General

(http://thediplomat.com/2013/12/hopes-for-indian-defense-reform-fade/) Government reversals at the polls are likely to see task force recommendations put on the backburner. The rout of the ruling Congress party in four recent provincial elections, including one in the national capital of Delhi, has effectively put paid to any hopes that defense reforms will proceed any time soon in India. Even at…

East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (Source: Ministry of National Defense/China Daily) BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) — Following is a statement made by Geng Yansheng, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, on China’s establishment of the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ): The Chinese government announced…

More than a year after the Naresh Chandra Task Force on National Security submitted its report to the Prime Minister, one is hearing of a forward movement towards implementation of some of its recommendations. Although the report has not been made public–contrary to the earlier promise–the Chiefs of Staff Committee…

My latest piece in The Diplomat (http://thediplomat.com/2013/11/indias-emerging-blue-water-navy/2/) On November 16, the Indian Navy finally took delivery of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, formerly the Adm. Gorshkov, at Sevmash Shipyard in northern Russia’s Severodvinsk town. The acquisition marks a new phase in India’s quest to become a true blue-water navy. The handover ceremony…