actors to preserve the carrier as a museum, including a last-minute <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-viraat-now-private-property-sc/article34244872.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legal effort</a> to prevent it from being totally dismantled, the carrier was broken up in 2021.Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate.

58 years, 2 navies, one war: A short history of one of the world's longest-serving aircraft carriers

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Relations between the US and <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> and between <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword> and <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> are growing closer.</li><li>India and Pakistan are looking to boost their military capabilities, while the US and China are looking for support of their regional and global ambitions.</li></ul>In the final months of 2021, Pakistan <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/pakistan-navy-commissions-1st-type-054-a-p-frigate-pns-tughril/" target="_top">commissioned</a> the first of four Chinese-built Tughril-class frigates and <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/01/03/pakistan-confirms-chinese-firebird-fighter-acquisition/" target="_top">confirmed</a> its intentions to buy 25 of China's <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/j-10/" target="_top">J-10C</a> fighter jets.Those are only the latest high-profile defense projects between Beijing and Islamabad, and they are emblematic of the growing relations between two countries with a common goal: countering the threat they see in India.At the same time, India has increasingly turned to the US to meet its defense needs. The US has become a large supplier of arms to India over the past decade, and the two countries have deepened <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_top">their defense cooperation</a> as well.The moves add another geopolitical layer to what was already one of the world's most intense rivalries.<h2>Old rivals seek new friends</h2><div type="image" title="Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Chinese J-10C jet" height="683" width="1024" msid="90400022" hostid="261"></div>Before China became Pakistan's chief arms supplier in the 1990s, Islamabad relied on the US for higher-end defense equipment and assistance — a partnership borne out of cooperation to oust the Soviets from Afghanistan in the 1980s.China and Pakistan's military relationship dates to the 1960s, but in recent years, the Pakistani military's hardware has increasingly come from China or through joint Pakistani-Chinese ventures.Virtually all of <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/11/19/pakistan-resumes-armor-modernization-as-terror-threat-recedes/" target="_top">Pakistan's main battle tanks</a> are exported Chinese models or variants of Chinese tanks developed in Pakistan, like the <a href="https://www.army-technology.com/projects/alzarrarmianbattleta/" target="_top">Al-Zarrar</a>. Pakistan has fielded upgraded variants of the <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/pakistan_pakistani_army_tanks_heavy_armoured_uk/al_khalid_al-khalid_main_battle_tank_technical_data_pictures.html" target="_top">Al-Khalid</a> tank, developed jointly with a Chinese firm and in production since 2001, and <a href="https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/pakistan-army-holds-induction-ceremony-for-vt4-mbt" target="_top">begun acquiring</a> Chinese-made <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_heavy_armoured_vehicle_tank_uk/vt4_mbt-3000_norinco_mbt_main_battle_tank_data_pictures_video.html" target="_top">VT-4</a> tanks.The workhorse of Pakistan's Air Force is the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/" target="_top">JF-17</a>, a fighter developed jointly with China and meant to replace Pakistan's aging Chinese-made J-7s. The PAF also <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/satellite-image-reveals-chinese-predator-drones-armed-with-hellfire-type-missiles-stationed-at-pakistani-airbase/" target="_top">operates</a> a number of Chinese-made drones capable of strike missions.As the PAF's use of its US-made F-16s is <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/world-report/articles/2019-12-11/state-department-reprimanded-pakistan-in-august-for-misusing-f-16s-document-shows" target="_top">limited</a> by the terms of their sale, buying J-10Cs may be an attempt to substitute or even replace the American fighter with one Pakistan can actually use against India.<div type="image" title="Pakistan Zulfiqar-class frigate Shamsheer" height="1337" width="2000" msid="90400023" hostid="261"></div>At sea, three of the Pakistani navy's four <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/sword-f22p/" target="_top">Zulfiquar-class</a> frigates were built in China like the Tughril-class frigates, the fourth of which was <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/chinese-shipyard-launches-two-type-054-frigates-and-one-type-071e-lpd/" target="_top">launched</a> in December.China is also helping Pakistan <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/pakistan-cuts-steel-for-5th-hangor-class-submarine-pns-tasnim/" target="_top">build</a> eight Hangor-class submarines — a variant of China's <a href="https://news.usni.org/2015/08/31/essay-inside-the-design-of-chinas-yuan-class-submarine" target="_top">Type 039A</a> diesel-electric sub — splitting production between Chinese and Pakistani shipyards. They are expected to be delivered between 2022 and 2028 and will <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/10/pakistans-new-chinese-aip-submarines-image-shows-karachi-site/" target="_top">double</a> the size of Pakistan's submarine fleet.The defense relationship <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-and-Pakistan-ink-military-MOU-to-counter-US-India-pact" target="_top">goes beyond</a> weapons sales. China and Pakistan <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1646630" target="_top">regularly</a> conduct <a href="https://cscr.pk/explore/themes/defense-security/importance-of-shaheen-exercises-for-pakistan-air-force-and-indian-concerns/" target="_top">joint</a> and multinational <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/east-asia-pacific_chinas-warships-hold-joint-naval-drill-pakistan/6182310.html" target="_top">military exercises</a>. Officials from both countries speak of their relationship in glowing terms, describing it as <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Pakistan-China-and-terrorism" target="_top">"close as lips and teeth"</a> and <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10161516/China-Pakistan-friendship-sweeter-than-honey-says-Nawaz-Sharif.html" target="_top">"sweeter than honey."</a>As its two fiercest rivals have deepened their defense ties, India has deepened its own military partnerships, in particular with Russia, which has for decades supplied India with advanced hardware.The US has historically been reluctant to sell arms to India because of New Delhi's ties with Moscow and fears that those weapons may be used in a war in <keyword id="11893424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="south-asia" source="Orion">South Asia</keyword>. But in recent years India has increased its purchases of defense equipment from the US and other Western countries.<div type="image" title="India Australia US Navy P-8" height="1125" width="1500" msid="90400024" hostid="261"></div>Since the signing of the <a href="http://library.rumsfeld.com/doclib/sp/3211/2005-06-28%20New%20Framework%20for%20the%20US-India%20Defense%20Relationship.pdf" target="_top">New Framework for the US-India Defense Relationship</a> in 2005, India has purchased <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/c-130j-super-hercules-lands-on-national-highway-heres-a-look-at-past-landings-on-expressways/730942/" target="_top">dozens</a> of US-made <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/india-takes-delivery-of-11th-c-17-globemaster-from-united-states/" target="_top">cargo</a> aircraft and <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-gets-final-batch-of-apache-attack-helicopters-amid-ongoing-standoff-with-china/articleshow/76896252.cms" target="_top">attack</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZXNXX1aS08" target="_top">transport</a> helicopters — including <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-aircraft-boost-india-efforts-to-counter-china-at-sea-2021-7" target="_top">MH-60R Seahawk</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_top">P-8I maritime patrol planes</a>, both of which are important for Indian efforts to keep an eye on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_top">increasing Chinese activity</a> in the <keyword id="13267637" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-ocean" source="Orion">Indian Ocean</keyword>.The F/A-18, the F-15EX, and the F-21 (an F-16 variant made just for India by Lockheed Martin) are all <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-20b-multi-role-fighter-aircraft-mrfa-contract-junk-us-fighters/" target="_top">in the running</a> to fill an Indian order for 114 new fighter jets. The F/A-18 is also <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/india-closing-fa-18-super-hornet-its-carrier-fighter-200384" target="_top">a contender</a> to be used aboard India's first domestically built aircraft carrier, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-sea-trails-7714755/" target="_top">INS Vikrant</a>.The US has also sold India lethal weaponry such as <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mk-54-lightweight-torpedoes-0" target="_top">torpedos</a>, anti-ship <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-agm-84l-harpoon-air-launched-block-ii-missiles" target="_top">missiles</a>, <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mk-45-gun-system" target="_top">naval guns</a>, an anti-aircraft <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-integrated-air-defense-weapon-system-iadws-and-related-equipment" target="_top">system</a>, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-to-get-firepower-boost-in-mountains-with-more-m777-guns-101636896249075.html" target="_top">M777 howitzers</a>, and 144,000 US-made <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/indian-army-to-order-second-batch-of-72000-sig-716-assault-rifles-from-us/459438/" target="_top">SIG716</a> rifles.India's military participates in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-indian-soldiers-yudh-abhyas-exercise-alaska-amid-china-tension-2021-12" target="_top">land</a> and <a href="https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2021-10-14/quad-malabar-naval-drills-india-us-australia-japan-3237200.html" target="_top">naval</a> exercises with the US, and the two sides have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_top">expanded their intelligence-sharing</a> amid tensions along India's disputed border with China.<h2>Geopolitical realities</h2><div type="image" title="India China border guards" height="1648" width="2464" msid="90400025" hostid="261"></div>The developments in the China-Pakistan and US-India relationships reflect the geopolitical realities in South Asia and across the Asia-Pacific region.India and Pakistan have looked to the US and to China to boost their military capabilities, while the US and China are looking to India and Pakistan to support their regional and global ambitions.Pakistan's <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/the-implications-of-deepening-economic-ties-between-pakistan-china-/6443711.html" target="_top">reliance on China</a>, in particular Chinese investment in the <a href="https://www.cfr.org/blog/china-pakistan-economic-corridor-hard-reality-greets-bris-signature-initiative" target="_top">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a>, will only increase in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The withdrawal is also likely to reduce the US's commitment to Pakistan, as they are aligned on few other issues."The China-Pakistan relationship is deeper because China's goals are more aligned with what Pakistan wants, which is the ability to counter its main rival, India," Timothy Heath, a senior <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international" source="Orion">international</keyword> and defense researcher at the Rand Corporation think tank, told Insider.<div type="image" title="Pakistan Gwadar port China Kashgar trade" height="1331" width="2000" msid="90400027" hostid="261"></div>"China hopes to keep a strong, relatively well-equipped and well-armed Pakistan as a partner, because from Beijing's perspective, that helps keep a potential rival — namely India — distracted and unable to cause more problems for China," Heath added.Some in Pakistan <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/opinion/pakistan-united-states-china.html" target="_top">are wary</a> of going all-in on China and may seek rapprochement with the US, particularly if China grows reluctant to invest further in Pakistan's struggling economy. Beijing has also stopped short of making a military commitment to Pakistan — largely because it fears getting dragged into a full-blown conflict between Pakistan and India."They have a good deal where they use Pakistan to box in India and they stay outside and allow those two to bleed each other and beat each other up a little bit," Heath said.While Beijing wants to avoid "extreme escalations," Heath said, "tensions of a low simmering type are useful for China."For India, the US has emerged as a prime partner as Delhi grows more concerned with Chinese ambitions and the potential for conflict along its borders with both China and Pakistan.<div type="image" title="India Pakistan MiG-21 missiles" height="1331" width="2000" msid="90400028" hostid="261"></div>The US-India relationship is "primarily driven by a strategic convergence," said Rahul Bhatia, a research analyst at Carnegie India."New Delhi and Washington essentially want multipolarity in the Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order, which very loosely translates to containing China," Bhatia said, adding that "they need each other for that."But despite a deepening defense relationship, India doesn't seek a full-fledged alliance with the US for a variety of political and economic reasons."When the US wants to sell a country arms, they are looking at building up a strategic partnership and interoperability. What India looks at when it's buying arms is building its own defense industrial base and the transfer of technology," Bhatia said.Moreover, India does not want to break from its traditional stance of non-alignment."They want to maintain their strategic autonomy," Heath said. "That's a very deeply rooted tradition vigorously alive in India today."

The US and China are picking sides in one of the world's most dangerous rivalries

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Armenia has been ordering more weapons, turning to France and India for air-defense systems.</li><li>Armenia is a longtime ally of Russia, but it has leaned away from Moscow in recent years.</li></ul>In recent weeks, Armenia has ordered air-defense systems and radars from France and was reported to have ordered anti-drone systems from India.Those orders come amid heightened tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan, with which Armenia has fought several conflicts, including a short clash in September that ended with Azerbaijan conquering the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, causing its 120,000 ethnic-Armenian residents to flee.The acquisitions are notable not only for their timing but also because they show Armenia is taking tangible steps to lessen its dependency on military hardware from Russia, a longtime ally that has offered Yerevan little support against mounting pressure from Azerbaijan.Armenia's six-week war with Azerbaijan in 2020 captured worldwide attention for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/drones-in-armenia-azerbaijan-war-raises-doubt-about-tanks-future-2020-11">Azerbaijan's use of aerial drones</a>. At a press conference to announce the sale in October, France's defense minister said air defenses were "<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/france-boost-armenias-air-defences-with-radars-missiles-minister-2023-10-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">absolutely key</a>" and that Paris was aiding Yerevan with sales of three Thales GM 200 radars and an agreement on the future delivery of short-range Mistral air-defense missiles.<div type="image" title="Armenia Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict" height="1362" width="2500" msid="106166596" hostid="261"></div>"Armenia's choice to order air-defense systems from France is a significant one," James Rogers, an expert on <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=9412f7e5e68500052fc2b51d4713b6330d2851a57aa3d8aafc43aea2854e70f6&amp;postID=658218f6c2e850280a81327e&amp;postSlug=armenia-buying-french-indian-weapons-drifting-away-from-ally-russia-2023-12&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPrecision-American-James-Patton-Rogers%2Fdp%2F1526125889" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drones and precision warfare</a>, told Business Insider. "Not only does it highlight to Russia that Armenia has options when it comes to defense cooperation, but it marks a major leap forward in Armenia's attempts to modernize its military."Reports in early November indicated Yerevan was also buying <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-india-weapons-anti-drone/32679654.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more weaponry from India</a>, including Zen anti-drone systems, which <a href="https://www.zentechnologies.com/anti-drone-system-counter-drone-cuas.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are designed</a> to detect and bring down enemy drones. Armenia previously bought four Indian-made Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers in 2022, the first foreign order of that system.Nicholas Heras, the senior director of strategy and innovation at the New Lines Institute, told Business Insider that Armenia was advancing its foreign and national security policies on two tracks."One track is to build defense alliances with more powerful outside actors in Eurasia, and the second track is to improve the Armenian military's ability to defend against Azeri airpower in tactical engagements," Heras said. "India, in particular, is a prized defense partner with Armenia because India has a large defense industry that can also arm and improve Russian weapons platforms which Armenia deploys."<div type="image" title="Azerbaijan Armenia military vehicles" height="1333" width="2000" msid="106166597" hostid="261"></div>Armenia's military arsenal has long been predominantly Russian, but Yerevan has attempted to change that as its relations with Moscow have soured, especially after its devastating defeat in the 2020 war, during which Azerbaijan used Israeli- and Turkish-made weapons.Russia has failed to aid Armenia despite Yereven's membership in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization. In addition to being <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wagner-putin-uprising-as-russian-military-tied-down-in-ukraine-2023-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tied down by the war in Ukraine</a>, Russia is most likely irked by Armenia moving closer to Washington and the West under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has long questioned the value of CSTO membership."Armenia's partnership with Russia is at a low ebb, and Pashinyan is pushing forward, slowly but surely, to bring Armenia closer to NATO, including the prospect of normalizing Armenia's relations with Turkey," Heras said.Heras added that over the past two years, the US had been sending "a strong signal" that it "would like to test out the prospect for a more strategic US-Armenian security relationship."<div type="image" title="US Armenia military exercise Eagle Partner" height="1130" width="2000" msid="106166598" hostid="261"></div>Washington and Yerevan seemed to demonstrate mutual interest in closer defense relations in September when Armenia hosted a bilateral exercise focused on training for peacekeeping operations.Eighty-five US troops trained alongside 175 Armenia personnel during the drill, which was "a testament to our longstanding partnership with Armenia and builds upon decades of successful peacekeeping and security cooperation," the US Embassy in Armenia said in a statement.Russia, predictably, <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-military-exercises-us-russian-opposition/32587572.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opposed the exercise</a>, and Yerevan has kept its distance since then. Pashinyan skipped the organization's summit in mid-November, a move <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-armenia-skipping-csto-summit-is-latest-anti-russian-move-orchestrated-by-2023-11-15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russia accused the West of orchestrating</a>.Armenia under Pashinyan has tried to move away from Russia "by building a web of strategic partnerships," Heras said. "Fundamentally, Pashinyan does not want to depend on Russia to ensure Armenia's territorial integrity and security, and his effort to build the relationship with the United States works toward this goal."Acquiring weaponry from other countries serves a similar purpose, but Armenia's recent purchases also reflect the sensitivity of its international position.<div type="image" title="Armenia Nagorno-Karabakh refugee" height="1334" width="2000" msid="106166599" hostid="261"></div>The Mistral missile has a relatively short range of 4 miles, suggesting the sale is meant to bolster Armenia's arsenal but was made with potential political backlash in mind. Turkey <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-armenia-france-arm-sales-provocation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has criticized</a> French arms sales to Yerevan. (Azerbaijan<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/azerbaijan-says-france-laying-ground-new-regional-war-by-arming-armenia-2023-11-21/"> has also criticized</a> the recent French and <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-06/azerbaijan-warns-weapons-supplies-to-armenia-may-trigger-new-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian arms sales</a> to Armenia.)Rogers said that "range is important in war" and that it enabled strikes on a wider set of targets. "In order not to destabilize the region or risk an outbreak of hostilities, therefore, Armenia and France have agreed to these short-range yet effective air-defense systems."Heras said that the main quandary facing Armenian foreign policy was it could not afford to sever ties with Russia despite recent tensions, but it also could not trust Russia to intervene on its side if there's another war with Azerbaijan. The need to strike a balance between Russia and new partners while bolstering its small military with limited resources complicates Armenia's task."Armenia needs to purchase weapons that improve its ability to pursue a 'porcupine strategy,'" making itself a more threatening target for Azerbaijan if the two countries go to war again, Heras said.Buying French and Indian short-range air-defense weapons that could be used by small infantry units is "a potentially cost-effective way to impose higher costs on Azerbaijan's drone airpower," Heras added.Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

A Russian ally's purchase of French and Indian weapons is another sign Moscow is losing influence in its neighborhood

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In October, US and Indian soldiers trained in <keyword id="12020240" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="alaska" source="Orion">Alaska</keyword> during the latest version of the <keyword id="12658337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="yudh-abhyas" source="Orion">Yudh Abhyas</keyword> exercise.</li><li>This year's iteration was the 17th of the exercise but only the second time it has been in Alaska.</li></ul>US and Indian soldiers have conducted the Yudh Abhyas exercise for 17 years, but the version held in late October was only the second time they've ventured to Alaska for it.This year's exercise was conducted as both countries face rising tensions with <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>, but that was far from mind as soldiers scrambled through deep snow and over mountainous terrain.Relations with China "did not enter anybody's mind in the course of this exercise," Col. Jody Shouse, the senior US Army officer at the exercise, told Insider in an interview in October. "This exercise was completely about coming together with the <keyword id="11893656" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-army" source="Orion">Indian Army</keyword> and becoming one, and China was not factored into this in any way."<div type="image" title="Indian soldiers with rifles in Alaska" height="1428" width="2000" msid="88059617" hostid="261"></div>While strategic-level issues, mainly disputes with China, have brought the countries closer in recent years, exercises like Yudh Abhyas are a part of decades-long efforts by their militaries to work together.Those "bottom-up" efforts are not always linked to higher-level strategic rationales, said Arzan Tarapore, a research scholar at Stanford University focused on South Asian security.The US and Indian militaries are "training to share knowledge about certain mission sets, to share knowledge about certain competencies, and to learn about each other," Tarapore told Insider. "That's just what they do."<h2>What Alaska offers</h2><div type="image" title="Indian soldiers and US Army paratroopers during Yudh Abhyas in Alaska" height="1335" width="2000" msid="88059619" hostid="261"></div>Yudh Abhyas alternates between <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> and the US, and this iteration was a year in the making, according to Shouse, commander of the US Army's 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) — the Army's newest airborne brigade combat team and the only one in the Pacific.The US and Indian units involved and other higher-level US commanders met several times over the past year to arrange the exercise's two components: a command-post exercise simulating a UN peacekeeping mission and a field-training exercise in different locations in Alaska, held simultaneously."We had to select officers from various areas and fields of expertise for the CP exercise. Some of them had some experience with the UN before," Brig. Parag Nangare, 136th (I) Infantry Group commander and senior Indian Army officer at the exercise, told Insider during the interview."They brought their experiences and their standard operating procedures with them. We brought ours with us, and then we were able to put them together and create one standard operating procedure at the command-post exercise level," Shouse said.<div type="image" title="US and Indian soldiers during Yudh Abhyas in Alaska" height="1333" width="2000" msid="88059621" hostid="261"></div>The field-training exercise was in two parts. The first week consisted of "a kind of a round-robin circuit drill" during which US and Indian soldiers formed four teams that each spent a day at different stations, Shouse said.Those stations included training to evacuate casualties and sling-loading artillery with helicopters, load and unload aircraft, counter-drone and counter-improvised-explosive-device training, rappel towers and obstacle courses, and weapons familiarization. They also had sports days and <a href="https://newsable.asianetnews.com/video/india-defence/yudh-abhas-2021-sidelines-from-bollywood-dance-numbers-to-roasting-marshmallows-r1kp0z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cultural exchanges</a>.The first week was "the building block of the cohesiveness" that was seen during the final exercise, held in Alaska's mountains during the last week of October, Nangare said.US and Indian soldiers also went to the <a href="https://www.jber.jb.mil/Portals/144/units/JPARC/PDF/JPARC-Black-Rapids-Training-Area.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Rapids training area</a> near Denali Mountain for training in "very extreme altitudes and a very extreme, mountainous environment," Shouse said.That training, done at altitudes of 14,000 feet, allowed both sides to hone their craft.<div type="image" title="US and Indian soldiers rappel down wall" height="1335" width="2000" msid="88059623" hostid="261"></div>"The lesson learned, really, in all this is the Indian army are probably better climbers than the US Army," Shouse said. "We have learned a tremendous amount from what these gentlemen have learned in their country, because they operate at 16,000 feet every single day."Nangare singled out the training in the mountains and with "the technological availabilities that the US Army has" as especially valuable.The only other Yudh Abhyas to take place in Alaska was a decade ago, and this year both sides wanted to take advantage of Alaska's mountainous terrain and adverse conditions to "hone their skills and their craft in a different geographical location," Shouse said.The "shared hardships" of training in that area promoted bonding, the US commander said.The day Shouse and Nangare spoke to Insider, both had been snowshoeing in the mountains when the weather "turned really bad on us," Shouse added. "That is just what Alaska offers you."<h2>Partners competing together</h2><div type="image" title="US and Indians soldiers conduct sling-load training with CH-47 Chinook helicopter" height="1294" width="2000" msid="88059625" hostid="261"></div>About 100 troops participated in the first Yudh Abhyas in Alaska, "and this time we have a strength of approximately about 650," Nangare said. "That shows the importance of the training and the exercise."Nangare said there are procedures in place for returning personnel to share their experiences with troops doing similar tasks in India.Those troops may get more first-hand experience next year, when Yudh Abhyas returns to India. US and Indian officials are already planning for that exercise, in which many of the same US soldiers, including Shouse, will participate."I am absolutely going to put our forces on the ground in the Himalayas," Shouse said. "With the new <keyword id="11905238" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="arctic" source="Orion">Arctic</keyword> strategy out and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/army-looks-to-allies-partners-to-regain-arctic-military-dominance-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Army want[ing] us to be dominant in the Arctic</a>, that takes every bit of time that we have to train in very mountainous and extreme conditions, and the Himalayas is just going to give us another way of doing that."<div type="image" title="US and Indian soldiers use metal detector in Alaska" height="1333" width="2000" msid="88059627" hostid="261"></div>The Himalayas stretch across India's northern frontier, and in recent years Indian forces have had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two major standoffs</a> with Chinese troops <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-india-recalibrating-after-doklam-but-future-conflict-possible-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in disputed areas</a> on the eastern and western ends of that frontier.Mountain training is a longstanding focus for the Indian army, and previous iterations of Yudh Abhyas in India took place elsewhere in the Himalayas. If next year's exercise is "near disputed territory, that would be a bit of a political signal," Tarapore said.US military officials say the two countries have "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gotten closer</a>" because of those standoffs, with the US providing intelligence and material support at India's request, including 10,000 sets of cold-weather gear and sleeping bags, the US Army's top civilian official said this week."We would continue to do that and look favorably upon those kinds of requests," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said at <a href="https://www.csis.org/events/chinas-power-debate-2021-keynote-remarks-secretary-christine-wormuth-us-armys-view-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a think-tank</a> event. "We're actually going to be giving them some more next spring."India has been competing and clashing with China for decades — they fought a major border war in 1962 — and it <a href="https://www.ajaishukla.com/2021/01/armys-pivot-to-north.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has moved</a> independently to bolster its <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/11/08/india-readies-troops-for-another-harsh-winter-on-border-with-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military posture</a>, including <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3154103/china-india-border-dispute-india-deploys-us-made-weaponry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with US weaponry</a>, along that frontier (<a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3157794/china-india-border-building-boom-himalayas-beijing-shores" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as has China</a>), so New Delhi isn't "buying into a US program" to counter Beijing, Tarapore said.<div type="image" title="Indian soldiers capture opposition forces in Alaska" height="1333" width="2000" msid="88059629" hostid="261"></div>India has long eschewed formal alliances, seeking "strategic autonomy," nor is the US offering such an alliance to India, "but the partnership is doing everything it can up to that point," Tarapore said."This is an India that is competing with China and a US that is competing with China coming together and realizing that they have a lot of mutual interests in how they can compete with China together," Tarapore added.At the soldier-to-soldier level, the value of Yudh Abhyas and the reward of working together during it was clear, Shouse and Nangare said."I've been in command for about four months now. This has been the single most rewarding exercise that I have been able to be a part of," Shouse said, "We cannot do anything in this world without our partners, and it is exercises like this that strengthens that."In the field and during the command-post exercise, US and Indian soldiers worked "like a homogeneous single entity," Nangare said. "The bonding that has taken place between the troops of both countries is amazing to see."

With China out of mind, US and Indian soldiers team up for rare exercise in rough Alaskan conditions

Following <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="624" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women" source="Orion">Women</keyword>'s <keyword id="386125" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="asian-champions-trophy" source="Orion">Asian Champions Trophy</keyword> title win, legendary cricketer <keyword id="6354267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sachin-tendulkar" source="Orion">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword> and Union Sports Minister <keyword id="6364468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anurag-thakur" source="Orion">Anurag Thakur</keyword> congratulated the team on their victory. India captured its second women's Asian Champions Trophy title after beating <keyword id="6355311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="japan" source="Orion">Japan</keyword> in final on Sunday. Sachin took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud the Indian women's team. "With a sparkling 4-0 win in the #AsianChampionsTrophy, our women's hockey team has brought Diwali early this year. Congratulations to the champions!" tweeted Sachin. https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1721435831104311621?t=o5lOSEsmRJ3A1Hu9jszaUQ&amp;s=19 Anurag Thakur also lauded the women's team for their "historic moment". "What a historic moment for Bharatiya women's hockey! They dethroned Japan and are now the Asian Champions Trophy winners! The final in Ranchi was pure brilliance, with a 4-0 victory over the two-time champions. Our women's team is on fire, and we're so proud of their achievement!" tweeted Anurag. https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur/status/1721409278215598385?t=chjbn8D_ZnzvdLij5UCDqg&amp;s=19 Sangita Kumari (17'), Neha (46'), Lalremsiami (57'), and Vandana Katariya (60') netted a goal each for India. In recognition of their exceptional performance, marked by an undefeated streak throughout the tournament and their title victory, Hockey India declared a reward of Rs 3.00 Lakhs for each member of the Indian Women's Hockey Team and Rs 1.50 Lakhs for each member of the support staff. Earlier in the match, India began by exerting continuous pressure on Japan, in an effort to disconcert the reigning champions. The hosts made a promising foray toward the goal when Deepika positioned herself perfectly to secure an early lead, but her shot was saved by Japan's goalkeeper Eika Nakamura. India maintained their offensive pressure, consistently penetrating the circle and testing Japan's steadfast defence, which remained resolute, frustrating India's endeavours to break the deadlock. As the first quarter concluded, the score remained level, and the match remained goalless. Nevertheless, India persisted in their efforts to shatter the deadlock, and their determination bore fruit early in the second quarter, with Sangita Kumari (17') delivering a superb finish to put her team in the lead. However, this setback urged Japan, prompting them to mount counterattacks and apply pressure on the Indian squad. Japan even delivered a nerve-wracking moment for India when Shiho Kobayakawa appeared to score a goal, but a successful video referral by India revealed that the ball had touched Shiho's hand before she found the back of the net, thus leading to the goal being disallowed. Furthermore, Japan earned three consecutive penalty corners, but India's resolute defence denied any potential comeback, allowing the hosts to enter halftime with a 1-0 advantage. With the intention of broadening their advantage, India commenced the third quarter with an intensified offensive, displaying relentless determination. Nevertheless, Japan not only showcased formidable defensive strength to thwart the Indian onslaught but also seized control of possession, attempting to turn the tide of the game in their favour. Amidst these efforts, the Indian squad persistently probed Japan's defensive lines at regular intervals to sustain their momentum. Simultaneously, Japan intensified their offensive endeavours, yet neither team managed to breach the opposing goal in the penultimate quarter, concluding with India maintaining a 1-0 lead. The fourth and final quarter commenced with India securing three consecutive penalty corners, and on the third attempt, they finally found success as Neha (46') deftly deflected the ball into the net, extending the Indian team's lead to 2-0, providing them with a much-needed cushion. Nevertheless, Japan kept the Indian defenders on alert, and they earned a penalty stroke in the last eight minutes of the match. But India's Captain, Savita, exhibited remarkable skills, making a crucial save to preserve her team's two-goal advantage. Moreover, in the closing moments of the match, Lalremsiami (57') delivered a goal via a penalty corner, while Vandana Katariya (60') executed a splendid field goal, sealing a commendable 4-0 triumph for India. (ANI)

Sachin Tendulkar, Anurag Thakur laud Indian women's hockey team for Asian Champions Trophy win

<ul><li>India Post Payments Bank Limited (IPPB) has opportunities for job seekers with 132 executive positions available on a contractual basis. </li><li>The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited unmarried Indian male and female candidates to apply for the selection test for Agniveervayu intake. </li><li>The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently advertised 55 job openings for the position of Project Scientists. </li></ul>Indians often prefer <keyword id="6362949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-jobs" source="Orion">government jobs</keyword> due to the perceived job security and various benefits, including pensions, healthcare, and other allowances, which are seen as stable and reliable compared to some private sector positions. Additionally, government jobs are often considered prestigious and socially esteemed in Indian society, further attracting individuals seeking stability and status in their careers. We look at Government vacancies available in the month of August 2023. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="India Post" comment="subhead" text="India Post">India Post</cmsannotation> India Post Payments Bank Limited (IPPB) is presenting an opportunity for job seekers with 132 executive positions available on a contractual basis. Those seeking to advance their careers in the financial sector can submit their applications for these vacancies through the official website ippbonline.com. The application deadline is August 16, 2023. To qualify for these executive roles, applicants must fulfil specific requirements. As of June 1, 2023, candidates should be aged between 21 and 35 years. Moreover, a Bachelor's degree in any field is mandatory, and preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in financial product sales or operations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Indian Air Force" comment="subhead" text="Indian Air Force">Indian Air Force</cmsannotation> The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited unmarried Indian male and female candidates to apply for the selection test for Agniveervayu intake 01/2024, under the Agnipath scheme. Interested individuals can apply through the official website of IAF Agniveervayu at agnipathvayu.cdac.in. The application process started on July 31 and will close on August 17. To be eligible, candidates must have been born between June 27, 2003, and December 27, 2006. Educational qualifications vary based on the subject stream. Science subjects require candidates to have passed Intermediate/10+2/Equivalent examination with specific subjects and marks, while Other than Science Subjects applicants should have completed their Intermediate/10+2/Equivalent Examination in any stream/subjects with minimum marks in English. The candidates need to meet specific medical standards concerning height, weight, chest measurements, hearing, and dental health, as outlined by the Indian Air Force. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Defense Research and Development Organisation" comment="subhead" text="Defense Research and Development Organisation">Defense Research and Development Organisation</cmsannotation> The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently advertised 55 job openings for the position of Project Scientist. Those interested in applying can do so through DRDO's official website at drdo.gov.in. The application process is entirely conducted online, and the deadline for submission is August 11. This recruitment aims to fill a total of 55 vacancies. Notably, male candidates belonging to the General, other backward class (OBC), and economically weaker section (EWS) categories are required to pay an application fee of ₹100, while scheduled caste (SC), scheduled tribe (ST), person with disability (PWD), and women candidates are exempt from any fee. The age limit for Project Scientist F is 55 years, for E it is 50 years, and for D, the maximum age allowed is 45 years. Aspiring candidates looking to join DRDO, a crucial part of the Ministry of Defence, should take note of these vital details during the application process. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Staff Selection Commission" comment="subhead" text="Staff Selection Commission">Staff Selection Commission</cmsannotation> The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has issued a notification for the Junior Engineer (JE) Examination, including civil, mechanical, and electrical branches. The online registration process commenced on July 26, and candidates can apply for the SSC JE 2023. The last date of submitting the application form is August 16. Through this recruitment drive, the SSC aims to fill 1,324 vacancies for junior engineers in various central government departments such as Military Engineering Services(MES), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), and others. Aspiring candidates need to pay an examination fee of Rs 100. However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, PWD, women, and ex-servicemen eligible for reservation are exempted from paying the fee.

From Indian Air Force to DRDO – Government jobs up for grab in August

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="11893746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian air force</keyword> is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.</li><li><keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has focused on archrival <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> for decades, but it is now contending with a much larger foe: <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>.</li></ul>Earlier this month, at the end of India's annual Independence Day parade in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force showed off its aircraft inventory in multiple flyovers of the Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in the capital.The flyovers included transport aircraft, helicopter gunships, fighters, and fighter-bombers. It was the latest show of force for a military branch that, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_top">like its naval counterpart</a>, is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.Focused for decades on the threat from archrival Pakistan, India is now preparing its air force to fight another much larger foe: China.With roughly 2,000 combat aircraft from its air force and navy, China has the largest aviation force in Asia and the third largest in the world. Worse for India, China's increasingly close relationship with Pakistan is <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/the-china-pakistan-partnership-continues-to-deepen/" target="_top">resulting in closer military cooperation</a>, including joint development of fighter jets.Faced with the potential for an air war against two enemies, the IAF is increasing its size and capabilities.<h2>A significant inventory</h2><div type="image" title="Indian MiG-29 fighter jet" height="1116" width="2000" msid="85853169" hostid="261"></div>With well over 1,000 aircraft itself, the IAF is by no means small. Since India's independence, it has mostly fielded Russian aircraft made entirely in Russia or licensed for local production.Even today, the biggest fleets in the IAF inventory are those of the <keyword id="12004876" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mig-21" source="Orion">MiG-21</keyword>, MiG-29, and the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su-30mki-multirole-fighter-aircraft-india/" target="_top">Su-30MKI</a> - a version of Russia's Su-30 made specifically for and by India. (India signed a contract for the Su-30MKI in the 1990s and has built more than 200 of them domestically since the mid-2000s.)The service also has some European models, such as SEPECAT Jaguars and Mirage 2000s, which are the IAF's <a href="https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0912kargil/" target="_top">primary strike platforms</a>. But those aircraft, which were acquired in the 1980s, are showing signs of age, and the IAF plans to retire them by 2030.India's MiG-21s, first introduced in the 1960s, are also expected to be retired by 2030 - even the modernized MiG-21 Bison models. The jet has <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/11-down-in-5-yrs-3-in-2021-but-many-in-iaf-still-swear-by-mig-21s-despite-its-safety-record/663813/" target="_top">a poor safety record</a>; as of 2013, more than 480 of India's MiG-21s had been involved in accidents that had caused over 200 deaths.<h2>Threats on two fronts</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI" height="800" width="1200" msid="85853174" hostid="261"></div>The Su-30MKI purchase was more than just a general upgrade. It came after the Pakistan Air Force in 1982 accepted the first of 28 US-made F-16s, which seriously increased the PAF's capabilities a decade after it <a href="http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/1971-air-war-battle-for-air-supremacy/" target="_top">last fought</a> the IAF.The US <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistan%E2%80%99s-long-controversial-love-affair-f-16-fighting-falcon-47682" target="_top">paused</a> F-16 deliveries in 1990 because of Pakistan's nuclear program, but they resumed in 2005, and the PAF now has some 75 F-16s. Their use is <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2020/08/how-americas-experience-with-pakistan-can-help-it-deal-with-turkey/" target="_top">conditional and closely monitored</a> by the US, but Pakistan would likely have no qualms about using them in an all-out war.In 2019, a <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26836/we-cut-through-the-conflicting-claims-and-misinformation-surrounding-indias-strikes-on-pakistan" target="_top">series of skirmishes</a> between India and Pakistan included airstrikes on each other's territory and resulted in one MiG-21 Bison being shot down by PAF fighters, possibly by an F-16. It was the first time since 1971 that air attacks had been conducted across the Line of Control.During the Cold War, China sold Pakistan its J-6 and J-7 fighters, which were Chinese copies of Russia's MiG-19 and MiG-21. The PAF has also benefitted from Pakistan's closer ties with China in recent years.<div type="image" title="India Kashmir MiG-21 Bison crash" height="998" width="1400" msid="85853179" hostid="261"></div>Their air forces <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">re</a><a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">gularly</a> conduct joint <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1211811.shtml" target="_top">exercises</a>, and they have even jointly developed a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/" target="_top">JF-17</a>, of which Pakistan has over 100.China and Pakistan are now <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-pakistan-upgrading-fighter-aircraft-used-against-indian-air-force-report/story-BS87X5ux3Xaj8QqS6jtssN.html" target="_top">planning</a> upgrades to Pakistan's JF-17 fleet, and China has <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-pla-tries-to-psyche-indian-army-by-supplying-armed-drones-to-pak/story-tySb4UnKimFUYIxJdP3xGL.html" target="_top">announced</a> the sale of 50 <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/wing-loong-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav/" target="_top">Wing Loong II combat drones</a> to Pakistan. Pakistan may also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/is-the-chinese-jh-7-an-answer-to-the-pakistan-air-forces-deep-strike-needs/" target="_top">acquire</a> Chinese strike aircraft.China's own air force also poses a threat to the IAF. Particularly worrying for India are the <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j10.htm" target="_top">J-10</a> and <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j11.htm" target="_top">J-11</a> fighters and the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/08/17/chinese-stealth-fighters-head-west-to-confront-india/?sh=5f36556a1b85" target="_top">J-20</a> stealth fighter.The aerial threat from China was abundantly clear after last year's deadly standoff along its disputed border with India.India has a longer history of air operations in the area, but China is <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41065/tracking-chinas-sudden-airpower-expansion-along-its-western-border" target="_top">rapidly building and expanding</a> air bases and defenses along its western borders.<h2>A major modernization</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet" height="1333" width="2000" msid="85853182" hostid="261"></div>Appreciating the threats, the IAF has committed to modernization.In 2016, India signed a contract with French firm Dassault Aviation four 36 Rafale multirole fighters. Twenty-six of them have been <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-has-received-26-rafale-aircraft-till-date-govt/article35585665.ece" target="_top">delivered</a> so far, and some have <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indian-air-force-deploys-first-rafales-in-east-to-counter-china-121072900013_1.html" target="_top">already been deployed</a> to counter possible Chinese aggression.The IAF has also purchased 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 22 AH-64 Apache gunships, both of which have also been <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/iaf-deploys-apache-attack-helicopters-and-chinooks-in-ladakh-increases-combat-air-patrols/445072/" target="_top">deployed</a> to the border region.India has developed its own lightweight <keyword id="12004878" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fighter-jet" source="Orion">fighter jet</keyword>, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tejas/" target="_top">HAL Tejas</a>, and has about 20 in service. The original order for 40 fighters was supplemented by <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-48000-crore-landmark-deal-india-clears-purchase-of-83-tejas-jets-for-iaf/articleshow/80251469.cms" target="_top">an additional order</a> of 83 improved Tejas Mark 1A variants, with a second production line <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/govt-clears-rs-48000-cr-deal-for-83-tejas-mk-1a-all-you-want-to-know-about-the-aircraft/584743/" target="_top">built</a> to speed up production.To meet its needs in the near-term, India is <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-tejas-india-moves-ahead-to-procure-more-mig-29s-sukhois/articleshow/80320199.cms" target="_top">buying</a> another 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs. It is also <a href="https://tass.com/defense/1316503" target="_top">upgrading</a> its MiG-29 fleet and modifying its Su-30MKIs to be able to fire Brahmos cruise missiles.<div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet" height="1326" width="2000" msid="85853185" hostid="261"></div>The IAF is also seeking 114 medium multirole combat aircraft.The US-made F/A-18E/F and F-15, the French-built Rafale, the European-made Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russia's MiG-35 and Su-35 - all twin-engine jets - are in the running, as are the single-engine Swedish-built JAS 39 Gripen and US-built F-21, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lockheed-martin-unveils-f21-fighter-jet-to-compete-for-india-contract-2019-2" target="_top">version of the F-16</a> designed specifically for India.India also has a number of high-profile domestic projects in development. It plans to fly a prototype from its own <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-5th-gen-aircraft-iaf-to-model-its-amca-on-us-f-35s-instead-of-j-20-or-su-57-jets-experts/" target="_top">fifth-generation stealth fighter program</a> by 2025 and recently <a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/hal-announces-unmanned-fighter-jet-207899" target="_top">unveiled</a> an unmanned fighter jet program.India has relied on foreign suppliers for much of its military hardware - especially <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/07/21/russia-sees-india-as-prospective-buyer-for-checkmate-jet-but-will-iaf-want-it.html" target="_top">Russia</a>, with which it has a longstanding but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-s400-purchase-risks-us-sanctions-amid-competition-with-china-2021-5" target="_top">increasingly fraught</a> relationship - but many of the new acquisition efforts will require some degree of local production as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.Amid ongoing tensions with China and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china-pakistan-india-jockey-position-afghanistans-new-great-game-2021-08-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed uncertainty</a> about the future in Afghanistan, India's efforts to expand and modernize its air force show how serious it is about countering the threat from its two most contentious neighbors.

India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A months-long 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> on their Himalaya border has dramatically increased tensions.</li><li>But the growing rivalry between the two Asian powers is also likely to play out in the <keyword id="12350" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword>.</li><li>China's navy is capable and only getting bigger, and India is trying to catch up.</li></ul>Last year, an all-out brawl between Chinese and Indian troops along the disputed Sino-Indian border killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers.The medieval-style battle in the Himalayas showed that the countries' rivalry is entering a new phase of intensity."China is definitely factoring larger and larger in India's defense strategy today," Timothy Heath, a senior <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international">international</keyword> and defense researcher at the Rand Corporation think tank, told Insider.The military focus of that rivalry has primarily been on the ground, as reflected by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-india-tanks-armor-could-make-future-war-much-deadlier-2021-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the buildup in the Himalayas</a>, but another <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-border-clashes-could-cause-more-indian-ocean-activity-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">area is growing in importance</a>: the Indian Ocean.<div type="image" title="India China troops soldiers Pangong Ladakh border" height="1000" width="2000" msid="83204985" hostid="261"></div>With some of the world's most <a href="https://lki.lk/publication/the-importance-of-the-indian-ocean-trade-security-and-norms/" target="_top">important</a> trade routes running through it, the Indian Ocean's value is hard to understate, which <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-is-guarding-against-chinas-big-plans-across-asia-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China has already recognized</a>."Given its importance for China, it's pretty obvious the Chinese are elevating in priority the security needs for the maritime silk road," Heath said. "That means India has to be ready for possible situations involving China."But Indian dominance in its home waters is far from assured. While India's navy has some advanced capabilities, China's People's Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN, is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-challenged-to-build-balanced-to-compete-with-us-navy-2021-5">substantially larger</a> and more sophisticated.With the rivalry entering a new phase, India is trying to catch up.<h2>Outnumbered at sea</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya" height="1098" width="2000" msid="83204986" hostid="261"></div>The <keyword id="6355100" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian navy</keyword> isn't small or weak. Its primary combatants include 10 destroyers, 13 frigates, 17 submarines, and one aircraft carrier.A number of India's warships, like its <a href="http://www.military-today.com/navy/kolkata_class.htm" target="_top">Kolkata-class destroyers</a> and <a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/world-naval-forces/asian-navies-vessels-ships-equipment/india-indian-navy-ins-vessels-ships-equipment/india-indian-navy-destroyers-and-frigates/2492-shivalik-class-frigate-india-indian-navy-ins-guided-missile-frigate-satpura-sahyadri-datasheet-pictures-photos-video-specifications.html" target="_top">Shivalik-class frigates</a>, were commissioned within the last decade and have stealth capabilities.Some Indian ships have modern vertical launching systems and are armed with Russian and Israeli anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. India's navy also has the <a href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/brahmos/" target="_top">BrahMos</a> supersonic missile, a joint Indian-Russian design that is one of the fastest missiles in the world.Two of India's submarines are nuclear-powered: one attack submarine (SSN) on loan from Russia and one <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/arihant-class/" target="_top">Arihant-class</a> domestically designed and built ballistic-missile submarine (SSBN) - the first SSBN for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.India <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-to-get-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-missile-destroyer-visakhapatnam-in-2021-101619498533809.html" target="_top">expects</a> to commission a second Arihant SSBN and a second aircraft carrier (also domestically designed and built) within the year. But the Indian navy is outnumbered and outclassed by the PLAN.Chinese ships are "largely composed of modern multi-role platforms featuring advanced anti-ship, anti-air, and anti-submarine weapons and sensors," according to a <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/01/2002488689/-1/-1/1/2020-DOD-CHINA-MILITARY-POWER-REPORT-FINAL.PDF" target="_top">2020 Pentagon report</a>.By comparison, India is "still quite a way behind the Chinese in their warship development," Heath said. "The Chinese have certainly developed some very impressive platforms, and the Indians are really trying to catch up."<div type="image" title="Indian Navy Scorpene-class submarine Karanj" height="1287" width="2000" msid="83204988" hostid="261"></div>The Indian navy's primary fighting vessels are outnumbered by the PLAN's <a href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP68058.html" target="_top">South Sea Fleet</a> alone, which has some 11 destroyers, 19 frigates, 22 submarines (including two SSNs and four SSBNs), and one aircraft carrier. The PLAN, now the largest navy in the world, can draw on even more vessels from its two other fleets.To address the imbalance, the Indian navy plans on <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/features/future-ships-indian-navy/" target="_top">acquiring</a> a number of new and advanced vessels, especially <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20210426-india-s-nuclear-sharks-1791817-2021-04-17" target="_top">nuclear-</a><a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20210426-india-s-nuclear-sharks-1791817-2021-04-17" target="_top">powered</a><a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20210426-india-s-nuclear-sharks-1791817-2021-04-17" target="_top"> and diesel-electric submarines</a>.Two more Arihant-class SSBNs are in production and are expected to join the fleet by 2025. Three more larger SSBNs from the new <a href="http://www.hisutton.com/S-5_SSBN.html" target="_top">S5-class</a> are also being planned.The Indian navy also <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/project-to-build-n-powered-attack-subs-set-to-get-ccs-nod/articleshow/81770216.cms?from=mdr" target="_top">hopes</a> to build six Project-75 Alpha-class SSNs and to <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2019/03/08/india-signs-3-billion-contract-with-russia-for-lease-of-a-nuclear-submarine/" target="_top">replace</a> its leased Russian SSN INS Chakra (which will be returned soon) with another leased Akula-class SSN by 2025.Six new <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/p75i-scorpene-class-attack-submarines/" target="_top">Project 75I-class</a> diesel-electric attack submarines have <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/the-wait-for-more-submarines-gets-longer-project-75-i-gets-delayed-further/2209149/" target="_top">been delayed</a> but could start entering Indian service by 2030.A third aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, is planned to replace the aging INS Vikramaditya. The new carrier, not expected to be completed before 2030, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-uk-in-talks-to-build-copycat-naval-supercarrier-report/articleshow/69186727.cms" target="_top">may be based on</a> the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class supercarrier.Seven brand-new <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/12/indian-navys-2nd-project-17a-frigate-himgiri-launched-by-grse/" target="_top">Nilgiri-Class</a> stealth frigates are also under construction, and four Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, two built by Russia and two by India, are also <a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/january/9586-india-procures-from-ukraine-gas-turbine-engines-for-admiral-grigorovich-class-frigates-of-indian-navy.html" target="_top">expected</a> to join India's navy before the end of the decade.<h2>China's 'string of pearls'</h2><div type="image" title="India navy Malabar" height="1429" width="2000" msid="83204989" hostid="261"></div>There is little doubt in India that the new vessels are needed. Although China is relatively far from the Indian Ocean, it has ramped up its activity there.Over the last few years, China has taken control of ports across the Indian Ocean that have the potential to support the PLAN - a network that has been called China's "String of Pearls.""People have been theorizing about the so-called String of Pearls for years," Heath said. "We are actually starting to see some evidence of the Chinese implementing something along these lines."China has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/784084567/in-sri-lanka-chinas-building-spree-is-raising-questions-about-sovereignty" target="_top">taken control</a> of a port in Sri Lanka, is <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/06/02/chinas-new-high-security-compound-in-pakistan-may-indicate-naval-plans/?sh=2180b3d21020" target="_top">building</a> naval facilities in Pakistan, and is pursuing port projects in <a href="https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/china-signs-deals-myanmar-create-back-door-indian-/" target="_top">Myanmar</a>, <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/china-bangladesh-strategic-linkages/" target="_top">Bangladesh</a>, and <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/falling-apart-a-story-of-the-tanzanian-bagamoyo-port-project/" target="_top">Tanzania</a>.China already has a <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-adds-carrier-pier-to-Djibouti-base-extending-Indian-Ocean-reach" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military base in Djibouti</a>, but other "pearls" appear to be primarily for civilian use.That doesn't mean those facilities couldn't be used to support PLAN vessels. A number of Chinese ships and submarines have <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/sri-lanka-china-submarine/chinese-submarine-docks-in-sri-lanka-despite-indian-concerns-idINKBN0IM0LU20141102" target="_top">already docked</a> at Sri Lanka to refuel and resupply. Sri Lanka has since <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-china-submarine/sri-lanka-rejects-chinese-request-for-submarine-visit-sources-idUSKBN1871P9" target="_top">denied</a> Chinese requests for other warship port visits due to Indian concerns."The Chinese are not interested in building full-fledged bases in the US model," Heath said. "These are facilities that primarily offer refueling, repair, and replenishment to passing warships."<div type="image" title="India Australia US Navy P-8" height="1125" width="2000" msid="83204991" hostid="261"></div>India does have a few advantages over China. As the region is its backyard, it will always be able to bring more to bear against threatening Chinese vessels, such as land-based aircraft and anti-ship missiles.India also has its own overseas outposts. It <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-sets-up-coastal-radars-in-neighbourhood-to-keep-eye-on-china-1744751-2020-11-27" target="_top">has set up</a> radar stations for maritime surveillance in Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Mauritius; it's <a href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/agalega-glimpse-india-s-remote-island-military-base" target="_top">constructing</a> facilities on the Mauritian island of North Agalega, and <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/Seychelles-in-crosshairs-of-India-s-maritime-security-axis" target="_top">it's pursuing</a> military facilities elsewhere in the region.India also controls the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-navy-set-to-open-third-base-in-strategic-islands-to-counter-china-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strategically important islands</a> on the Indian Ocean side of the Malacca Strait. India has beefed up its military presence there, and some <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/militarising-andamans-the-costs-and-the-benefits/story-J3mGWFQS3NgLUiPYwIVb2N.html" target="_top">advocate</a> allowing partner countries to have a presence there as well. (A US Navy patrol plane <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has already refueled</a> there.)Despite the government's renewed attention, India's navy still has a ways to go. Most of its new ships and submarines will not be fully operational until the end of the decade at the earliest, and its budget is still smaller than that of India's army or air force.India's navy will also have to compete with the considerable attention that remains <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">focused on India's land borders</a>, where New Delhi also has to worry about Pakistan, the rival it has focused on almost exclusively since independence.But the rivalry with Pakistan also has a naval element. The Pakistani terrorists who carried out the deadly 2008 attack in Mumbai <a href="https://www.stimson.org/wp-content/files/file-attachments/Mumbai-Final_1_1.pdf" target="_top">arrived by sea</a>, and Islamabad, which is a Chinese military partner, is <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/14/outgoing-pakistan-navy-chief-reveals-details-of-modernization-programs/" target="_top">modernizing its </a><a href="https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/14/outgoing-pakistan-navy-chief-reveals-details-of-modernization-programs/" target="_top">own</a><a href="https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/14/outgoing-pakistan-navy-chief-reveals-details-of-modernization-programs/" target="_top"> navy</a>, including with Chinese submarines and drones.

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