India-US relations:- Part 1 ( On 2+2 talks )...

India-US relations:- Begining 

        As we all know that most parts of the post-Independence history of India, Russia (USSR) were a close ally of India. Russia supported India in regional issues, Wars, Military & space Technology & many others. But recently (mainly in the past two decades) India also started making a good ally with the US. Started having bilateral talks, economic agreements, the supply of military equipment & so many other things. Though India is not opposing Russia or breaking allies with Russia. But looking at Russia's economic agreements & other involvements with China. So, India is also improving ties with the US.

India-US relations:- Current Status

        As of 2020, India-US relations are blooming like anything. US is supporting India's bid for NSG, UN permanent memberships. Invitations for participation are also coming for meets like G-7 summits. Be it technology, highly advanced military equipment, support in regional politics (like in a stand-off with China) the US is supporting India. In 2016 the US designated India as a "major defense partner" and wanted to increase defense trade. The US is ready to invest in India to make it a manufacturing hub. China is a common problem for both countries & India is the fastest growing economy (considering before Covid-19 & predictions for 2021) the US can make the most out of India's geopolitical location like they are doing of Japan (in South-China Sea issues). On the Indian side, India already received Chinooks, Apache, C-17 Globemasters from the US. Some other deals are also on the table on which talks are going on.

What are the "2+2 Talks"?:-

        The reason it is called "2+2" because two ministries are involved. Namely Ministry of external affairs & Ministry of Defense of both the countries. In total three 2+2 talks have been done between India & the US. 

A. Some of the important agreements signed before talks started:-

1. In 2002, the General Security Of Military Information Agreement (G.S.O.M.I.A.) was signed. This agreement allows both countries to share military intelligence & also protect each other's classified information. 

2. In 2016, both countries signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Of Agreement (L.E.M.O.U.). It allows both countries to use each other's bases for repair & replenishment of supplies and further deeper cooperation.

B. Agreements signed under "2+2 talks":-

1. In 2018, Communication Compatability and Security Agreement (C.O.M.C.A.S.A.) was signed during the inaugural of bilateral talks. The agreement allows countries to share secure communication and information on approved equipment during bilateral talks and multinational training exercises and operations.

2. In 2020, Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (B.E.C.A.) was signed during the Oct 2020 installment of "2+2 talks". This enables both the countries to share unclassified and controlled classified geospatial,  topographical, aeronautical data.

        Concluding, the India-US relation is a huge topic & has a very versatile angle. But, Current US president Donald Trump fired Mark Esper who was secretary of defense & was in India during the Oct 2020 "2+2 talks". The decision has led to many questions on the Indian side. Let's see what happens with the new president and his committee. 

Note:- I will try to cover these bilateral relations in 3 to 4 parts. This blog is just an overview of a long process happening between the two nations. Specifically, for the aspirants who will be facing SSB in upcoming months.

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande  

ABOUT NEWLY TESTED HYPER SONIC TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR VEHICLE OF INDIA..

HSTDV:- Hyper Sonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle.

Image:- DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India.

            HSTDV is a carrier vehicle built by DRDO for carrying the hypersonic & long-range cruise missile. Initiated in the decade of 2010, but it was cleared for testing in 2019 subsequently flight testing was conducted. On the 7th of September, 2020 the Scramjet engine was tested. HSTDV was mounted on a solid rocket motor and taken to a height of 30 km. After which it separated from the rocket and it's air intakes opened as per planned. HSTDV achieved a speed of 2km/sec (7200km/hr) approximately for over 20 sec. 

           Important Terms:-

                1. Hyper Sonic:- Typically, any vehicle traveling with the speed of 5-10 mach number is called Hyper Sonic vehicle. 5-10 mach number results in a speed of 6100-12400 km/h. 

                2. Scramjet Engine:- Supersonic Combustion ramjet engine. Typically, These engines compress air at supersonic speed & combustion takes place at the same speed. These engines are mounted on another delivery vehicle till it attains supersonic speed and required altitude.

            Concluding, India joined the elite club of the USA, Russia & China with hypersonic technology. China is the only country that has officially inducted hypersonic technology in its arsenal. Considering the elevated conditions at borders it is a morale booster for India. Other than military purposes this technology has civilian applications too like launching satellites at low cost. So, it's a dual-use technology. Many more tests are supposed to be done for making the technology perfect.

Note:- The availability of the confirmed information is not much, as it is a highly secretive mission. I have written this blog for getting little insights for the aspirants who will be facing written exams & interviews in the upcoming months. Where there is a possibility of a question on this test of HSTDV. 

If you like reading my blogs then you can follow it. The button is on the top right corner. See you guys in the next blog,

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande

 

THE GROUP OF COUNTRIES WITH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING...

Multilateral Export Control Regime (M.E.C.R.):-

 Photo:- Wikipedia, MECR &Wassenaar Agreement.

There are four different regimes currently operating under (M.E.C.R.):-

1. M.T.C.R.:-Missile Technology Control Regime.

2. A.G.:- Australia Group.

3. W.A.:- Wassenaar Agreement.

4. N.S.G.:- Nuclear Suppliers Group.

These regimes are informal political understandings between countries that seek to stop the trading of destructive missiles and weapon systems. They can not put any legal action on the country violating the rules or Memorandum of Understanding (M.o.U.).

1. M.T.C.R.:-

As its name suggests, its regime of controlling the trading of Ballistic missiles, Nuclear missiles, Unmanned delivery systems & launching Vehicles. A technology having the capacity 500 kg of payload & have a range of 300 km along with mass destruction capabilities are prohibited. In 1987, G7 countries decided to form the regime and make two categories. Full missile systems, Sub-systems, Manufacturing facilities are in Category I & Propellants and sub-components of rockets and missiles come in Category II. A total of 35 members are there in MTCR including leading manufacturers and suppliers of missile technology. Since its inception, MTCR has been able to control or slow down the Missile program of countries like Brazil, South Korea & South Africa. But, Countries like India (Member since 2016), Iran & Pakistan continues to increase its missile program at a rapid pace.     

2. A.G.:-

The Australia Group Controls the trading of the chemical and the biological weapon. After Iraq used chemical weapons in 1984, Australia initiated to form this group. A total of 43 members are there with India joining in 2018. A uniform list of 63 elements has been made which are strictly prohibited for exporting. After reforming decisions taken in 2002, "No Undercut" was declared which means it doesn't matter importing country is a member of the group or not. The exporting country must consult the existing members before exporting. Second is, regardless of exporting material is on the list or not, the exporting country must stop trading if the material can be used for the weapon system.  

3. W.A.:-  

In 1996, this regime was started at Wassenaar, the Netherlands to control the export of Conventional arms & Dual used goods and technologies. A total of 42 countries are a member of this regime including Warsaw pact members (I will write a separate blog on Warsaw pact). India joined the regime in 2017.

Prohibited materials are divided into two lists- 

1. Dual-use goods & Technologies:-

Namely- Computers, Sensors, RADARS, Information security, Processors, etc.

Further two sub-sections are made.

I. Sensitive- Marine, Aerospace & propulsion, etc.        

II. Very Sensitive-Materials used for manufacturing of stealth technology.

2. Munitions list:-

Over 22 categories are made but without any specific label or group. Members take the decision on a case basis using simple technics like availability & ability of destruction of exporting material. 

4. N.S.G.:- I have already written a separate blog on N.S.G. Name- India, Smiling Budhha & Nuclear Suppliers Group.

India & M.E.C.R.:- India will become a member of all four regimes once it gets membership of N.S.G. as it is already a member of the rest three. China is the only member of N.S.G. out of four. So, India can use this card on China to get an entry in N.S.G. against supporting China for its membership bid of rest three groups of M.E.C.R.

Concluding, These types of regimes are very important as most countries are equipped with mass destructive weapons. The world will not be able to overcome world war II like wars henceforth. Membership of these groups must be mandatory for capable countries. In my opinion, Associations, Regimes like this must have their own peacekeeping forces. So, the country violating the rules will be punished or any country at risk will be protected using them.

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande.

AKASH-INDIA'S INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM.

 Akash Surface to Air Missile (S.A.M.):-

Photo:-Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India.

            Traditionally, India is one of the highest importers of defence equipment in the world. But, to become independent, many projects were started. One step in this direction was the development of the Akash indigenous missile air defence system to replace the Russian 2K12 kub missile system. Development of Akash SAM started in the 1980s & flight tests were initiated near 1997 under D.R.D.O. & manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), Bharat Electronics Ltd. (B.E.L.), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division, and Larsen & Toubro.

            Akash Mk1 has a range of around 40 KM and a flight envelope of as low as 30 meters to 18 kilometers. It uses a solid booster rocket for assisting it to mach 2.5-3 speeds & further it continues its journey with the Ranjet engine. The system can neutralize targets like fighter jets, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, etc. One battery of Akash SAM consists of 4 self-propelled launchers. Each one carries 3 missiles, a Rajendra 3D PESA radar that can trace up to 64 targets and engage 4 of them at a time, system also distinguishes between friend and foe. A battery control center (BCC) to engage targets and guide missiles accordingly. Two batteries make a Squadron (for Air force) & 4 batteries make a group (For Army). This system can be deployed in various single and group modes according to requirements. In group configuration, it can secure an area as large as 5000 sq.km. Akash battery can engage four targets simultaneously & the radar can guide eight missiles i.e. a maximum of two missiles per target. A single missile has a kill probability of 88% while two missiles have 98.5%. The time gap between the firing of successive missile is 5 seconds.

            The Indian Air Force has eight operational Akash SAM squadrons & Seven more on order. The Indian Army has two operational and two ordered regiments. The Ministry of Defence in November last year signed a deal to but Akash system for both Army and Airforce saving valuable forex reserves to the tune of 5.3 Billion Dollars as it has 96% indigenous components. It also withdrew requests from all global tenders for air defence systems. More orders are expected looking at the requirements of the forces.

            Concluding, the Akash SAM system will provide the much-needed air defence to our assets and will surely make the enemies vulnerable in Indian Air Space. But Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 2017 stated the Akash is not trustworthy and has a 30% failure rate which can be risky during operations. Since then, Akash has been successfully developed and tested with required corrections. I think our government should look into the constant delay and failure of tests of these projects. We are spending a hefty amount of money for almost 30 to 40 years. As a result, we must have fully deployed and superior technology to guard our borders.

I would really like to thank Pankaj Jangraj (my dear friend & a Defence aspirant)for helping me write this blog.

Signing off for the day. See you guys in the next blog.

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande.

INDIA, SMILING BUDDHA AND NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP...

Smiling Buddha:-

                    In 1944, Homi Bhabha started the Tata institute of fundamental research at Mumbai marking the beginning of the atomic research in India. After the freedom from the Britishers in 1947, India decided to develop atomic energy for peaceful purposes.  The initial name of the program was "Peaceful Nuclear Explosive". After the 1962 war with China followed by the Indo-Pak wars (1965&1971), India started pushing hard for Nuclear weapons too. Finally, India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 at the Pokhran range, Rajasthan. The name of the project was changed to "Smiling Buddha" because the device was detonated on the birth anniversary of The Gautam Buddha. Meanwhile, India also lost the Honorable late PM Lal Bahadur Shashtri and Pioneer of Indian Nuclear program Homi Bhabha in mysterious ways.

Nuclear Suppliers Group (N.S.G.):-

                        In response to India's Nuclear testing, immediately in 1975, the first meet was held for the Nuclear Suppliers Group. For the next 3 years, numerous meetings were conducted. The main aim of NSG was to control the export of Nuclear weapons and Nuclear weapons technology. Owing to the devastating effects of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and World War 2 many organizations and peace treaties came into existence. Out of which countries in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.) saw the need for NSG and further controlling the Nuclear weapon supply. Today there are 48 members of NSG.

India and N.S.G.:-  

                        As of 2020, India is not a member of NSG. There are two main reasons for it, first India has not signed NPT, and the second is China. In the past two decades, numerous countries like The USA, UK, Brazil, Poland, etc. backed India for getting entry into NSG without signing NPT which is a basic prerequisite for the membership. But China is not letting India into the NSG (Pakistan has also applied for membership without signing NPT).

Why India wants NSG membership so badly:- 

                        India's requirement of atomic energy (mostly Uranium) is huge. But domestic resources are very less. So to import Uranium and boost the Civil nuclear program is basic idea behind this membership bid. Importing and having access to weapon technology from developed nations is another idea. India is also bidding for UN permanent membership for which NSG membership will give an extra edge.  

What if India never gets membership in NSG?    

                        In 2008, The USA gave a clean waiver to India. So, India can access modern technology. Most of the countries are not waiting for India's membership to start the deal now. India has signed bilateral deals with countries like Canada, Russia, newly added Australia and Uzbekistan, etc. for the supply of Uranium. Therefore, not getting a membership is still fine for India but in the bigger picture, India needs to be the member of important international organizations. 

                     Concluding, Nothing stopped for India without the membership. India again tested nuclear weapons in 1998 at Pokhran, Rajasthan. But to enjoy full access to modern technology and trade without any bilateral deal India needs membership. Though there are various basic flaws in the criteria of NSG which are yet to be solved. Clash of Interest of the USA, China, and other nations has also affected India's bid. The basic idea of NSG was to counter India's Nuclear program in 1975. So, giving India membership will undercut the main objective. Still, India should push hard for membership.

Signing off for the day, see you guys in the next blog.

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande                              

The "NAG" ENEMIES SHOULD BE AFRAID OF....

Nag:-Fire and Forget

                                

Image-Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India

                    

                                        

         Automation started picking up the grip in the late 20th century. A system that locks on its target and hit it with 90% accuracy was nowhere reality. But to match the world's rapidly growing technology, India started research on indigenously developed Anti-Tank Missile named "NAG" in 1988. The main aim of the project was to replace existing 'Konkurs and Milan' anti-tank missiles. Nag is the third generation, Lock-on target, Fire and Forget, All-weather, Day and night, Anti-tank guided missile. It is called fire and forget because once it's launched with a target set, You cannot regulate the missile after the launch. Nag will be manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (B.D.L.), Defence Research and Development Organisation (D.R.D.O.) and Ordnance Factory Medak. 

        The initial version of Nag has a range of 500 m to 4000 m with a speed of 828 Km/ hr. It is launched from a specially built carrier named "NAMICA" (Nag Missile Carrier). Indian nickname given to it is "Sarath". It is a tank destroyer with capabilities like Chemical, Biological, and nuclear protection systems. "NAMICA" carries 12 missiles at a time from which 8 are ready to fire and 4 in storage. The testing of the missile started in 1990 and was delayed due to various system problems. One of them was the heat seeker of the missile was not able to distinguish the target from the surrounding temperature. The reason was the extremely high temperature at the Rajasthan testing range in the 2011 trials. From 2013 to 2018 testing and development were ramped up. Single-shot hit probability was 77% which was improved to 90% during this span. In July 2019, 12 successive tests were conducted and each time target was hit with great precision.  

        There are a total of five different versions depending on the launching method. Land version with mast mounting system, Man-portable (M.P.-A.T.G.M.), Helina or Dhruvastra (Air launched version), Standoff Anti-tank guided missiles (SANT)-Upgraded version of Helina, and NAMICA the only ready to induct version. The range of the missile is increased substantially from 4km in Prospina (Nag) to 10 km in Helina and 20 km in SANT. 

        Concluding, this project was initiated under Honorable Late President APJ Abdul Kalam in the 1990s. 30 Years have been passed and still, India has not inducted it in Indian Defence forces due to frequent delays. Comparing with other similar missiles, Javelin (the USA) and Spike (Israel), Nag is equally capable and even more strong in case of an air-launched system like having 10 years of maintenance-free shelf life. Finally, India has received Rafale after a long delay. Similarly, India should make a quick decision and rise to the occasion whenever needed for these kinds of military equipment too.

Image:- Testing of Nag from NAMICA. 

Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India

If you have any doubts, please leave it in the comments. I will try to clear it.

Please suggest me the new topic for the next blog in the comment section. Eager to see you guys in the next blog.   

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande

                              

HOW CHINA IS CAPTURING THE WORLD IN 21ST CENTURY..

Debt Trap Diplomacy:-

              

                  In the second half of the 20th century, the World never saw any big wars like the World Wars. So apart from some bilateral wars, the World was entering the new on paper peace era. But after the cold war, Making strong allies and holding key Geo-strategic locations became very important. The only drawback of making strong allies is you are having 50-50 percent in every agreement. So to totally overpower the economically weaker nations and gaining key locations, China introduced Debt Trap Diplomacy.

                  In which China gives a huge amount of loans to smaller nations and if unable to repay, China will take some part of the nation like 'Ports'. Most of the investment done was in Infrastructure like Roads, Rails routes, etc. In the first decade of the 21st century, loans were given to African and Asian nations like Kenya and Sri Lanka. In later stages, many other countries were added like Ecuador in Latin America. China's Foreign Direct Investment (F.D.I.) in these nations is increasing exponentially in the last decade. There are various initiatives of China like the Belt and Road Initiative (B.R.I.) and the collective name given to them is Debt Trap Diplomacy. 

                      List of countries where China has invested heavily:-

AFRICA:-                                                                                       

1. Angola                        6. Nigeria                                  

2. Ethiopia                      7. South Africa                        

3. Zambia                        8. Kenya                                 

4. Republic of Congo      9. Djibouti                              

5. North Sudan               10. Egypt                                 

ASIA:- 

1. Sri Lanka  

2. Pakistan

3. Malaysia

4. Indonesia

5. Laos

SOUTH AMERICA:-                                                        

1. Ecuador                                                                           

2. Argentina                                                                                          

3. Venezuela                                                                         

4. Brazil                                                                               

5. Caribbean Region                                                            

INVESTMENT DONE UNDER B.R.I.:-                      

1. Kazakhstan 

2. Mongolia   

3. Montenegro 

4. Maldives

5. Kyrgyzstan

6. Tajikistan

         

                     After reading the above list, If you feel that Europe has been spared from this plan. Then let me correct you, Piraeus port of Greece has been taken by China to transform it into the biggest port in Europe. Haifa port in Israel, Various ports, and projects in North-Western Europe are funded by China. A total of 138 Countries have signed Memorandum Of Understanding (M.O.U.) of B.R.I. out of which 38 are European Countries (Constituting 18 EU Countries too). Though major countries like France have opposed the B.R.I. but Countries like Italy are interested to join hands with China.    

                      Till the dawn of the 21st century, the USA and Russia were the major players but China entered the game with a bang in the past 2 decades. Recently, Hambantota port, Sri Lanka, and Port of Doraleh, Djibouti has been taken by China due inability of the respective government to repay the loans. Though the failure of repaying the loans by these countries affects the Chinese economy. China has refused to disclose the amount of loan given and the terms and conditions of the agreement. Still, the estimated cost is multi-Billion USD and the estimated cost of B.R.I. is multi-Trillion USD. To counter it the USA is seeing India as a potential countermeasure ally. There should be stronger allies and a firm plan to counter these fast-spreading effects of a dragon.

 

Signing off for the day, See you guys in the next blog...

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande