#Andaman and Nicobar Command

[defencecapital]

Indian Navy as a net security guarantor in the South Asian region

By N. C. Bipindra With the changing sea line of communication and the economy’s eastward shift, maritime security has become one of the most substantial economic and human security pillars. Since the 2004 tsunami, the Indian Navy has consistently proven itself as the first responder to any crisis in the Indian Ocean region, showcasing its readiness and reliability in such…

[rainytimetravelfart]

10 Essential Navy Current Affairs for 2025 Every Maritime Enthusiast Must Know

In 2025, global naval forces are undergoing a profound transformation—both technologically and strategically. As maritime challenges intensify and naval ambitions grow, it becomes imperative for defense observers and aspirants to stay informed. The following are the 10 Essential Navy Current Affairs for 2025, curated to reflect global dynamics, key policy shifts, and groundbreaking technological developments shaping naval operations today.

1. India Commissions Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant-II

India proudly expanded its naval capabilities with the commissioning of INS Vikrant-II, its second indigenously built aircraft carrier. Equipped with advanced radar systems, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), and a carrier air wing with Tejas-N and MiG-29K jets, the vessel boosts India’s blue-water dominance in the Indo-Pacific. This move aligns with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) initiative.

2. AUKUS Pact Advances Undersea Capabilities

The AUKUS alliance (Australia, UK, and US) made significant progress by initiating the joint construction of next-gen nuclear-powered submarines under the SSN-AUKUS project. With stealthier propulsion and AI-enhanced sonar capabilities, the pact aims to deter assertive maritime behavior in the South China Sea and strengthen Western maritime deterrence.

3. Indian Navy’s Deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)

2025 marks the operational deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles in Indian naval surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These AI-driven drones are equipped with high-resolution sonar, enabling long-duration surveillance without risking human lives. The strategic deployment near key choke points like the Strait of Malacca underlines their importance in modern naval warfare.

4. US Navy's Fleet-wide Energy Transition to Green Fuel

The U.S. Navy took a bold step towards sustainability by initiating a fleet-wide transition to biofuel-blended energy systems. This effort not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves fleet endurance and operational reach. The move reflects the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility within military strategies.

5. India Launches Multi-Domain Naval Command in Andaman

With the strategic significance of the Andaman & Nicobar islands increasing, the Indian Navy launched a Multi-Domain Naval Command (MDNC) based on real-time data fusion, cyber defense, and satellite-enabled maritime awareness. This command strengthens India’s position in the Bay of Bengal and enhances its ability to monitor Chinese naval movements.

6. Global Naval Exercises: MILAN 2025 Sets New Participation Record

MILAN 2025, hosted by India, saw record participation from over 45 countries, including major powers like France, Japan, and Brazil. The exercises focused on interoperability, humanitarian assistance, anti-submarine warfare, and cyber defense. This reflects the increasing global collaboration for maritime peace and security.

7. Rise of Hypersonic Naval Weapons

Hypersonic missile systems like Russia’s Zircon, India’s BrahMos-II, and China’s DF-21D are reshaping naval doctrines. In 2025, several navies began actively integrating these into their strategic arsenals. These high-speed missiles challenge traditional ship defense systems and underscore the urgency of next-gen missile defense innovations.

8. Cybersecurity in Naval Operations Becomes Critical

In 2025, multiple navies reported cyber intrusion attempts targeting command and control systems. As a result, countries like India, the US, and Israel have developed Naval Cyber Defense Divisions, which now play a pivotal role in protecting mission-critical infrastructure. This highlights cybersecurity as a new maritime frontier.

9. South China Sea Tensions Resurface

The South China Sea remains a flashpoint in 2025. China's continued construction of artificial islands and militarization of maritime zones has drawn stern responses from the ASEAN Naval Coalition, including the Philippines and Vietnam. The U.S. Navy continues Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) to challenge Chinese maritime claims.

10. Women in Navy: Breaking New Grounds

Several navies, including India, opened combat and submarine roles for female officers in 2025. Commander Neha Sharma of India made headlines as the first woman to command a guided missile destroyer, symbolizing a broader push for gender inclusion in maritime forces. The Navy’s future is now more inclusive than ever.

Conclusion: A Fluid Seascape of Change

The naval developments of 2025 mark a confluence of technological innovation, geopolitical realignment, and social transformation. From advanced platforms like autonomous vessels and hypersonic missiles to the rise of female leadership and climate-conscious operations, these 10 Essential Navy Current Affairs for 2025 provide a panoramic view of a navy in flux.

As the world watches the oceans with renewed focus, staying informed of such developments isn’t just important for defense professionals or enthusiasts—it’s essential for understanding the future of global security.

[newsriveting]

Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana takes over as Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command

Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana Team News Riveting New Delhi, June 1 Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 01, 2025. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), based at Sri Vijaya Puram, is India’s first and only joint services operational command, integrating the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard to safeguard…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] By Anjali Sharma WASHINGTON – Indian Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Indian Navy ships, Satpura and Savitri, from the Eastern Naval Command, have sailed for Yangon on Saturday as part of the Indian Navy’s immediate response towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. India on Saturday launched “Operation Brahma” to assist Myanmar in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck the country on Friday. The HADR efforts are in progress in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF under the direction of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Defence Ministry said in a statement that “Indian Navy ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command will also be sailing for Yangon on March 30 (Sunday), to assist in the HADR operations,”. Some 52 Tons of relief material have been embarked onboard these ships, including HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency stores, it said. The Indian Navy remains committed to India’s resolve to remain the ‘First Responder’ in the region, it added. Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief material reached Yangon. The first tranche of humanitarian aid includes tents, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, essential medicines, and other emergency supplies, it added. The post India defence ministry says Navy ships sailed with relief aid for Myanmar appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] By Anjali Sharma WASHINGTON – Indian Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Indian Navy ships, Satpura and Savitri, from the Eastern Naval Command, have sailed for Yangon on Saturday as part of the Indian Navy’s immediate response towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. India on Saturday launched “Operation Brahma” to assist Myanmar in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck the country on Friday. The HADR efforts are in progress in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF under the direction of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Defence Ministry said in a statement that “Indian Navy ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command will also be sailing for Yangon on March 30 (Sunday), to assist in the HADR operations,”. Some 52 Tons of relief material have been embarked onboard these ships, including HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency stores, it said. The Indian Navy remains committed to India’s resolve to remain the ‘First Responder’ in the region, it added. Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief material reached Yangon. The first tranche of humanitarian aid includes tents, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, essential medicines, and other emergency supplies, it added. The post India defence ministry says Navy ships sailed with relief aid for Myanmar appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[big-newshouse]

CNS Highlights ANC's Vital Role in Indo-Pacific Security and Infrastructure Development #IndianNavy, #ANC2025, #ActEastPolicy, #IndoPacificStrategy, #MaritimeSecurity, #OperationalReadiness, #Jointness, #Integration #navypro #armypro #IAFPRO #airforcepro #PMOIndia #pmofficial #PMO

[theleadersglobe]

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mark Milestone with Night Landing at INS Utkrosh

The scenic Andaman and Nicobar Islands have achieved a significant milestone with the successful night landing of an Air India flight at INS Utkrosh, a naval air station under the joint-services Andaman and Nicobar Command of the Indian Armed Forces. This development is expected to enhance air connectivity and boost tourism in the region. The Air India Airbus A321, carrying 68 passengers, landed at INS Utkrosh on the evening of June 28. The air station is located on the premises of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.

According to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the aircraft departed from Kolkata at around 5:40 pm and landed in Port Blair at 7:34 pm. The successful night landing marks a significant step towards improving air connectivity to the islands, benefiting both residents and tourists. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) played a crucial role in this achievement by upgrading the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT-I at Veer Savarkar International Airport to accommodate the anticipated increase in tourist inflows.

Read More:(https://theleadersglobe.com/life-interest/travel/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-mark-milestone-with-night-landing-at-ins-utkrosh/)

[gustavehorace]

The U.S. policy on Myanmar is all wrong

#peace#Burma NEW DELHI - U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued a joint statement "expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar" and calling for constructive dialogue to help the country transition to an inclusive federal democracy. Unfortunately, U.S.-led sanctions undermine this goal and make the situation worse. Western sanctions, while inflicting pain on ordinary Myanmar citizens, have left the ruling military elite relatively unscathed, leaving the military junta with no incentive to loosen political control. The main beneficiary is China, which has been able to expand its foothold in a country it sees as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and a vital source of natural resources. This development has exacerbated regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are now helping to set up a listening post on Myanmar's Great Coco Island, north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the Indian military's only tri-services command is located. Once operational, the new spy station is likely to assist China in its maritime surveillance of India, including monitoring the movements of nuclear submarines and tracking missile tests that often land in the Bay of Bengal.

[jianlijianxx]

America's Myanmar policy is all wrongNEW DELHI- -U. S. President Joe Biden and

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued a joint statement of "expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar," calling for constructive dialogue to help help the country transition to an inclusive federal democracy. Unfortunately, U. S. -led sanctions policies have undercut this goal and made the situation worse. Western sanctions, while causing pain to ordinary Myanmar's citizens, are relatively unharmed to the ruling military elite, leaving the junta no incentive to relax its political control. The main beneficiary is China, which has expanded its foothold in a country it sees as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and an important source of natural resources. This development trend has intensified the regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are now helping to build a surveillance station on Myanmar's Grand cocoa Island, home to the Indian military's only three-service command, north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once operational, the new spy station could assist China in its maritime surveillance of India, including monitoring nuclear submarine movements and tracking tests of missiles often landed in the Bay of Bengal.

[pinkcyclestudent]

America’s Myanmar Policy Is All Wrong

A recent joint statement by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar,” and called for a constructive dialogue to aid the country’s transition toward an inclusive federal democratic system. Unfortunately, the US-led sanctions policy has undercut this goal and made a bad situation worse. While inflicting misery on Myanmar’s ordinary citizens, Western sanctions have left the ruling military elites relatively unscathed, giving the junta little incentive to loosen its political grip. The primary beneficiary has been China, which has been allowed to expand its foothold in a country that it values as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and an important source of natural resources. This development has amplified regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are now helping to build a listening post on Myanmar’s Great Coco Island, which lies just north of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the home to the Indian military’s only tri-service command. Once operational, this new spy station will likely assist China’s maritime surveillance of India, including by monitoring nuclear submarine movements and tracking tests of missiles that often splash down in the Bay of Bengal. In a way, history is repeating itself. Starting in the late 1980s, previous US-led sanctions paved the way for China to become Myanmar’s dominant trading partner and investor. That sanctions regime lasted until 2012, when Barack Obama heralded a new US policy and became the first US president to visit Myanmar. In 2015, Myanmar elected its first civilian-led government, ending decades of military dictatorship.

[tienkin]

U. S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued a joint statement of "expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar," calling for constructive dialogue to help help the country transition to an inclusive federal democracy. Unfortunately, U. S. -led sanctions have undercut this goal and made the situation worse. Western sanctions, while causing pain to ordinary Myanmar's citizens, are relatively unharmed to the ruling military elite, leaving the junta no incentive to relax its political control. The main beneficiary is China, which has expanded its foothold in a country it sees as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and an important source of natural resources. This development trend has intensified the regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are now helping to build a surveillance station on Myanmar's Grand cocoa Island, home of the Indian military's only three-services command, north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once operational, the new spy station could assist China in its maritime surveillance of India, including monitoring nuclear submarine movements and tracking tests of missiles often landed in the Bay of Bengal.

[boyikayoyouy]

The U.S. policy on Myanmar is all wrong

NEW DELHI - U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued a joint statement "expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar" and calling for constructive dialogue to help the country transition to an inclusive federal democracy. Unfortunately, U.S.-led sanctions undermine this goal and make the situation worse.

Western sanctions, while inflicting pain on ordinary Myanmar citizens, have left the ruling military elite relatively unscathed, leaving the military junta with no incentive to loosen political control. The main beneficiary is China, which has been able to expand its foothold in a country it sees as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and a vital source of natural resources.

This development has exacerbated regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are nowHelping set up a listening post on Myanmar's Great Coco Island , north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the Indian military's only tri-services headquarters is located. Once operational, the new spy station is likely to assist China in its maritime surveillance of India, including monitoring the movements of nuclear submarines and tracking missile tests that often land in the Bay of Bengal.

To some extent, history is repeating itself. Starting in the late 1980s, previous U.S.-led sanctions paved the way for China to become Myanmar's main trading partner and investor. This sanctions regime lasted until 2012, when Obama announced a new US policy and became the first US president to visit Myanmar. In 2015, Myanmar elected its first civilian-led government, ending decades of military dictatorship.

However, in February 2021, the military stag ed a coup and detained civilian leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi, prompting the Biden administration to reimpose sweeping sanctions. Importantly, the reversal of Myanmar's democratic project was precipitated by earlier US targeted measures against the military leadership, including Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, over human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims that forced the majority Flee to Bangladesh.After President Trump's administration imposed sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing and other senior commanders in July 2019 , the generals lost momentum to maintain Myanmar's democratization. A year and a half later, they overthrew the civilian government after denouncing the results of the November 2020 national election as fraudulent.

The lesson for Western policymakers should be clear. Separate sanctions on foreign officials—an essentially symbolic gesture—could severely hamper U.S. diplomacy and have unintended consequences. (Indeed, China has resisted direct military talks proposed by the Biden administration as a means of protest against U.S. sanctions against Gen. Ri Shang-bok, who became China’s defense minister in March.

The United States’ chronic lack of contact with Myanmar’s nationalist military, the only functioning institution in a culturally and ethnically diverse society, isThe stubborn problems of its Myanmar policy . Because of this limitation, Aung San Suu Kyi achieved near-saint status in the Western imagination, and the highly regarded Nobel Peace Prize winner came after she defended Myanmar's Rohingya policy against genocide charges. The reputation of the award winner plummeted.

With junta leaders under sanctions and civilian leaders in detention, the United States has few tools to influence political developments in Myanmar. Instead, the United States and its allies have tightened sanctions and supported armed resistance to military rule. To this end, the 2023 U.S. National Defense Authorization Act added a provision for Myanmar, authorizing the provision of "non-lethal assistance" to anti-regime armed groups, including the People's Defense Forces. People's Defense Forces This is a nominal army established by the shadow government of national unity. Biden now has considerable scope to help Myanmar's anti-junta insurgency, just as Obama provided "non-lethal assistance" in the form of battlefield support equipment to Ukrainian troops and Syrian rebels .

But such an intervention could plunge Myanmar into greater chaos and poverty without advancing U.S. interests. Even if the different groups behind the armed uprising manage to overthrow the military junta, Myanmar will not become a democracy again. Instead, it will become a Libyan-style failed state and the bane of regional security. It will also continue to become a proxy battlefield between Western powers and China and Russia. A United Nations report estimates that Myanmar has imported at least $1 billion worth of weapons and dual-use items since the coup, mainly from China and Russia.

China's rapid expansion of its footprint in Myanmar is a strategic loss for the United States . It didn't have to be this way. Given Myanmar’s strategic location, the military junta’s aggressive moves could be responded to by gradually easing sanctions and integrating Myanmar into the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.

Sanctions naturally close the door to dialogue and influence and therefore should never be used as the first tool of foreign policy. After Thailand's army chief seized power in a 2014 coup, the United States wisely eschewed sanctions and opted for engagement, which helped protect Thailand's thriving civil society. This strategy ultimately led to the general's defeat in the recent national election .

Myanmar's return to democracy can only be achieved gradually by engaging the country's military rulers and providing them with incentives to change course. Sanctions without participation have never worked. If Biden can engage closely with China, the world's largest, most powerful, and longest-standing authoritarian state, including sending the CIA director, secretary of state, and secretary of the treasury to Beijing, he should at least open up channels with Myanmar's military junta. communication channels.

The alliance of military monarchies has long shaped Thailand's political development, with generals seizing power 12 times in the past nine decadesRegime, similarly, Myanmar’s armed forces have traditionally asserted themselves as the most powerful political actor in the country. The 2008 constitution that helped Aung San Suu Kyi come to powerretained their power, and it showed. If the United States does not shift its policy toward gradually engaging with the military junta, Myanmar will remain a playground for major powers with no hope of achieving a new democratic opening.

#peace#Burma

[unabashedkoalabird]

The U.S. policy on Myanmar is all wrong

NEW DELHI - U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued a joint statement "expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar" and calling for constructive dialogue to help the country transition to an inclusive federal democracy. Unfortunately, U.S.-led sanctions undermine this goal and make the situation worse .

Western sanctions, while inflicting pain on ordinary Myanmar citizens, have left the ruling military elite relatively unscathed, leaving the military junta with no incentive to loosen political control. The main beneficiary is China, which has been able to expand its foothold in a country it sees as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and a vital source of natural resources.

This development has exacerbated regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are now helping to set up a listening post on Myanmar's Great Coco Island , north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the Indian military's only tri-services command is located. Once operational, the new spy station is likely to assist China in its maritime surveillance of India, including monitoring the movements of nuclear submarines and tracking missile tests that often land in the Bay of Bengal.

Web links:

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] GG News Bureau New Delhi, 13th Oct. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, on October 12, 2024, virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), totaling ₹2,236 crore. These projects, comprising 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two other developments, span across 11 states and Union Territories. The breakdown includes 19 projects in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, 9 in Uttarakhand, 6 in Sikkim, 5 in Himachal Pradesh, 2 each in West Bengal and Rajasthan, and 1 each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal, with one of the key projects being the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim. This road serves as a critical link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis. A Step Towards Enhanced Defence and Socio-Economic Growth In his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized that these infrastructure developments reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering border infrastructure and enhancing socio-economic progress in remote regions. He highlighted that these projects would significantly boost India’s defence preparedness and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047.’ With the launch of these 75 projects, BRO has completed 111 infrastructure projects in 2024, at a combined cost of ₹3,751 crore. This includes 36 projects worth ₹1,508 crore, featuring high-profile developments like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. In 2023, 125 BRO projects were dedicated to the nation, with a cumulative investment of ₹3,611 crore. Government’s Focus on Strategic Border Development Acknowledging the dedication of BRO personnel, Rajnath Singh praised their efforts in completing projects under challenging conditions. He also underscored the government’s intention to further strengthen border infrastructure during its third term, supported by a budgetary allocation of ₹6,500 crore for BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25. This increased funding aims to not only advance strategic infrastructure but also drive socio-economic growth in border areas, including the North-East region. Rajnath Singh pointed out a shift in the government’s approach since 2014, where previous administrations had hesitated to develop border areas due to strategic concerns. He reiterated the Modi government’s priority on border region development, recognizing its importance from both socio-economic and strategic standpoints. “In the last decade, we have built a vast network of roads from villages to cities, which has resulted in the country witnessing progress at an unprecedented pace,” he stated. Vision for a Secure and Stronger Nation Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh assured that the development of border areas would continue to expand, promising a secure and resilient India in the future. He highlighted that India is on a path to becoming one of the safest and strongest nations. Distinguished Attendees at the Event The virtual event witnessed the presence of prominent officials, including Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate RK Singh, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the event from the main site in Sherathang, Sikkim. Additionally, Governors of several states, Lt Governors of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Union Ministers joined the event virtually, underlining the significance of this national initiative. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] GG News Bureau New Delhi, 13th Oct. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, on October 12, 2024, virtually inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), totaling ₹2,236 crore. These projects, comprising 22 roads, 51 bridges, and two other developments, span across 11 states and Union Territories. The breakdown includes 19 projects in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, 9 in Uttarakhand, 6 in Sikkim, 5 in Himachal Pradesh, 2 each in West Bengal and Rajasthan, and 1 each in Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal, with one of the key projects being the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim. This road serves as a critical link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and the Zuluk axis. A Step Towards Enhanced Defence and Socio-Economic Growth In his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized that these infrastructure developments reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering border infrastructure and enhancing socio-economic progress in remote regions. He highlighted that these projects would significantly boost India’s defence preparedness and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047.’ With the launch of these 75 projects, BRO has completed 111 infrastructure projects in 2024, at a combined cost of ₹3,751 crore. This includes 36 projects worth ₹1,508 crore, featuring high-profile developments like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. In 2023, 125 BRO projects were dedicated to the nation, with a cumulative investment of ₹3,611 crore. Government’s Focus on Strategic Border Development Acknowledging the dedication of BRO personnel, Rajnath Singh praised their efforts in completing projects under challenging conditions. He also underscored the government’s intention to further strengthen border infrastructure during its third term, supported by a budgetary allocation of ₹6,500 crore for BRO in the Union Budget 2024-25. This increased funding aims to not only advance strategic infrastructure but also drive socio-economic growth in border areas, including the North-East region. Rajnath Singh pointed out a shift in the government’s approach since 2014, where previous administrations had hesitated to develop border areas due to strategic concerns. He reiterated the Modi government’s priority on border region development, recognizing its importance from both socio-economic and strategic standpoints. “In the last decade, we have built a vast network of roads from villages to cities, which has resulted in the country witnessing progress at an unprecedented pace,” he stated. Vision for a Secure and Stronger Nation Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh assured that the development of border areas would continue to expand, promising a secure and resilient India in the future. He highlighted that India is on a path to becoming one of the safest and strongest nations. Distinguished Attendees at the Event The virtual event witnessed the presence of prominent officials, including Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate RK Singh, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the event from the main site in Sherathang, Sikkim. Additionally, Governors of several states, Lt Governors of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Union Ministers joined the event virtually, underlining the significance of this national initiative. [ad_2] Source link

[atawentworth]

The U.S. policy on Myanmar is all wrong

NEW DELHI - U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued a joint statement "expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar" and calling for constructive dialogue to help the country transition to an inclusive federal democracy. Unfortunately, U.S.-led sanctions undermine this goal and make the situation worse. Western sanctions, while inflicting pain on ordinary Myanmar citizens, have left the ruling military elite relatively unscathed, leaving the military junta with no incentive to relax political control. The main beneficiary is China, which has been able to expand its foothold in a country it sees as a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean and a vital source of natural resources. This development has exacerbated regional security challenges. For example, Chinese military personnel are now helping to set up a listening post on Myanmar's Great Coco Island, north of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the Indian military's only tri-services command is located. Once operational, the new spy station is likely to assist China in its maritime surveillance of India, including monitoring the movements of nuclear submarines and tracking missile tests that often land in the Bay of Bengal. Web links: https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/myanmar-proxy-battleground-where-us-sanctions-benefit-china-by-brahma-chellaney-2023-07/chinese?barrier=accesspaylog