Tuesday, March 19, 2024

HAL Working Towards Delivering First TEJAS MK-1A Fighter To IAF By March 31, Looking To Deliver Twin-Seater Trainer Jet Too


New Delhi: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is working towards delivering the first TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force by the end of this month.

The state-owned public sector unit is also working towards the delivery of the first twin-seater trainer version aircraft to the IAF at the earliest, defence sources told ANI.

The work is on towards meeting the delivery by the end of March 31 and this would be a big boost for the indigenous fighter aircraft project where an advanced aircraft would be provided to the IAF, they said.

The Indian Air Force has already signed a contract worth over ₹48,000 crore with the HAL for supplying 83 TEJAS planes while there is clearance for buying 97 more of them at ₹65,000 crore.

The HAL has already carried out ground trials including slow taxi runs.

The TEJAS MK-1 aircraft were inducted into the IAF in 2016 and two of their squadrons including 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron.

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari had termed the clearance of the 97 TEJAS a "landmark event".

"We already had 40 TEJAS of the original IOC and FOC version. So with this, in the long run, the strength of the Indian Air Force will grow to 220 TEJAS MK-1As, which will equip almost ten squadrons of the Air Force," he said after the deal got cleared by the defence acquisition council.

The IAF sees the 97 Light Combat Aircraft as an ideal fit to replace the depleting strength of the combat aircraft in the force in view of the phasing out of the MiG-series planes.


China's Rise, Unsettled Borders Major Challenges: Chief of Defence Staff


In his address at the "3rd Strategic and Security Dialogue on Rise of China and its Implications for the World" event in Pune, General Anil Chauhan said, "The challenge we face today is unsettled borders. The rise of China will remain the most formidable challenge, General Chauhan said

Pune: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Monday called unsettled borders with China and the rise of China as "the most formidable challenge" that India and Indian armed forces will face in the "foreseeable future."

In his address at the "3rd Strategic and Security Dialogue on Rise of China and its Implications for the World" event in Pune, General Anil Chauhan said, "The challenge we face today is unsettled borders. The ancient frontiers of India started taking shape of firm borders under the British, but they could not get the legitimacy of international borders on independence thus we inherited disputed borders. The occupation of Tibet by China, made them a new neighbour, and a partition of India created a new nation that thrived on hostility and hatred towards us."

The event has been organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University. General Chauhan called unsettled borders a challenge that India faces today.

General Chauhan said, "Today India has disputed borders with both our neighbours. Disputes followed by conflicts have led to the emergence of terms like line of actual control, line of control and actual ground position line. The unsettled borders with China and the rise of China will remain the most formidable challenge that India and Indian armed forces will face in the foreseeable future."

He stated that armed forces need to maintain the legitimacy of India's claims during peacetime on the disputed borders and stressed that it requires astute handling of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) at all friction points. General Chauhan said that both sides need to operate within the ambit rules of engagements.

"The armed forces need to maintain the legitimacy of our claims during the peacetime on this disputed borders. This will require very astute handling of the PLA at all the friction points, calibrated firmness, and both sides to operate within the ambit of agreed rules of engagements. Like all disputed borders, there will be a tendency by the adversary to create new facts, or markers, toponomy or cartographic aggression, or to create a new narrative. This again will have to be countered collectively by all of us at all levels, that would include academicians, strategists, thinkers, students, everyone has to do it together, General Anil Chauhan said.

CDS General Anil Chauhan said that relations between the two nations cannot be viewed from a binary kind of perspective. Stressing that the rise of China affects other nations as well, he called for looking at like-minded nations for equitable balance.

Referring to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent comment about ties between India and China made during a TV show, General Chauhan said, "Day before yesterday, EAM said, 'there is more to the Sino-India relation than the border disputes.' Similarly, in an increasingly interconnected world, Sino-India relations cannot be viewed from a binary kind of perspective. The rise of China affects other nations as well and we must look at like-minded nations for equitable balance while remaining cognizant of the fact as a popular idiom says that one must be prepared to fight its own battle."

Regarding technological advancements, General Chauhan cautioned against allowing a significant technological gap to emerge between India and its immediate adversaries, emphasizing its potential adverse consequences.

"Technology denial regimes existed in the past, but what we are witnessing now is a race to retain technological edge. India cannot afford the emergence of a major technological gap between us and our immediate adversaries, and that would be fatal for us," General Chauhan said.

Earlier on March 12, India sent out a strong rebuttal to China for the latter's comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh stating that the northeastern State will always be "an integral and inalienable part of India".

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that China's objection to visits by Indian leaders or India's developmental projects "does not stand to reason".

"We reject the comments made by the Chinese side regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other States of India. Objecting to such visits or India's developmental projects does not stand to reason," MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"Further, it will not change the reality that the State of Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. The Chinese side has been made aware of this consistent position on several occasions," he added.

Jaiswal's statement came after Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin during a press briefing, said that China "strongly deplores and firmly opposes" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the "East Section of the China-India boundary" and has raised concerns with India. PM Modi had virtually inaugurated the strategic Sela Tunnel during an event held in Arunachal Pradesh's capital, Itanagar, on March 9.

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Taliban Targets Pakistan's Military Posts After Its Airstrikes In Afghanistan


Kabul: In response to Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, the Taliban's forces have targeted Pakistan's military posts along the Durand Line with heavy weapons, the Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported, citing the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence.

In a press release, the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence stated, "In response to this aggression, the border forces of Taliban targeted Pakistani military centres along the fabricated border line with heavy weapons."

It further said that Afghanistan's "defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity under all circumstances."

Armed clashes had erupted between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards along the Durand Line, Khaama Press reported citing sources. According to local sources, the clashes began at 7 am (local time) on Monday.

Residents of Dand Patan had evacuated their homes after the rocket fire from Pakistan. The clashes erupted between the armed forces of the Taliban and Pakistan after Pakistani air forces conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces.

According to the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence, Pakistani fighter jets "once again entered Afghan territory in a provocative action... and bombed civilian homes in Bermel district of Paktika province and Sepera district of Khost province," Khaama Press reported.

At least eight people, including women and children, were killed in Pakistan's airstrikes on Khost and Paktia provinces on Monday, TOLO News reported. Taliban said such airstrikes are a clear violation of Afghanistan's territory. Following Pakistan's airstrikes, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned that any infringement on Afghanistan's sovereignty would have dire repercussions.

Taliban's deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns these strikes and calls the unconsidered act an invasion of its territory, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has the experience of a long struggle for freedom against the superpowers of the world and cannot tolerate any kind of invasion of its territory," TOLO News reported.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Office has said that Pakistan carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations" inside the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office press release, the prime targets of the operations carried out on Monday were terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.

It said that Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group along with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in "deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials", according to Dawn report. Pakistan's Foreign Office said that the latest attack of such an instance took place at a security post in North Waziristan's Mir Ali on Saturday, which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.

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India Committed To Combat Piracy, Terrorism In Indian Ocean: PM Modi


His remarks came in response to a message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, expressing gratitude for the safe return of seven Bulgarian nationals. He said India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean region

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reaffirmed India's commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.

His remarks came in response to a message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, expressing gratitude for the safe return of seven Bulgarian nationals.

On Monday, the Bulgarian President expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy for successfully carrying out a rescue operation on the hijacked Bulgarian ship, MV Ruen.

PM Modi expressed appreciation for the President of Bulgaria Radev, and conveyed India's satisfaction that the seven Bulgarian nationals were safe and would soon be returning home.

"Appreciate your message President @PresidentOfBg. We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon. India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region," said PM Modi in a post on X.


The "Rouen" ship with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmarese and one Angolan citizen on board was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year.

In an official post on X, the Bulgarian President said, "My sincere gratitude to PM @narendramodi for the brave action of Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship "Ruen" and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens."

Meanwhile, Bulgaria's foreign minister Mariya Gabriel in a Facebook post said on Saturday that she held a conversation with the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria Sanjay Rana for the Indian Navy's Operation on MV Ruen and thanked him for rescuing Bulgarian nationals.

In a recent post on Facebook Bulgaria's foreign minister Mariya Gabriel said, "Today, March 16, with the help of the Indian Navy, the crew of the ship "Rouen" hijacked on December 14, 2023, including seven Bulgarian citizens, was released."

"Thanks to the efforts of the Indian military, the entire crew of the ship was freed. All sailors are in good health and efforts are currently being made for their timely return to Bulgaria," she added.

Speaking regarding the incident, she stated that the ship "Rouen" with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmar and one Angolan citizen on board was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with all competent institutions, the overseas representations of the Republic of Bulgaria in the region and international partners is actively involved in the efforts to release the Bulgarian crew."

On March 16, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a conversation was also held with the Indian ambassador in Sofia, Ambassador Sanjay Rana and an additional request was made to the Indian side for assistance and to take all possible actions to protect the life and health of the crew.

She added in her statement, "I am extremely grateful for the assistance of the Indian side in the process of releasing the Bulgarian sailors."

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Imperativeness of AMCA For India's Defence


The apex predators of the sky are defined by the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) as fifth-generation fighters, which are capable of operating in highly contested combat environments characterized by the presence of the most capable current air and ground threats, as well as those reasonably expected to be operational in the foreseeable future, reported OneIndia.

According to Business Insider, only aircraft possessing features such as stealth capabilities, the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging their afterburners, can be classified as fifth-generation fighters.

Fifth-generation fighters are distinguished from their fourth-generation peers by multi-spectral low-observable design features, self-protection mechanisms, radar jamming capabilities, and integrated avionics, as per Simple Flying.com.

Simple Flying.com notes that there are three 5th-generation fighter jets currently in production: China's Chengdu J-20, Russia's Sukhoi Su-57, and the US Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning.

America's F-22 Raptor, recognized as the first fifth-generation fighter jet, is presently in use but is no longer being manufactured.

According to Business Insider, the final F-22 Raptor was manufactured by Lockheed Martin in December 2011 and delivered to the USAF in May 2012. The F-22s aren't being phased out anytime soon. The company plans to keep the craft airborne for the next two decades.

Imperativeness of AMCA For India Defences

India's need to bolster its air defences against China and Pakistan is underscored by the current aircraft strengths of these nations. Beijing currently possesses 3,304 aircraft, while India and Pakistan have 2,296 and 1,434 aircraft respectively. The Indian Air Force finds itself in need of an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with India also aiming to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector.

It's worth noting that while India endeavours to strengthen its air force and retire aging aircraft, the process of receiving deliveries of fighter jets and other equipment is time-consuming. Once India acquires these fifth-generation fighters, it will join an extremely exclusive club that includes the US, Russia, and China.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has also granted in-principle approval to procure 34 Dhruv advanced light helicopters for the Coast Guard and the Indian Army. The approval for the AMCA project is described as extremely crucial by sources. India has been engaged in the ambitious AMCA project to develop a medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to enhance its air power capabilities.

The estimated initial development cost of the project is around ₹15,000 crore. Under the plan, five prototypes of the AMCA will be jointly built by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with support from private industries.

India's confidence in the development of the AMCA received a significant boost following the successful development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS. Manufactured by the state-run aerospace behemoth HAL, the TEJAS aircraft serves as a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support missions, with reconnaissance and anti-ship operations as its secondary roles.

The Indian Air Force is also in the process of procuring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). In April 2019, an RFI (Request for Information) was issued by the IAF to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around $18 billion, marking one of the world's largest military procurement programs in recent years.

The advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) is a significant project undertaken by India. The AMCA is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather fifth-generation stealth, multirole combat aircraft. It is being developed for the Indian Air Force and possibly the Indian Navy.

Some Key Points About AMCA

Design and Manufacturing: The aircraft is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an aircraft design agency under the Ministry of Defence. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) consisting of ADA, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and a private company is being formed for the development and production of AMCA.

Variants: The Mark-1 variant of the aircraft will be a fifth-generation fighter while the Mark-2 variant will have sixth-generation technologies.

Missions: The AMCA is intended to perform a multitude of missions, including air supremacy, ground-strike, suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), and electronic warfare (EW) missions. It is intended to supplant the Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter, which forms the backbone of the IAF fighter fleet.

Stealth Features: The AMCA design is optimized for low radar cross section and supercruise capability. What will set the fifth-generation combat aircraft apart from the existing fourth-generation fighters is primarily its stealth features.

Development: The AMCA program, earlier known as the medium combat aircraft (MCA) program, is an Indian program to develop a fifth-generation combat aircraft. It began as a parallel program to the Indo-Russia Sukhoi/HAL FGFA. The AMCA program was launched in 2010.

Current Status: In March 2024, the project received approval from India’s Cabinet Committee on Security for the prototype development. Feasibility study on AMCA and the preliminary design stage have been completed, and the project entered the detailed design phase in February 2019.


Pakistani Navy Welcomes Chinese Supplied First Spy Ship, PNS Rizwan


India has it own indigenously made INS Dhruv (A40) is a research vessel and missile range instrumentation ship. The ship can gather electronic intelligence and will be used to track missile and satellites to aid India's strategic weapons and anti-ballistic missiles. It will be jointly operated by National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy

The Pakistan Navy recently showcased its newest addition, the spy ship PNS Rizwan, which was acquired with Chinese support. This signalled a substantial development in the country’s naval capabilities. The induction of this vessel demonstrates Pakistan’s strategic response to regional dynamics, particularly regarding its neighbour India.

With the purchase of PNS Rizwan, Pakistan has become one of the few countries operating such warships, along with France, India, the US, the UK, Russia, and China. With its sophisticated electronics, dome-shaped tracking antennae, and long-range radars, the spy ship—while smaller than its Indian equivalent, INS Dhruv—carries significant weight in contemporary warfare.

China’s involvement in Pakistan’s naval modernization initiatives is viewed as part of its larger strategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean region. Analysts believe China’s support intends to strengthen Pakistan’s capabilities, potentially changing regional power balances. The vessel’s route from China to Pakistan, traced from May to June 2023, drew attention, indicating its passage through Indonesian seas.

Since then, PNS Rizwan has remained discreet, refusing to activate its Automatic Identification System (AIS). The ship’s building in Fuzhou, China, the location of Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Ltd., highlights the extent of Chinese participation in Pakistan’s navy build-up even more.

On the other hand, INS Dhruv, which was put into service in 2021, is an essential part of India’s defence system against ballistic missiles. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) uses the ship built in cooperation with Hindustan Shipyard to improve India’s intelligence-gathering and nuclear missile tracking capabilities.

The introduction of PNS Rizwan might pose challenges for India as it adds new elements to regional security dynamics. The spy ship’s placement close to Indian coastlines may make it easier to monitor Indian missile launches and oceanographic activity. It might also strengthen China’s current intelligence-gathering efforts in the Indian Ocean region.

Pakistan’s acquisition of PNS Rizwan highlights the changing geopolitical situation in the Indian Ocean Region, which has consequences for regional security and strategic relationships.

(With Agency Inputs)


Before Chief Justice-Led Bench Today, Challenges To Citizenship Law CAA


A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra will hear the matter

New Delhi: Amid the row over the Centre's move to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) weeks before Lok Sabha election, the Supreme Court will hear today a batch of 237 petitions challenging the law. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra will hear the matter.

Among the petitioners are Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a political party primarily based in Kerala, and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).

The day after the Centre notified CAA rules, the two organisations approached the Supreme Court, seeking a pause on the implementation of the law. They termed CAA "discriminatory" against the Muslim community.

Back in 2019, when the Citizenship Amendment Bill cleared the Parliament, multiple petitions had been filed against it. But the court had not paused its implementation because the rules had not been notified. On Friday, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that there was no question of a pause back then since the rules were not notified. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta then said that the fact that the rules were notified before the elections was irrelevant.

Under this law, non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan fleeing religious persecution can seek Indian citizenship. Persons from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, are eligible to seek citizenship under CAA.

The Opposition has slammed the Narendra Modi government over the timing of the law's implementation - four years after it cleared the Parliament. The move is "evidently designed to polarise the elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam", party leader Jairam Ramesh has said.

Trinamool Congress chief and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she doubts the legality of CAA and alleged a conspiracy to "snatch citizenship rights". "BJP leaders say CAA gives you rights. But the moment you apply for citizenship, you become illegal migrants and you will lose your rights. You will lose rights and be taken to detention camps. Please think before you apply," she said.

The Centre has trashed the Opposition's allegations. Stressing that the CAA is not "unconstitutional", Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the Opposition of resorting to the "politics of lies". On the timing of the law's implementation, he said, "BJP made it clear in its 2019 manifesto that it will bring CAA and provide Indian citizenship to refugees (from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). BJP has a clear agenda and under that promise, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in 2019. It got delayed due to Covid."

Post a comment He has also said that minorities of the country "need not be afraid because CAA has no provision to take back the rights of any citizen".

(With Agency Inputs)


Indian Navy's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crashes During Training Sortie Near Kochi, No Injury, Damage Reported


Indian Navy's Searcher, a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), crashed on Monday during a routine training sortie near Kochi, a statement of the defence agency said. No casualties or damage to properties have been reported.

The crash occurred at 5 pm on Monday when the RPA searcher during a training sortie at INS Garuda, Kochi, crashed about one mile short of the runway.

"Responding swiftly, a specialist team was dispatched to the site to ensure the crashed RPA is rendered safe," the Navy statement said.

The Indian Navy added that an inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident.

(With Agency Inputs)


Hindustan Aeronautics Bags ₹8,073-Crore Defence Order


In a major boost for the Indian defence sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited secures a ₹8,073-crore order for advanced light helicopters, reflecting on market and defence readiness

In a significant development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a hefty ₹8,073-crore order from the Ministry of Defence for 34 advanced light helicopters, marking a pivotal moment for both the company and the Indian defence sector. This strategic move comes at a time when financial markets are experiencing heightened volatility, casting a spotlight on HAL's robust order book and its implications for the market and defence readiness.

Strategic Defence Enhancement

The order comprises 34 advanced light helicopters along with associated equipment for the Indian Army and the Coast Guard, bolstering India's defence capabilities. With an order book now standing at ₹84,000 crore, HAL anticipates securing additional orders worth ₹50,000 crore in the near future. This development is indicative of a bullish outlook on defence spending, aiming to enhance the operational capacity and efficiency of the Indian military forces.

Market Reaction And Analysis

Despite the announcement of this substantial order, HAL's stock experienced a 2% decline, settling at ₹3,009. This counterintuitive market response hints at investor perceptions of the stock being fully valued in the short term, with concerns over execution risks. On the flip side, the company's extensive order book and the expected influx of orders paint a promising picture for HAL's long-term growth trajectory, albeit with cautious market optimism.

Implications For Investors And Defence Sector

This order not only underscores the Indian government's commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities but also highlights the strategic importance of HAL in India's defence ecosystem. For investors, the scenario presents a nuanced view, balancing the potential for long-term growth against short-term market dynamics and valuation concerns. The defence sector, buoyed by such significant orders, is poised for a period of substantial growth, contributing to national security and economic vitality.

As the market digests this news, the broader implications for the defence industry and investor sentiment remain to be fully realized. This order represents a critical step in advancing India's defence capabilities while spotlighting the inherent complexities and opportunities within the defence sector's market dynamics. Stakeholders will be watching closely as HAL navigates the challenges ahead, with an eye towards leveraging its strengthened position for future growth and innovation.

(With Agency Inputs)


Bulgarian President Expresses Gratitude To PM Modi For Successful Operation By Indian Navy In Arabian Sea


Sofia: Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy for successfully carrying out a rescue operation on the hijacked Bulgarian ship, MV Ruen, on Monday.

The "Rouen" ship with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmarese and one Angolan citizen on board was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year.

In an official post on X, Rumen Radev states, "My sincere gratitude to PM @narendramodi for the brave action of Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship "Ruen" and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens."

Meanwhile, Bulgaria's foreign minister Mariya Gabriel in a Facebook post said on Saturday that she held a conversation with the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria Sanjay Rana for the Indian Navy's Operation on MV Ruen and thanked him for rescuing Bulgarian nationals.

In a recent post on Facebook Bulgaria's foreign minister Mariya Gabriel said, "Today, March 16, with the help of the Indian Navy, the crew of the ship "Rouen" hijacked on December 14, 2023, including seven Bulgarian citizens, was released."

"Thanks to the efforts of the Indian military, the entire crew of the ship was freed. All sailors are in good health and efforts are currently being made for their timely return to Bulgaria," she added.

Speaking regarding the incident, she stated that the ship "Rouen" with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmar and one Angolan citizen on board was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with all competent institutions, the overseas representations of the Republic of Bulgaria in the region and international partners is actively involved in the efforts to release the Bulgarian crew."

On March 16, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a conversation was also held with the Indian ambassador in Sofia, Ambassador Sanjay Rana and an additional request was made to the Indian side for assistance and to take all possible actions to protect the life and health of the crew.

She added in her statement, "I am extremely grateful for the assistance of the Indian side in the process of releasing the Bulgarian sailors."

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed


India, Maldives Convene Fourth Bilateral Review Meeting On 'Indian Line of Credit Projects'


Male: India and Maldives held their fourth bilateral review meeting on Monday regarding Indian Line of Credit (LoC) projects.

In an official post on X, India on Maldives states, "The India, Maldives LOC Review meeting today saw useful interaction with stakeholders across Ministries to take stock of ongoing projects and further streamline their implementation for effective delivery."

During the session, stakeholders engaged in constructive discussions aimed at streamlining the implementation of ongoing projects for effective delivery.

Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives also shared insights from the meeting on X, emphasizing the collaborative effort to address challenges and drive progress in Indian LoC projects.

"The fourth bilateral review meeting between - on Indian LoC projects, co-chaired by @AmbMunu and attended by officials from @MEAIndia, @IndiaEximBank, and GOM agencies, assessed ongoing projects and addressed challenges for progress. @HCIMaldives," the post on X states.

The meeting, which was co-chaired by the Ambassador of India to Maldives, Munu Mahawar saw the participation of officials from various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Export-Import Bank of India, and government agencies of the Maldives.

The meeting aimed to evaluate the progress of ongoing projects and address any challenges hindering their advancement.

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US Calls On Pakistan To Exercise Restraint After Its Airstrikes In Afghanistan


Washington: Reacting to Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, the US has called on Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil while urging Islamabad to exercise restraint and ensure civilians are not harmed in their counter-terrorism efforts, US Department of State Principal Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Tuesday (local time).

While addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, Patel urged the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil. He stressed that the US remains committed to ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the US and its allies.

Asked about Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, Vedant Patel responded, "We have seen the reports that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan in response to the attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan on Saturday at a military post. We deeply regret the loss of life and injustices sustained during the attack in Pakistan and the loss of civilian lives during the strike in Afghanistan."

"We urge the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil and urge Pakistan to exercise restraint and ensure civilians are not harmed in their counter-terrorism efforts and we urge both sides to address any differences. We remain committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the United States and our partners and allies," he added.

Vedant Patel's statement comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Khost and Paktia provinces of Afghanistan which claimed the lives of eight people including children and women. Taliban asserted that such airstrikes are a clear violation of Afghanistan's territory, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported.

In response to a question about whether the US is helping Pakistan in the operations and intelligence sharing, Patel said, "We are in regular communication with Pakistani leaders to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including through our counter-terrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations."

Calling loss of civilian life "troubling and heartbreaking" to the US, Vedant Patel stressed that the US wants to ensure that perpetrators are being held to account and that civilians are not affected during these operations.

On being asked whether Pakistan should not have carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan, he said, "Any loss of civilian life is troubling and heartbreaking to us. so we want to make sure that when some of these operations are being conducted that every step possible is being taken that it's the perpetrators that are being held to account and that it's not civilian who is are being impacted."

Pakistan's Foreign Office has confirmed that Pakistan carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations" inside the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office press release, the prime targets of the operation carried out on Monday were terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.

It said that Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group along with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in "deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials", according to Dawn report. Pakistan's Foreign Office said that the latest attack of such an instance took place at a security post in North Waziristan's Mir Ali on Saturday, which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.

After Pakistan's airstrikes, Taliban-led Ministry of Defence stated that any violation of the country's sovereignty would have bad consequences, according to TOLO News report.

"Once again, Pakistani military and reconnaissance jets have entered Afghanistan's territory and bombarded the homes of civilians in Barmal of Paktika and Spera of Khost," the Taliban said in a statement.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned that any infringement on Afghanistan's sovereignty would have dire repercussions.

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T Armstrong Changsan Appointed As India's Next Envoy To Cuba: MEA


New Delhi: T. Armstrong Changsan has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cuba, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of batch 1997, Changsan is currently a Joint Secretary in the MEA.

"Shri T. Armstrong Changsan (IFS: 1997), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Cuba," the MEA said in an official press release.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

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White House Urges Pakistan, Afghanistan To Address Differences Through Dialogue


Washington: Reacting to Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, the White House has called on both the nations to address their differences through dialogue. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged the Taliban to ensure that terror attacks are not launched from Afghan soil.

While addressing a press briefing on Monday (local time), Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US remains committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the United States and its partners and allies.

In response to a question about Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, Karine Jean-Pierre said, "We are aware of the report obviously that Pakistan carried out air strikes in Afghanistan in response to attack in Pakistan on Saturday at a military post. We deeply regret the loss of life and injuries sustained during the attack in Pakistan and the loss of civilian lives during the strikes in Afghanistan. We urge the Taliban to ensure that terror attacks are not launched from Afghan soil."

"We urge Pakistan to exercise restraint and ensure civilians are not harmed in their counterterrorism efforts. We urge both sides to address any differences through dialogue. We remain committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the United States or other partners or allies. So, we've made that very clear and we're going to continue to be consistent," she added.

Her statement comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Khost and Paktia provinces of Afghanistan which claimed the lives of eight people including children and women. Taliban asserted that such airstrikes are a clear violation of Afghanistan's territory, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has said that Islamabad carried out "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations" inside the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office press release, the prime targets of the operation carried out on Monday were terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.

It said that Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group along with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in "deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials", according to Dawn report.

Pakistan's Foreign Office said that the latest attack of such an instance took place at a security post in North Waziristan's Mir Ali on Saturday, which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.

In response to Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, the Taliban's forces have targeted Pakistan's military posts along the Durand Line with heavy weapons, the Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported, citing the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence.

In a press release, the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence stated, "In response to this aggression, the border forces of Taliban targeted Pakistani military centres along the fabricated border line with heavy weapons."

It further said that Afghanistan's "defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity under all circumstances."Armed clashes had erupted between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards along the Durand Line, Khaama Press reported citing sources.

According to local sources, the clashes began at 7 am (local time) on Monday. Residents of Dand Patan had evacuated their homes after the rocket fire from Pakistan. The clashes erupted between the armed forces of the Taliban and Pakistan after Pakistani air forces conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces.

According to the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence, Pakistani fighter jets "once again entered Afghan territory in a provocative action... and bombed civilian homes in Bermel district of Paktika province and Sepera district of Khost province," Khaama Press reported.

Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat condemned Pakistan's airstrikes and called it an "invasion of its territory."

According to TOLO News report, Fitrat said, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns these strikes and calls the unconsidered act an invasion of its territory, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has the experience of a long struggle for freedom against the superpowers of the world and cannot tolerate any kind of invasion of its territory."

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed


Violation of Sovereignty Will Have Bad Consequences: Taliban Reacts After Pak Airstrikes On Afghanistan


Kabul: Taliban's Ministry of Defence released a statement in response to Pakistan's early-morning airstrikes in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika on Monday, stating that any violation of the country's sovereignty would have bad consequences, according to TOLOnews.

In retaliation, Taliban has claimed to use heavy weapons to target Pakistani military centres.

"Once again, Pakistani military and reconnaissance jets have entered Afghanistan's territory and bombarded the homes of civilians in Barmal of Paktika and Spera of Khost," the Taliban said in a statement.

Meanwhile, its spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, warned that any infringement on Afghanistan's sovereignty would have dire repercussions.

Denouncing the aforementioned attacks, Mujahid stated that Pakistan would be unable to cope with the consequences of such strikes.

TOLOnews quoted Zabihullah Mujahid as saying, "Last night around 3 AM, Pakistani aircraft bombed civilian homes in the Laman area of Barmal district in Paktika province and the Afghan Dubai area of Spera district in Khost province, resulting in 6 martyrs in Paktika, including 3 women and 3 children, and one house destroyed, and in Khost province, one house was destroyed and 2 women were martyred."

He has asked Pakistan's new administration to refrain from harming ties with Afghanistan due to the "reckless" conduct of a few military generals and to stop attributing their failure to them.

Notably, Pakistani military aircraft carried out airstrikes in the Barmal district of Paktika province and the Afghan Dubai area of Sepera district in Khost province.

Tragically, these strikes targeted civilian homes, resulting in the loss of six lives and the destruction of property, a spokesperson for Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a statement.

Reports indicate that six individuals, including three women and three children, lost their lives in Paktika, while two women perished in Khost due to a collapsed house.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed