The Bofors scandal, along with other notable instances like the 2013 Indian helicopter bribery scandal and the Jeep scandal case, are familiar occurrences. These incidents, often termed as “ghotala” or scams, share two common factors: involvement of the Congress Government and connections to the defence sector. However, since 2014, with the advent of the Modi Government, this narrative has undergone a transformation.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government shifted its focus towards the welfare of the people and the nation. As PM Modi’s second term approached its conclusion, he highlighted the Government’s accomplishments in his concluding speech during the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha. Today, we, your trusted news source organiser, bring you insights into the achievements of the Modi Government in the defence sector over the past decade.
Over the past ten years, India has successfully brought a new dimension to its defence strategy. The Indian military’s participation in joint exercises with foreign armies has increased, and there has been a boost in defence cooperation agreements. India has strengthened its ties with global powers and strategic partners through logistics agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the United States. Through these agreements, the mutual utilisation of facilities by military forces is facilitated. Let’s explore the defence agreements India has entered into with various countries…
Whether it’s the United States or Israel, everyone has extended their hands.
United States:
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA): Signed in 2016, this agreement allows India and the United States to use each other’s facilities for logistics support, including refuelling and replenishing military forces’ fuel.
#WATCH INS Talwar on mission-based deployment in Northern Arabian Sea undertook refuelling with US Navy Fleet Tanker USNS Yukon under Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
(Video source: Indian Navy) pic.twitter.com/CsmmVyKTOG— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2020
Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA): Signed in 2018, COMCASA permits India to purchase encrypted communication equipment for American-origin military platforms such as C-17, C-130, and P-8I aircraft.
Signing of Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) will enable India to access advanced technologies from USA: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after '2+2' talks with the United States pic.twitter.com/af1qZ99VWw
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2018
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA): Signed in 2020, BECA facilitates the exchange of geo-spatial data, enhancing the accuracy of missile systems and drones.
Japan:
Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA): Signed in 2020, this agreement allows Indian and Japanese forces to reach each other’s locations for military support, enhancing strategic reach and operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific.
PM Abe: Japan has signed an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) with India. The Agreement will promote closer cooperation between our Self-Defense Forces and the Indian Armed Forces and serve as a major cornerstone for Japan and India (1/4) pic.twitter.com/HWojnnnytr
— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) September 11, 2020
Australia:
Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA): Focusing on mutual logistics support and maritime security, India and Australia have strengthened their defence and security cooperation, aiming for a comprehensive strategic partnership.
#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "During my last visit to Vietnam in June 2022, we signed Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and Joint Vision Statement on India & Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030. This Joint Vision Statement is now an overarching guiding… pic.twitter.com/LQrwM2RnGd
— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2023
United Kingdom:
Defence and International Security Partnership (DISP): India and the UK have agreed to enhance defence cooperation through technology transfer, collaboration in defence manufacturing, and joint efforts against terrorism.
@Nus_Ghani
@PGibsonSNP
India is a key strategic partner for the UK in the Indo-Pacific both in terms of market share & defence, as was underscored by the signing of the Defence & International Security Partnership between India & the UK in 2015. #IndiaUKFriendship@jogideon pic.twitter.com/uIeGIQLyeX— Amina Khan (@AminaKh94221736) April 23, 2022
France:
Defence Industrial Roadmap (DIR): India and France have expanded their collaboration from space cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French Space Agency (CNES) to defence production. Both countries signed the ‘Defence Industrial Roadmap’ during the visit of the French President as the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
#WATCH | Defence industrial cooperation roadmap will deepen the partnership between the two nations. During my visit, companies like Google Micron, Applied Materials and others have announced to make huge investments in India. All these announcements will help to create… pic.twitter.com/GgI1nwLwVR
— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023
Israel:
India-Israel Vision for Defence Cooperation (IIVDC): Israel, a major partner in defence technology and equipment for India, provides advanced military technology, including missile defence systems like Barak 8, drones, and radar systems. Both countries have signed numerous defence deals, emphasising joint development of technology and equipment, including agreements on technology transfer and collaboration in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism efforts.
Yesterday was a landmark day for #DEFENCE & #MakeInIndia .
Our PM planted the seed for this in his 2017 ISRAEL visit .
Rajnath ji signed & envisioned the India–Israel Vision on Defence Cooperation ( a 10 Yr. Plan) in 2022 and come 2023 – The Deal 🚀!
Proud #BEL Shareholder pic.twitter.com/m8XqWmu8aP
— Ron || Mad About Stocks (@MadAboutStocks_) February 17, 2023
Joint Military Exercises
Malabar Exercise:
Participants: Initially a bilateral exercise between India and the United States, it has expanded to include Japan and Australia, making it a multilateral exercise among Quad countries.
Focus: Emphasises high-level naval drills, anti-submarine warfare, air defence exercises, and surface warfare exercises, showcasing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region.
Malabar Exercise 2023 🇦🇺🇮🇳🇯🇵🇺🇸 begins in #Sydney Harbour.#Quad #IADN pic.twitter.com/5tgm58rtcV
— News IADN (@NewsIADN) August 11, 2023
India-USA Exercise:
Participants: India and the United States
Focus: An annual ground-based military exercise aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the armies of both countries, with a focus on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaigns in urban and mountainous areas.
13th Edition of India-USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminated at Bakloh (HP). This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India & US. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington (USA) in October 2021: Ministry of Defence pic.twitter.com/3Xy3N9IoRS
— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2022
Indra Exercise:
Participants: India and Russia
Focus: A tri-services exercise involving the Army, Navy, and Air force of both countries. It aims to enhance interoperability in joint campaigns against terrorism and joint campaigns in all three services.
A 🇷🇺Navy missile boat fires a Moskit anti-ship missile in the Sea of Japan. The acceleration of the supersonic missile is impressive !!
I have been lucky to sail in this area for Exercise Indra with the Russian Navy and it is one of the coldest and desolate sea in the world. pic.twitter.com/1zPAPlMmRX
— Manoj Rawat🇮🇳 (@SeaSkipper) March 29, 2023
Varuna Exercise:
Participants: India and France
Focus: A naval exercise that includes air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare exercises, demonstrating the deep maritime security cooperation between both nations.
#WATCH: French fighter aircraft Rafale being recovered onboard French Navy's aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle, during ongoing Indo-French naval exercise 'Varuna', in the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/pZe4dNtyXZ
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2019
Surya Kiran Exercise:
Participants: India and Nepal
Focus: The largest joint military exercise between India and Nepal, focusing on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaigns in mountainous areas, reflecting the geographical realities and security concerns of the region.
Visuals from Indo-Nepal joint military exercise 'Surya-Kiran' underway in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh. pic.twitter.com/VkwyRO2Xgn
— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018
SIMBEX Exercise:
Participants: India and Singapore
Focus: A bilateral naval exercise concentrating on complex naval warfare exercises, anti-submarine warfare, and air and surface warfare, highlighting strategic maritime relations between the two nations.
Sea Phase of the 26th Edition of Singapore – India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) -19 commenced in the South China Sea today. pic.twitter.com/0JSm0NRWHy
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2019
AUSINDEX Exercise:
Participants: India and Australia
Focus: A bilateral naval exercise emphasising anti-submarine warfare, air defence exercises, and surface firing, with the goal of strengthening mutual naval cooperation and interoperability.
Visakhapatnam: Royal Australian Navy Ships & Submarine & Indian Navy's INS Ranvijay,INS Sahyadri & others participated in 3rd edition of Australia – India Maritime Exercise, AUSINDEX, y'day. The bilateral maritime exercise will continue till Apr 14.(Source- Eastern Naval Command) pic.twitter.com/fCLCuLeIcf
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019
Maitree Exercise:
Participants: India and Thailand
Focus: An annual military exercise concentrating on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency campaigns, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to enhance peace and security in the region.
Indo-Thai joint-military exercise "MAITREE" unfolds. India is making new friends in an increasingly volatile world. pic.twitter.com/WOkhuON0DE
— Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) (@majorgauravarya) July 9, 2017
Sampriti Exercise:
Participants: India and Bangladesh
Focus: A joint exercise focusing on counter-terrorism and disaster management campaigns, aiming to strengthen military-to-military relations and interoperability between the two armies.
#WATCH Troops of India and Bangladesh preparing for the Exercise Sampriti-9 that begins tomorrow at Umroi Cantonment in Shillong, Meghalaya. During the exercise, both sides will practice counter-terrorism drills. pic.twitter.com/9Uh5sqryko
— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2020
Defence and Security Dialogues
1. India-USA 2+2 Dialogue:
Participants: India and the United States
Focus: A high-level dialogue involving the foreign and defence ministers of both countries. It encompasses a wide spectrum of strategic, defence, and security issues, including defence procurement, technology transfer, regional security challenges, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue has led to significant agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA, enhancing interoperability and strategic relations.
2. India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC):
Participants: India and Russia
Focus: This forum plays a crucial role in discussing and advancing defence cooperation between India and Russia. The discussions often revolve around joint development and production projects, procurement of defence equipment, technology collaboration, and military-to-military engagements.
In Defence Diplomacy today in Delhi:
-Defence minister meets members of UK House of Commons Defence Committee
-India Russia hold 3rd Meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation of Intergovernmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) pic.twitter.com/wgWIKyTHwd— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 18, 2023
3. India-France Annual Defense Dialogue:
Participants: India and France
Focus: This dialogue facilitates discussions on various aspects of defence and security relations, including military cooperation, defence procurement, maritime security, and collaboration in defence technology and research. Notably, the sale of Rafale jets and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region are outcomes of this high-level engagement.
France Defense Minister Florence Parly Meet With Rajnath Singh In India-france Annual Defense Dialogue And A Clear Message Given To China And Pakistan clear message to https://t.co/GW3a0sYs6V
— Indoree Talk News |🇮🇳 (@indoreetalknews) December 18, 2021
4. India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue:
Participants: India and Japan
Focus: The objective of this dialogue is to enhance strategic and defence cooperation, and defence technology collaboration and promote cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. It demonstrates the growing importance of India-Japan relations in ensuring regional stability.
Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Affairs minister and Taro Kono, Defense minister of Japan, who are in India to attend India-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) meeting, call on PM Modi today ahead of PM Abe's visit to India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month pic.twitter.com/W7GrZ5PGbj
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) November 30, 2019
5. India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Talks:
Participants: India and Australia
Focus: This dialogue covers discussions on strategic issues, defense cooperation, maritime security, and mutual logistic support. It reinforces the commitment of both nations to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and has resulted in crucial agreements like the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA).
"Australia is very keen on India joining the RAN's largest biennial wargames called ‘Talisman Sabre’ in 2023".
The issue will be up for discussion in the 1st India-Australia 2+2 ministerial talks this week. Will be interesting to see how Delhi responds.https://t.co/FkhtGc41Qs
— Abhijit Singh (@abhijit227) September 7, 2021
6. India-UK Defense Consultative Group (DCG):
Participants: India and the United Kingdom
Focus: DCG serves as a platform for discussing defence equipment and technology cooperation, joint research and development, and a broad range of strategic defence issues. Its goal is to strengthen defence industrial collaboration and address common security challenges.
Delhi | Last year we (India-UK) launched a comprehensive strategic partnership. Work on FTA is underway. Talks held on defense sector, trade, climate & energy. Talks also hold on free, open & rule-based Indo-pacific region: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/1MCoObQeK7
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2022
7. Shangri-La Dialogue:
Participants: Multilateral (Including India)
Focus: Although not a bilateral dialogue, India actively participates in the annual Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore. It serves as a platform for India to engage with various countries on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasising its role and perspectives on regional security architecture.
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🇨🇳China is ignoring calls from the Pentagon:The Pentagon’s request for talks between Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue Forum in Singapore next week has not been answered.
–Ely Ratner, Ast Secy of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security… https://t.co/PJMQ6ZZ2V5 pic.twitter.com/ZBSZgyPMc7
— ⏳Towhee 🌏☮️ (@amborin) September 5, 2023
In his speech at the Aero India 2023 inauguration in Bengaluru this February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the 21st-century New India will seize every opportunity and spare no effort. As a result of Government initiatives, the nation has achieved a historic milestone in defence production, reaching one lakh crore rupees, along with recording an all-time high in defence exports, nearing almost 16 thousand crore rupees in the fiscal year 2022-23. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative has further contributed to curbing expenses on defence procurement from foreign sources.
Maritime Security Cooperation
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
Initiation: Launched by India in 2008, IONS is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation among naval forces of littoral states in the Indian Ocean region.
Objective: It seeks to promote shared understanding and cooperative mechanisms among IOR navies, particularly focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), counter-piracy operations, and maritime security through mutual understanding and cooperation.
#WATCH | India is committed to the well-being and progress of all nations of the Indian Ocean. We have dedicated bodies like the Indian Ocean Rim Association or the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, with their specific mandates. We expand on that belief through the Neighbourhood… pic.twitter.com/iIAWuaY2ey
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2023
Quad – Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad):
Participants: India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
Focus: The Quad is a strategic dialogue born out of bilateral exercises like Malabar, initially involving India and the U.S. It has evolved to include all Quad members and emphasises ensuring maritime security, countering piracy, and enhancing vigilance in the free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and Maritime Security:
Here he goes again, blatantly lying, taking credit for Donald Trump’s 2017 formation of ‘QUAD’ (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). Which includes the U.S.A, India, Australia, and Japan. Joe doesn’t mention #BRICS, Russia’s pathway to destroy the U.S. economy! pic.twitter.com/hkEDDTq2st
— 𝔹𝕦𝕕 & ℂ𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕪… (@bud_cann) May 21, 2023
IORA Engagement: India actively participates in IORA, focusing on dialogues and cooperation to address common challenges like maritime terrorism, human trafficking, and illegal fishing, thereby promoting regional maritime security.
Mission Sagar (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Launched by India, this initiative aims to enhance economic and security cooperation with IORA nations, provide humanitarian aid, and build capacities for disaster management.
Capacity Building and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Programs:
Capacity Building Initiative: India engages in capacity-building efforts in IOR countries, including the provision of patrol vessels, surveillance equipment, and training to strengthen their maritime security capabilities.
Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR):
Established by India, the IFC-IOR aims to enhance maritime domain awareness by real-time sharing of maritime information and intelligence, contributing to increased awareness of maritime activities and threats in the region.
Anti-Piracy Operations:
Active Participation: India actively participates in anti-piracy campaigns along the Gulf of Aden and Somalia’s coast. This involvement ensures the security of vital sea routes for international trade and energy supply, demonstrating India’s commitment to global maritime security.
Highlights of PM Modi’s ten years in the defence sector include:
1. Surgical Strikes: Following the Uri attack, the Indian Army executed surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28-29, 2016. This operation showcased India’s commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism, demonstrating the capability to enter enemy territory and eliminate threats directly. The strikes inflicted significant damage on terrorist hideouts and their supporters. The Modi Government conveyed that if Pakistan continued its disruptive activities, the Indian Army would not hesitate to violate the disputed border.
The Congress duffers humiliate the Prestigious Indian Armed Forces once again this time through a statement made by their leader in the the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan who said "there is no evidence of surgical strike on Pakistan" These internal traitors are more dangerous to the… pic.twitter.com/LCr2Lc3CWD
— Satya Adiraju (@satyajgd) February 5, 2024
2. Airstrike on Enemy Stronghold: In response to the terrorist attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama on February 14, 2019, where 40 CRPF jawans were martyred, the Modi Government conducted an airstrike on JeM’s major terrorist camp in Balakot, PoK, on February 26. The operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists, their trainers, and senior commanders.
3. National War Memorial: PM Modi inaugurated the National War Memorial, a tribute to India’s martyrs. Dedicated to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country since independence, the memorial honours approximately 26,000 martyrs of independent India. Notably, the Tyag Chakra features a daily next-of-kin ceremony to commemorate those inscribed on it.
A solemn ceremony brought together the veteran officers & their families from Armed Forces Medical College to the hallowed precincts of #NationalWarMemorial who paid homage to fallen soldiers while honouring their valiant service & supreme sacrifice for the #Nation. pic.twitter.com/GmX4ZqTjur
— राष्ट्रीय समर स्मारक / NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL (@salute2soldier) February 10, 2024
4. Overhauling the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB): The nineteenth performing OFB witnessed the establishment of seven new defence companies dedicated to the nation. A monumental decision was made to transform the Ordnance Factory Board into seven Government wholly-owned corporations. A strategic move allocates twenty-five per cent of the defence R&D budget to individuals engaged in industry, startups, and research.
5. Historic Reforms in Chief of Defence Staff Appointment: In a historic move, the Modi Government appointed the Chief of Defence Staff, aiming to enhance coordination among all three branches of the Army. These reforms, crucial for the Army, strengthened coordination in all aspects and optimised resource utilisation. In emergencies, the Army gained the authority to procure spare parts and ammunition independently, allowing service headquarters to make purchases up to Rs 300 crore without requiring cabinet approval for defence deals worth Rs 2,000 crore.
6. Empowering Women in the Army: A landmark 557 women officers secured a permanent commission in the Army, and for the first time, 83 women jawans were appointed to the Military Police Corps. Five women officers achieved the rank of colonel, with Captain Abhilasha Barak becoming the first woman combat aviator. Captain Bhawna Kasturi led the Army Service Corps in the 2019 Republic Day parade, making history. The NDA doors were opened for women under PM Modi’s Government.
7. Implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP): Addressing a long-pending issue, the Modi Government successfully implemented the One Rank One Pension, benefiting 20.6 lakh pensioners or their family members with arrears. The annual expenditure on this scheme reached Rs 7,123 crore, and the Sparsh scheme ensured direct payments to pensioners’ bank accounts, totalling Rs 11,600 crore for more than 5 lakh pensioners in 2021-22.
Congress has always deceived this land of the brave and the Bravehearts here. For 4 decades, Congress continued betraying the ex-servicemen in the name of One Rank One Pension (OROP)…BJP Govt not only implemented OROP but also provided arrears to the ex-servicemen: PM Modi in… pic.twitter.com/wlDNNtEZ1J
— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2023
8. Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant: Celebrating 75 years of independence, PM Modi inducted INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier, into the Navy. This historic moment reflected India’s commitment to self-reliance and its influence in the 21st century. PM Modi also commissioned one Scorpene class submarine, INS Kalvari S-2, with plans for five such submarines for the Navy.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese onboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant pic.twitter.com/CmuyGg4sxZ
— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2023
9. Armed Forces in Relief and Rescue Operations: Under PM Modi’s leadership, the armed forces played a crucial role in relief and rescue operations. Operation Ganga witnessed the Indian Air Force evacuating 2457 Indian citizens from Ukraine amid Russian aggression. The Air Force also successfully evacuated 579 Indian citizens from Afghanistan in 2021. Operations like Maitri provided relief after the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, and during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Air Force and Indian Navy evacuated 4,200 Indians from China and other countries.
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