Defence ministry releases review of security situation
19 Aug 2014 3:55 AM IST
For example, in terms of Pakistan, the ministry reiterates the stated positions and concerns. It says that while New Delhi ‘….has clearly indicated that we are willing to resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful, bilateral dialogue process. However, for this dialogue to be meaningful, an environment free from terror and violence is required.’ This is where, the ministry holds that Islamabad should be faulted.
It says that the ‘Existence of terrorist camps across the India-Pak border and Line of Control and continued infiltration and incidents on and across the LOC, demonstrates the challenges in this regard.’
On Afghanistan, the ministry or by extension, the government has an optimistic view. ‘With the Afghan National Security Force taking full responsibility for the security of the country, the international community must ensure sustained support to the equipping and capability building requirements of the ANSF, to enable them to deal with the entire spectrum of security challenges that they may be required to face.’
It also feels that the Afghanistan is being served up a unique opportunity, through the transitions of 2014, to have an Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled ‘reconciliation process’. The report states, ‘The Strategic Partnership Agreement between India and Afghanistan provides the framework for the commitment of both countries to build bilateral relationship in all spheres, including though (sic!) defence and security cooperation aimed at enhancing mutual capacity in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges.’
Considering the fact that the 2014 transition from US dominance of Afghan developments – political, military and social – will be a crucial test for the country’s ability to shape the future of South Asia, the previous contention will be truly tested.
The ministry is even more optimistic about Sino-Indian relations. The report states, ‘The unresolved boundary dispute is a major factor in India’s security calculus, India has engaged with China on the principles of mutual trust and respect for each other’s interests and concern.’
Finally, after the usual affirmation of such positive developments in the relationship like the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, the report notes, ‘India also remains conscious and watchful of the implication of China’s increasing military profile in our immediate and extended neighbourhood as well as the development of strategic infrastructure by China in the border areas.’
It says that the ‘Existence of terrorist camps across the India-Pak border and Line of Control and continued infiltration and incidents on and across the LOC, demonstrates the challenges in this regard.’
On Afghanistan, the ministry or by extension, the government has an optimistic view. ‘With the Afghan National Security Force taking full responsibility for the security of the country, the international community must ensure sustained support to the equipping and capability building requirements of the ANSF, to enable them to deal with the entire spectrum of security challenges that they may be required to face.’
It also feels that the Afghanistan is being served up a unique opportunity, through the transitions of 2014, to have an Afghan-owned, Afghan-controlled ‘reconciliation process’. The report states, ‘The Strategic Partnership Agreement between India and Afghanistan provides the framework for the commitment of both countries to build bilateral relationship in all spheres, including though (sic!) defence and security cooperation aimed at enhancing mutual capacity in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges.’
Considering the fact that the 2014 transition from US dominance of Afghan developments – political, military and social – will be a crucial test for the country’s ability to shape the future of South Asia, the previous contention will be truly tested.
The ministry is even more optimistic about Sino-Indian relations. The report states, ‘The unresolved boundary dispute is a major factor in India’s security calculus, India has engaged with China on the principles of mutual trust and respect for each other’s interests and concern.’
Finally, after the usual affirmation of such positive developments in the relationship like the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, the report notes, ‘India also remains conscious and watchful of the implication of China’s increasing military profile in our immediate and extended neighbourhood as well as the development of strategic infrastructure by China in the border areas.’
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