IKB-DEF-APR 29, 15 - Indicia Research & Advisory
Transcription
IKB-DEF-APR 29, 15 - Indicia Research & Advisory
Indicia Knowledge Brief A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security April 29, 2015. Primary aims of Indicia Daily Brief are two-fold. First, it distills infinite information into a capsule form, thus saving precious time of its clients. Second, it tries to link micro-events to larger strategic canvas through its analyses, thus providing support knowledge for better understanding and decision-making. Indicia Analysis of the Day The new US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be visiting India in June and will sign the enhanced Defence Framework Agreement for the next ten years between the two countries. An important agenda will be the nearly $2.5-billion deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. Just ahead of the Union government’s decision to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft from France in fly-away condition, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had raised alarm with a Parliamentary panel that the already underway drawdown would bring the IAF to just 25 squadrons in the next seven years by 2022. I. National Defence and Security: US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter to visit India in June to ink defence agreement: The new US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be visiting India in June and will sign the enhanced Defence Framework Agreement for the next ten years between the two countries. Also on the agenda will be the nearly $2.5-billion deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters besides taking forward the talks on proposed co-development and co-production of military technology, ranging from aircraft carrier launch systems to mini drones. Pointing out that India and US are tracking some 77 different line of effort that came out of President Barack Obama's visit here, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said, "We have re-energised or launched 30 new initiatives, 30 different dialogue". He said that the US Embassy here has every element of American government and at any given day, they are interacting with some element of the Indian government, adding "we are not going to let the momentum go"..... Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/us-defence-secretary-ashton-carter-to-visitindia-in-june-to-ink-defence-agreement/articleshow/47080747.cms * India, US to sign defence framework agreement for next 10 yrs in June: Come June, India and the US will sign the enhanced defence framework agreement for the next 10 years.This was disclosed by US ambassador to New Delhi Richard Verma, who said the signing would take place when America's new Defence Secretary Ashton Carter visits India in June. Verma said India and the US were tracking some some 77 different line of effort that came out of President Barack Obama's visit here in January."We have re-energised or launched 30 new initiatives, 30 different dialogue", he said at the first US-India think tank summit. The US ambassador added that $ 2.5-billion deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters besides, co-development and co-production of military technology, ranging from aircraft carrier launch systems to mini drones are on the cards. He said that the US Embassy here has every element of American government and at any given day, they are interacting with some element of the Indian government, adding "we are not going to let the momentum go"..... Source: http://www.saharasamay.com/nation-news/676571919/india-us-to-sign-defence-frameworkagreement-for-next-10-yrs.html * Modi-Ghani meet: India pledges support in defence, other areas: India today offered assistance to war-ravaged Afghanistan in diverse sectors including defence as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held extensive talks during which both leaders stressed the need for concrete action to dismantle terror networks. According to sources, Indian side told the Afghan delegation that Afghanistan should "let their defence requirements be known" to India. Significantly, Ghani's predecessor Hamid Karzai was strongly pushing for supply of military hardware by India to enhance Afghan defence capability. In the meeting, Modi and Ghani, who is here on his first visit after assuming office in September last, discussed host of key issues including connectivity and security, with the Prime Minister making a strong pitch for a positive and constructive approach from neighbours of Afghanistan including to end support for violence. Asserting that Indo-Afghan partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics, Modi said the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence was in their shared interest. After the comprehensive talks with Ghani on entire gamut of bilateral ties as well as on key regional and international issues, Modi, at a joint press event with the visiting leader, said he conveyed India's support for his vision for peace and stability in Afghanistan. "We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence.... Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/modi-ghani-meet-india-pledges-supportin-defence-other-areas-115042800716_1.html * Before Rafale deal, IAF rang alarm: Just ahead of the Union government’s decision to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft from France in fly-away condition, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had raised alarm with a Parliamentary panel that the already underway drawdown would bring the IAF to just 25 squadrons in the next seven years by 2022-thereby losing even the “slight edge” the IAF has over “rival neighbouring nation.” The standing committee on defence chaired by Maj Gen B C Khanduri (retd) on Monday presented a report before the Parliament pulling the government for delays in acquisitions which have affected the modernisation of the forces-mainly IAF and the Army. “Representatives of IAF deposed before the committee that a drawdown has already begun and, by 2022, the air force will have around just 25 squadrons, thereby losing even the slight edge over rival neighbouring nation,” the standing committee report said. The IAF, which is down to 35 operational squadrons against its stipulated strength of 42 received a reliever when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his visit to France announced that 36 Rafale fighter jets would be bought from France in fly-away condition. This number, corresponding to just two squadrons is unlikely to help the IAF which is hoping for a decision on more number of Rafale jets. The earlier on process, of procuring 126 jets, has already been scrapped..... Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/before-rafale-deal-iaf-rang-alarm/ * OFB to get audited by globally reputed firm: Parrikar: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in a Press Release informed that he has initiated Quality Audit of eight factories which will be undertaken by a globally reputed firm to improve upon the existing processes and attain Zero Defect production system. of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The current move by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been seen as initiatives towards improving the performance of OFB in this includes efforts to operate OFB on a Corporate model (not Corporatise) with a commercial accounting system. The procurement manual has also been revised keeping in view the Make In India plan to facilitate long-term procurement. Parrikar also said that OFB is undergoing a paradigm shift from that of a manufacturer of defence equipment to a Complete Solution Provider. OFB’s new role will encompass design, development, bulk production and life cycle sustenance equipment. he also added that OFB would be made into a lead integrator of major platforms and as a manufacturer of the world class defence equipment. With the offset regime in place, OFB is also looking forward towards delivering many sub-systems to leading overseas players. Source: http://idrw.org/ofb-to-get-audited-by-globally-reputed-firm-parrikar/ * Indigenous ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle cleared by Paramilitary forces: According to Ministry of defence, (MOD) Press Release ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle (7.62X39mm) developed by Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) has been cleared by Paramilitary forces. ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle (AR) has met all the technical parameters of General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) issued by Paramilitary forces which fall under Ministry of Home affairs. Final User trails of ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle (AR) was found satisfactory by Paramilitary forces and Ministry of Home affairs likely will place first batch order of 3000 rifles with Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) soon. The rifle which weighs 3.65 kg (without magazine) can hold 30 rounds in its magazine, which can be fired at Single shot or in Automatic mode and rate of fire is 600 rounds per minute. ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle (AR) is also been evaluated by Indian Army for its Ghatak Commando forces. which as requirements for new Assualt rifles. Source: http://idrw.org/indigenous-ghatak-assault-rifle-cleared-by-paramilitary-forces/ * Trials a hit, desi Bofors outguns Swedish original: This is one 'Make in India' defence project that is now finally booming. The desi howitzer, christened Dhanush, can outgun the original Swedish Bofors 155mm artillery gun in range, accuracy, reliability, angle of fire and shoot-and-scoot capabilities. The Army is now getting set to induct the first battery of six Dhanush guns, which will be the first 155mm howitzers to be acquired by the force since the infamous Bofors scandal torpedoed all its artillery modernisation plans in the mid-1980s. Recurring scandals in artillery procurement projects kept it derailed thereafter, with the infamous Bofors ghost looming large over attempts to plug the Army's operational gaps in long-range, high volume firepower. Ironically enough, it's the original Bofors gun that came to the rescue of the beleaguered force. The Army-DRDO-OFB team kicked off work on the longforgotten original designs, obtained under transfer of technology provisions in the infamous Rs 1,437 crore Bofors contract of 1986, a few years ago. It has led to the electronically upgraded Dhanush howitzer now. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Trials-a-hit-desi-Bofors-outguns-Swedishoriginal/articleshow/47076413.cms * Parrikar visits army base workshop, praises facilities: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday visited 512 Army Base Workshop in Khadki. Parrikar was received by Lt Gen RJ Noronha, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Southern Command. The minister was briefed by Brig Akash Popli, Commandant and Managing Director 512 Army Base Workshop, on the range of repair activities undertaken at the base workshop. 512 Army Base Workshop is the flagship base workshop of the Indian Army and is currently engaged in the overhaul of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) of East European origin. The workshop, set up in Mumbai in 1853, is today the largest base workshop of the Indian Army, with civilians and combatants working together. In addition to overhauling Infantry Combat Vehicles and Armoured Recovery Vehicles, engines for meeting the requirement of the field army are also being overhauled. A press release from the Defence PRO said that the minister appreciated the rerubberisation facilities. 512 Army Base Workshop is also one of the primary spares supplier to the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) at Pune, wherein spares for prosthetic limbs are manufactured and supplied for the rehabilitation of disabled soldiers. Parrikar was shown the indigenisation activities undertaken under the Make in India initiative and was also briefed on the modernisation projects being undertaken to lift the workshop to contemporary industrial standards..... Source: facilities/ http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/parrikar-visits-army-base-workshop-praises- * IAF to get trainer Mirage-2000 as Attrition replacement: Indian air force request to procure Second hand French Mirage 2000 trainer aircraft has been cleared. Aircraft will be supplied by French Armée de l’Air (Airforce ) from their Reserve and will replace Mirage-2000TH trainer which had crashed in 2012. IAF operated 10 Mirage-2000TH trainer aircrafts, but in 2012 IAF lost Two Mirage-2000s in accidents and both aircrafts were trainer variants. now down to 8 trainers IAF had made a request to Ministry of Defense to buy 2 Mirage-2000TH trainer aircrafts as Attrition replacement but the purchase of only one has been cleared by MOD. Trainer aircrafts play an essential role for training fresh pilots on the aircraft type. IAF recently received first two upgraded Mirage 2000 from Dassault. Sources close to idrw.org have not confirmed the configuration of the Mirage-2000 to be acquired nor if it will be upgraded to Dash V Configuration in near future. The Indian air force currently operates three Mirage 2000 squadrons and with latest upgrades to Dash V Configuration, Mirage will be part of the operational fleet of the Indian air force for next two decades. Source: http://idrw.org/iaf-to-get-trainer-mirage-2000-as-attrition-replacement/ * Why S-400 for China is a Serious threat to Indian Air Space: Moscow has agreed to sell China six battalions of the state-of-the-art S-400 missile system. While Chinese media has been propagating that new missile systems will enhance its air defense capability against the United States and its allies in the Western Pacific (Japan). Indian media or Armed forces are yet to make any threat assessment of S-400 missile system sale to china and how it could create a regional imbalance in south Asia. Missile sale will still pose a serious threat to Indian Air Space not the only in the northeast but the also in the western sector. About S-400 S-400 uses three different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope. Longest missile dubbed as the 40N6 has a range of 400km and Each battalion has eight launchers, a control center, a radar and 16 missiles available as reloads. Each launcher can fire two missiles simultaneously and all equipment is mobile. S-400 missile can hit targets at altitudes as high as 31,000 meters and its radar can acquire targets 700 kilometers away.S-400 is also capable of intercepting missiles and air breathing targets at close range is immune to electronic countermeasures . Threat from North-East China already operates older S-300s, which has a range of 300 kilometers. China also has developed HQ-9 medium- to long-range, active radar homing surface-toair missile which has borrowed hardware from the Russian S-300PMU and is capable of hitting a target up to 200km. China would no doubt attempt to reverse engineer S-400 or borrow hardware from S-400 to develop its own new long range Surface to air missile system as it has done with previous sales of the S300. What should worry India is that S-400 according to media reports will allow China to strike any aerial target as far as New Delhi and Calcutta from its forward operational bases which pose a serious threat not only to forward bases but also to Strategic airbases operated by Indian Airforce . Missile likely will be deployed in Tibet which will provide a crucial Aerial defense to its forward Airforce bases against raiding Indian Airforce jets..... Source: http://idrw.org/why-s-400-for-china-is-a-serious-threat-to-indian-air-space/ * India to continue support for capacity-building of Afghan security forces: PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that "the relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments. It is a timeless link of human hearts". Addressing a joint press conference with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in New Delhi, the PM said that "we admire the courage and resolve of the Afghan people to seek a future of peace and prosperity". "The partnership between India and Afghanistan has blossomed despite barriers of geography and politics," PM Modi said. "We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and owned process, within framework of the Afghan Constitution," the PM said, adding, "We hope to quickly conclude bilateral Motor Vehicle pact and I am also ready to take forward the Chabahar port project." PM Modi also assured the Afghanistan president that India will "continue its support for capacity building of Afghan security forces". "India will walk shoulder to shoulder with you and the Afghan people in a mission of global importance," the PM said adding, "We share Afghanistan's pain over persisting terrorism and extremist violence that destroy lives and derail progress." President Ashraf Ghani said, "We are determined to change regional nature of cooperation,terror cannot be classified into good or bad." Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-to-continue-support-for-capacity-building-ofAfghan-security-forces-PM-Modi/articleshow/47081826.cms * Defence show at Jaisalmer aimed at enhancing strike force: To hone its combat skills and validate its strike capabilities Kharga Corps is undertaking a major exercise in the area of Suratgarh in Rajasthan wherein more than 20,000 troops are participating. The final show of the exercise will be done in 2-3 days in the presence of lt Gen KJ Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command. The exercise is aimed at improving defence cooperation between the various wings of the army and air force and enhance their ability to operate as an integrated force in a well-coordinated manner at the tactical level. Code named Brahmashira the exercise aims to validate the battle readiness and operational effectiveness of the Kharga Strike Corps along with all its affiliated components and will witness display of seamless integration of air force as part of 'integrated theatre battle concept'. The exercise will be witnessed by lt Gen K J Singh. Defense spokesman lt Col Manish Ojha said, "The exercise envisages mechanised manoeuvres in an entire spectrum of new generation of equipment, including major weapon platforms. These combat manoeuvres also co-opt a significant contribution from the fighter ground attack aircrafts from Indian Air Force, attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted vehicles, and utility helicopters. Strategic and long range vectors will also be employed during the exercise. Troop insertion by air using third dimension will be integrated fully in the exercise in the true spirit of jointness." He said "Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Communication systems will be put to test in a network centric battlefield environment during the exercise duly supported by enabling operational logistics. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to all Commanders in planning and conduct of large scale operations in an Integrated Theatre Environment." Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Defence-show-at-Jaisalmer-aimed-at-enhancing-strikeforce/articleshow/47070124.cms * May consider sale of DRDO products to friendly countries: Govt : The government could consider possible sale of DRDO-developed products and systems like radars, missiles and torpedoes to friendly countries, Parliament was today told. Informing Rajya Sabha about the export by India of three HullMounted Sonar systems to Myanmar, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply that said in a written reply that DRDO has developed sonars for Indian Navy and transferred technology to Indian industries for manufacture and supply of the same to Indian Navy. "Some of the DRDO developed products/systems, like radars, electronic warfare systems, AEW&C systems, bridging systems, missiles, torpedoes, decoy and fire control systems, among others, can be considered for export to friendly countries," Parrikar said. He added that Bharat Electronics Ltd ( BEL) has exported three Hull-Mounted Sonars to Myanmar which were manufactured based on technology designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/may-consider-sale-of-drdo-products-tofriendly-countries-govt/articleshow/47084703.cms * Rajasthan offers tax sops for investment in defence sector: To attract investors, the Rajasthan government has amended its investment promotion scheme, 2014, to offer tax benefits for funding in the defence sector. The amendment, made on April 24, 2015, would be effected from the retrospective date of March 9, 2015, an official spokeman said. Enterprises, making an investment equal to or above Rs 100 crore but below Rs 500 crore in the defence sector will be given a number of benefits, the spokesman said. Enterprises, making an investment equal to or above Rs 100 crore but below Rs 500 crore in the defence sector will be given a number of benefits, the spokesman said. Investors would be provided investment subsidy of 50 per cent on VAT and CST for seven years, employment generation subsidy up to 10 per cent of VAT and CST for seven years, and 50 per cent exemption from payment of entry tax on capital goods, for setting up plant for new unit or for expansion of existing enterprise or for revival of sick industrial enterprise..... Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajasthan-offers-tax-sops-for-investment-indefence-sector/articleshow/47088364.cms * 'Shaheed' not defined in defence or central forces: Govt: Government on Tuesday informed the Parliament that the term 'shaheed' or martyr is not defined "anywhere" and there is no official order to accord the same to defence or paramilitary personnel. "There have been demands for giving shaheed/martyr status to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles (AR) personnel killed in action. In the meeting of Committee of Secretaries held on September 14, 2011, Ministry of Defence indicated that shaheed/martyr is not defined anywhere and presently they are not issuing any order/notification to this effect in respect of defence personnel. "Similarly, no status of shaheed/martyr is given to the CAPF and Assam Rifles. However, their families/next of kin are given full family pension under the Liberalised Pensionary award rules and lump sum ex-gratia compensation of Rs 15 lakh as per rules in addition to other benefits admissible," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in Lok Sabha. The CAPFs like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB and NSG have made representations to the Union Home Ministry that 'shaheed' salutation is being demanded by the personnel of these forces. The Central Reserve Police Force, last year, had, however, issued in-house orders making it mandatory to use 'shaheed' before the name of a martyred personnel and in all communications vis-a-vis its slain men and women. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shaheed-not-defined-in-defence-or-central-forcesGovt/articleshow/47083975.cms * India set to scout for 100 naval choppers: The armed forces' quest for new helicopters has seen controversies, scams and scrapping of tenders, much like the lingering Bofors ghost not allowing the induction of any new artillery howitzer in the Army for the last 30 years. In a bid to break the jinx, the Centre is set to kick off the hunt for over 100 newgeneration naval utility helicopters (NUH), which will replace the obsolete Chetak helicopters in the Navy, in a 'Make in India' project with foreign collaboration for over $2 billion. Eleven Indian private sector companies, ranging from Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, Mahindra Aerospace to Reliance Defence & Aerospace and L&T, have already responded with proposed joint ventures revolving around three foreign helicopters - AS565 MBe of Airbus, Bell Helicopters-429 and Super Lynx 300 of AgustaWestland. With the armed forces planning to induct well over 1,000 helicopters of different types in the next 1015 years, the Indian private sector eyes a big business opportunity in the country's aerospace sector, which has largely been domestic PSU Hindustan Aeronautics' preserve so far. "The formal tender for the over 100 NUH is now being vetted before issuance. The project will give a fillip to the 'Make in India' initiative in the aerospace industry, with transfer of technology in niche areas not available here till now," said a source. Though the Army and IAF also require 384 light-utility helicopters, the NUH is different since it needs wheeled landing gear, sea optimization, foldable blades and small dimensions to ensure it can fit into warship hangars. The capability for anti-submarine warfare with torpedoes and missiles is also required. But like the Army-IAF case, the Navy's earlier tender for importing 56 NUH was cancelled to ensure the project becomes a 'Buy & Make (Indian)' venture. In August last year, soon after the Modi government came to power, the defence ministry had scrapped the long-pending acquisition of 197 light-utility helicopters for Army-IAF from abroad due to irregularities. Along with HAL's ongoing project to build 187 light helicopters, which was sanctioned in February 2009, the ministry of defence decided all the 197 choppers would also be made in India with foreign collaboration. Officials, in fact, say the 'Buy & Make (Indian)' categorization of the light-utility helicopters has the potential to give Rs 40,000 crore worth of business to the domestic industry.... Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-set-to-scout-for-100-navalchoppers/articleshow/47089953.cms * IAF Needs More C-17 but Boeing Plans to Shut Production Line: Even as Boeing is eyeing to end production of C-17 Globemaster and close its final assembly line three months prior than originally anticipated, Indian Air Force has pressed for additional three such heavy lift aircraft. The Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster has been extensively employed in evacuation and rescue operations ever since India bought 10 of them in 2013. The Globemasters have had 100 or more sorties in the last two-three years saving thousands of lives in Jammu and Kashmir floods, Yemen evacuation and most recently Nepal earthquake relief effort. Impressed with the cargo carrier’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid and rescue stranded people operations has initiated a proposal to the Indian Government to buy additional three Globemasters. “IAF has pressed the case for three more C-17s after it was informed that only five such aircraft are left for sale as the US firm (Boeing) has closed down the production line,” Economic Times quoted unnamed officials as saying today. India had an option to buy six additional Globemasters as per the 2011 contract which was worth $4.7 billion. The decision on buying the aircraft lies with Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar led Defense Acquisition Committee. "Based on current market trends and the timing of expected orders, Boeing anticipates completing C-17 production in mid-2015, an adjustment of approximately three months from an initial estimate of late 2015," Boeing had said in a statement April last year. "It takes a long time to build a C-17. The contractual cycle and the build cycle are long and so the decisions had to be made now," Boeing spokeswoman Cindy Anderson had said last year. Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=bGk5LXYWNFM= * Army’s Everest trek turns into rescue operation: An Indian Army climbing expedition has turned into a rescue mission at the base camp of Mount Everest. After a massive earthquake jolted the Himalayan region and led to killer avalanches on Saturday, a 30-member team of soldiers which had gone to peak the highest summit in the world escaped by the skin of their teeth. They then started working to save lives on the harsh terrain and will be the last to leave. "We have treated about 80 injured including foreign climbers and sherpas. Around 10 of them had suffered head injuries," says Ritesh Goel, 28, the only doctor in the team. The severely injured were evacuated on Sunday morning. Around 15 bodies were also recovered and three people are known to have succumbed to their injuries on their way down from base camp, which is at a height of 17,700 feet. One Indian soldier who suffered a minor injury has also been pulled out, according to army spokesperson Col Rohan Anand...... Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Armys-Everest-trek-turns-into-rescueoperation/articleshow/47089606.cms II Homeland Security * Centre accuses Kashmiri separatists of instigating locals against govt: Having prevailed over the J&K government to arrest hardline Hurriyat leader Masarat Alam on charges of sedition, the Centre on Tuesday accused Kashmiri separatists of instigating locals against the government and security forces by exploiting emotive issues like alleged excesses by security personnel, misuse of laws like AFSPA and PSA and perceived apathy of government towards families affected by the recent floods. Minister of state for home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary, in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, said the separatists had even tried to undermine the relief and rehabilitation work done by various government agencies during J&K floods last year, while projecting themselves as "saviour of the Kashmiri people". Warning of stringent action against any illegal activities of separatist elements, Chaudhary stated: "The government is committed to ensure that no anti-national activities take place which destabilise the situation in J&K, with consequences across the country". Ruling out a soft approach towards any mischief by separatists, he did leave the door ajar for a dialogue with "those who eschew the path of violence and are willing to work within the framework of the Constitution".... Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-accuses-Kashmiri-separatists-of-instigatinglocals-against-govt/articleshow/47087125.cms Indicia solicits comments and advice from readers on any aspect of the report. It believes that cross-fertilisation of knowledge invariably leads to better knowledge Indicia Research & Advisory Fusion Knowledge in Indian Defence and Strategic Affairs C – 79, Basement, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110 017 T&F: + 91 11 4579 2922, email: [email protected]