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Text of PM’s statement to the Media, in the Joint Press Briefing with US President, Mr. Barack Obama

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
28-September-2015 22:26 IST

Text of PM’s statement to the Media, in the Joint Press Briefing with US President, Mr. Barack Obama

President Obama,
Members of the media,

It is a great pleasure to meet President Obama in New York. Thank you for hosting this meeting.

I deeply value your friendship and your vision and commitment for the relationship between our two countries.

We have achieved significant progress in our bilateral cooperation and international partnership.

I was in Silicon Valley over the weekend. I experienced the strength of American innovation and enterprise that provide the foundation of American success.

I also saw the driving force of our relationship - youth, technology and innovation; and, the natural partnerships of Indian and Americans in advancing human progress.

California also reminds us that India and the United States are part of the dynamic Asia Pacific Region.

Amid the problems that the world faces today and the global challenges that we see ahead, our partnership is of great significance for us and our world.

We can apply innovation and technology for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, including combating climate change and conserving Nature.

President and I share an uncompromising commitment on climate change, without affecting our ability to meet the development aspirations of humanity. We have both set ambitious national agendas.

In India, our measures include not just a plan to add 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, but a development strategy that will enable us to transition to a more sustainable energy mix. This is an exercise we are undertaking in the spirit of our culture and tradition, but also because of our commitment to the future of this planet.

Our extraordinary bilateral partnership in the energy sector focuses on clean and renewable energy and energy efficiency.

I also thank President Obama for his positive response to my call for a global public partnership for developing affordable clean energy sources that will enable faster adoption of clean energy across the world.

We should work together to advance that goal. And, it is equally important to develop mechanisms to ensure that the affordable also become accessible to those who need it the most.

We look forward to comprehensive and concrete outcome in Paris with a positive agenda on combating climate change, which also focuses on access to finance and technology for the developing world, especially the poor countries and small island states.

I thanked President Obama for U.S. support for India's permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. I also sought U.S. support to complete the reform process within a fixed time frame.

I expressed our appreciation for continued U.S. support for India's membership of the international export control regimes within our targeted time frame.

Our partnership addresses a broad range of strategic and security concerns.

Our defence cooperation, including defence trade and training, is expanding. As existing terrorism threats grow and new ones emerge, we have resolved to further deepen cooperation on counter terrorism and radicalism. We have just had a successful cyber security dialogue.

We have agreed to further strengthen our consultation and cooperation on helping the Afghan people combat terrorism and build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future of their nation.

I welcomed the progress in giving shape to our Joint Strategic Vision on Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions as also our joint engagement with regional partners like Japan. This will also strengthen our maritime security cooperation.

To further increase our strategic engagement in the region, I look forward to working with the U.S. for India’s early membership of Asian Pacific Economic Community.

Our economic partnership is a key driver of our relationship. I have had excellent meetings with business leaders in New York and San Jose. I am very pleased with their confidence in India and value their constructive feedback and suggestions.

We will also continue to work towards a stronger bilateral framework of economic cooperation, including the Bilateral Investment Treaty and Totalisation Agreement.

This meeting and my engagements in the U.S. demonstrate the extraordinary depth and diversity of our relationship.

Our meeting today was very productive in advancing some of our immediate priorities as also our broader strategic partnership.

Thank you.

***

AKT/AK

Indo Sri Lanka Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2015 to Commence from 29 Sep

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
27-September-2015 16:39 IST

Indo Sri Lanka Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2015 to Commence from 29 Sep
In continuation with the series of Joint Exercise between India and Sri Lanka to build Military to Military co-operation and interoperability, Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2015 will be conducted shortly at Pune with the scheduled arrival of the Sri Lankan contingent at Aundh Camp on 29 September 2015. This will be the third joint training exercise between the two Armies.

The aim of the joint training is to share the best military practices and promoting healthy military to military relations between the two Armies and developing joint strategies by sharing expertise of conducting operations. The idea is to tap the rich repository of experience of each other and extract maximum learning value from the joint training. Forming part of different levels of the military to military engagement across the entire spectrum of operations, this exercise will enrich the two contingents in further honing basic military skills.

The exercise is planned for a duration of 14 days with the basic objective of enhancing confidence and trust between the two militaries, which are often called upon to engage in anti terrorism operations including those under the UN mandate. The conduct of Joint Military Exercise is also an important step to uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity and Stability in the region. Senior military observers of both the countries will be attending the Final Tactical Exercise scheduled to be held at Aundh Military Station on 10 and 11 Oct 2015.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2015 will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each other’s military.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

‘Shauryanjali’ – An Exhibition on 1965 War Opens

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
15-September-2015 19:45 IST

‘Shauryanjali’ – An Exhibition on 1965 War Opens
The exhibition titled ‘Shauryanjali’ celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Indo-Pak War of 1965 opened at the India Gate lawns today. The exhibition is an ode to splendid show of valour and sacrifice of Indian Armed Forces personnel for protecting the borders of the country. The exhibition has recreated the battle scene in various sectors beginning from Rann of Kutch to the ceasefire and Tashkent Summit. The battle of various types are also on display at the exhibition.

The Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Shri Arun Jaitley said India scored a decisive victory in the War. Shri Jaitley described it as a nostalgic occasion and recalled the overwhelming, emotional and material support that it generated nationwide for the Armed Forces. He said “the enemy was shown its place by the professionalism of our Armed Forces”. The Minister released two commemorative coins of Rs. 50/- and Rs. 5/- denominations on this occasion.

The Minister for Information and Technology and Communications Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad released a set of stamps and First Day Cover to commemorate the occasion. He said the 1965 War was an event marked by many stories of valour and sacrifice of our Armed Forces personnel.

He recalled the clarion call ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ coined by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and said that the nation rose in unison in support of our Armed Forces.

A special brochure was also released on the occasion. Releasing it, the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar said he was deeply influenced by the heroism of Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid. Shri Parrikar said that this was first major war that India won hands-down. He said a nation that remembers its history and its martyrs is a developed and secure country.

The event was attended among others by Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan and Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen MMS Rai.

A large number of veterans also attended the event. Among others Mrs Rasoolan Biwi - wife of PVC recipient CQMH Abdul Hamid, Mrs Asha Rani - wife of Ashok Chakra recipient Mr. Chaman Lal, Mrs Bharinder Dayal – wife of MVC recipient Lt Gen RS Dayal, Mrs Zarine Mahir - daughter of Late Lt Col. AB Tarapore PVC (Posthumous) and Mrs Earini Vaidya - daughter of former COAS Late General AK Vaidya attended the event. The Ministers took an avid interest to look at the various displays and artefacts relating to the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Army personnel enacted a battle near Ichogil canal 50 years ago in the Water Channels near India Gate.

NAo/DM/RAJ

Visit of INS Trikand to Toulon, France

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
26-September-2015 11:32 IST

Visit of INS Trikand to Toulon, France
In continuation of Indian Navy’s overseas deployment to West Asia, Africa and Europe, INS Trikand entered Toulon today for a three day visit. The ship will engage extensively with the French Navy during its stay in the country. Apart from professional interaction, a number of sports and social engagements are also planned, which would go a long way in enhancing cooperation and understanding towards mutually beneficial issues of maritime interest. The Indian and French Navies routinely undertake bilateral maritime exercises known as VARUNA which is the fulcrum of maritime engagement between the two navies.

Indian naval assets are regularly deployed as part of the Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries as well as to address maritime concerns of the region including piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Relations between India and France have traditionally been close and friendly. With the establishment of the strategic partnership in 1998, there has been significant progress in all areas of bilateral co-operation including defence, nuclear energy and space. Both countries conduct a high-level annual exercise code-named ‘Varuna’, the last edition of which was conducted off Goa this year with the participation of the French aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle. India and France are also collaborating in the Scorpene submarine programme, under which six submarines are being built in India with French assistance.

INS Trikand, commanded by Captain Vinay Kalia, is a state-of-the-art warship of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all the three dimensions – air, surface and sub-surface. The visiting ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, with its Headquarters at Mumbai.

_____________________________________________________________________ DKS/CKP 70/2015

Meeting of Negotiators of Like-Minded Developing Countries Concludes; Javadekar Lauds Work Done by LMDC

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
15-September-2015 18:16 IST

Meeting of Negotiators of Like-Minded Developing Countries Concludes; Javadekar Lauds Work Done by LMDC
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar lauded the quality of work done by the two-day meeting of negotiators of Like-Minded Developing Countries. Addressing the concluding session of the meeting here today, Shri Javadekar expressed the hope that the Bonn session in October will come out with an equitable, acceptable, pragmatic text and not a lop-sided text. The Minister said that Paris can be a success, if nations do not indulge in a blame-game.

Negotiators from 13 nations participated in the meeting of LMDC. The nations include Argentina, Bolivia, China, Cuba, El Salvador, Ecuador, Iran, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Malaysia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and India.

A statement was issued at the conclusion of the LMDC meeting. The following is the text of the statement:

“The climate change negotiators of the Like Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) met in New Delhi on September 14-15, 2015. Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India, Shri Prakash Javadekar, inaugurated the meeting.

The meeting was convened to take stock of the climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC and provide a perspective of the LMDC on the way forward for the Paris agreement.

The LMDC expressed deep disappointment with the lack of text-based negotiations in the last session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) in Bonn. They were deeply concerned with the slow pace of negotiations given the limited negotiating time left before COP21/CMP11 in Paris.

The LMDC looked forward to the new documents to be issued by the Co-Chairs in the first week of October. The new documents should be based on the Geneva Negotiating Text and the views and submissions of Parties in the ADP sessions. They were of the firm view that the new documents must be comprehensive, balanced and capture the positions of Parties reflected during the negotiations without prejudging or interpreting the emergence of convergences. The documents should include clear options reflecting different views from Parties on all key issues.

The LMDC called for text-based negotiations in the right earnest at the next Bonn session in an inclusive, open, transparent and Party-driven negotiating process. They reiterated that the UNFCCC is the primary intergovernmental forum to negotiate the global response to climate change.

The LMDC underscored that the objective of the Paris agreement is the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention in accordance with Article 2 and the Convention’s principles and provisions, in particular the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and the developed countries taking the lead. They stressed that differentiation between developed and developing country Parties across each element of the agreement is essential for enhanced ambition and effectiveness of the new agreement.

The LMDC agreed that the Paris Agreement should not be mitigation-centric but must address in a balanced and comprehensive manner the six elements identified in the Durban mandate — mitigation, adaptation, finance, capacity-building, technology development and transfer, transparency of action and support, as well as loss and damage in a balanced manner. The LMDC also emphasized that the Paris agreement should comprehensively recognize and address the adverse social and economic impact of response measures in developing countries, while the Paris outcome in general, must provide modalities to enhance, develop and implement meaningful actions to avoid and address the negative consequences of response measures.

With regard to mitigation, the LMDC underscored the need for the provisions of the agreement to fully reflect differentiated responsibilities and distinct development stages of developed and developing countries, with developed countries taking the lead by undertaking ambitious, economy-wide, absolute emission reduction targets and providing finance and technology support to developing countries. Developing countries will enhance their efforts, in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, enabled and supported by finance, technology development and transfer and capacity building from developed countries.

The Paris agreement should ensure the provision of adequate support by developed countries to developing countries in meeting their needs and costs of adaptation actions, and responding to loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change.

The LMDC reiterated that the developed countries, in accordance with their historical responsibilities, must provide additional, predictable and sustained climate finance, distinct from ODA, to developing countries for their enhanced climate actions both for the pre- and post-2020 period. They expressed concern regarding shifting the financial burden to developing countries and the attempt to expand the list of countries with obligations under the Convention to provide climate finance and at the same time shrink the list of countries eligible for receiving climate finance. The LMDC also called on the developed countries to provide a clear roadmap for the fulfillment of USD 100 billion per year by 2020.

The LMDC were of a strong view that ambition and progression are reflected in all the elements and not just mitigation. Ambition and progression are also to be seen in context of specific national circumstances and development imperatives of developing countries as well as the level of financial, technological and capacity building support to be provided by developed countries.

The LMDC expressed strong reservation against any obligatory review mechanism for increasing individual efforts of developing countries. Any aggregate stocktaking or review of implementation must be for both action and support, taking into account differentiated commitments of developed and developing countries.

The LMDC reiterated their view that the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) have to be comprehensive and cover all elements in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention. It is up to each country to define the timeframe of its INDCs given the nationally determined nature of the INDCs.

With regard to the ADP Workstream 2, the LMDC stressed that the pre-2020 ambition gap shall be primarily addressed through the acceleration of implementation of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and the outcome of the Bali Action Plan. They reiterated their concern with the inadequacy of developed countries’ current commitments on emission reductions and provision of financial and technological support.

As developing countries face multiple challenges in terms of social and economic development and poverty eradication, the LMDC are undertaking ambitious actions domestically on climate change.

The LMDC welcomes the initiative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to convene the “World People’s Conference on Climate Change and Defence of Life” to be held in Tiquipaya, Cochabamba, Bolivia, from October 10-12 2015, aimed at strengthening the efforts of the people of the world to build a culture of life in defence of Mother Earth.

The LMDC expressed their continued willingness to participate in the negotiations in a constructive, consensus-building and Party-driven manner to reach an ambitious, comprehensive, equitable and balanced Paris outcome.

The LMDC expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India for hosting the meeting of LMDC climate change negotiators in New Delhi, India.”

***

HK

PM’s roundtable meeting with Financial Sector CEOs

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
24-September-2015 21:50 IST

PM’s roundtable meeting with Financial Sector CEOs

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a roundtable meeting with top American CEOs from the financial sector.

The CEOs present included Jamie Dimon, Chairman, CEO and President, JP Morgan; Steve Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder, Blackstone; Charles Kaye, Co-CEO, Warburg Pincus; Henry Kravis, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO, KKR; Bill Ford, CEO, General Atlantic; Peter Hancock, President and CEO, AIG insurance; Chase Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tiger Global; and Vicki Fuller, Chief Investment Officer, NY State Common Retirement Fund.

The CEOs expressed appreciation for the steps taken by the Prime Minister to improve ease of doing business, and his various initiatives including his push for infrastructure development and Digital India. Many CEOs expressed keen interest in the Indian start-up sector, and showed willingness to invest in entrepreneurial ventures and innovative start-ups. The CEOs mentioned taxation issues and residual bureaucratic bottlenecks as some of the concerns that still existed with regard to investment in India.

Making a strong pitch for increased investment in various sectors in India, the Prime Minister outlined his vision for “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India.” He said that along with the public sector and private sector, he was laying emphasis to individual start-ups and entrepreneurs – whom he referred to as the “personal sector.” He said start-ups and innovation had been at the heart of the IT revolution.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that all the CEOs at the roundtable had not only spoken about India’s possibilities, but also voiced their confidence in them. He noted that they had articulated their concerns clearly.

The Prime Minister highlighted the economic successes over the last fifteen months. He said FDI in India had increased substantially over this period, a trend contrary to what was seen across most of the world, and this showed increased investor confidence in India.

The Prime Minister spoke of the ease of doing business rankings among states, that had been done by the World Bank. He said there was now a healthy competition among states in this area. The Prime Minister spoke of the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme for LPG subsidy, which had emerged as the largest DBT scheme anywhere in the world. The Prime Minister spoke of the liberalization of the FDI regime in sectors such as insurance, railways and defence.

The Prime Minister mentioned some specific sectors where there was great scope for innovative solutions in India, including insurance products for the agriculture sector and the health sector. He mentioned defence manufacturing, electronic goods manufacturing, renewable energy equipment, railways and metros, Clean India and Digital India as sectors where immense potential existed for investment. He said 50 million new houses by 2022, broadband connectivity for 600,000 villages, doubling of railway capacity and 175 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation were some of the concrete targets his Government had set, which created huge investment opportunities.

***

AKT/AK

Visit of Indian Warships to Qatar

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
14-September-2015 13:59 IST

Visit of Indian Warships to Qatar
Indian Naval Ships Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul are on a month-long deployment to the Gulf to enhance bilateral ties and engage in naval exercises with friendly regional navies. The visiting ships form part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and are based at Mumbai. Of the four ships, INS Delhi and INS Trishul entered Doha, Qatar today and shall remain there till 17 Sep 15, during which the warships will have professional interactions for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy. Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the Navies.

India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with the Gulf dates back to over 4000 years B.C. The Indian Navy has multi-dimensional capability comprising aircraft carriers, modern ships, submarines, aircraft and marine commandos. A notable feature of the Indian Navy’s force structure is the fact that the overwhelming majority of its ships are designed and constructed in India.

The Indian Navy has close and friendly ties with all navies in the Gulf and has been regularly exercising with many of them. The Indian Navy is also privileged to provide training and hydrographic support to several navies in the region. The involvement of Indian Naval ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia since October 2008 has further strengthened bilateral ties and interaction with navies in the region.

Bilateral relations between India and Qatar have traditionally focussed on economic and people-to-people linkages. The booming trade relations could soon see India as Qatar’s largest trading partner. The last decade witnessed steady growth in the defence relations between the countries, which was further strengthened by the ‘Defence Cooperation Agreement’ signed between the two countries in Nov 08. The setting up of the ‘India-Qatar Joint Defence Cooperation Committee’ has enhanced cooperation in the fields of training, strategic study, conduct of exercises and information sharing. The growing naval cooperation between the countries is evidenced by the increased high level visits in addition to cross training of naval officers and port visits by naval ships. India and Qatar are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues. The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with the friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Qatar.

DKS/CKP

Parrikar Asks DRDO to Focus on Core Defence Technology Areas

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
23-September-2015 20:55 IST

Parrikar Asks DRDO to Focus on Core Defence Technology Areas
The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar today asked DRDO scientists to concentrate on core activities factoring the defence technology requirements of the Armed Forces. He asked DRDO to involve the Industry in producing the technologies which they have developed. “Hand- hold the Industry to make some products which you may have developed”, he said.

Addressing the 39th Directors’ Conference here today, Shri Parrikar said the close interface of DRDO with Navy in developing technology products is well matured. DRDO should now develop similar level of interface with Army and IAF.

Appreciating the large scale technical manpower that DRDO has developed over the years, Shri Parrikar said DRDO can play an inspirational role in skill-development in the country across several fields, leading to job creation for the ever expanding youth population of the country.

Shri Parrikar directed the top brass of DRDO to avoid duplication or overlapping of activities by Laboratories for greater economic efficiency. In this regard, the Cluster Heads have a major role to play. He asked the scientists not to rest on laurels but seek greater heights in innovation and technology.

Shri Parrikar said there is a potential of one billion dollar worth of exports of technology products developed by DRDO in 2-3 years.

The Meeting was attended among others by the Chief of Air Staff and Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan and Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri Dr G Satheesh Reddy.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said our visionary forefathers had conceptualized DRDO as the prime instrument for gaining strategic independence for India through indigenisation and development of core/critical technologies. He said DRDO has been able to achieve the objectives of self reliance to a great extent in the past seven decades. While he touched upon the success stories of missiles and Radars, he urged the scientists to treat disappointments as challenges and convert them into greater opportunities.

ACM Raha said Scientists should be driven by passion that does not allow them to rest till the task is achieved.

The CAS said DRDO has a great role to play in transformation process of the Armed Forces and mentioned that key issues should be jointly addressed by all the stakeholders. There should be a greater involvement of the three services and production agencies and a joint development road map.

ACM Raha said the transformation of Armed Forces into a strategic Force with a multi spectrum capability will need to ride on the shoulders of DRDO. They will need to work together in a mission mode with result orientation bringing in more indigenization through state of art equipment.

The DG, DRDO Dr S Christopher said the year 2014-15 was marked by a number of achievements in every technology cluster.

He said the current value of production orders or DAC cleared systems from the DRDO stable stands at 1.79 Lakhs Crores, which does not include strategic systems.

SK/RCD

Joint Press Statement on Bi-Annual talks-2015 between Director Generals of BSF and Pakistan Rangers held at New Delhi from 9th to 12th Sept 2015

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
12-September-2015 17:11 IST

Joint Press Statement on Bi-Annual talks-2015 between Director Generals of BSF and Pakistan Rangers held at New Delhi from 9th to 12th Sept 2015
During the Home Secretary Level Talks held at Islamabad, Pakistan in May 1989, in it was decided that officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers would hold Bi-Annual talks and review the implementation of the agreed norms of cooperation between the two Border Guarding Forces. It was envisaged that the top leadership of both the Border Guarding Forces will meet periodically and discuss issues of relevance to both the forces. Issues requiring coordinated efforts like dealing with Drug menace, smuggling, simultaneous coordinated patrolling, timely exchange of information etc were to form the core of discussions.

The Pakistan Rangers are on a 4 day visit to India from 9th to 12th Sept 2015. Formal talks between the Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers this year began on 10th September at BSF head quarters, New Delhi. Major General Umar Farooq Burki, Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) led a 16 members Pakistani delegation to India. The 23 members’ Indian delegation was led by Shri D K Pathak, IPS, DG BSF. Both the delegations also had 2 representatives from respective home & foreign ministries along with officers from narcotics control & survey department.

The talks were held in a constructive atmosphere. The need for cooperation to maintain the sanctity of the borders was stressed upon. The meeting took up specific issues of concern. Incidents of firing at the borders, smuggling of narcotics, infiltration attempts and defence construction activities were discussed. The issue of inadvertent crossing over by border population and on how to facilitate their return on both the sides was also discussed. The security of the border population being a primary concern of the both sides, it was felt that utmost caution and care would be taken to deal with the civilians. The need for confidence building measures including timely exchange of information, at the field level and mobile communication, simultaneous coordinated patrolling, and sporting events etc. were also discussed.

The Joint Record of Discussion charting a future route map of cooperation between the two Border Guarding Forces was signed earlier in the day today at 1100 hrs on September 12, 2015. It was mutually agreed to hold the next talks in the first half of 2016 in Pakistan. The talks ended on a optimistic note with both sides agreeing on constant endeavor to maintain peaceful and tranquil borders.

***

KSD/VB/PK

Rajnath Singh says government committed to strengthen road and telecom connectivity in far flung border areas

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
23-September-2015 18:48 IST

Rajnath Singh says government committed to strengthen road and telecom connectivity in far flung border areas

Union Home Minister concludes three-day visit to Forward Areas of J&K

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has said that the government is committed to strengthen its road and telecom network to improve connectivity in the far flung border areas of the country. Concluding his three-day visit from 21st to 23rd September, 2015 to the Forward Areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Rajnath Singh remarked that there are issues of road connectivity and telecom connectivity in Ladakh region where ITBP personnel are serving at very high altitude in the Forward Areas.

Union Home Minister had to travel to DBO, Track Junction, Murgo, Burtse, Chungtash, Chusul and Chumar Border Outs Posts (BOPs) yesterday and today but due to bad weather, the visit by air to these BOPs could not be possible. Shri Rajnath Singh immediately decided to visit Loma, Dungti and Tagyarmale , BOPs by road. The Home Minister travelled about 400 km by road yesterday and perhaps become the first Home Minister to spend night at Dungti BOP in the forward area with ITBP Jawans. During his eight hours long journey, he interacted with local people at Hamiya and defence personnel at Chumathang.

Shri Rajnath Singh said that it was an amazing learning experience for him. “On reaching Tagyarmale post, I had the firsthand account of the situation near the Line of Actual Control (LAC)” he said. The ITBP jawans were thrilled to have the Union Home Minister amidst them. They also shared their harsh and treacherous working conditions and freely expressed their experiences with the Union Home Minister.

The Union Home Minister said that our ITBP jawans are working in extremely harsh and inhospitable conditions. “I salute the ITBP jawans & officers for their courage, steadfastness and their indomitable spirit to conquer all odds,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with the Jawans at Tagyarmale BOP last night and Dungti, BOP today morning. On his return to Leh, he had a detailed interaction, with ITBP personnel and assured them that he will do his best to see that the “Him Veer” or “Him Putra” as he called the ITBP personnel, get all necessary assistance and care from the Government since they are committed for the safety and security of the country. He also lauded the role of ITBP in participating in the Swach Bharat and clean Ganga Programme started by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Earlier, on the first day of visit, Shri Rajnath Singh had visited the ITBP camp at Samba in Jammu region. Addressing the jawans, he had said that terrorism, infiltration and border transgression should be stopped by the neighbours for better relations with India.

Shri Krishna Chaudhary, Director General of ITBP thanked the Union Home Minister for sparing three days out of his busy schedule for visiting forward areas being serviced by ITBP. He said that the entire ITBP family is extremely happy as the last night spent by the Union Home Minister with the Jawans at the Dungti BOP has raised their level of confidence and morale to take up their assignments more effectively.

***

KSD/BK/PK/sk

Visit of Indian Warships to Kuwait

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
13-September-2015 15:03 IST

Visit of Indian Warships to Kuwait
Indian Naval Ships Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul are on a month-long deployment to the Gulf to enhance bilateral ties and engage in naval exercises with friendly regional navies. The visiting ships form part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and are based at Mumbai. Of the four ships, INS Deepak and INS Tabar entered Kuwait today and shall remain there till 16 Sep 15 during which the warships will have professional interactions for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy. Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the Navies.

India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with the Gulf dates back to over 4000 years B.C. The Indian Navy has multi-dimensional capability comprising aircraft carriers, modern ships, submarines, aircraft and marine commandos. A notable feature of the Indian Navy’s force structure is the fact that the overwhelming majority of its ships are designed and constructed in India.

The Indian Navy has close and friendly ties with all navies in the Gulf and has been regularly exercising with many of them. The Indian Navy is also privileged to provide training and hydrographic support to several navies in the region. The involvement of Indian Naval ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia since October 2008 has further strengthened bilateral ties and interaction with navies in the region.

India and Kuwait have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. Cooperation between the two countries extends to the sectors of science and technology, oil refining and periodic seminars and symposia, in addition to defence cooperation. The growing defence cooperation between the two countries is evident by the increased high level military visits, cross training of naval officers and port visits by naval ships. India and Kuwait are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues. The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Kuwait.

_____________________________________________________________________ DKS/CKP

Streamlining the Procedure for Grant of Industrial Licences

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
22-September-2015 17:54 IST

Streamlining the Procedure for Grant of Industrial Licences
The initial validity of Industrial License for Defence sector, as per Press Note 5 (2015 series), is presently seven years, further extendable upto 10 years.

In partial modification of the above mentioned Press Note, the initial validity of Industrial License for Defence Sector is being revised to 15 years, further extendable upto 18 years for existing as well as future Licenses. However, in case a license has already expired, the Licensee has to apply afresh for issue of license. This is being done as a measure to further promote ease of doing business, in view of the long gestation period of Defence contracts to mature.

***

MJPS/nb

Dr G. SATHEESH Reddy Conferred Royal Aeronautical Society “Silver Medal”

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
12-September-2015 20:29 IST

Dr G. SATHEESH Reddy Conferred Royal Aeronautical Society “Silver Medal”
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), London conferred Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and eminent Missile Scientist of DRDO with the prestigious Silver Medal. He was given this medal in recognition of his contributions as one of the leading navigation and avionics experts, under whose leadership India has developed state-of-the-art avionics sensors and systems for key national strategic programmes and other defence applications. His pioneering contributions in promoting Aerospace and Aeronautics in India were also acknowledged.

The Royal Aeronautical Society, established in 1866, has been honouring outstanding achievers in the global aerospace industry since 1909, when Wilbur and Orville Wright came to London to receive the Society’s first Gold Medal. Honouring world aerospace achievers has become a permanent tradition of the Society.

NAo/RAJ

Remarks by External Affairs Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj at USIBC event in Washington DC, USA

Following is the text of remarks by the External Affairs Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj at USIBC event in Washington DC, USAon September 21, 2015:

Honorable John Kerry, Secretary of State,
Secretary Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Commerce,
My colleagues, Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goel,
Mr. Ajay Banga, Chairman USIBC,
Mr. Mukesh Aghi, President of the USIBC,
Friends from business and government, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you very much Secretary Kerry for your warm and generous words. 

Let me also thank Mr. Banga, Chairman USIBC and President Mukesh Aghi for inviting me and my Ministerial colleagues from India to share the joy and success of USIBC at its 40th Anniversary celebrations.

I would also like to thank Vice President, Excellency Joe Biden for his gracious presence here and his resounding optimism about the India-U.S. relations. This has created the right atmosphere for the first meeting of the India-U.S. Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, which I look forward to co-chairing with my friend, Secretary Kerry, tomorrow.

I also deeply appreciate the crucial role of my colleagues Minister Sitharaman, Minister Piyush Goyal; and U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker and Energy Secretary Moniz in the successful outcome of the dialogue.

It is true that an important pillar in the broad sweep of our multifaceted partnership has been the strength and vigour of the private sector partnership between our two great democracies. USIBC and its membership manifest the tangibilities of this vitality in our economic and commercial ties. 

You have been one of the key drivers and a positive voice in the growth, evolution and continuing maturing of India-U.S. relations.

I commend your achievements, and in keeping with your past successes, urge you to create new synergies that bring the businesses and governments closer to each other.

Friends,

Today, our relations with the U.S. are defined by a natural synergy of democracies and easy identification among our peoples.

We are both open societies which value education and enterprise. Institutions in both India and the United States - the executive, legislature, political parties and businesses - pulsate with the same values and beliefs.

Americans of Indian origin epitomize the appreciation of excellence, reflecting the freedom and opportunity cherished in our countries. During the last one-and-half year of Prime Minister Modi’s government, a sense of vigour and purpose, steady stream of new ideas, creative approaches and focused action have dominated our bilateral engagement.

Today, across both Governments, there is a great deal of comfort, maturity and candor in our conversation. There is political support for building relations with each other, in both capitals - here in the U.S. Congress and in our Parliament. In last one year, we have worked to underpin our political and strategic convergences with concrete action on the ground to progress our overall engagement.

We have harnessed the commonalities between our two countries to further bilateral priorities in several areas, including defence and security; countering terrorism and extremism; clean energy and environment protection; S&T and Space; manufacturing and digital technology. 

We have developed mechanisms for co-development and co-production of defence equipment and practical collaboration in defence technologies to enhance the strategic content in our relations.

Our countries are promoting energy cooperation to facilitate India's green growth, sustainable development and energy security.

We are doing so not only in the bilateral space but also in responding to the global challenge of climate change. We are linked by ties of research, education, health and science.

Above all, in charting future path of cooperation in these areas, our collaboration has not only served our two countries but served the wider world.

Friends, one of the key priorities of Prime Minister Modi’s Government is to focus sharply on meeting India’s developmental priorities and overcoming various challenges. Naturally, high economic growth is one of the ways for us to address our needs.

But, beyond relying on the downstream impact of high growth, the matrix of our responses also includes efficient, effective and transparent policy and executive action.

The approach of our Government also envisages proactive and extensive use of innovation, technology and research to leapfrog some of the physical infrastructural constraints that we face.

Friends, you are best placed to make your business decisions. But, it would help if I underline here the scale of India’s economic ambition and the size of economic opportunity that it represents for both our countries. Our focus is on building 100 smart cities; rejuvenating the Ganges River and developing cities along its banks and skilling 300 million youth by 2022.

We have plans to boost urbanization and we are determined to provide affordable power and housing for all. We want to connect manufacturing in India with global supply chains and target to develop product based and service based industrial and governance platforms around Digital India. 

All of these initiatives and plans present real commercial and business opportunities for the U.S. industry to partner with Indian public and private sector, and with a larger economy for a win-win outcome.

In doing so, and as is your key goal, you would of course create wealth for your organization.

But, equally importantly, you would add value to the society, build long term links with India’s economic growth story and strengthen economic underpinnings of the India-U.S. strategic partnership.

The business of diplomacy in India’s present government is business. The government’s priority from day one has been to make it easy to do business in India and with India.

We want to ensure that the concerns of those who create jobs and bring value to our countries are addressed. The decisions taken by Government have led to a significant jump in FDI inflow into India in the last one year.

Friends,

As I said earlier, there is a strong recognition between our two governments of the larger strategic vision driving our partnership.

That is why we elevated our relations through a Declaration of Friendship and adopted a Joint Strategic Vision for Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region earlier this year, when our leaders met in New Delhi for India’s Republic Day.

This strategic vision is also what I would appeal our business friends in the U.S. to imbibe while doing business with India.

We see business between our two countries not simply as transactions, but as yet another manifestation and another multiplier of that very important strategic convergence.

We hope this will be reciprocated by the businesses. It will be a rewarding experience, in more than one sense. I assure you that Government of India, and my Ministry in particular, will be with you in every step of this endeavour.

I end my remarks with full hope and confidence in my heart in the ability of our businesses to make the right choice for them and for our nations and our 1.5 billion peoples, and to carry forward that choice through Sanjha Prayas Sabka Vikas, that is, Shared effort; prosperity for all.

Our joint effort would help make India-U.S. partnership, as President Obama had said, "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”

Thank you.

 

YSK

Golden Jubilee Commemorative Exhibition and Carnival of 1965 Indo Pak War at India Gate Lawns from 15 to 20 Sep 15

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
11-September-2015 18:04 IST

Golden Jubilee Commemorative Exhibition and Carnival of 1965 Indo Pak War at India Gate Lawns from 15 to 20 Sep 15
The Indian Armed Forces are organising a series of events to mark the Golden Jubilee of the 1965 Indo - Pak War. A total of six events are being organised to pay tribute to the collective resolve of the nation and the valour & sacrifice of The Armed Forces. The commemoration events were kicked off on 28 Aug, with the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces laying a wreath at The Amar Jawan Jyoti. On this very day 50 years ago the Indian Armed Forces had captured the strategic Hajipir Pass in response to Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, aimed at wresting Kashmir by sending in armed infiltrators. This was followed by a two day Seminar on 01 and 02 Sep 15 where the lessons of the War were revisited. On 01 Sep 65, Pakistan had launched Operation Grand Slam to severe Rajouri and Punch from rest of the country.

The major attraction is a six day long Exhibition (Shauryanjali ) in the India Gate lawns from 15 to 20 Sep 15. The Exhibition is open to general public and inter alia recreates major battle scenes of the War & show cases the role of various arms and services during the War. Enclosures are also being established by CRPF, Media, Prasar Bharti and International Red Cross who had a major role to play during the War. A documentary film on the War would also be shown during the Exhibition. Food Courts, Souvenir Shops and Tableaux are being also planned for a wholesome experience. The Armed Forces Symphony Band would be performing at the India Gate lawns in the evening, around sunset, on all days. The Exhibition timings are from 9AM to 9PM everyday with a reserved institutional slot from 9AM to 11AM for students, institutions and departments. Entry is free for the Exhibition which is spread over an area of approximately 50,000 square meters in air conditioned pavilions. Shuttle buses would be run every 10 minutes from the parking areas in C Hexagon India Gate, National Stadium & Pragati Maidan for the convenience of the general public.

As a culmination of the Exhibition, a Carnival ( Indradhanush ) is being organised on 20 Sep. The day long event would have martial displays by service contingents and music and dance shows by event management companies. On the spot painting competitions, reality and magic shows are also planned during the Carnival. A 100 piece symphony band from Mayo College would also be performing during the Carnival.

Shauryanjali is a befitting tribute to the spirit, valour and sacrifice of the 1965 veterans in particular who defied odds and played a major role in successfully countering our adversaries’ designs in 1965.

Visitors are advised not to carry any bags or prohibited items when visiting the Exhibition and Carnival.

Col Rohan Anand, SM PRO (Army)

The Chief of the AIR Staff Inaugurates EMI-EMC Testing and Near Field Test Range (NFTR) at Bharat Electronics Limited, Ghaziabad

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
21-September-2015 17:17 IST

The Chief of the AIR Staff Inaugurates EMI-EMC Testing and Near Field Test Range (NFTR) at Bharat Electronics Limited, Ghaziabad
Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha inaugurated the Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) – Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facility and Near Field Test Range (NFTR) at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad today. The Air Chief was given a brief presentation about BEL which was followed by an address by Mr. SK Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was established in Bangalore in 1954 under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which manufactures a wide array of products in the areas of Radars, Electronic warfare Systems, Military Communication Systems, Weapon Systems, C4I Systems, Shelters, Electro Optics etc. BEL (Ghaziabad) specializes in design, development, manufacturing and production of Ground Radars, Antenna systems and Command & Control Systems.

The setting up of these state of the art testing facilities is a part of the transformation process of BEL into a major R&D and manufacturing centre of excellence in the critical field of electronic systems in the country for the armed forces. This will give fillip in developing and manufacturing products of superior performance and reliability with capability to operate in dense electro magnetic environment in the battlefield. This event was followed by a visit to the key facilities, where Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha was updated on the ongoing projects.

RCD/ BSK

Joint Press Release

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
11-September-2015 17:23 IST

Joint Press Release
AUSINDEX-15
The inaugural Bilateral Maritime Exercise between India and Australia, AUSINDEX-15 is being conducted off the East Coast of India from 11 – 19 September 15. The exercise would be be jointly inaugurated by Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, Head Navy Capability Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet onboard INS Shivilak at Visakhapatnam.

The maritime exercise is a tangible sign that will strengthen defence co-operation between the two countries as envisaged in the Framework for Security Co-operation announced by the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers in 2014. The week-long Bilateral Maritime Exercise comprising RAN ships HMAS Sirius (Fleet tanker), HMAS Arunta (Anzac class frigate), and HMAS Sheean (Collins class submarine) arrived Visakhapatnam on 11 September 15. The Indian Navy would be represented by INS Shivalik (stealth frigate), INS Ranvijay (guided missile destroyer) and INS Shakti (Fleet tanker). In addition, one Royal Australian Air Force P3C Orion surveillance aircraft and Indian Navy’s P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft will operate from Chennai during the exercise.

The exercise is aimed at strengthening professional interaction, both in harbour and at sea and would be a start for attaining interoperability between the two navies.

Both navies have a mutual interest in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and this is a natural progress of our Navy-to-Navy relationship, given our shared maritime security interests.

The exercise will start with a Harbour Phase encompassing briefings and practical demonstrations along with professional interactions. This would progress to a Sea Phase which would include Fleet manoeuvres, gun firings as well as coordinated anti-submarine exercises.

The AUSINDEX would be a biennial event intended to strengthen maritime cooperation between the nations and further the ability to undertake regional joint and/or combined operations such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

Cdr CG Raju

New Policy Guidelines on Working of Cantonment Boards on the Anvil: Parrikar

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
20-September-2015 13:44 IST

New Policy Guidelines on Working of Cantonment Boards on the Anvil: Parrikar
The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar today said MoD has started working on new policy guidelines relating to working of Cantonment Boards. Addressing the Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry in Goa, he said, the government is committed to resolving the problems faced in Cantonment areas, keeping in view security considerations and overall public interest while weeding out archaic provisions and replacing these with more realistic rules.

This is the first time that a Meeting of the Consultative Committee of MoD was held outside New Delhi.

Shri Parrikar said he has been receiving a number of representations about the difficulties faced by civilian residents of cantonments and these relate to closure of roads in cantonments, problems connected with the works of Defence Act, 1903, inordinate delay in transfer and mutation of properties held on old grant or lease, sub-division and change of purpose, resumption of properties held on old grant, renewal of expired leases, conversion of old grant or leasehold sites in civil areas of the cantonments into freehold and restriction on construction of building and revision of building bye-law.

The Cantonment is a place or places declared by the Central Government by notification in Official Gazette, in which any part of the Forces is quartered or which, being in the vicinity of such place or places, is or are required for the services of such Forces.

The establishment of Cantonments started during British period with the need for quartering the troops. Housing was the core objective. The first Cantonment was established in Barrackpore (35 km from Kolkata) in 1765 and the second at Danapore (Patna) in the same year.

Presently there are 62 Cantonments in the country located in 19 states and fall under the jurisdiction of 5 Army Commands. The total area covered by the Cantonments is 1,86,730 Acres and the population as per 2011 Census is 20, 91, 734.

The election to 56 Cantonment Boards were conducted on 11 January 2015. The election to 5 Cantonment Boards were conducted on 17 May 2015. During these elections, EVMs provided by the Election Commission of India were used for the first time. The total electorates in these 61 Cantonments were approximately 13, 40, 000. A total of 404 members were elected. One-third of the elected members are women. However, election to Panchmarhi Cantonment Board has been set aside by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The matter of holding elections in Khasyol cantonment is under consideration of the Ministry.

Taking part in the discussion, Members of Parliament suggested that the Government should endeavour to build Smart Cantonments on the line of Smart Cities. Some members felt that MoD should take immediate steps to improve the living conditions of civilian populace in Cantonment areas. One suggestion was to allow existing owners to carry out repair and restoration work of the buildings and automatic extension of leasehold of property. Still some members felt that Army should not get itself bogged down in land management issues of cantonments, and instead, it should be left to civilian authorities to deal with the issues.

Members of Parliament who attended the meeting included Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Shri Anil Shirole, Prof. Saugata Roy, Shri VP Singh Badnore, Dr. Mahendra Prasad, Shri TK Rangarajan and Shri M Patil Vijaysinh Shankarrao.

The Defence Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar, DGDE Smt Sundari Subramaniam Pujari, DG DRDO Shri S Christopher and other senior officials of MoD attended the meeting.

Sitanshu Kar/

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II) 2015

The Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) 2015 at different venues located at 41 Centres throughout the country on 27.09.2015 (Sunday). The e-Admit Cards for the candidates have been uploaded on the Commission's Web-site http://www.upsc.gov.in. which may be down loaded. Letters of rejection to the candidates stating reason(s) for rejection have already been sent through e-mail provided by the candidates. If any applicant is not able to down load his e-Admit Card, he may contact UPSC Facilitation Counter on Telephone Nos. 011-23385271, 011-23381125 and 011-23098543 between (10.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M). on working days during working hours.  The candidate may also send Fax message on Fax No. 011-23387310. The candidates may note that no paper admit card  will be issued.  

In case the photograph is not printed or available on the e- Admit Card, candidates are advised to carry two (2) identical  photographs (one photograph for each session) along with proof of identity such as Identity Card ( Students I Card used by School/College, Voter I Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport etc) and printout of e-Admit Card to the venue of the Examination to secure admission in the Examination.

Candidates    are    advised to   check    their    e-mail    in  case  they  have  sent  any representation.

 

The  candidates are advised to take a printout of

 

(i)      The e-Admit Card and

 

(ii)    Important instructions to the candidates (which must be read carefully) well in advance to avoid the last minute rush.  In the past cases have been noticed where some candidates have faced difficulty  in accessing the server at the last minute on account of server overload.

 

MOBILE PHONES BANNED

 

           THE CANDIDATES BRINGING MOBILE PHONE WITH THEM WILL NOT BE ALLOWED      ENTRY IN THE EXAMINATION PREMISES WITH MOBILE PHONES.

 

****

KSD/BK/PK/sk

 

Indian Air Force Conducts Ultra Marathon and Aero Expeditions on the Occasion of Golden Jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak War

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
19-September-2015 18:27 IST

Indian Air Force Conducts Ultra Marathon and Aero Expeditions on the Occasion of Golden Jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak War
Air Vice Marshal OEM Menon VSM, SOA WAC , flagged in the IAF Ultra Marathon and Microlight and twin Powered Hang glider (PHG) cross country expeditions at AF Stn Hindon on 19 Sep 15 at 1430 hrs. These expeditions were organized by the Indian Air Force as a befitting tribute to the valour and sacrifice made by the Indian Armed forces during the 1965 Indo- Pak war.

The Ultra Marathon was flagged off on 09 Sep 15 from Pathankot and culminated at Hindon on 19 Sep 15 covering a distance of around 574 kms in 11 days covering major airbases enroute at Adampur, Halwar and Ambala. Seven air warriors participated in this extreme endurance event. Running an average of 55 kms per day, these bravehearts endured scorching heat, blistering roads and intense exhaustion and dehydration , drawing on their will power and motivation. They were joined by a large no of air warriors at the enroute air bases for distances upto 21 kms and 42 kms.

Gp Capt VS Choudhary VM, Gp Capt Arvind Tripathi, Sqn Ldr S Gayathri, and Cpl M Bishnoi completed the entire ultra marathon distance of 574 kms, overcoming blisters, cramps and heat exhaustion. Fg Offr S Dixit, Sgt GB Mishra, Sgt AK Yadav covered the distance in relay format and were joined by Gp Capt Manoj Kumar who joined the team from Ambala to Hindon covering a distance of around 240 kms.

The Microlight and twin PHG expeditions were flagged on 16 Sep 15 from AF Stn Pathankot and AF Stn Amritsar respectively. These ultra light aircraft landed at major airbases of WAC such as Adampur, Halwara and Amabala and gave motivational joy rides to air warriors and civilians to introduce them to the thrill of aero adventure sports.

The crew for the microlight comprised of Wg Cdr VS Shokeen and Sgt Sunil whereas the two PHGs were piloted by Sqn Ldr WS Singh, Sqn Ldr Ajmer Singh, Sgt ML Yadav, Sgt Ram Mehar and Cpl Dobhal.

AVM Menon complimented the runners and the pilots for successfully completing this unique odyssey and also appreciated the efforts put in by all in ensuring the success of this commemorative event.

RCD/DP

Visit of Indian Warships to Saudi Arabia

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
10-September-2015 16:38 IST

Visit of Indian Warships to Saudi Arabia
Indian Naval Ships Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul are on a month-long deployment to the Gulf to enhance bilateral ties and engage in naval exercises with friendly regional navies. The visiting ships form part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and are based at Mumbai. Of the four ships, INS Delhi and INS Trishul entered Al-Jubail today and will stay there till 13 Sep 15, during which the warships will have professional interactions to enhance co-operation and understanding the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy. Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the Navies.

India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with the Gulf dates back to over 4000 years B.C. The Indian Navy today has multi-dimensional capability comprising aircraft carriers, modern ships, submarines, aircraft and marine commandos. A notable feature of the Indian Navy’s force structure is the fact that the overwhelming majority of its ships are designed and constructed in India.

The Indian Navy has close and friendly ties with all navies in the Gulf and has been regularly exercising with many of them. The Indian Navy is also privileged to provide training and hydrographic support to several navies in the region. The involvement of Indian Naval ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia since October 2008 has further strengthened bilateral ties and interaction with navies in the region.

India and Saudi Arabia have always maintained close and friendly relations deep rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. The relations are sustained and nourished through growing bilateral trade, cooperation in fields of energy, scientific and cultural exchanges and security cooperation. Indians are the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia with over 2.88 million Indian nationals working and contributing towards development of ‘The Land of Two Holy Mosques’. The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.

DKS/CKP

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff Addresses Naval War College

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
19-September-2015 16:21 IST

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff Addresses Naval War College
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee(COSC) and Chief of Air Staff (CAS) today delivered his address to the top brass of the three services as well as the civilian officers of the Government of India at the Naval War College, Goa. Talking on Transformation of the IAF-Challenges and Opportunities, ACM Raha brought out that Aerospace power being the youngest by virtue of a mere 110 years of existence also had the unique advantage of freedom from surface friction inherent in Land and Sea operations. Stressing on the primacy of aerospace power, he also said that it would also remain the primary instrument of choice in most operational contingencies and thereby affect the outcome in war and peace.

ACM Raha stated that for India to have a greater strategic footprint in the existing world order, the requirement of aerial platforms for enhanced air mobility, heavy lift, Airborne early warning and in-flight refueling were considered inescapable. These platforms would also have enhanced relevance in the future threat environment.

In conclusion, he said it was imperative that procurement of strategic assets be made a continuous and long term endeavour, based on judicious allotment of funds combined with visionary planning and commitment of national resources, involving all the stake holders.

RCD/MKS

Defence Minister Commissions INS Vajrakosh at Karwar

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
09-September-2015 17:03 IST

Defence Minister Commissions INS Vajrakosh at Karwar
The DefenceMinister Shri Manohar Parrikar, commissioned INS ‘Vajrakosh’, the latest establishment of the Indian Navy today at Karwar, Karnataka.

Karwar is poised to emerge as the Indian Navy’s premier base on the Western seaboard in the not too distant future. Some of the vital naval assets are planned to be based there. Naval units operating out of Karwar are required to be equipped with specialised armaments and missiles. These sophisticated missiles and ammunition require special storage facility and specialised servicing facilities. INS Vajrakosh will have all the required infrastructure and is manned by specialists to meet these requirements..

The rain-soaked commissioning ceremony earlier in the day was marked by traditional naval parade with precision. Captain Arvind Chari, Commanding Officer, read out the Commissioning Warrant and the Naval ensign was hoisted while the Naval band played the National Anthem.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Parrikar emphasized the importance of a strong and modern navy for a maritime nation like India. He said Navy helps in maintaining peaceful, stable and orderly environment for socio economic growth and national development.

Commissioning of INS Vajrakosh has marked the successful completion of a complex and modern project.The Minister exhorted the crew to ensure that the ‘missiles in Vajrakosh remain ever ready for operational deployment’. He expressed confidence that maritime security of our nation is in capable hands and each ship, aircraft and naval personnel stands tall and ready to protect our nation. He added that it is the task of naval personnel to protect the nation from the enemy and It is our task to ensure that the interest of all those in the armed forces are taken care of.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, noted that Karwaris poised to emerge as the Indian Navy’s most significant base on the Western seaboard in the near future. This Naval establishment has some of the most significant naval assets already in service or being inducted. With the ongoing expansion of the Indian Navy, there has been increase in the number of ships, submarines and aircraft equipped with specialized armament and missiles. These need to be stowed and maintained in the best possible manner throughout their service life.The CNS complimented the crew of INS Vajrakosh, and exhorted them to do their best in performing their technically challenging task.

The commissioning of INS Vajrakosh, the third naval establishment commissioned in Karwar, will allow the Indian Navy to further bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities of its platforms.

Shri Parrikar was taken on a whirlwind tour of the massive complex spread across hundreds of acres of land and was briefed on the future expansion plans including the proposed naval air station and housing complex.

He was also given a demonstration of the modern ship- lift facility for refits and repairs of warships.

On the sidelines of the event, Shri Parrikar also felicitated the fishermen who were instrumental in saving the unconscious pilot of Dornier (DO 240) aircraft which had crashed off Goa on 24 Mar 15. Cdr NikhilJoshi, the lone survivor of the unfortunate accident, is alive today because of the alacrity and the timely help extended by the fishermen community that night.

SK/DKS/RS/SDR/CKP 63/2015

Visit of Indian Warships to Oman

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
19-September-2015 15:36 IST

Visit of Indian Warships to Oman
Indian Naval Ships Deepak, Delhi, Tabar and Trishul entered Muscat today and shall remain there till 22 Sep 15. The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai and are on a long range deployment to the Persian Gulf to enhance bilateral ties with friendly regional navies. During the visit, the warships will have professional interactions with the defence forces for enhancing co-operation and sharing the nuances of naval operations including disaster management and combating maritime threats of terrorism and piracy. Apart from professional interactions, sports and social engagements are also planned, which are aimed at enhancing co-operation and understanding between the Navies.

India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with the Oman dates back to over 4000 years B.C. The Indian Navy today has multi-dimensional capability comprising aircraft carriers, modern ships, submarines, aircraft and marine commandos. A notable feature of the Indian Navy’s force structure is the fact that the overwhelming majority of its ships are designed and constructed in India.

The Indian Navy has close and friendly ties with all navies in the Gulf and has been regularly exercising with many of them. The Indian Navy is also provides training and hydrographic support to several navies in the region. The involvement of Indian Naval ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia since October 2008 has further strengthened bilateral ties and interaction with navies in the region.

Bilateral relations between India and Oman were formally established with the 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of Friendship, Navigation and Commerce, a first between India and any Arab country. The signing of a MoU on Defence Cooperation in Dec 05 and the subsequent establishment of the Joint Military Cooperation Committee in Mar 06 has set the foundation for increased defence cooperation. Since then, naval cooperation between the countries has progressed steadily with increased port visits by naval ships and training of RNO personnel by the Indian Navy in hydrography, diving, training management, logistics management and dockyard management. The biennial naval exercise ‘Naseem-Al-Bahr’ has also enhanced the inter-operability between the two navies. India and Oman are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues. The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf and strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Oman.

DKS/CKP

Ultra Marathon

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
08-September-2015 19:21 IST

Indian Air Force is organizing an Ultra Marathon from Air Force Station Pathankot to Air Force Station Hindon covering a distance of around 574 Km in 11 days on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak war. Seven air warriors will be participating in this unique endeavour, covering on an average 60 Km per day. Gp Capt VS Choudhary VM, Gp Capt Arvind Tripathi, Sqn Ldr S Gayathri, Fg Offr S Dixit, Sgt GB Mishra, Sgt AK Yadav, Cpl M Bishnoi are the participants. The route of Marathon is from AF Stn Pathankot Unchi Bassi, AF Stn Adampur, Phillaur, AF Stn Halwara, Khanna, AF Stn Ambala, Pipli, Sainik School Kunjpura, Panipat, Sports School Rai (Sonipat), AF Stn Hindon. Air warriors from enroute air bases will be joining the team for a distance of 14, 21 and 42 Km. The team will be flagged off by Air Cmde JS Dhamoon VSM, AOC, Pathankot on 09 Sep 15 at 0500 hrs and the expedition will culminate at AF Stn Hindon on 19 Sep 15.

SKM/DP

Shri Rajnath Singh supports acts of self-defence by security forces

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
18-September-2015 18:00 IST

Shri Rajnath Singh supports acts of self-defence by security forces

Union Home Minister inaugurates NHRC-SHRCs Conference

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has come out strongly in support of the acts of self-defence by security forces maintaining law and order in hostile environment. Inaugurating the National Conference of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) here today, Shri Rajnath Singh slammed certain vested individuals and organizations that make a hue and cry over the violation of the human rights of terrorists and militant groups. He said undue importance is being given to such so-called champions of human rights.

The Union Home Minister said even judgments of the learned Supreme Court are being called into question when the apex court has passed a sentence after following due diligence laid down as per the law of the land. How can somebody claim violation of one’s rights and civil liberties when they have picked up the gun trampling upon the human rights of others, he said.

The Union Home Minister said there are inadequacies in our system and judicial delays resulting in undertrials remaining behind bars long beyond the tenure of the maximum sentence for the crime they have been charged with. Shri Rajnath Singh said this is a matter of serious concern and that he is trying to address the issue. He added that necessary directions have also been issued to the State Governments to release such prisoners.

The Union Home Minister said Human Rights have been an integral part of our culture and Indian saints have highlighted the idea of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina.' Shri Rajnath Singh said that even before the UN Charter on Human Rights came into existence, Indian culture was aware of not only human rights but also the animal rights. He also said that human trafficking is a grave concern and there should be detailed SoPs for reintegration, repatriation & rehabilitation of trafficked victims.

The Union Home Minister said that autonomy of institutions like NHRC should remain sacrosanct. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the MHA will look into the recommendations of the NHRC post the deliberations at the conference and consider valuable recommendations for action. He said that cooperation and coordination between NHRC & SHRCs should be strengthened.

In his presidential address, Justice Cyriac Joseph, Chairperson, NHRC called for amending the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act so as to make the rulings of the various Human Rights Commissions (HRCs) binding on the Central and State Governments. He also called for provision of some form of human rights in States and Regions where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is in force, making the PHR Act void in such areas.

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KSD/BK/PK/sk

Streamlining of approvals for construction projects to be firmed up by year end

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
08-September-2015 16:58 IST

Streamlining of approvals for construction projects to be firmed up by year end
At an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today, it was decided to conclude the process of streamlining approvals for construction projects in urban areas by the end of this year. Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr.Mahesh Sharma besides secretaries and senior officials of 8 Ministries and Departments including Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Urban Development, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Civil Aviation, Culture, Consumer Affairs, Defence and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion attended the meeting.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu reviewed the progress made by various ministries and departments to enhance the ‘ease of doing business’ in respect of construction and housing projects in urban areas in the context of implementation of new urban sector initiatives like Housing for All, Smart City Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). It was decided in the meeting that the ongoing efforts in this regard will be completed and necessary notifications issued by the end of this year to enable urban local bodies accord approvals in a specified time period.

Further to the decision of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to delegate powers of according required approvals to urban local bodies, it was decided that a Workshop will be held on the 21st of this month to inform States and Urban Local Bodies on the modalities of using the delegated powers. Other ministries will also explain the initiatives being taken to streamline the approvals.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu urged the Ministry of Environment to come out with a simplified check list for ensuring compliance by urban local bodies.

Shri Naidu was informed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has uploaded the Colour Coded Zoning Maps of Ahmedabad and Lucknow airports on the website of Airports Authority of India further to similar action taken earlier in respect of airports at Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkatat. Same would be done in respect of Guwahati, Bengaluru, Chennai, Nagpur and Jaipur by the end of this year. Such uploading of Colour Coded Zoning Maps would enable urban local bodies accord approvals without the applicants going to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Officials of the Ministry of Civial Aviation will hold talks with those of the Ministry of Defence to resolve the issue of uploading Zoning Maps in respect of 25 defence airports.

Ministry of Culture has informed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with ISRO for survey and mapping of all the 3,686 protected monuments in the country for uploading and enabling online approvals.

Ministry of Consumer Affairs will come out with National Building Code-2015 keeping in view with the objective of enhancing the ease of doing business in urban areas.

Today’s inter-ministerial meeting is the third convened by Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu since February this year to discuss measures for enhancing the ease of doing business in urban areas in respect of construction projects.

AAR

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Addresses the Combined Annual Meet of AFGIS and IAFBA

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
17-September-2015 17:11 IST

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Addresses the Combined Annual Meet of AFGIS and IAFBA
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) addressed the combined Annual General Body Meeting of Air Force Group Insurance Scheme (AFGIS) and Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA) at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park in New Delhi today. These are the two agencies which are the potent welfare arms of the IAF and have continuously evolved comprehensive welfare schemes catering to the diverse needs of Air Warriors, Air Veterans and their families.

The Air Chief in his first part of his address, reviewed the performance of the association during 2014-2015. He lauded the role of IAFBA by conveying that it has been proactive and made a positive impact to the aspiration of air warriors, both serving and retired. The Air Chief also highlighted the humanitarian schemes being run by the association which included merit based scholarships, schemes of special children, disbursement of education loan, welfare loans, performing decent last rites of deceased air veterans etc.

He also brought out that the IAFBA was completing 75 years of its existence on 22 November 2015. Towards this, the Air Chief also released a ‘First Day Cover’.

In the second part of the address, the Air Chief highlighted some significant measures initiated by the AFGIS to enhance the financial security of serving & retired air warriors serving and retired. The important ones include credit of 0.5% of bonus to the survival benefit, the sustenance of the interest rate of 10% per annum on the survival benefits, the flying pay linked insurance scheme wef 01 October 2014, Social Security Deposit Scheme for benefit of widows and next- of- kin of air warriors, facility of SMS alerts to retiring members about remittance of survival benefits, and enhanced insurance cover to air veterans and increase of house building loan from existing Rs. 35 Lakh to Rs. 50 Lakh wef 01 October 2015.

In his concluding address, the Air Chief complimented both the associations for their significant contribution towards financial security of the air warriors, air veterans and their families, and also directed them to continue to provide meaningful welfare service to their members.

RCD/MKS

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh holds delegation level talks with the visiting Russian Interior Minister Mr. Vladimir Kolokoltsev

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
07-September-2015 19:57 IST

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh holds delegation level talks with the visiting Russian Interior Minister Mr. Vladimir Kolokoltsev
Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh had a meeting with the visiting Russian delegation headed by Mr. Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister of Interior of Russian Federation. The Russian Minister was accompanied by Mr. Denis Alipov, Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Russia and Mr. Peter Popov, Deputy Head of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Interior. Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home, Secretary (Internal Security) Shri Ashok Prasad and other senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs participated in the meeting.

While recollecting India’s close and friendly ties with Russia, Union Home Minister noted that the friendly ties have been consolidated and strengthened and India continues to view Russia as privileged strategic partner. Shri Rajnath Singh stated that India is looking to expand the extensive bilateral cooperation and partnership under the framework provided by the Druzba-Dosti Joint Declaration issued during the Annual Summit between Prime Minister of India and President of Russia held in 2014.

Union Home Minister mentioned the cooperation existing between the two countries in diverse areas ranging from economic and commercial cooperation, defence, culture, health, public administration, science & technology and education. The discussion covered a wide range of issues including law enforcement activity in Russia and India, areas for joint cooperation, counter-terrorism, measures against extremism, acts of crime in the sphere of high technologies and IT, cyber security, cooperation in the field of drug control and the existing agreements between India and Russia.

On the issue of terrorism, Shri Rajnath Singh said that terrorism is continuing to pose a serious threat to the international community at large. This disturbs peace, democracy and freedom and endangers the very foundation of democratic societies. India strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and has adopted a holistic approach that ensures ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism.

Union Home Minister said that the threat of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is a matter of serious concern and there is need for close cooperation and exchange of information between the two countries and monitoring the activity of ISIL particularly in the field of media to counter the extensive media propaganda by the ISIL and the Cyber Space to combat close Jihadi chat and online recruitment.

Both sides discussed the six existing agreements between India and Russia in the field of Security Cooperation and Disaster Management. Union Home Minister mentioned that the oldest agreement signed in 1993 on cooperation and interaction between Ministry of Security of Russia and Ministry of Home Affairs of India is being revised and a fresh agreement is being formulated for consideration of Russia.

The two sides also agreed to set up an Expert Group on Cyber Security and counter-terrorism. There will be sharing of experiences in the field of specialised training and exchange of experts.

The two countries also agreed for promotion of tourism. The Union Home Minister mentioned that e-Tourist Visa facility has been extended to Russia in November, 2014 and requested for the similar facility on the basis of reciprocity. The visiting Interior Minister of Russia assured for the same and mentioned that the two countries will work in close coordination in this field.

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KSD/BK/PK

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Addresses the Air Veterans During Annual Day Meet of Air Force Association (AFA)

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
15-September-2015 20:19 IST

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Addresses the Air Veterans During Annual Day Meet of Air Force Association (AFA)
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) addressed the Air Force Association at their annual day at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi, today.

The Air Chief conveyed to the audience the IAF’s extraordinary contribution in evacuation of Indian Nationals from war-torn Yemen and in ‘Op Maitri’ proved beyond doubt the high professional standards of our air warriors and re-affirmed the Nation’s faith in the capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Further, the Air Chief highlighted the role of IAF during Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. He conveyed to the audience that during ‘Op Maitri’ in the aftermath of devastating earthquake in Nepal, the IAF with alacrity pressed into service C-130J aircraft airborne with relief material within four hours of the incident. During this operation, a total 1600 sorties were undertaken, 12000 people rescued and 1500 tones of weight airlifted. He also highlighted the role of IAF in terms of air support provided during war-torn Yemen by evacuating Indian Nationals. The immediate response in providing potable water to Maldives was lauded by one and all, he said.

The Air Chief informed the veterans on the induction of C-17 strategic airlift aircraft and C-130J special operations aircraft that has enhanced our effectiveness in operations. He also conveyed that a large fleet of Mi-17 V5 medium lift helicopters is being utilised in air logistics support of the Indian Army and other state agencies based in Northern and Eastern part of country. Towards operational infrastructure, the Air Chief brought out that Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in north east sector are being upgraded for operation of C-130J class of aircraft.

Expressing his views on Human Resources Initiatives, the Air Chief said that IAF had kept the professional growth and well-being of its air warriors as the prime guiding principle in its HR policies. He brought out that the facilities had been created at every station to ensure that the health and fitness levels of air-warriors and their dependents are maintained.

Speaking on the role of Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), the CAS said that it had been successful in reducing the processing time of pension cases. He also said that while Pension Pay Orders (PPOs) for officers and airmen proceeding on scheduled discharge/retirement are being issued two months prior. As far as PPOs in case of Premature Separation Cases are concerned, the Dte has cut down the period from 5-6 months to 3-4 months. While highlighting the role of Air Force Group Insurance Scheme (AFGIS), the Air Chief said that the agency has introduced Post Retirement Insurance Cover Scheme (PRIC-2015) wef 01 July 2015 in place of PRIC-2011. The new scheme provides enhanced insurance cover to air veterans. He also said that the agency has launched a special drive to reach out to orphans of air warriors and enquire about their financial well being. The Air Chief lauded the contribution of Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA) to the audience. He said that the agency had made a positive impact on the lives of our air warriors both in past and the present.

RCD/MKS

Indo-Maldives Joint Military Exercise

 

The sixth Indo-Maldives joint Training Exercise commenced on 31 Aug 2015 with an impressive opening ceremony at Pangode Military Station, Trivandrum.  Aim of the Joint Exercise is to acquaint both the forces with each other’s operating procedure in addition to increased understanding and interoperability between the two Armies.

          A total of 45 soldiers each from the Maldivian National Defence Force and the Indian Army (BIHAR Regiment) will take part in this exercise. Varied training activities are being conducted to enhance interoperability and jointness between the two defence forces.  The joint training will conclude with a tactical exercise. 

The closing ceremony is scheduled on 13 Sep 15 and would involve cultural displays by various military display teams besides aerial acrobatics display by Sarang Team.

1-Indo Maldives Joint Exercise at Pangode Military Station.jpg

 

                       

2-Indo Maldives Joint Exercise at Pangode Military Station.jpg

 

 

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)