Tracking India's Admission into International Groups & Bodies

[SSridhar]

G-4 for UN Security Council reform, multilateralism - Verghese K George, The Hindu

India and other Group-4 (G-4) countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and called for the early reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday.

Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump pilloried multilateralism in this address to the UN General Assembly, Foreign Ministers of Brazil, Japan and Germany — Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, Taro Kono and Heiko Maas, respectively — were hosted by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for the G-4 meeting. “The G-4 Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism. G-4 Ministers stressed that adapting the UN to the contemporary needs of the 21st century necessarily required reforming the Security Council,” the group said in a statement.

American disinterest

Given the American disinterest in the UN and other multilateral bodies, China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, has slowed down the move to expand the body, according to diplomats tracking the process. The U.S. has no active opposition to the demand of these four countries to be included as permanent members of the UNSC, but the Trump administration has taken a benign approach to the proposed reform.

In his speech, Mr. Trump attacked the UN Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court.

“America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism,” Mr. Trump said in the speech that made sweeping accusations against multilateral institutions.

G-4 Ministers noted that despite an overwhelming majority of UN member states supporting Security Council reform, the negotiations launched in 2009 have not produced substantive progress over the 10 years.

“The G-4 Ministers emphasised the need to revitalise process of the Security Council reform, and they tasked their respective officials to consider the way forward to advance the reform,” the statement said.

While there is no active American support for reform, Mr. Trump’s call for other countries to step up and share the responsibility of managing the UN might support the reform, even in the face of active Chinese opposition, according to an official.

Germany and Japan contribute one-fifth of the UN budget while the four countries together have one-fifth of the world population.

Changed realities

The Ministers agreed that the “current composition of the UNSC does not reflect the changed global realities and they stressed that Security Council reform is essential to address today’s complex challenges.”

They “reiterated their commitment to work to strengthen the functioning of the UN and the global multilateral order as well as their support for each other’s candidatures”, the statement said.

[SSridhar]

Britain lends 'unconditional' support to India's bid for NSG membership - Sachin Parashar, ToI

The UK has reiterated unconditional support for India’s Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid saying India has done enough to merit an entry into the elite group responsible for international nuclear commerce.

After a dialogue between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and UK’s foreign & commonwealth office, diplomatic sources here [New Delhi] said UK saw India as a key member and protector of the international rules-based order.

India is hoping for a renewed push for its NSG bid despite opposition from China, emboldened as it has been by the US emphasis on securing an early membership for India at the recent 2+2 dialogue. India’s elevation last month to the US’ tier-1 of licence exception + for export of sensitive defence and high-end technologies was seen as a reaffirmation of US support to its bid.

"India has the right credentials for NSG membership and we believe it should be a member. Only the Chinese can explain what objections they have to India’s membership," said a diplomatic source after the meeting.

[SSridhar]

Trump admin reiterates support for India's role in reformed UNSC - PTI

The Trump administration has reiterated its support for India's bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, a senior US official said, emphasizing that the two "global partners" share a commitment to work together on global challenges like denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asia Region Alice Wells said US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale met Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale at the beginning of the week of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly to build on the momentum of the first 2+2 meeting between the US and India in New Delhi as well as to reaffirm the strategic convergence that Washington sees in the bilateral ties.

"We really are global partners and the meeting (between Hale and Gokhale) reaffirmed our shared commitment to working together on international challenges - from a denuclearised Korean Peninsula to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," Wells told reporters Friday during a briefing on US priorities in the South and Central Asia Region.

The American diplomat said the US reiterates its support for India's role in a reformed UN Security Council.

The New York meeting was a continuation of the discussion at the 2+2 meeting.

"It's a conversation that really covers the map in terms of how we can work together in Afghanistan, what we are doing to promote free and open Indo-Pacific and also in particular, how we are both very supportive of the democratic developments that we see transpiring in the Maldives," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and congratulated him.

The US too congratulated the people of Maldives, saying they had peacefully raised their voices to determine the future of their country.

During Modi's visit to Washington in June last year, Trump supported India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UNSC and in other multilateral institutions such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," a joint statement issued after the meeting between Modi and Trump had said.

[arun]

X Posted from the Indian ASAT Test thread.

Btw, the timing is exquisite.

Because there is a closed door Conference on Disarmament happening in Geneva right now , discussing a treaty to ban ASAT weapons called PAROS - Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (this treaty was mentioned in the MEA FAQ as being discussed since 1982)
https://futurism.com/25-governments-pre ... -arms-race

Representatives from 25 countries around the world are currently meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to formulate international laws to prevent space-based conflict.

But the meetings, which will continue through March 28, hit a roadblock when the U.S. representative accused China and Russia of undermining the entire process by developing anti-satellite weaponry, according to France 24 — a bad omen for the militarization of space.

http://en.rfi.fr/economy/20190325-space ... is-says-eu

The so-called Big Three appear to want to “weaponise” space on their own terms and, with huge strides in technology made since the Outer Space Treaty (OST) was signed in 1967, the final frontier is up for grabs.

Well, they need to make it Big Four now. We just barged into a few meetings over there which didn't previously include us.

We just have a middle ungli to the entire world.

Yes the Mission Shakthi A-SAT test has lots to do with PAROS.

India was excluded from the Group of Government Experts (GGE) on Transparency and Confidence Building Measures In Outer Space Activities:

……….. Though India has a long-standing and rapidly growing space programme, the United Nations in 2011 kept it out of the GGE it constituted on Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space Activities. New Delhi had lodged a strong protest not only at the CD, but also at the UNGA. …………

Read more at: Delhi seeks key role to draft global laws

The above puts the MEA FAQ statement of “India expects to play a role in the future in the drafting of international law on prevention of an arms race in outer space including inter alia on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space in its capacity as a major space faring nation with proven space technology”, in context (Frequently Asked Questions on Mission Shakti, India’s Anti-Satellite Missile test conducted on 27 March, 2019)

The bit on testing “Kinetic Kill” is significant in terms of the Outer Space Treaty which seeks “to preserve space for peaceful uses by committing States Parties to refrain from placing objects carrying any type of weapon into orbit”. Destruction by collision uses no weapon.

India must make it crystal clear that she will not be party to any outer space treaty that does not give her top table privilege’s equal to PRC, US, France, UK and Russia. None of this GGE exclusion business.

[ArjunPandit]

^^why is UK there on these treaties????They cant launch their own sattelites or have their own ICBMs. Is it the priviledge of being 52nd state of US

[Vips]

Mission Shakti: Russia urges India to join multilateral mechanism to stop arms race in outer space.

Russia is behaving more like a China Lackey and wants India to accept the China-Russia draft. Anything that has been initiated/sponsored by china is bound not to be in Indian or American interests.

[Trikaal]

Mission Shakti: Russia urges India to join multilateral mechanism to stop arms race in outer space.

Russia is behaving more like a China Lackey and wants India to accept the China-Russia draft. Anything that has been initiated/sponsored by china is bound not to be in Indian or American interests.

What is the China-Russia draft? I think it would be better we discuss the specific points of such a draft rather than rejecting it from the get go just because it is China sponsored.
AFAIK, it is the US that wants to actively militarize space. China and Russia do not have similar capacity while US is actively planning to deploy space based interceptors. Case in point is the recent establishment of the 'Space Force'. So, China and Russia would benefit more from a deal to not weaponize space as it would give them enough time to catch up with US technologically. Personally, I do not have much of an opinion either in favour or against Space militarization, other than that India should strive to stay in running with the pack of 3 if Space weapons aren't banned.

[ArjunPandit]

https://www.un.org/documents/ga/docs/55/a55558.pdf
Is this the one. Right now it seems very innoccous apart from the line "prevent an arms race" Now that's subjective. Policy seems fine procedures need to be where the devil would lie

[ashbhee]

India should state they will consider joining any such space arms race cooperation mechanism after getting NSG membership.

Mission Shakti: Russia urges India to join multilateral mechanism to stop arms race in outer space.

Russia is behaving more like a China Lackey and wants India to accept the China-Russia draft. Anything that has been initiated/sponsored by china is bound not to be in Indian or American interests.

What is the China-Russia draft? I think it would be better we discuss the specific points of such a draft rather than rejecting it from the get go just because it is China sponsored.
AFAIK, it is the US that wants to actively militarize space. China and Russia do not have similar capacity while US is actively planning to deploy space based interceptors. Case in point is the recent establishment of the 'Space Force'. So, China and Russia would benefit more from a deal to not weaponize space as it would give them enough time to catch up with US technologically. Personally, I do not have much of an opinion either in favour or against Space militarization, other than that India should strive to stay in running with the pack of 3 if Space weapons aren't banned.

[arun]

^^^ Chuck India's inclusion into the Group of Government Experts (GGE) on Transparency and Confidence Building Measures In Outer Space Activities, into the pot, See about midway down this above post of mine (Clicky)

[SSridhar]

Some perspective/background on what China is doing on this.

On January 5, 2013, China’s state-run Global Times said in an editorial, “China should continue substantive research on striking satellites. In the foreseeable future, gap between China and the US cannot be eliminated by China's development of space weapons. The US advantage is overwhelming. Before strategic uncertainties between China and the US can disappear, China urgently needs to have an outer space trump card. China’s public policy is peaceful use of space, which is also China's real desire. China has no interest in launching a large-scale space race with the US. China and Russia jointly initiated a programme to avoid an arms race in outer space in 2008, but this proposal was refused by the US. Against this background, it is necessary for China to have the ability to strike US satellites. This deterrent can provide strategic protection to Chinese satellites and the whole country's national security”

In April, 2013, the US Deputy Asst. Secretary for Space & Defense Policy, Frank Rose disclosed that “Over the past year or so, space has been included in an increasing way and we hope to continue those discussions on space security. The United States continues to have concerns about the development of China's anti-satellite program but we also want to engage them and talk about it”.

In c. 2010, PRC conducted another missile test using its ASAT capabilities. China supports PPWT (Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects) which it has officially endorsed in a white paper on national defense titled China’s National Defense in 2010 on March 21, 2011. It said in that white paper “. . .the Chinese government has advocated from the outset the peaceful use of outer space, and opposes any weaponization of outer space and any arms race in outer space.” Thus, PRC’s approach was to conclude the PPWT thereby denying any advantage to potential adversaries like India which had not started their activities in this sphere while pursuing its own goals in space weapons and build infrastructure before the Treaty comes into effect. It has been pursuing this goal with Russia.

It is this which has been nixed by us. So, Russia wants us to join its (and China's) proposed treaty while the US is totally opposed to even any treaty for weaponization of space (not militarization, which has already happened). Weaponization refers to placing weapons in orbit, for example a Co-orbital ASAT weapon etc.

[SSridhar]

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale heads to Moscow to discuss outer space rules - Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, Economic Times

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale is heading to Moscow this weekend for talks on proposed rules for keeping outer space peaceful in the backdrop of India’s Anti-Satellite Missile Test (ASMT). India’s decision to conduct ASMT and the weaponisation of outer space will be among the key talking points when Gokhale meets senior Russian officials in Moscow later this week and early next week, ET has learnt.

It is understood that rules for maintaining peace in outer space will be among the talking points. The Ministry of External Affairs had briefed Russia and the other permanent members of the UN Security Council following the test.

Russia acknowledged India’s right to conduct ASMTs on Friday and put the onus on the US for framing rules at the earliest to prevent the weaponisation of outer space.

[arun]

X Posted from the India-Russia: News & Analysis thread.

The full text of the Russian statement on Mission Shakthi ASAT test by India from the Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in India. It is self-described as “Comment by the Information and Press Department” though of what eg: Russian Embassy / Russian Foreign Ministry etc, is not known:

ON THE TEST OF ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPONS CONDUCTED BY INDIA

We noted the test of anti-satellite weapons conducted by #India on March 27, as a result of which an #Indian spacecraft - a target - in a low earth orbit was hit by an interceptor ballistic missile. We highlight the nondirectedness of this test against any specific country declared by the Indian leadership, as well as the reassurance of the continuity of New #Delhi foreign policy to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space and thereby the development of an arms race in it.

At the same time, we have to state that this action of India has been largely the result of the substantially degraded situation in the field of arms control. #Russia has repeatedly warned that the destructive actions of the #USA to undermine the entire architecture of international security and strategic stability, including unilateral and unlimited development of the US global anti-missile defense systems, as well as the reluctance to abandon plans for the weaponization of outer space, make other states think about improving their own equal potentials in the interests of strengthening their national security. We urge #Washington to take a responsible stand, come to senses and drop the insane, and most importantly - absolutely unrealizable - the idea of universal military domination. It is still possible to stop the arms race unfolding in various regions of the world. It is important to assist the responsible states in maintaining an adequate level of international security and stability.

Russia, for its part, intends to continue to make every necessary effort to prevent an arms race in outer space. The idea of developing a multilateral legally binding instrument for keeping outer space peaceful based on the #Russian-#Chinese draft treaty with the support of a solid group of like-minded nations to prevent the weaponization of outer space, the use or threat of force against space objects, as well as the multilateral initiative - political obligations not to be the first to place weapons in space are becoming particularly important. We offer our Indian partners to actively join these joint efforts of the international community.

From Facebook here:

Clicky

[Vips]

Some perspective/background on what China is doing on this.

PRC’s approach was to conclude the PPWT thereby denying any advantage to potential adversaries like India which had not started their activities in this sphere while pursuing its own goals in space weapons and build infrastructure before the Treaty comes into effect. It has been pursuing this goal with Russia.

It is this which has been nixed by us. So, Russia wants us to join its (and China's) proposed treaty while the US is totally opposed to even any treaty for weaponization of space (not militarization, which has already happened). Weaponization refers to placing weapons in orbit, for example a Co-orbital ASAT weapon etc.

Thanks for the detailed information Sridharji. Chinese want a repeat of the P5 as regards the space westernization/militarization club is concerned.Even as they proposed the draft for no weapons to be stationed in outer space it has gone full steam ahead in developing powerful ground based laser systems to be shot on enemy(Read India and USA) satellites and make them blind or non functional. India should as the next logical step aggressively embark on development of Laser and other Direct Energy Weapon (DEW) systems.

We should upfront tell the Russians not to try to push Chinese agenda on us as it compromises our National Interests. If they want to be chinese lackeys they are welcome to be it. We will take path which will be commensurate with our standing and status as also one which will be in our interest.

[Trikaal]

I feel that China and Russia are spooked by US plans for space militarization. US has proposed placing anti-ICBM missiles in space which would improve their BM counter capacity drastically. Both Russia an China don't have a similar plan even on paper. As such they are pushing for no militarization of outer space to counter this very plan of US until they themselves can build similar tech.

I doubt India has been the focus of designs of any of the 3 nations. Until now, we have been underestimated, and rightly so, because of our lack of political will and willingness to play by the rules. However, this ASAT test has definitely upset a lot of calculations and presented these countries with a new set of problems and headaches. We need to continue doing this as we develop DEW weaponry and explore placing missile launchers in orbit. Anyway, this discussion seems OT for this thread so I am out.

[vimal]

https://www.news18.com/news/world/us-co ... 99621.html

US Congress Introduces Bill That Could Soon Give India 'NATO Ally' Status

The bill H R 2123 was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

[Trikaal]

https://www.news18.com/news/world/us-co ... 99621.html

US Congress Introduces Bill That Could Soon Give India 'NATO Ally' Status

The bill H R 2123 was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

How can we become NATO ally without being a NATO member? This bill is likely to be shot down.

[souravB]

^^being in NATO is called a member and outside support while maintaining all their(US) standards is an ally. Brazil is an ally who Trump is trying to make into a member.
US Congress pass any bill they want, the real question is do we want to be?

[Vips]

India's Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board.

In a significant victory for India, Jagjit Pavadia, a former Narcotics Commissioner, has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for another five-year term, securing the highest number of votes.

Pavadia, who has held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service for 35 years, has been a member of the INCB since 2015 and her current term is set to expire in 2020."India's Jagjit Pavadia tops International Narcotics Control Board Election," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted after the election results were announced. "We are deeply grateful to all India's many friends who ensured such a huge win in a very competitive election," he said.

The 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held elections by secret ballot Tuesday, with 15 candidates in fray for five seats. There were 54 members present and voting and the required majority to win the election was 28.

After the first round of voting, Pavadia emerged at the top, getting the highest number of votes at 44, followed by Jallal Toufiq of Morocco with 32 votes and Cesar Tomas Arce Rivas of Paraguay with 31 votes. Pavadia, in her mid 60s, has been re-elected for a five-year term beginning on March 2, 2020 and expiring on March 1, 2025.

In a video message, Pavadia said she is "deeply grateful" to the Member States for the "trust reposed" in her by re-electing her as member of the Board for the period 2020-2025. "I am committed to working impartially and sincerely to the treaty-mandated duties assigned to me as a Board member," she said, thanking the Member States for their "invaluable support." The victory added to India's successful record of winning crucial elections at the UN and to the world organisation's subsidiary bodies.

China's candidate Wei Hao got only 23 votes in the first round of voting. The council then held a second round of restricted voting in which Bernard Leroy of France and Viviana Manrique Zuluaga of Colombia were elected after having garnered the required majority. China's candidate managed only 19 votes in the second round and lost. According to Pavadia's profile on the INCB website, she has held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service for 35 years in the Government of India, including Narcotics Commissioner of India, Central Bureau of Narcotics (2006-2012) among others.

She was also member of the Indian delegation to the Commission on Narcotics Drugs, Vienna (2007-2012). Member of the International Narcotics Control Board since 2015. Born in 1954, Pavadia competed her LL.B from Delhi University in 1988 and holds a Master's Diploma in Public Administration from the Indian Institute of Public Administration. She is the recipient of Presidential Appreciation. Certificate for Specially Distinguished Record of Service, awarded in 2005 on the occasion of India's Republic Day, her profile said.

INCB consists of 13 members who are elected by the ECOSOC and who serve in their personal capacity, not as government representatives, according to information on the Board's website. Three members with medical, pharmacological or pharmaceutical experience are elected from a list of persons nominated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 10 members are elected from a list of persons nominated by Governments.

Pavadia has been nominated by the Indian Government. Established in 1968, the International Narcotics Control Board is the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions.

According to information about its mandate on its website, INCB endeavours, in cooperation with Governments, to ensure that adequate supplies of drugs are available for medical and scientific uses and that the diversion of drugs from licit sources to illicit channels does not occur. The INCB also monitors Governments' control over chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs and assists them in preventing the diversion of those chemicals into the illicit traffic, it said.

[SSridhar]

CTBTO invites India to be an observer at meetings - Shubashree Desikan, The Hindu

I don't think India is keen on this invitation. FWIW.

The executive secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, has invited India to be an observer in the CTBT.

“I’m not asking India to ratify [the treaty] — I know that is not possible now — but I think giving India the opportunity to join as an observer could be a good starting point,” he said.

He was speaking to a group of Indian journalists at the CTBTO in Vienna.

He spoke of the changes in the organisation, which has moved from being more confined in CTBT and International Monitoring System (IMS). “[This is] because we are making the data available to people — which is not traditional. This wasn’t possible at the beginning of the organisation. We had what was called the ‘task leader for data confidentiality’, which does not exist any more,” he said.

Being an observer would give India access to data from the IMS — a network which when complete will consist of 337 facilities (321 monitoring stations and 16 radionuclide labs) located in 89 countries. This system can detect even small nuclear explosions using seismology, hydroacoustics, infrasound and radionuclide technology.

“I think India will gain a lot with data that you don’t have access to now... it is clear to everyone that the IMS is the system that can provide this level of data... Nowhere can you get this quality of data necessary for earthquake monitoring and following the radioisotope dispersion,” said Mr. Zerbo.

Flawed way

When asked for an opinion, Rakesh Sood, who was formerly a special envoy on disarmament, said: “The CTBT will never see the light of day. Because of the flawed way in which it was dealt with, we need not give it any legitimacy by considering this.” Mr. Sood has served as India’s Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament at the UN in Geneva.

Mr. Zerbo also said he was urging China to take up leadership in this field {which is even more of a redline for India}. The Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on whether the CTBTO proposal was under consideration.

[UlanBatori]

Don't know where else to put this, but there has been a significant development:
UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn British occupation of Chagos Islands (around Diego Garcia). Will May-bibi diss the UN?

The United Nations General Assembly has condemned the continued UK occupation of the Chagos Islands, in the Indian Ocean.

(CNN)The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn the UK's continued occupation of the Chagos Islands -- a humiliating defeat for London on its continued colonial legacy.
The Indian Ocean islands, which are home to US military base Diego Garcia, were separated from the former British territory of Mauritius during decolonization in 1968. On Wednesday, UN member states voted 116-6 for a non-binding resolution endorsing a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that separation was illegal and calling for the UK to return the islands to Mauritius within six months.
Only Australia, Hungary, Israel, the Maldives and the US voted in support of the UK.
"The advisory opinion is clear and unambiguous," Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said. "It is decisive."

Jugnauth said that decolonization of the former British Empire had not been completed, nor would it be until the Chagos Islands were returned to their original owners. "This is a sacrosanct principle of the United Nations," he added.
Karen Pierce, the UK's representative to the UN, said London "is not in doubt about our sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory," which includes the Chagos Islands.
She said Mauritius had recognized British control over the Chagos archipelago in the past, something the current government has acknowledged but argues was done under "duress."
The entire Chagos Islands population was expelled and prevented from returning as part of the separation process, a situation the UK has since said "was shameful and wrong." In the 1980s, the UK paid about $5.2 million to more than 1,300 evicted islanders on the condition they sign or place a thumbprint on a form renouncing their right to return to the archipelago. "The detachment (or excision) of the Chagos Archipelago was carried out without any regard to the will of the people of Mauritius, including those who lived in the Chagos Archipelago," Mauritius said in a submission to the ICJ.
"The administering power had already decided that the territory would be excised and turned into a new colony, in order to allow one of its allies to build a military base on the island of Diego Garcia."
While the UN will not force the UK to give up the Chagos Islands, pressure is on for London to find a way to transition control to Mauritius. That may be compounded if a deal is worked out to maintain the US base under Mauritian rule.
Stephen Robert Allen, who specializes in international law relating to the Chagos Islands, told CNN ahead of the UN debate that "it will be a very significant thing if the UK decided to ignore such a ruling."
"As the UK forges a path post Brexit these political matters are going to be significant. Adhering to the international rule of law is going to be even more important than it would have been otherwise," he said.
Diego Garcia is one of America's most important -- and secretive -- overseas assets.
Home to more than 1,000 US troops and staff, it has been used by the US Navy, US Air Force and even NASA. Diego Garcia has helped to launch two invasions of Iraq, served as a vital landing spot for bombers flying missions across Asia, including over the South China Sea, and has been linked to US rendition efforts.
According to the US Navy, Diego Garcia was used to guide tactical aircraft supporting military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and featured remote satellite tracking stations, an Air Force Space Command and Pacific Air Force support and logistics teams.
Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center, said the base was "very important to US operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean" and its loss could have a major impact, forcing the US "to change logistics support" in the region.
"It wouldn't weaken (US military strength) necessarily, but logistics are everything," he added.

[kit]

I think NaMo 2.0 is the right time for India to secure a veto-wielding security council seat, both the US and China need India and it time to make the best use of this. This could also be a trendsetter for NaMo 3.0

[kit]

Don't know where else to put this, but there has been a significant development:
UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn British occupation of Chagos Islands (around Diego Garcia). Will May-bibi diss the UN?

The United Nations General Assembly has condemned the continued UK occupation of the Chagos Islands, in the Indian Ocean.

(CNN)The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn the UK's continued occupation of the Chagos Islands -- a humiliating defeat for London on its continued colonial legacy.
The Indian Ocean islands, which are home to US military base Diego Garcia, were separated from the former British territory of Mauritius during decolonization in 1968. On Wednesday, UN member states voted 116-6 for a non-binding resolution endorsing a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that separation was illegal and calling for the UK to return the islands to Mauritius within six months.
Only Australia, Hungary, Israel, the Maldives and the US voted in support of the UK.
"The advisory opinion is clear and unambiguous," Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said. "It is decisive."

Jugnauth said that decolonization of the former British Empire had not been completed, nor would it be until the Chagos Islands were returned to their original owners. "This is a sacrosanct principle of the United Nations," he added.
Karen Pierce, the UK's representative to the UN, said London "is not in doubt about our sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory," which includes the Chagos Islands.
She said Mauritius had recognized British control over the Chagos archipelago in the past, something the current government has acknowledged but argues was done under "duress."
The entire Chagos Islands population was expelled and prevented from returning as part of the separation process, a situation the UK has since said "was shameful and wrong." In the 1980s, the UK paid about $5.2 million to more than 1,300 evicted islanders on the condition they sign or place a thumbprint on a form renouncing their right to return to the archipelago. "The detachment (or excision) of the Chagos Archipelago was carried out without any regard to the will of the people of Mauritius, including those who lived in the Chagos Archipelago," Mauritius said in a submission to the ICJ.
"The administering power had already decided that the territory would be excised and turned into a new colony, in order to allow one of its allies to build a military base on the island of Diego Garcia."
While the UN will not force the UK to give up the Chagos Islands, pressure is on for London to find a way to transition control to Mauritius. That may be compounded if a deal is worked out to maintain the US base under Mauritian rule.
Stephen Robert Allen, who specializes in international law relating to the Chagos Islands, told CNN ahead of the UN debate that "it will be a very significant thing if the UK decided to ignore such a ruling."
"As the UK forges a path post Brexit these political matters are going to be significant. Adhering to the international rule of law is going to be even more important than it would have been otherwise," he said.
Diego Garcia is one of America's most important -- and secretive -- overseas assets.
Home to more than 1,000 US troops and staff, it has been used by the US Navy, US Air Force and even NASA. Diego Garcia has helped to launch two invasions of Iraq, served as a vital landing spot for bombers flying missions across Asia, including over the South China Sea, and has been linked to US rendition efforts.
According to the US Navy, Diego Garcia was used to guide tactical aircraft supporting military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and featured remote satellite tracking stations, an Air Force Space Command and Pacific Air Force support and logistics teams.
Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center, said the base was "very important to US operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean" and its loss could have a major impact, forcing the US "to change logistics support" in the region.
"It wouldn't weaken (US military strength) necessarily, but logistics are everything," he added.

Somehow this has China written all over it !!!.. without firing a shot China could reduce US operations or make it more costly.

[ArjunPandit]

huawei pain has to be mitigated. I for some resason think that it might work to India's favor

[rgosain]

huawei pain has to be mitigated. I for some resason think that it might work to India's favor

I think India will come under pressure from the US to drop HUawei. I have said India should link Huawei operations and datalocalisation, with progress at the NSG.
Given that the PRC is the only party at the NSG in opposition, then if at the the July meeting of the NSG, there is still no progress, or some one else comes out to bat for china, then limits should be placed on HUwaei and other prc brands in the telecoms, media sector.

[ArjunPandit]

huawei pain has to be mitigated. I for some resason think that it might work to India's favor

I think India will come under pressure from the US to drop HUawei. I have said India should link Huawei operations and datalocalisation, with progress at the NSG.
Given that the PRC is the only party at the NSG in opposition, then if at the the July meeting of the NSG, there is still no progress, or some one else comes out to bat for china, then limits should be placed on HUwaei and other prc brands in the telecoms, media sector.

If India doesnt act on huawei soon, we are to blame ourselves. May be the leaders of our country know what's not public and have some foresight which most here dont. China is coming under some real pain soon. India must make best use of it. In general i wouldnt have advocated for such tactics, but their response of Modi's direct request before NSG and their thanklessness for India's help during Chinas admission to WTO should be taken into account.

Either ways India is coming into NSG before 2024.

Now at what cost is the question.
1. Do we yield into Chinese demands for Huawei and expose ourselves for next 3 decades
2. Do we agree to US policies and ban them, increase our costs for networks and be more of a vassal of US.
Both choices have pros and cons. I dont know which one is best

[UlanBatori]

Everyone who is anyone knows that Huawei has high level penetration: this is why UQ has not been dissing cheen phones. Agint 009 has been penetrating Huwai (never mind).

[kit]

I think India will come under pressure from the US to drop HUawei. I have said India should link Huawei operations and datalocalisation, with progress at the NSG.
Given that the PRC is the only party at the NSG in opposition, then if at the the July meeting of the NSG, there is still no progress, or some one else comes out to bat for china, then limits should be placed on HUwaei and other prc brands in the telecoms, media sector.

If India doesnt act on huawei soon, we are to blame ourselves. May be the leaders of our country know what's not public and have some foresight which most here dont. China is coming under some real pain soon. India must make best use of it. In general i wouldnt have advocated for such tactics, but their response of Modi's direct request before NSG and their thanklessness for India's help during Chinas admission to WTO should be taken into account.

Either ways India is coming into NSG before 2024.

Now at what cost is the question.
1. Do we yield into Chinese demands for Huawei and expose ourselves for next 3 decades
2. Do we agree to US policies and ban them, increase our costs for networks and be more of a vassal of US.
Both choices have pros and cons. I dont know which one is best

the UK GCHQ seems to have found a way around and that seemed to be behind the UKs decision to allow Huawei 5 G tech into non-critical areas

[UlanBatori]

H! The Power of UBCN. We point out the implication of the UN dissing and T. May is gone

[rgosain]

I would argue that GCHQ has a better appreciation of the UK cyber-security and vulnerabilities re huwaei, than the GOI has of Huwaei.
In India's case defining what non-critical might too be too little, too late, though is still a lot that can be done.

[ArjunPandit]

I would argue that GCHQ has a better appreciation of the UK cyber-security and vulnerabilities re huwaei, than the GOI has of Huwaei.
In India's case defining what non-critical might too be too little, too late, though is still a lot that can be done.

+1
Also, being a small island it is, it can keep track of things unlike India where Beedis do stuff..but hey it's pakis there. Few spare $$s that china can get by encashing tbills should do the trick there too

[souravB]

I think India will come under pressure from the US to drop HUawei. I have said India should link Huawei operations and datalocalisation, with progress at the NSG.

Saar, one way or another GoI have to drop huawei. Whether it is due to US pressure or not meeting tech specs.
ARM already and Qualcomm, Cisco will take away the licensing rights for its chips and networking equipments. How fast do you think China can produce it's own chip architecture for 5G? even if they did manage it, how do you think it's going to fare against the competition at real world tests?
USA did a master stroke by putting Huawei into Sanctions list although there's a respite of 90 days.
Interesting times ahead and I am planning to buy popcorn in August.

[sooraj]

No more SD cards or SD card slots: SD Association kicks Huawei out

[Karan M]

Incredible, the way Huawei has been attacked by Khan. Khan has taken out a 5G threat plus a key threat to its compute infra in the commercial segment. ARM, Intel, Android, SD Association.. the list goes on and on.

[SSridhar]

The Huawei discussion doesn't belong here.