Republic Day 2015 - News and Discussion

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 16 Jan 2015 07:54

Starting this thread to discuss everything about the upcoming Republic Day and the military aspects of the Obama visit.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 16 Jan 2015 07:58

At 3 am, Women Officers Practice. The Goal is Republic Day.

New Delhi: "Chin up, girls, hands up in the air, look straight!" The drill master's voice rang out in the mist and haze of Rajpath at 6.30 on a freezing Delhi morning.

Most people may still be hitting the snooze button on their alarm clocks, but nearly 350 women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force have been at work for three hours already - practicing for the parade in which they will march on Republic Day.

The band strikes the notes of Kadam Kadam Badhaya Ja - the marching tune of Subash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army, and the women officers get moving, arms swinging above their shoulders.

This is the first time that women from the defence forces are being represented in special contingents in the parade which shows off the country's military strength and assets.

Lieutenant Chippy K Devasia is 30, and an officer with the Navy. She lost her husband, naval officer Lieutenant Commander Jose Mathew - in an accident in Mauritius in 2013. She decided to join the navy as a personal tribute to the man she loved. "Jose always loved the Navy, and this is the minimum I could do. It is how you handle difficulties" she told me as the drill master's baritone command ordered the officers to fall back in line after a short break of few minutes. She studied hard, cracked the entrance test and cleared the grueling interview. "It was question of the mind-set" she told me with a smile on her face and add "I will do the best I can for the Navy".

Commander Kuntal Wadhwa died in a tragic accident on board the INS Kolkata - the indigenously-built Destroyer - when the warship was undergoing trials in 2014 Commander Wadhwa was to take over as the Engineering Officer of the warship. "I am a Navy Girl, being in the Forces perhaps come naturally me," said his wife - Sub-Lieutenant Sandhya Wadhwa, as she stretched her arms and legs to prevent cramps and muscle pulls in the cold winter morning. Sub Lieutenant Wadhawa is in the logistics wing - one of the most critical wings of the Indian Navy. The woman officers, like their men counterparts, on an average march over 13 kilometres in formation every day.

But Lieutenant Surabhi Gandhi from Himachal says she could march much more. On the 26th, she will be placed next to her younger sister, Lieutenant Soloni Gandh, two years her junior in the Navy. "Just imagine how happy our family will be on the 26th when both of us march down Rajpath with President Obama and President Pranab Mukerjee and Prime Minister Modi watching us," she said.

The sun was now peeping through the haze; not far away from the Navy contingent, Group Captain Sandeep Puri was keeping a hawk eye on the Air Force's woman's contingent. "It was always my dream to join the Air Force, and now I will be participating in a historic event" Squadron Leader Sneha Shekawat, who will lead the IAF contingent, told me. "The nation and President Obama will know we are the best," Flight Lieutenant SS Mythraye professed. A few seconds later, the contingent was back in position.

Pride and a deserved recognition of their immense contribution -this is what the women officers said they are marching for.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 18 Jan 2015 02:31

Hope more women will join Army after seeing us on Republic Day parade: Capt Divya Ajith

g.sarkar · Post by **g.sarkar** » 18 Jan 2015 02:59

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities ... day-visit/
Central Delhi lockdown for Obama’s Republic Day visit
Ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit as guest of honour for the Republic Day, security agencies are on an overdrive. Three hundred Delhi Police personnel will hold fort at the Maurya Sheraton 72 hours before his expected arrival on January 24.
Senior Delhi Police officers said the entire Maurya hotel will be booked for the President and his staff, and will be guarded by the US security. However, 72 hours before his arrival, the Delhi Police will also pitch in and take over security of the hotel and its premises. Sources said the hotel will be closed for bookings from January 21 and all current occupants have been asked to vacate the premises by then. Sources said some rooms at the Taj Palace hotel, adjacent to the Maurya, will also be booked for the President’s staff. “The threat perception is extremely high and Obama features on the hit list of the IS and the al-Qaeda. Security this time is double the arrangements that have been in place so far for US Presidents,” a senior officer said.
Usually, only 30- 35 companies are sanctioned to police every year on Republic Day. This time, the count has been doubled. The armed commandos and snipers on high rises have also been doubled, sources said.
Sources also revealed that Rs 1.5 crore has been sanctioned just for renting high- tech CCTV cameras. According to sources, 80 face recognition cameras will be installed near India Gate.......
Gautam

g.sarkar · Post by **g.sarkar** » 18 Jan 2015 03:02

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/isi ... 31054.html
ISIS notes found at Mumbai airport, warn of terror attack on Republic Day
Mumbai: Security agencies here have gone into high alert mode after two notes found at the Mumbai airport on Thursday evening warned of a terror attack on Republic Day. As per reports, the two notes with ISIS names on them teasingly ask: “26/01/2015 IS BOM OK?”
The notes were found in two toilets, meant for males, by a cleaner. The toilets are located inside the Terminal A1 of Mumbai's domestic airport.
The development came just over a week after a hand-written note scribbled on a wall inside the Mumbai airport threatened of an impending attack by the ISIS, or the Islamic State, on January 10. The note, found inside a toilet in the Level 2 of Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, read “ATTECK BY ISIS DATE 10/01/15 (sic)”......

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 926812.cms
1,600 US men to cover Obama on R-Day visit
NEW DELHI: Almost 1,600 American personnel, mostly from security agencies, are expected to be in India for the visit of President Barack Obama for the Republic Day. This is double the number of US officials who came to India during the US President's last visit in 2010.
US security delegations have been landing in India for the past few weeks, since the time Obama's visit was confirmed in November. An advance American delegation that was in India this week to prepare for the President's visit has told their Indian counterparts that almost 1,600 personnel would be involved in Obama's visit. Most of them would be security and intelligence personnel from agencies such as the US secret service and CIA.
In 2010, during Obama's visit to India the total number of officials involved were around 800. "This time President's engagements are significantly outdoors and more complex than his past visit," one official explained. Last time, some 40 aircraft were involved in ferrying officials and secure vehicles for the President's visit.
Obama would be spending almost two hours in the open at the Republic Day parade along Rajpath on January 26. An advance security team of the US that visited Rajpath had expressed serious concerns about the vulnerability of the arena. However, the Indian side assured them that its years of practiced drill is foolproof, and that they have also started installing several CCTV cameras along the stretch. .....
Gautam

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 18 Jan 2015 10:08

Please take the Ombaba visit, threats from Islamic Republic of Pakistan to their respective pages.

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 21 Jan 2015 11:11

Figghter planes practising in Dilli skied. Just saw a Sukhoi doing somehing which looked like a Cobra maneuver or maybe a barrel role. Too cloudy and it was very near the sun, so couldn't see it properly. Earlier a formation of 3 thundered by and did a 3 way split. Awesome day to be outside.

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 22 Jan 2015 03:22

No-fly zone has been declared over Rajpath and surrounding areas for 26th. No drones or private aircraft will be allowed in Delhi airspace around the parade. Flypast will still take place. Link

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 22 Jan 2015 03:52

I don't understand what we 'gave in' here: wasn't there always a no-fly zone around Rajpath, except for the flypast?

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 22 Jan 2015 06:14

It was always a no-fly zone for non-military manned aircraft but I guess even police/security drones are forbidden this time. The given-in bit is media spin of course.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 22 Jan 2015 06:21

I think they extended the radius and that probably brought in others in the ambit

they are going to have an awacs so security choppers will surely be around

Thakur_B · Post by **Thakur_B** » 22 Jan 2015 06:54

Victor wrote:It was always a no-fly zone for non-military manned aircraft but I guess even police/security drones are forbidden this time. The given-in bit is media spin of course.

Why, Obama thinks we are going to drone him like he drones Taliban in Af-Pak?

Nalla Baalu · Post by **Nalla Baalu** » 22 Jan 2015 07:07

Thakur_B wrote:
Victor wrote:It was always a no-fly zone for non-military manned aircraft but I guess even police/security drones are forbidden this time. The given-in bit is media spin of course.
Why, Obama thinks we are going to drone him like he drones Taliban in Af-Pak?

Or lacking confidence in security of the UAV command links?

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 22 Jan 2015 08:56

Nalla Baalu garu ("black ~~boy~~ ball" or "good ~~boy~~ ball" take your pick

). AdAbarse saab. wilkommen back

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 23 Jan 2015 02:51

Nalla Baalu wrote:Or lacking confidence in security of the UAV command links?

Sitting out in the open for 2 hours with the entire Indian govt machinery within yards of each other, the concern would probably be whose UAV command links. With Su-30mkis set to fly over their heads at low level, soldiers and tanks passing within feet, it is not the Indian govt they're worried about.

saip · Post by **saip** » 23 Jan 2015 03:19

Wasn't Sadat assassinated during a military parade?

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 23 Jan 2015 05:42

FYI, DD will be streaming the parade live here: https://www.youtube.com/user/DoordarshanNational

Link to the stream:

shaun · Post by **shaun** » 23 Jan 2015 15:48

Tin cans practicing ...no Arjun !!

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 23 Jan 2015 15:57

saip wrote:Wasn't Sadat assassinated during a military parade?

But by a whole squad of troops and they had the same ideology of the rest of the army. However, a bullet proof screen should be recommended for VVip's

HKumar · Post by **HKumar** » 23 Jan 2015 19:00

Interesting titbits on Obama's security cover or rona-dhona on lack of it (depending on how you look at it). Apart from the f-35/Raptor confusion, I am surprised they asked for no-fly-zone for IAF but have USAF providing cover. And they tested Indian Commandos ???

http://www.firstpost.com/india/weak-ant ... 58571.html

As the date of the United States President Barack Obama’s India visit nears, disagreement between the security agencies of US and India is getting sharper.

The two countries have been working together since December 2014 on several security measures to ensure the safety of the most protected person on this planet for his Republic Day visit in Delhi. But lately, the US Secret Service has been rather disappointed with the arrangements made by the Indian agencies.

According to sources, a number of special requests made by the US secret service to the Indian security agencies and the Indian government have been turned down. Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs in India confirmed that some of the demands made by the secret service are rather unrealistic.

Here are five areas that the US agencies are disappointed with the Indian security arrangements:

1. Extended outdoor time

The American president has never been on an outdoor event for more than 45 minutes. However, the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi last for almost two hours. The secret service had requested Indian agencies to either cut short the event or ensure that Obama will not be attending the event for more than 45 minutes.

But the Indian government has refused to oblige, according to a source in the Home ministry. To make things worse between the agencies, the number of tableaux participating in the parade could be increased from 20 to 25. It means that the event may end up extending the function further, beyond the usual two hours. This has not gone down well with the US Secret Service, but the Indian government too is not willing to budge.

2. No Fly zone over NDMC area

The US security agencies had earlier asked the Indian government to clear airspace over Delhi on January 25 and 26, according to sources in the MHA. In this case too Indian agencies refused to oblige. Following this, it was decided that commercial planes will be kept clear of the airspace over the New Delhi Municipal Corporation area during the event.

However, the US Secret Service had more recently asked the government for a five-kilometre radius no-fly zone (both commercial and the Indian Air Force) imposed around Rajpath during the event. That has also been turned down by the government as it is tradition for the Indian Air Force to do a flypast on Republic Day.

3. Airspace security over Yamuna Expressway

The Americans are also unhappy about the fact that while the airspace over the 165-kilometre long Yamuna Expressway to Agra, has not been declared a no-fly zone for commercial aircraft while the US President’s convoy is travelling on it. We have restricted the highway from public use for as long as the US President’s convoy is travelling through it. They have two F-35 raptors doing surveillance of the sky and will be flying on top of the President’s convoy. In addition to that, there are a number of security measures taken to ensure that any threat is detected beforehand. I don’t see why they should be upset,” an official at the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

4. Indian anti-terrorist squad unsatisfactory

Sources also revealed that the US secret service officials said that the Indian commandoes gave unsatisfactory results in the aptitude test on security along with surprise checks conducted by the agency. As a result, the Central Intelligence Agency is bringing their Concealed Anti-Terrorists (CAT) squads to the national capital.

5. Agra visit

Former US President Bill Clinton called Agra a ‘ghost town’ after his visit to the city on March 20, 2000. But that's because city was cleared of people for his security. The US Secret Service wanted the same measure extended to President Obama, but the Indian agencies have denied that request as well.

Obama, during his earlier trip had reportedly skipped visiting the Taj due to the fact that the city did not pass the security scanner. “This time around we had issued directions for security arrangements to the state government way in advance,” a senior administrative official at the Ministry of External Affairs said. “But, we want to avoid clearing the city completely. It is an inconvenience for the general public and we wish to maintain an 'organic' look of the city rather than it feeling like a deserted town,” he added.

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 23 Jan 2015 19:50

There is a lot of FUD in our media, and GoI is tight lipped as usual, so I don't know whether to believe this report or not. But assuming for a moment that I do, I am curious about the following, and what was done on earlier visits, if anyone knows?

They have two F-35 raptors doing surveillance of the sky and will be flying on top of the President’s convoy.

Won't it make more sense to provide helo cover, considering the convoy is on the road? Also, why are they driving down to Agra? Flying would be faster and and easier to secure, right?

As a result, the Central Intelligence Agency is bringing their Concealed Anti-Terrorists (CAT) squads to the national capital.

I am curious what is the protocol when these goons decide something is a threat. Do they un-conceal their weapons and take the threat out, considering our boys 'don't have the aptitude'?

Same goes for the F-35s - do they fire on some target if they decide it is a threat? And what happens if our IAF boys (I assume they will be providing CAP cover as well, and watch these F-35s) don't agree with the F-35 pilots' decisions?

I am not comfortable with the US military deployed with weapons ready on Indian soil/airspace.

member_20453 · Post by **member_20453** » 23 Jan 2015 20:04

^^^^

Most of the article is BS with no reliable sources and BS claims. SPG/ Delhi Police & NSG will be guarding the entire event carefully and the average SPG tropper will any day give a regular Secret Service guard a run for their money.

Sid · Post by **Sid** » 23 Jan 2015 20:06

US president is a liability for Republic day celebrations. Given high degree of threat (specially in a region where they use their godly powers regularly) it was never a good idea for him to be called here. He is the highest value target on earth.

Also his complete schedule/sitting locations/etc are publicly known months in advance. A highly motivated jihadi splinter cell can still launch a surprise attack no matter what you do.

Even if a firecracker will go off at the end of rajpath, they will evacuate and freeze the entire parade.

Thakur_B · Post by **Thakur_B** » 23 Jan 2015 20:20

ManavBH wrote:Central Delhi is on complete lock down as of this afternoon. The route Obama will take has been covered with hundreds (if not thousands of CCTV cameras), every inch is being monitored.

15,000 CCTV cameras.

deejay · Post by **deejay** » 23 Jan 2015 22:17

arshyam wrote:There is a lot of FUD in our media, and GoI is tight lipped as usual, so I don't know whether to believe this report or not. But assuming for a moment that I do, I am curious about the following, and what was done on earlier visits, if anyone knows?

They have two F-35 raptors doing surveillance of the sky and will be flying on top of the President’s convoy.
Won't it make more sense to provide helo cover, considering the convoy is on the road? Also, why are they driving down to Agra? Flying would be faster and and easier to secure, right?

Well arshyam ji, FUD you see leaves traces all around and so just read again: F35 Raptors.

So, there you go, such a well researched article with excessive information on secrets of SEE EYE YAE revealed in the fullest but the cake goes to the part where the Indians failed a test (

).

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 23 Jan 2015 23:18

^^ lol Deejay saar, I missed that. Brain too fuzzy in the morning to notice something that obvious.

member_26622 · Post by **member_26622** » 24 Jan 2015 00:02

Has anyone come across cost estimates on staging this 'Parade'.

Quite seriously - I think we are spending in excess of 100 million $ easy (pure guesswork). Heck Obama security will be costing US double of this amount easy.

I like the parade and all but this is getting to be a costly show because of Paki roaches.

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 24 Jan 2015 00:02

Sid wrote: Also his complete schedule/sitting locations/etc are publicly known months in advance. A highly motivated jihadi splinter cell can still launch a surprise attack no matter what you do.

This is obviously a very well calculated risk. Considering the sicko mentaility of the jihadis, there is always obviously a risk but it seems that in the minds of Obama and his govt, the payoff far outweighs the little chance of damage. If there were a realistic chance of damage, he would cancel even now I'm sure.

The parade is undoubtedly a juicy target now for the inbreeds but knowing how things are, it is quite likely that paki nuts are already tightly in the fist of a bad tempered gorilla till the end of the month. We can expect some trouble afterwards but no meaningful attack can happen without full paki support and infra and so it won't. Local jihadis haven't shown the balls or means for a frontal challenge, only cowardly remote bombings from under burkhas and those are not going to be possible against POTUS in Delhi or Agra.

OTOH, suppose an attack is witnessed by POTUS and God forbid he is hurt or worse, can you imagine the US making any clucking sounds if there is immediate bombing by IAF of jihadi camps in retaliation? Maybe even swift commando raids to capture a bunch of these mc/bcs? I'd bet the SEALs would join in.

So no, don't expect any trouble.

Shreeman · Post by **Shreeman** » 24 Jan 2015 19:26

29,29k, jaguars,30mki. hind, 17s, dhruv. 78mki, P8i, 130s, an32s. Anything else?

Also, P8i? really? Never thought the Mays or 142s made it this far up north.

Only Brahmos, perhaps. Ballistics may not be going down rajpath this time.

Also, BSF on motor cycles, why?

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 24 Jan 2015 21:05

http://www.wsj.com/articles/theres-no-e ... 1422051099

WSJ on BSF motorcycle team Jan Baz

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 24 Jan 2015 23:50

ManavBH wrote:<SNIP> Interception will take place at 200 km. In addition to the regular SAM batteries this time the Americans have 4 of their own and a few radars as well.<SNIP>

MODERATOR NOTE:

Is the above information based on open source material or some 'gossip' you heard from your acquaintances in IAF? Because I've not seen any mention in media of what is the interception radius or that American have SAM batteries in place in India (along with radars). This is a huge news item. And something which GOI would like to not discuss in public.

Please use some common sense and don't share such information. I suggest you delete your post.

Shreeman · Post by **Shreeman** » 25 Jan 2015 00:58

Surya wrote:http://www.wsj.com/articles/theres-no-e ... 1422051099
WSJ on BSF motorcycle team Jan Baz

So, new kind of snake charming then? Complete with mating stories.

The camels are fine, they and the cavalry should stay as long as they are serving. However, I also dont buy the "shifting sand dunes, impossible to build roads" argument (authority -- was born on a proper sand dune and grew up there as well). Just remove the stunt aspect from the motorcycles, it demeans the soldiers as if what they do regularly is not good enough to show.

prahaar · Post by **prahaar** » 25 Jan 2015 01:26

Shreemanji, the motorcycle stunts are good for aam junta which equates dare devil stunts with bravery and expertise. More than the soldiers' worth it is meant to give a demonstration of state power and capability. Parade itself is a subtle stunt which demonstrates discipline precision stamina etc.

Shreeman · Post by **Shreeman** » 25 Jan 2015 02:08

prahaar wrote:Shreemanji, the motorcycle stunts are good for aam junta which equates dare devil stunts with bravery and expertise. More than the soldiers' worth it is meant to give a demonstration of state power and capability. Parade itself is a subtle stunt which demonstrates discipline precision stamina etc.

I hate to tell you -- snake charming, "reechh" dancing and monkey-marriage celebrations are all in the same domain as motor cycle stunts. Raise the jawan from an object of stuntmanship to an officer of peace. Dignified at all times, and not designed to put on a peacock feather and blue suit for visiting royalty.

There is wing walking and there is precision flying. Which ones does IAF show?

There is no deficit of confidence re. the armed forces. There is however, a huge perception re poverty and "pandu" image and treatment of rank and file. This exercise does not serve a good purpose.

ps -- same objection to just "hanging" from a chetak or mi17 sling for no reason. not the extraction/operation demos -- just the underslung heli flyovers. Soldiers ought not be just toys for amusement. Get private folks to volunteer for all the juggling. If you want fo show discipline, precision, stamina -- malkhamb on a plateau, not 50 people on a motor cycle.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 25 Jan 2015 04:23

Shreeman agree completely. The BSF bike stuff belongs to circuses not a serious military display. It demeans the soldiers and their actual intent.

HKumar · Post by **HKumar** » 25 Jan 2015 08:18

I remember as a child watching Army performing motor cycle stunts in a stadium. Its not just BSF, even the Army and CRPF have their own motor cycle stunt teams. IIRC the CRPF is all girls team. Its just another extra-cir activity for the military. Even the British military have their own motorcycle team - Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team. I don't see anything wrong in motor cycle stunts even though I don't really care for it myself.

But I don't think that these stunts need to be part of republic day parade and if they are included - at the least give them cool motorcycle gear and not some silly costumes.

shaun · Post by **shaun** » 25 Jan 2015 08:48

^^ do agree, a peacock running down the lane!!

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 25 Jan 2015 09:07

prahaar wrote:Shreemanji, the motorcycle stunts are good for aam junta which equates dare devil stunts with bravery and expertise.

I had come to this conclusion also and refrained from commenting. Besides, the guys probably are proud of the achievement and rightly so, more power to them. My first experience was an RD in heavy fog. I had entered a little late and amid the din saw a soldier in fetal position floating by above the ground in fog, soon followed by others going by upside-down in a fan shape. Unforgettable.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 25 Jan 2015 09:39

let me table my demand.

a agni5 TELAR stops in front of the chief guest.
the crowd goes mouth agape as the tube rises to vertical position
a suitcase is brought to the PMs chair ... crowd edges away to the back
with a terrible smile of sorts he presses the red button without further delay
BAM.....the crowd of foreign diplomats dives under their chairs as the tube opens and a huge black mizzile rises 30meters in the air with a noise of nagara drums.
kids are not afraid they cheer and applaud
and then BAM the missile is a plastic dummy that opens into small pieces and showers marigolds and lotus flowers in a circular radius of 100 meters.
the chief guest gathers his wits amidst his huddle of agents and manages a weak smile.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 25 Jan 2015 09:44

Obama is NOT visiting agra and instead going to riyadh . so that part of the programme is cancelled and there should be no security in place for agra or any block of the yamuna expway now. not unless some babu didnt get the memo yet.

I do not the believe the americans bringing their own radars, SAMs and heh heh even F-35 here

generally the protocol they want for their AF1 is no other a/c should fly within a certain distance of it as it makes its way around the world and thats it. they do not bring along a fleet of F-15 for close escort or anything like that, neither they want the host countries to provide any fighter escort. the AF1 also has some kind of dummy or backup AF1 flying because yesterday in live telecast from andrews AFB I saw two of the E4 taking off close together. maybe the second plane carries the media and business leaders while first plane is for potus and his staff only.

I believe they have a total of 4 x E4 NEACP all heavily modded 747-200 chassis.