Author: India Writes Network

India, US sign new defence framework pact, focus on co-development

- by India Writes Network

In a major thrust to the India-US Strategic Partnership, the two nations signed a new 10-year defense framework agreement during an official visit of the US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to India. The agreement builds upon the previous framework and shall guide the bilateral defense and strategic partnership for the next ten years.

The groundwork for this was done during the successful January visit of President Barack Obama to India. The agreements were signed during the meeting of Mr Carter and India’s Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar on June 3rd in New Delhi.
During Mr Carter’s visit, apart from inking the framework agreement, the two sides have agreed to expedite discussions to take forward cooperation on jet engines, aircraft carrier design and construction, and other areas. Continued bilateral cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, including maritime security and joint training in defense, was also agreed to.

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Taking on the ISIS monster: Building a credible coalition

- by India Writes Network

Representatives of over twenty countries, which are included in the anti-ISIS coalition, came together on Paris on June 2 to discuss their strategy of countering the terror outfit. They renewed commitments to remain “united, determined and focussed” in what was reemphasised to be a long fight against the Daesh (an acronym used for the ISIS by the Western media and detested by the group).
West Asian politics is multi-pronged, with several games being played simultaneously. A political and diplomatic solution needs to precede and follow up on a military one, as is the need to resolve political situations in Syria, and a multitude of unstable states, which provide safe haven for terror outfits. Thus, military, diplomacy and politics all need to come together for a humanitarian solution to counter the crisis sparked by the rise of The Islamic State.

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Sweden backs India for UN permanent seat & MTCR

- by India Writes Network

STOCKHOLM: Sweden, a key Scandinavian country and a member of the NSG, has come out in support of India’s global aspirations by backing New Delhi for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In a recognition of India’s non-proliferation credentials, Sweden also backed India’s bid for membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), one of the four crucial multilateral nuclear export regimes that New Delhi is looking to be a part of.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefen Lofven conveyed his support for India’s UNSC aspiration to India’s President Pranab Mukherjee, who is on a state visit to the Nordic country, and underlined that India has requisite credentials for the UN high seat.

During the meeting, the two leaders decided to restart the bilateral strategic dialogue stalled since 2011. Mr Lofven also appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led “Make in India” campaign, and vowed to invest in India’s growing defence sector.

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