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The Wire
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Another Round, No Results: India–US Carrier Talks Remain Stuck in Symbolism
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Security Another Round, No Results: India–US Carrier Talks Remain Stuck in Symbolism Rahul Bedi 19 minutes ago Was it anything more than a gesture – an illusion of continuity – made with the full knowledge that nothing substantive would emerge? The eighth Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) between the Indian and US navies held from May 13–16. Photo: Press Information Bureau Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Chandigarh: The only 'significant milestone' the Ministry of Defence (MoD) could cite from the recent eighth Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) between the Indian and US navies is simply that it happened at all. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) noted that the three-day meeting – held from May 13-16 and co-chaired by the Indian Navy's Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi and the US Navy's Rear Admiral Casey Moton – took place under the aegis of the long-dormant Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), launched in 2012. As with its seven predecessors, the PIB highlighted 'valuable information' exchange and a joint statement, yet provided no concrete outcomes – underscoring the DTTI's legacy of lofty rhetoric and minimal delivery. Though not formally shuttered, the DTTI has remained effectively inactive for over a decade. Military officials and analysts widely regard it as a symbolic relic – functioning more as a placeholder for JWGACTC meetings than a credible mechanism for defence cooperation. 'Upmarket talking shop for avid navalists' The JWGACTC itself has long been dismissed by Indian Navy insiders as an 'upmarket talking shop for avid navalists,' largely due to the MoD's ongoing reluctance to approve a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) following the commissioning of INS Vikrant in 2022. Discussions have repeatedly centred on Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) constructing a 65,000-tonne, conventionally powered carrier – tentatively called INS Vishal – with a US-made Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) from General Atomics, supporting CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) operations. However, defence industry sources confirm that Vishal remains far from sanctioned. Instead, the MoD is reportedly considering a more modest 'interim' step: commissioning a second Vikrant-class 40,000-tonne carrier. This would both preserve CSL's shipbuilding capacity and advance the Indian Navy's long-standing ambition of operating three carriers – one for each seaboard, with one in reserve. The DTTI, initially unveiled by then US Deputy Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in 2012, aimed to fast-track defence collaboration by bypassing bureaucratic roadblocks. India also signed four foundational defence agreements intended to deepen military cooperation and interoperability. The initiative began with four 'pathfinder' projects – including joint development of Mobile Electric Hybrid Power Systems (MEHPS) and chemical-biological protective clothing – but these, along with two later additions (the Raven UAV and ISR modules for the C-130J-30), languished due to tepid domestic interest and were eventually shelved. Subsequent attempts to revive the DTTI, including the addition of digital helmet-mounted displays, tactical biological detection systems, and proposals for joint development of ground combat vehicles and helicopters, similarly faltered. These clashed with indigenous programmes and met the same quiet demise. Also Read: Rafale-M Imports Will Spare Navy From Sailing World-Class Carrier Without World-Class Aircraft Even as India was designated a 'Major Defence Partner' by the US and the US Senate pushed for deeper defence cooperation via legislation, the DTTI remained mired in bureaucratic inertia. At one point, it included seven working groups across a range of technology domains, but these too faded without delivering results. Sources attribute the DTTI's collapse to persistent shortcomings: indecision on the Indian side, and a paternalistic US approach offering low-grade technology. A senior Indian military officer involved in DTTI negotiations remarked that the initiative's failure starkly contrasted the otherwise growing India–US strategic partnership. 'There was a major gap between ambition and delivery,' he said. 'Eventually, it all collapsed.' By January 2023, the DTTI was effectively replaced by the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET), launched in Washington under the guidance of both countries' National Security Advisers. ICET focuses on six broad areas: defence, space, next-gen telecom (including 6G), artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced biotechnology. In a Pentagon briefing in early 2024, Brigadier General Patrick Ryder described ICET as a shift from defence sales to joint innovation, calling it 'modular, scalable, and industry-driven.' ICET faces significant structural challenges But despite its ambitious design, ICET too faces significant structural challenges. Industry insiders note that while ICET aims to ease US regulatory barriers to advanced tech transfers, most American defence firms – which hold the intellectual property – operate independently of government mandates and are reluctant to share costly proprietary technologies. These firms remain bound by stringent export controls and are accountable primarily to shareholders, not US strategic policy – posing a fundamental obstacle to meaningful joint production or technology transfer. Current ICET deliverables include plans to manufacture General Electric's F-414 engines in India for the Tejas Mk-II and locally assemble 31 MQ-9 Reaper drones. But even here, progress has been slow. Technology transfer for the drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is reportedly around 10-15% and includes establishing a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for the UAVs in India. Ultimately, analysts say commercial realities and bureaucratic drag continue to undermine both DTTI and ICET. As one expert put it: the DTTI collapsed under the weight of mismatched expectations; ICET risks a similar fate unless these foundational issues are addressed. This begs the question: What was the purpose of convening the eighth JWGACTC under the DTTI banner? Was it anything more than a gesture – an illusion of continuity – made with the full knowledge that nothing substantive would emerge? Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News For Arms Dealers, Operation Sindoor Was Not a Crisis Conflict But a Business Opportunity Army Blames News Reports, Contradicts Corps Commander's Claim of Air Defence Guns at Golden Temple Statement by The Wire on the Government's Blocking and Unblocking of its Website One Dead, 9 Injured After Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Bathinda One Dead, 9 Injured After Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Bathinda One Dead, 9 Injured After Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Bathinda MHA Directs States and Union Territories to Hold Civil Defence Mock Drills on May 7 'Did Not Hit Kirana Hills:' Air Force Dismisses Speculation Around Striking Pakistan's Nuclear Site Israel Allows Limited Aid To Enter Gaza; France, UK, Canada Call Move 'Wholly Inadequate' View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
Akashteer shifts battlefield balance: India's indigenous air defence system proves decisive in Operation Sindoor
India's indigenous air defence system, Akashteer, played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor by intercepting every drone and missile launched in a large-scale aerial attack by Pakistan. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) confirmed the system's performance prevented any damage to military or civilian targets. This marks a critical evolution in India's air defence capabilities, moving from static and reactive models to real-time, mobile, and networked warfare. Night of the interception The operation unfolded during the night of 9–10 May. As Pakistan launched its heaviest aerial offensive in recent years, Akashteer responded swiftly. 'During the night of May 9th and 10th, as hostile drones and missiles targeted Indian military and civilian installations, Akashteer intercepted and destroyed every incoming threat, preventing any damage and marking a new era in India's strategic warfare,' said the Press Information Bureau. Also Read: Project Kusha Air Defence System: India developing desi S400-like missile system, prototype likely in a year Live Events Akashteer: Automated, agile, always on Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Akashteer is fully automated and mobile. It consolidates radar systems, sensors, and communication units into a single vehicle-based control framework. The result: fast deployment, rapid targeting, and minimal human intervention in high-threat environments. The system links Tactical Control Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, and Akash Weapon System radars. All this data is processed instantly to form a real-time airspace picture. This information is then shared across the Indian Army , Navy, and Air Force. 'By the time the enemy knew they were being watched, they were already being targeted,' said defence sources. An invisible shield Akashteer is not about firepower — it's about foresight. It can autonomously track and engage targets at low altitudes, from drones to cruise missiles, with no friendly fire incidents. It connects seamlessly with the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Indian Navy's TRIGUN network, forming a cohesive tri-service defence grid. The system's success lies in its proactive design. It detects, decides, and defends in one seamless loop, unlike Pakistan's HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, which failed to detect India's retaliatory strikes during the same operation. Tested in Operation Sindoor Akashteer saw its first real combat use during Operation Sindoor — a joint Indian mission targeting nine terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. DRDO chief Samir V Kamat confirmed that the system's performance in the operation was 'exceedingly well' and likely to attract global attention. 'Definitely, our air defence system has performed exceedingly well, and I am sure there will be interest from other countries,' he told PTI on Thursday evening. March towards self-reliance Speaking during a visit to Nagpur — where he reviewed manufacturing of missiles, rockets, and drones — Kamat spoke of India's steady path to defence self-reliance. 'I think we have achieved a very significant level, but we still have some work to do. And I am sure in the coming years, we will become totally Atmanirbhar,' he said. Akashteer joins an expanding list of Indian-built platforms, including the LCA Tejas fighter, Arjun Main Battle Tank, ALH Dhruv helicopter, Dhanush and ATAGS artillery systems, and multiple naval vessels. Future Warfare: Mixing the old and new Asked if drones and electronic warfare would overshadow conventional arms, Kamat said both will coexist. 'Future warfare will be a combination of the traditional equipment as well as these new things… We have to be prepared for both,' he said. Kamat also dismissed speculation about robotic soldiers in the immediate future. 'There will be a day when that may happen but not in the near future,' he said. India is also moving ahead with its stealth fighter programme . The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-plus generation fighter jet, is under development by the DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). 'Our project for developing AMCA started last year, and we are hopeful that it will be completed by 2034 and then it should go into induction by 2035,' Kamat said. The full-scale model of the AMCA was unveiled during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. Key technologies under development include internal weapon bays, AI-assisted flying, net-centric warfare, and vehicle health monitoring systems. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
3 from West Bengal among 103 redeveloped rail stations to be opened by PM Modi on May 22: What's new at these stations?
Written by Adrija Datta Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate three redeveloped railway stations in West Bengal—Kalyani Ghoshpara, Panagarh, and Joychandi Pahar—on May 22 as part of the nationwide launch of 103 Amrit Stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The inauguration will take place via video conference from Bikaner, Rajasthan, as per a statement by the Press Information Bureau. These three West Bengal stations are among the 103 stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories that have been redeveloped at a total cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. The estimated cost of redevelopment for the West Bengal stations stands at Rs 5.5 crore for Panagarh, Rs 3.8 crore for Kalyani Ghoshpara, and Rs 11.43 crore for Joychandi Pahar. 'Through this scheme, the stations have been completely revamped. The new features will give them a brand new look,' said Diptimoy Dutta, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway. The Kalyani Ghoshpara Station, which caters to the University of Kalyani, AIMS, IIIT, ITI, various other medical and engineering colleges and several administrative offices, has undergone a significant transformation. The redevelopment includes the improvement of the station building, concourse, circulating area, porch, and the facade. A full-cover shed has been installed over the platform, and the platform itself has been raised and resurfaced for enhanced safety and comfort. New furniture and seating benches have been provided, and the area has been decorated with elements that represent local art and culture. The waiting hall and toilets have been completely renovated. Modern technological upgrades include single and double face train indication boards, a platform GPS clock, speaker systems, and a GPS-based outdoor true colour LED tower clock. Additional enhancements include upgraded signage, improved lighting and friendly facilities for differently abled passengers including two ramps, low-height booking counters, accessible toilets, and water booths. Panagarh Railway Station, under the Asansol Division, has also been redeveloped into a modern passenger hub. A new station building has been constructed on the second entry side, which houses ticket counters, spacious waiting areas, and toilets equipped for differently-abled passengers. Accessibility has been improved through the installation of two lifts and the addition of ramps. Platforms have been refurbished with new sheds to provide better shelter for commuters. The circulating area has been optimised to ensure smooth passenger and vehicle movement. The station now features landscaped gardens as part of its green initiative. Modern amenities include the implementation of energy-efficient lighting, advanced ticketing infrastructure, and improved sanitation facilities aimed at ensuring cleanliness and user convenience. Security measures have been strengthened with CCTV camera installation. Besides, the station now features multiline display boards, train information boards, and coach information boards to provide real-time travel updates. At Joychandi Pahar Station in Purulia, redevelopment has been completed in record time under the Adra Division. The station now features a renovated and improved station concourse, retiring rooms, dormitories, and first- and second-class waiting halls. The platform surface has been developed with granite for enhanced durability and appearance. To support inclusive infrastructure, the station includes ramps, water booths, toilets, and booking counters specifically designed for differently abled commuters. Additional improvements include the application of tactile tiles for the visually impaired, the beautification of the concourse and station areas with local Madhubani paintings, development of the circulating area, and repair and widening of the roads leading to the main entry and parking zones. 'The Amrit Bharat stations are poised to emerge as prominent city landmarks, contributing significantly to future socio-economic development. With their enhanced features and modern amenities, these stations are expected to gain widespread popularity among passengers,' said Dutta. (Adrija Datta is an intern with The Indian Express)
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Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India to invest $10 billion in homegrown oil tanker fleet by 2040
The purchase order for 10 tankers should come out as early as this month, the people said. Only ships built locally - even if there's foreign collaboration - will be considered for purchase Bloomberg India plans to spend 850 billion rupees ($10 billion) to purchase 112 crude carriers through 2040, people familiar with the matter said, as the world's third-biggest importer of oil seeks to have its own fleet to secure supplies. State-owned oil companies currently operate an aging fleet that's mostly on-charter from global companies and the shipping and petroleum ministries want to change that, said the people, who asked not to be identified citing rules. The plan's first phase involves purchasing 79 ships, of which 30 of them would be medium-range vessels, they said. The purchase order for 10 tankers should come out as early as this month, the people said. Only ships built locally — even if there's foreign collaboration — will be considered for purchase, they said. Despite the global push for transition to cleaner sources of energy, India's crude oil refining capacity is set to expand — to 450 million tons by the end of the decade from about 250 million tons now — on the back of growing domestic and overseas demand for oil products. For a nation that relies on imports for the bulk of its crude oil needs, it's imperative to have sufficient shipping capacity of its own to carry out its energy trade. India targets to raise the share of locally built oil tankers in its fleet to 7% by 2030 from 5% at present, the people said. The idea is to eventually increase it to 69% by 2047 — the deadline the country has set for becoming a developed nation. The shipping and petroleum ministries and the government's Press Information Bureau didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government this year announced a 250 billion-rupee fund to support the country's maritime sector, with one of its goals being to eventually reduce reliance on foreign-built vessels and bolster indigenous shipbuilding capacity. India is also planning to add shipping capacity for transporting coal, fertilizer and steel, the people said. The idea is to replace most of it with India-built ships going ahead. Lacking Scale India's ship building industry is still nascent and lacks scale in the absence of sufficient captive demand for ships, the people said. The economies of scale will follow once global shipbuilding companies come to India and build for the world, they said. While the MT Maharshi Parashuram is the largest India-built oil tanker at 238-meters long and a deadweight tonnage of 93,332 metric tons, it dwarfs in comparison to China's Minsheng Financial Leasing-owned Oceania — a supertanker measuring 380 meters long and boasting a deadweight tonnage of 441,584 metric tons. The Indian government's intent is to provide demand side stimulus for ship building companies, the people said, adding the country is inviting shipbuilders from Japan and South Korea to build ships with the promise of incentives. South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. is in discussions with India's state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd. for a new facility in the southwestern Indian coastal city of Kochi, local media reported. India has also held talks with Korean shipbuilders Samsung Heavy Industries Co. and Japan's Nippon Yusen KK, also known as NYK Line, a local official had said earlier. 'It is a good move from energy security point of view since the dependence on China for a lot of these services is high,' according to Rajiv Jalota, a former chairman of government-owned Mumbai Port Trust. 'The world needs to develop alternatives.'
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Centre debunks viral claim about 104 for blood-on-call service
New Delhi: The Central government has flagged a widely circulating social media post on blood as false and misleading, warning citizens not to fall for it. The message falsely claims that the government has launched a nationwide 'Blood on Call' service accessible via the number 104. According to the viral post, calling 104 would allow people to request blood, which would then be delivered within four hours and a 40 km radius. The message further claims that the service costs Rs 450 per unit of blood and Rs 100 for transportation, urging recipients to share it widely. 'Please forward this message to your friends, relatives and groups. Many lives can be saved from this facility,' the viral post said. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) -- which is also tasked with dispelling misinformation related to government policies -- has clarified that no such scheme exists under the Central government. In a fact-check alert, PIB stated: 'The Government of India is not running any such scheme. This number is used for various helpline services in some states.' The helpline number 104 does exist in several states, but it is typically used for general health-related queries, telemedicine consultations, or Covid-19 assistance, and not for any blood delivery service. The claim has been on the internet since 2022. The PIB has urged the public to verify any government-related claims from official sources before sharing them. Spreading misinformation, even if unintentional, can lead to public confusion and misuse of healthcare resources, it warned. This is not the first time that social media has been used to circulate false medical or health-related claims. The government continues to advise caution, especially with messages that sound too good to be true or lack official verification.
