The reportedly sparse official outcome of the Af-Pak summit has lead many in Pakistan to suspect hidden agendas and secret agreements, leading one observer in Indian uniform to conclude, “They’re probably wondering what all he’s gone and signed away.”
Category: Analysis
Pakistan Army COIN tactics counter-productive
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Recent reports have indicated the army to be using heavy firepower indiscriminately, resulting in the destruction of entire communities and the creation of what could become a major refugee problem. This could also result in the Taliban gaining more support and adherents from the communities facing the brunt of the army offensive.
The Future of US-India Relations: Blackwill
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The full text of the speech given by Robert D. Blackwill, the former Ambassador to India, Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Planning and Presidential Envoy to Iraq and current Senior Fellow at the RAND Corporation to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) on May 5, 2009 in New Delhi.
‘The Ghost of Bofors resides in South Block’
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An insider explains the legacy of the corruption scandal over the Bofors gun deal and how, while the Indian Army has always considered the weapon in question to be eminently satisfactory, the political and bureaucratic fallout continues to be such as to reduce any defense procurement to a crawl.
Arunachal MP calls for focused study of China
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“If we are such a weak country that we can only guard our country by refusing development to our border areas, only God can help us!”
Pakistan nightmare scenario: India without options
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The scenario envisages the eventuality of the collapse of the Pakistan state with the country being overrun by Taliban, throwing-up private armies of feudal warlords, with the possibility of some getting access to nuclear weapons. The Indian security establishment sees itself bereft of options in case of a Pakistani nightmare scenario coming to fruition.
26/11-26/04
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Five months past the attacks on Mumbai, the promise of tangible Indo-Pak cooperation has become more urgent but remains just as distant. India has been unable to persuade Pakistan on several counts. It would like its neighbor to take an unequivocal and committed stand and refrain from dragging its feet going after the perpetrators of 26/11.
IAF ready to target non-state actors
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While the IAF has the abilities to deal with non-state actors, it has a long way to go in developing optimal capabilities. Reducing the sensor-shooter gap to zero where the sensor will have to be the shooter is critical. This will provide the fastest possible decision cycle.
Squeaky-clean Antony disappoints MMRCA contenders
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The Defense Minister AK Antony disappointed the contenders for the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft contract during Aero India 2009, by declining to fly in any of the planes brought by four of the contenders. The representatives of the companies had hoped to have an interaction with the minister and try and get some hint as to where things where headed with the tender.
Gripen’s case to be the MMRCA
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Gripen’s Eddy de la Motte points out the unique defensive and offensive capabilities of the fighter plane in being able to land on public roads, be serviced and take off again to continue operations, while explaining why he thinks the Gripen is the best aircraft for India’s anticipated 126 MMRCA purchase.
From the Mig 21 to the Gripen
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StratPost spoke exclusively to a man who has extensively flown the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Mig 21, as well as Saab’s Gripen fighter, one of the contenders for the MMRCA deal. Colonel Petr Mikulenka of the Czech Air Force, spoke to StratPost about his experiences with both aircraft.
