Indian Naval Discussion

[NRao]

Must be serious enough to raise a few mountain divisions and two chiefs to make such a statement.

Next they have established a hot line between New Delhi and Beijing. Hope someone at the other end picks up the phone and can either speak in English/Hindi or Indian knows "Chinese".

And, hope India sends a pre-signed blank check for assistance to at least Israel.

It is coming - can smell it.

And please reserve another Vijay Divas date.

[sunilUpa]

I hope the COAS also admits publicly that we can lick TSP army leave alone PRC

when does this COAS retire? All these chiefs go public precisely three weeks before they retire.

Not many days left, he was on farewell visit to some bases, Shiv aroor's blog has some photos of one such visit.

At the end of the day, it is the reality.

[Prem]

Who is gonna heed his warning , Our Babbus, Buddas and Buddhus at the helm beat Mr Magoo any time.

[Surya]

I am glad finally someone has spoken the truth.

Hopefully this will wake up those who go to the fantasy thread called military scenarios and envisage us knocking everyone left\right.

As Singha has been mentioning in his own novel manner - we need to have more of many things if not in thousands at least in 100s.

Or as Pillai said we have to think of 1000s of Brahmos.

Non existent mobile artillery, non existent heavy arty, dwindling warplanes, dwindling submarines, sluggish warship addition, unattended infrastructure needs will not make us a regional power


And of course - we soon get the genius email from UsIndiafriendship advocating a defense treaty with US and other

[NRao]

Whatever, I am certainly rather surprised that the Naval chief said this.

I fully expect the Army chief to make such a statement (and yet kick their behind). The AF - well I can listen to what he has to say. (The arm chair guy that I am.)

But Navy? Did not expect that one.

[sourab_c]

Its rather immature to make such statements in public. Especially at a time when the Indo-China talks are ongoing. It would be interesting to see what effect his statement would have on the talks.

If you wanna make a point, make an appointment with the PM and go explain yourself privately, why go public?

[Surya]

If you wanna make a point, make an appointment with the PM and go explain yourself privately, why go public?

Like that would make an iota of difference.

Now lets see if the Army Chief can do what I have been begging - make a public statement regarding arty. Otherwise all those IBG, Cold start will all remain wet dreams.

[putnanja]

From news reports, at the last national security meeting where all three chiefs were present, the delayed artillery modernization was brought up. But looks like the congress is still gun shy

[csharma]

Well, is it not a known fact that China's military and economy is way ahead of India's.

But is it also not true that India's defence budget has tripled in the last 10 years. India seems to be doing a huge modernisation drive, we recently heard that India will add 100 ships in the next 10 years.

It is not clear what the admiral has in mind. Even the Chinese analysts are conceding that India is becoming an Asian power.


India has to create sufficient military capabilities, a big economy and have partners that will aid in checking China. That's what the GoI seems to be doing but probably not at the rate that people desire.

[prao]

Admiral Mehta's motivation could be to galvanize public opinion in favor of building up India's military, space and cyberwar capability and hopefully cause a little strengthening of the spine of the civilian leadership. It will do India's public a little good, this little shocker. I think people remember 1962 very well but are completely clueless about where India stands today vis-a-vis China - typical Indian middle class indifference to anything out of their immediate lives. Or it could be that the gormint is building public opinion in favor of increased defence spending - you think? The gormint has had defense chiefs articulate views at opportune times for political reasons. I think that the Air Chief Marshal's view about China just before he was to retire was one such.

I wish there were a sizable group of desi hackers who would, on their own, study China's network for weaknesses to be prepared for when the almost inevitable happens. You know - study for potential weaknesses without alerting the enemy and likewise study India's own weaknesses but in this case do alert the somnambulant. I hardly think that it's something that the gormint only has to do - the internet is available for everyone and the Lord knows we do have smart people in the land. I can only express this wish cause I'm personally pretty clueless about this stuff.

P

[Austin]

What CNS says is right and its very much known fact , we cannot match china , ship to ship , submarine to submarine and missile to missile , the gap between us and them is too wide.

You counter them only by rising def exp by say 3 % 4% 5% etc but that would only come at the cost of development , so its not the right approach.

The only way to counter china is to build niche and technologically superiority capability in certain conventional system and strong nuclear deterrent capability to deter China , which will most likely turn up cheaper then building technologically superior conventional force.

[Singha]

thinking about the coming conflict, it will almost 100% start in a disputed area
on land like arunachal or ladakh. they will boldly move fwd a batallion and occupy some area on which we clearly have our boots. after lighting the match,
they will depend on easier terrain in tibet and decades of assiduous road
building to concentrate forces where they need to for inflicting severe but localized defeats.

dont be surprised if some chankian masterstrokes like moving only troops from
afar and mating them to equipment salted away inside cave complexes is done.

or the empty airstrips in tibet suddenly buzz with su27s snoozing under a S300 bubble.

whatever happens - using the navy offensively is a major escalation:
[a] takes a lot of balls in delhi to order our Kilos to transit into south china
sea, launch a few token strikes and move back
PRC could retaliate in kind against our shipping routes using their few SSNs
[c] possibility of naval surface action is non-existent at the moment

so by all means we should build up the IN, but its the IA and IAF who will
be in line of fire at H-hour.

IAF atleast is managing to get its deals done without the ever present whiff
of scandals. rafale/ef/f18 will be fairly honest govt-to-govt type track.

in contrast every IA deal seems to have some issue or other - from small kit like LMGs and NVGs to Bhim. only ones that got through clean were the
govt-to-govt type FMS ANTPQ37 radars.

all the lice and haramzadas in dilli seem to have their claws in IA related deals.

I would not discount a subtle but pervasive PRC led effort to slow down and
harass essential modernization of the IA.

when its time to kick some butt they know it will be IA who needs to wear the
boots.

[John Snow]

Here is what happens

TSP pukes launch a dare devil terrorist attack on India, NSA and PM order Chai Biskoot Samosa meeting immediately. After deliberating for one hour and consuming the consumables, the chiefs of the three services and the Chef is also ushered in(to) the meeting. The NSA chief asks the three in attendance, can we attack the TSPaki camps, "NO" is the unanimous answer, what the PM exclaims, yes your Excellency, we don’t have the equipment to do so. We have to order the equipment then field trials approval, supply and then commissions follow, then we train, then we develop integrated doctrine, then we attack.

This is all expensive and election season comes around we have to wait again for the next attack and then the cycle continues. War is expensive talk is cheap and Gandhian too Mr. PM say the Chiefs. Now its the turn of the Chef to get refills, he goes for the purchase of Lamsa Chai powder, Milk ,Sugar, and Britannia Biscoot ( The PM is great Fan of Greater Britania you see) and Irani Somasa. The chiefs smile as they wait for the refreshments to come , for them this is like ordering spares for Bofors, it takes time even for the Chef to send in reinforcements of Chai Biscoot Samosa.. while NSA chief is fuming at the delay

[Cain Marko]

Here is what happens

TSP pukes launch a dare devil terrorist attack on India, NSA and PM order Chai Biskoot Samosa meeting immediately. After deliberating for one hour and consuming the consumables, the chiefs of the three services and the Chef is also ushered in(to) the meeting. The NSA chief asks the three in attendance, can we attack the TSPaki camps, "NO" is the unanimous answer, what the PM exclaims, yes your Excellency, we don’t have the equipment to do so. We have to order the equipment then field trials approval, supply and then commissions follow, then we train, then we develop integrated doctrine, then we attack.

This is all expensive and election season comes around we have to wait again for the next attack and then the cycle continues. War is expensive talk is cheap and Gandhian too Mr. PM say the Chiefs. Now its the turn of the Chef to get refills, he goes for the purchase of Lamsa Chai powder, Milk ,Sugar, and Britannia Biscoot ( The PM is great Fan of Greater Britania you see) and Irani Somasa. The chiefs smile as they wait for the refreshments to come , for them this is like ordering spares for Bofors, it takes time even for the Chef to send in reinforcements of Chai Biscoot Samosa.. while NSA chief is fuming at the delay

Snow saab that was hilarious! (and of course aggravating but i chose not to think of the reality it conveys) Top notch stuff!

CM>

[amit]

What CNS says is right and its very much known fact , we cannot match china , ship to ship , submarine to submarine and missile to missile , the gap between us and them is too wide.

Actually instead of being witty and clever about what the CNS said, it may be instructive (and productive) to ponder at why the CNS said this now and not, say six months ago or six months later.

First of all we’ve got to understand that when the CNS delivers a speech on national security challenges at the National Maritime Foundation with all manner of fat cats in attendance he doesn’t give an off the cuff, “say it like you feel it” kind of speech.

I would bet that his speech was vetted by government babus and inputs came from MoD folks.

If we take that presumption then its easy to assume that through the CNS the govt was/is trying to send out a message.

The question is what is the message? Everybody knows that China spends zillions on arms and that in sheer numbers, if not sophistication they are years ahead of us. Then why state the obvious?

Could it be for any one of the following reasons?

1) The Indian government is preparing the ground work and justification for a more closer alignment with the US in military terms?

2) Is it because with the Rice-eater getting ready to swim the government is paving the ground work for reversing the up till now stance of keeping missiles and war heads separate? Afterall the Rice-eater will have to carry active missiles if it’s to do its job?

3) Is it to prepare the groundwork for justifying a significant increase in Defence spending vis a vis our GDP – say from 2.2 per cent to over 3 per cent?

There could be other reasons also and I think it would be interesting to try and conjecture why exactly the message was delivered now and dwell less on the truth or otherwise of the contents of the message?

JMT

[Drevin]

With the move towards becoming a large naval center of commerce the indian coastline will have many ships operating from current and new ports distributed all along its large coast. This in turn will imply significant increase in the Indian Coast Guard's patrolling duties to protect these assets and to tackle sea based enemy intel ops, terrorism.

Significantly coast guard vessels are comparitively fast and small compared to those operated by the Navy. To effectively monitor the coastline the next few years may see a increase in the number of patrol boats. This will result in significant fuel costs making the coast guard contributing to the fuel import bill of the nation in a big way.

Recent advances have seen solar power emerge as a significant game changer for operating small to medium boats powered by a solar-electric hybrid system. Maybe the coast guard should invest in this and go green simultaneously saving on huge fuel costs

solar electric boats::greener, economical future for the indian coast guard

[John Snow]

One other leason is we all telling china that we all no match to them. We come in peace like army did some time back, forming a chain with jawans holding hands to ward of chinese intrusions. At that time we were told this novel way was adopted so that Nuclear deals does not get jeoparized, ie we did not want any international icident. Same with 26/11 we dont want international attention to any security related topics.
IMVHO
***
PS but they dont work in the night, and last time Pakis came thru the gateway of India at night.

[amit]

With the move towards becoming a large navy the indian navy will have many ships operating from current and new ports distributed all along its large coast. This in turn will imply significant increase in the Indian Coast Guard's patrolling duties to protect these assets and to tackle sea based enemy intel ops, terrorism.

Significantly coast guard vessels are comparitively fast and small compared to those operated by the Navy. To effectively monitor the coastline the next few years may see a increase in the number of patrol boats. This will result in significant fuel costs making the coast guard contributing to the fuel import bill of the nation in a big way.

Recent advances have seen solar power emerge as a significant game changer for operating small to medium boats powered by a solar-electric hybrid system. Maybe the coast guard should invest in this and go green.

solar electric boats::greener future for the indian coast guard

Drevin ji,

I'm no expert but I would wager that a solar, electric hybrid engine for a Coast Guard vessel would cost significantly higher than the fuel costs you are talking about. Besides Coast Guard vessels need speed as much as endurance.

[Drevin]

You mean the solar panels ?? or are you referring to the electric motors?? the word engine is a misnomer ..... these boats will have no engine

Speed is not an issue here these boats can match the regular ones. There no limit to making high power motors. Listen, this tech is huge potential.

Solar panels are like lcd technology ...... prices are shooting down because solar panels are now being used in automobile industry etc....

[amit]

One other leason is we all telling china that we all no match to them. We come in peace like army did some time back, forming a chain with jawans holding hands to ward of chinese intrusions. At that time we were told this novel way was adopted so that Nuclear deals does not get jeoparized, ie we did not want any international icident. Same with 26/11 we dont want international attention to any security related topics.
IMVHO
***
PS but they dont work in the night, and last time Pakis came thru the gateway of India at night.

Snow ji,

Good point and great observations as usual.

But since we're on a cynicism joy ride why not look at this way:

a) We have a super corrupt leadership which has sold India's soul to the US.

b) We have an Army, Air Force and Navy led by people who quake in their dhotis the moment they see TFTA warriors or ones with pigtails.

c) We Indians (that is those who live in Mother India) are corrupt, gullible, greedy and don't have the self respect to not vote for an Italian lady.

So whichever way we look at it India is doomed.

In that case why worry?

Have curry! Or maybe a Big Mac depending on your proclivities.

Both cure depression very fast let me assure you. As does your Spin!

[amit]

Speed is not an issue here these boats can match the regular ones. There no limit to making high power motors. Listen, this tech is huge potential.

I'm sure the tech has huge potential and probably that is the way to go in future. However, for the present, we have to look at the cost. I would wager that the cost of one of those vessels (+plus running cost) configured to be a warship for the Coast Guards as opposed to one that is configured to sail around the world, would be much higher than the cost of a normal warboat+diesel cost to run the boat over its lifetime.

May not be a one-for-one example but just have a look at just how much more cars fitted with hybrid, electric-oil engines cost over normal cars. And in production hybrid cars at the most give 20-30 per cent better fuel efficiency than comparable sized engines.

JMT

[Drevin]

My dear basher you are forgetting there is a huge difference between automobile and boat.

A boat has huge surface area exposed to the sun. Thats how they are built. This is not the case with your automobile. This will result in huge saving in fuel costs. This is not a exhibition technology ..... has real implications.

jmt

[amit]

My dear basher ...

Drevin Ji,

I quit! Of course you are right. Solar power boats are the way to go for the Coast Guard.

[Drevin]

Pce amitji. I agree solar is not the way to go for automobiles, no place for panels. However solar panels will be used in utilitarian ways by car products like powering the a/c when the engine is off etc....

From the article posted above,

The team of engineers and scientists has embarked on the building of its 98-foot long vessel, dubbed Planet Solar, in Kiel, Germany. The boat's power will come from the 5,000 square feet of solar panels, about the size of two tennis courts, covering its broad deck. When the sun is shining bright above, they will convert 23 percent of the sun's rays to energy -- six percent more than average solar panels.

[csharma]

A more detailed report shows what the CNS is saying. Basically India needs to substantially increase defence spending and use modern technology. I think some media reports tried to sensationalise it by saying that CNS is saying we are doomed.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dont- ... f/500573/2

Pointing out that India’s expenditure on Defence has been hovering around a low two percent of GDP in recent years, Mehta said that the strategy to deal with China on the military front would be to introduce modern technology and create a “reliable stand-off deterrent.”

“On the military front, our strategy to deal with China must include reducing the military gap and countering the growing Chinese footprint in the Indian Ocean Region,” the officer said.

However, he warned that unless spending on defence is increased substantially, the military gap could even widen further. “Let alone bridging the gap between us and our potential adversaries, without a substantial increase, the gap may widen further and dilute our operational edge,” Mehta said.

Making it clear that India needs to grow out of its Pakistan-centric approach when it comes to strategic planning, Mehta said that China’s growing power should be a major consideration in future national planning.

I am not sure why people are quoting the 2% of GDP figure. India's GDP is around 1.2 trillion dollars and the defence spending is 32 billion dollars making it 2.66% of GDP. I think it gradually needs to be raised to 3% of GDP.

[tripathi]

Could it be for any one of the following reasons?

1) The Indian government is preparing the ground work and justification for a more closer alignment with the US in military terms?

2) Is it because with the Rice-eater getting ready to swim the government is paving the ground work for reversing the up till now stance of keeping missiles and war heads separate? Afterall the Rice-eater will have to carry active missiles if it’s to do its job?

3) Is it to prepare the groundwork for justifying a significant increase in Defence spending vis a vis our GDP – say from 2.2 per cent to over 3 per cent?

or
4)India is soon ready for smiling Buddha again.

[tripathi]

it would be good if china captures area till UP and bihar.then india will be beyond vindyachal

[NRao]

Our PM has also openly stated in Parliament that ‘war with TSP is not an option’. Next like PM Nehru, I wouldn’t be least surprised, if MMS also starts airing sentiments like ‘India is a peace loving country so may be we don’t even need an army etc’ .

Frustrations notwithstanding, THAT statement referred to the Mumbai attack.

He did not mean that India would be a peacenik.

Your concerns about progress in Arunachal, etc are true.

[Philip]

Harrier longevity and critical role today.

"BAE will also be responsible for maintaining the aircraft in warzones such as Afghanistan, where they are used to provide close air support for troops on the ground. Harriers are vital for this task because of their short take-off abilities, meaning they can be based very close to the battlefield at at forward airbases without long runways. They can also operate from aircraft carriers. "

BAE wins £574m Harrier contract
BAE Systems has won a £574m contract from the Ministry of Defence to maintain and upgrade the UK's Harrier fighter-bombers.

By Amy Wilson
Published: 5:45PM BST 23 Apr 2009

BAE Systems
The contract is designed to save the Government £70m over the next nine years, until Harrier's out-of-service date in 2018. The jump-jet will then be replaced by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

BAE, which is Europe's largest defence company, has now won more than £1bn of business from the MoD in the last two months, after agreeing a £450m contract in March to service and maintain the RAF's new Typhoon aircraft.

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The bulk of the Harrier maintenance will be carried out jointly with the RAF and the Royal Navy at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland. The contract extends BAE's existing Harrier upgrade programme at the base. BAE will also supply spare parts and technical advice.

"We have worked to prove we can deliver the right number of aircraft and we can do it on time," said Steve Millward, BAE's managing director of large aircraft, Tornado and Harrier.

Under the contract, BAE is responsible for all of the military's 76 Harriers, which includes nine two-seater training aircraft. The defence company must ensure 52 Harriers are available for use at any one time.

BAE will also be responsible for maintaining the aircraft in warzones such as Afghanistan, where they are used to provide close air support for troops on the ground. Harriers are vital for this task because of their short take-off abilities, meaning they can be based very close to the battlefield at at forward airbases without long runways. They can also operate from aircraft carriers.

While the Typhoon maintenance contract will create 150 new jobs, BAE said the Harrier contract will not add new positions at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland. It will give "longevity" to the jobs already there, Mr Millward said.

BAE also provides maintenance and support for Hawk, Tornado and Nimrod aircraft. With Government budgets coming under pressure in the both the UK and the US as they grapple with a deepening recession, the company is seeking to expand its support contract business.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/news ... tract.html

From various sources,it appears the IN plans a ship and sub building programme to ensure that by around 2020,it will have between a strength of around 180-200 warships and subs.This is healthy figure sufficient to deter both China and Pak IF this number arrives on time.3 carriers,several amphib vessels and about 40+ destroyers and frigates will form the core of the surface fleet,with about 60+ corvettes,OPVs and missile craft as well.By then,we should also have around 10 SSBNs and SSGNs too and at least 20+ conventional subs (ideally we should have at least 36+,at least half with AIP,as the combined Paki-Sino numbers will be around 80-100 by then).This however requires in addition to local ship building,significant acquisitions from abroad.Extra Talwar class FFGHs and perhaps even some new DDGHs from Russia-a new design offered of around 8000+t with a heavy load of Brahmos and SAMs to escort the three carrier groups.We should also acquire several subs bult abroad,from Russia (Brahmos Amurs),which can be built very quickly,like the Talwars, and inducted within a short time to replace our obsolete Foxtrots and early Kilos.
The aircraft aboard the carriers will be the MIG-29Ks,naval LCAs if they have been developed successfully by then and our venerable Sea Harriers.The RN has just awarded BAe A contract to upgrade their Harriers until 2018 at least.If the also IN buys many of the early retired RN Sea Harriers in good shape available for sale and upgrades then as we have done with the ones in service,they could serve aboard the carriers and/or on our future amphibious flattops,to support amphib ops as the USMC has been doing in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Along with the P-8-AIs arriving,we should retain and upgrade all out IL-38s and TU-142s,which to last out until 2020.The TU-142s have an unmatched range and payload and with Brahmos reportedly being developed for it too,will pack a huge punch at v.long ranges,right into the S.China Sea and the Chinese coast.

[SNaik]

Pce amitji. I agree solar is not the way to go for automobiles, no place for panels. However solar panels will be used in utilitarian ways by car products like powering the a/c when the engine is off etc....

From the article posted above,

The team of engineers and scientists has embarked on the building of its 98-foot long vessel, dubbed Planet Solar, in Kiel, Germany. The boat's power will come from the 5,000 square feet of solar panels, about the size of two tennis courts, covering its broad deck. When the sun is shining bright above, they will convert 23 percent of the sun's rays to energy -- six percent more than average solar panels.

Perhaps one should put solar panels as sails on this beauty, and have a perfect patrol and ASW ship
http://www.symaltesefalcon.com/index2.asp

[Drevin]

come on Naikji i've been trying so hard to sell the concept and you bomb me from behind. no fair. The tech has great potential........theek hai.....u have an eye for beauty and someone is from the old-school-of-thought. wind power is beautiful aint it

I bet you LN Mittal will be owning one of those.

[John]

From various sources,it appears the IN plans a ship and sub building programme to ensure that by around 2020,it will have between a strength of around 180-200 warships and subs.This is healthy figure sufficient to deter both China and Pak IF this number arrives on time.3 carriers,several amphib vessels and about 40+ destroyers and frigates will form the core of the surface fleet,with about 60+ corvettes,OPVs and missile craft as well.By then,we should also have around 10 SSBNs and SSGNs too and at least 20+ conventional subs (ideally we should have at least 36+,at least half with AIP,as the combined Paki-Sino numbers will be around 80-100 by then).This however requires in addition to local ship building,significant acquisitions from abroad.Extra Talwar class FFGHs and perhaps even some new DDGHs from Russia-a new design offered of around 8000+t with a heavy load of Brahmos and SAMs to escort the three carrier groups.We should also acquire several subs bult abroad,from Russia (Brahmos Amurs),which can be built very quickly,like the Talwars,

Most of the PLAN missile boats including the newer ones will be of little use in a conflict in Indian ocean unless IN is planning to sail the fleet in south china sea. The PLAN SSKs however will be major threat especially taking into account IN's weakness in MPA and ASW Helos. So first priority should be P-8Is and pushing forth the tender for Sea King replacement. For the surface fleet, the greatest concern should the moskit armed Sovernmenny rest of their vessels do not really match up well against Delhi/Talwar. Most importantly IN would require IAF support due to the lack of fleet air defense capability.

[b_patel]

The PLAN SSKs however will be major threat especially taking into account IN's weakness in MPA and ASW Helos.

Hopefully Inida exercises their option of additonal P-8I's. India just decided to purchase more Kamov-31's so that will help a little bit.

For the surface fleet, the greatest concern should the moskit armed Sovernmenny rest of their vessels do not really match up well against Delhi/Talwar.

Any surface ship armed with the moskit are extemely dangerous! Besides the SSK's the Sovernmenny's would be the main priorities for the IN during a war.

[Anujan]

Vikramaditya is a 'she'

Ironically, the country, which refers its supreme commander of the armed forces - the president - as 'Rashtrapati or husband of the nation, despite being a woman, also follows the same

Yaa, Pati means husband.

Like Senapati - who would be the husband of all the men in his command. Or prajapati - who would be the husband of his subjects.

I think vanaspati means "Husband of Dalda"

[Yogi_G]

OT, sorry couldn't resist, hope it is taken in right spirit, Brishaspati ji is readying his missiles for a pre-emptive strike now....

[Anujan]

OT, sorry couldn't resist, hope it is taken in right spirit, Brishaspati ji is readying his missiles for a pre-emptive strike now....

And linked off the front page of BRF. Who writes these articles anyway ? "Pati" means "Leader" or "Lord". Got co-opted in hindi to mean husband (lord of the house). "Rashtrapati" = "Leader of the country". A minute's thought would have clarified that.

Which dimwit thinks that Presidents like to be called as "Husband of the country ?". I guess Gandhi-ji would be his father in law then.

[symontk]

Actually Pati means (owner or a person responsible for the said entity) as in Lakhpati, crorepati, pashupati etc.

Wife (Wives) are owned by husbands and husbands are responsible for their wife (wives) and so the terms pat/patni, sitapati.

Rashtrpati / Senapati reflects the responsibilty part and in some part ownership

Anyway back to topic

[RayC]

It is not that Mehta or Service Chiefs develop a spine pre retirement. Some lack lustre wishy washy Chiefs do to show that they are very ‘jangi’ (warlike and ferocious) so as to impress the nation that he had done a great job, but then those who are in uniform, find such people’s big talk as mere humour in uniform.

Mehta is not one of them. He has always said what he had to say right from his cadet days but he has always been a gentleman.

To be fair to Mehta, he has many a time, impressed upon the yawning gap between China and India. He has been much focussed about the Navy’s capabilities in the IOR or lack of it. His ‘outburst’ over Groshkov is an example that, if others are shy to take up issues, he is not. He is sure of his facts and so none can actually put him on the mat.

His address was after all - 'National Security Challenges: An Overview'. If that was the subject, what would be saying other than what are the Challenges!

He was asked a question and that was the reply which the media went to town with.

When asked to comment on the widening gap between India and China, Mehta said, "It would be foolhardy to compare India and China as equals, considering that Beijing was in the process of "consolidating" its comprehensive national power and creating formidable military capabilities.
http://news.oneindia.in/2009/08/11/chin ... chief.html

The media being the media and sensationalism being their staple, they (most of them) convenient forgot to mention that this was in response to a question and not a part of his speech.

It served the purpose. It highlighted the gap, which is no secret and possibly it was also intended to shake up the government and even the Nation as also possibly to project the ‘peaceful intentions’ of India towards China and lull China into a beatific calm. This is more so, with the high tension drama along Arunachal of late. He was out Chinese-ing the Chinese! Talks of peace on one hand and quietly adding to the armoury!!

[RayC]

India bringing Maldives into its security net


The Indian Army also conducts a joint exercise ‘Ekueuvrin’ with the Maldivian National Defence Forces on counter-terrorism while the Indian Coast Guard conducts an exercise on maritime rescue operations and patrolling of seas around Maldives called ‘Dosti’.

In 1988, India helped foil a coup attempt being assisted by Tamil rebels after it launched Operation Cactus on receiving a distress message from the then President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Check this also:

This

Apparently, the news item has been clipped from the original!!

[kit]

http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/j ... _2_n.shtml

"In military terms, both conventional and non-conventional, we neither have the capability nor the intention to match China, force for force."

while India could not catch up with China militarily, it should aim to level the playing field as much as possible.