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Monday Morning Webinar – Unpacking the Rise of Terrorism in Mozambique |
October 18, 2021 |
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1030 to 1300 hrs |
Other |
Monday Morning Webinar – Unpacking the Rise of Terrorism in Mozambique
October 18, 2021
In the Monday Morning Webinar on October 18, 2021, Ms. Ruchita Beri, Senior Research Associate and Coordinator Africa, Latin America, Caribbean and United Nations Centre, MP-IDSA spoke on the topic “Unpacking the Rise of Terrorism in Mozambique”. Dr. Lakshmi Priya moderated the session. The webinar was attended by Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General, MP-IDSA, and scholars of the institute.
Executive Summary
The webinar drew attention to the crisis unfolding in Mozambique and underscored its importance and implications for India and the International Community at large. It was identified that the rise of terrorism was due to ideological as well as tribal, economic and social factors. The speaker underscored that the manifestation of terrorism, availability of natural resources, response of the Mozambican government and the organised crime network in the province were among the four major factors for the rise in concern on the crisis in Mozambique. Speaker highlighted the close ties shared between India and Mozambique; and suggested likely avenues of engagement for India to aid Mozambique in its crisis.
Detailed Report
Dr. Lakshmi Priya, Chair for the Webinar, introduced the topic by mentioning that the United States designated Abu Sulayfa Muhammad of the ISIS Mozambique as a global terrorist in August 2021. She pointed out that in April 2021, French Company Total Energy withdrew its economic activities in the country owing to the security situation. The violence started in 2017 and has led to the loss of 3000 lives while over a million people have been displaced internally. Stating that a peace deal effort has been ineffective, she called on the Speaker to present the theme.
Ms. Ruchita Beri began her talk by underlining that there are several factors that have led to the rise of Terrorism in Mozambique and it is a matter of concern to the neighbouring African countries as well as to India. The speaker stated that new frontiers of Terrorism were emerging and is finding ground in new places, especially in Southern Africa. The rise of terrorism in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique is a source of concern for the international community as it has the potential to destabilize southern Africa. Initially a youth movement challenging local Sufi establishments, the Al-Shabab Mozambique since 2017 started to engage in armed terror activities and is linked to Ansar al-Sunna which is active in Tanzania and along the east coast of Africa.
Ms. Beri identified that the rise of terrorism was due to ideological as well as tribal, economic and social factors including local grievances like economic isolation and exclusion, forced displacement of the people and resentment against influence of elites drawn from President Filipe Nyusi’s Makonde tribe. Mentioning that the group primarily consists of unemployed youth, Ms. Beri stated that the lure of ideology as well as material benefits were motivational factors to join the terror group. The leadership of the group made up of committed jihadists from Islamist networks in the east African Coast demands the imposition of rule of Sharia Law, has strengthened its hold over time and has acquired capability to operate in coastal waters. Although not much is known about the group’s funding mechanism, it is clear that the economic base is in northern Mozambique and is connected to the illicit economy.
After providing a background of the terror group, Ms. Beri emphasised on the reasons and need for international community to take note of the terrorism in Mozambique. Alarms have been raised by various international actors on the rise of terrorism in Mozambique. She shed light on four factors for the rise in concern among the international community – manifestation of terrorism, natural resources, response of the Mozambican government and the organised crime network in the province. First, the manifestation of violent extremism in Mozambique is a new phenomenon for Southern Africa. Earlier confined only to Tanzania, it now has jihadi connections as well as associations with the Islamic State of Central African province. Second, the province of Cabo Delgado is rich in natural resources. It has vast deposits of rubies and is located close to Mozambique’s offshore natural gas deposits. It is estimated that Mozambique holds about 100 trillion cubic feet of gas and offshores fields, and has been touted as the world’s next energy superpower in the making. The escalation of violence has raised questions over the future of extensive investments by big oil companies like Total, Shell and ONGC Videsh besides others which are involved in major offshore exploration projects.
Ms. Beri identified the third factor as the response of the Mozambican government to stem the tide of terrorism. Despite support from private military companies, Mozambican security forces have been unable to prevent the extremists from taking control of several towns. The deployment of the South African Development Community (SADC) military forces and Rwandan troops on the request of the Mozambican government has yielded some success in countering the growing militancy in the province. Fourth, the dynamic in Cabo Delgado is amplified by the organised crime network involved in illegal trading of timber and rubies in cities like Mocímboa da Praia and Pemba. Reports show that Cabo Delgado is a key point for narcotics trade in the region and trafficking of heroin from Afghanistan via Pakistan. The speaker stated that narcotic trade may be funding the terror activities of Al-Shabab in the region.
Ms. Beri underscored the close ties shared between India and Mozambique and shed light on the implications of the security crisis on India’s interests in the region. She stated that the current conflict has implications on India’s close cooperation in food, energy and maritime security spheres. Indian companies are heavily invested in the energy sector and India also imports pulses from Mozambique. The speaker highlighted that the maritime region around Mozambique was crucial for India-Mozambique defence partnership and India’s strategic outreach to the Vanilla Islands. She underlined the maritime cooperation shared between the Indian Navy and Mozambique; including delivery of fast interceptor boats during Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh’s visit in 2019; and shed light on the training programme by India to Mozambican defence armed forces.
Ms. Beri assessed that if the conflict continues, humanitarian crisis is likely to grip Mozambique and the wider region would descent to instability. The crisis would influence all aspects of Mozambican economy and impact India’s investments. Stating the existing fear that terrorists may relocate to other areas in the country, Ms. Beri suggested that besides military action, the Mozambican government must open dialogue with the in the region. She proposed that India must consider its options in Mozambique, increase its consultations with the local government and with external actors and leverage its credentials as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and observer status in the SADC and UN. Ms. Beri concluded by stating that bilaterally India could assist Mozambique in counter-terrorism training and share intelligence at a regular basis.
Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, DG, MP-IDSA shared his remarks on the theme. He began by complimenting Ms. Beri for her presentation which shed light on all salient aspects of the rise of terrorism in Mozambique and succinctly brought out the importance that Mozambique holds for India in historical as well as contemporary political, economic and energy dimensions. Mentioning that the close bilateral ties are not new, Amb. Chinoy stated that the eastern seaboard of Africa has always been of great significance to India’s external engagement across the western Indian Ocean Region. He highlighted the level of integration shared between people of African origin and Indians, and drew concern to the type of terrorism in Mozambique that has emerged over the last two decades interlinked to the demise of Al Qaeda. He identified that offshoot local terrorist movements are ideologically driven and seek internationalisation by congruence with larger established outfits like Al Qaeda and ISIS. Amb. Chinoy shared that besides working closely with the Mozambican authorities, India could engage with countries like Portugal and Brazil to evolve greater consensus in the region. Stating that ‘what happens in Mozambique, will not stay in Mozambique’, he concluded by appreciating Ms. Beri’s talk for highlighting what’s ahead and why it is important.
The speaker responded by agreeing to the comments on the historical ties shared between India and Mozambique, shed light on the role of Indian diaspora in Mozambique’s economy and provided an insight into the complexity of the terrorism in the continent. On partnering with Portugal and Brazil in Africa, Ms. Beri mentioned India’s policy efforts to connect with the Portuguese in Africa, India’s TEAM-9 initiative and Brazil’s investment in natural resources sector in Africa. The webinar concluded with an engaging Q/A session with inputs on target of Al-Shabab which inflicts violence on its own people more than government installations; international sanctions against the terror group; concerns on influence of external terror outfits which could further radicalise the population; concerns on the involvement and future of SADC forces in the conflict; China’s limited involvement in Mozambique and India’s close defence and security cooperation with Mozambique.
Report prepared by Ms. Sindhu Dinesh, Research Analyst, ALACUN Centre, MP-IDSA
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Africa, Latin America, Caribbean & UN |
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Seminar on “India and UN Peacekeeping – An Appraisal” |
October 01, 2021 |
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Other |
Event Report [PDF]
Programme [PDF]
Speaker Profile [PDF]
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MP-IDSA Monday Morning Webinar on Anatomy of AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Deal and Key Takeaways |
September 27, 2021 |
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Other |
Event Report
Cmde Abhay K. Singh, Retd, Research Fellow, Military Affairs Centre, MP-IDSA spoke on the topic “Anatomy of AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Deal and Key Takeaways” at the Monday Morning Webinar held on 27 September 2021 at 10 AM. The webinar was chaired by Dr Jagannath P. Panda, Research Fellow, MP-IDSA.
Director General, MP-IDSA, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy; Deputy Director General, Maj. Gen. (Dr) Bipin Bakshi, Retd, and scholars & members of the Institute attended the webinar.
Executive Summary
Deciphering the complexities of the AUKUS (Australia, UK and US) Nuclear Submarine Deal was the key focus of the webinar, where Australia’s decision to cancel its deal to procure conventional attack submarines from France and acquire nuclear submarines through a trilateral security pact was extensively discussed. The analysis of Australia’s naval history reveals that the Australian Government had several times in the past opted for conventional submarines over nuclear submarines in the 1960s, 1980s and 2010, taking into consideration cost-effectiveness, combat capability and the strategic requirements. However, the deteriorating strategic conditions of the region have forced Australia to backtrack from its 2016 decision to acquire conventional attack submarines from France and enter into a trilateral pact to procure nuclear submarines from the US and the UK.
Insecurity over China’s aggressive military and economic expansion has been cited as the key factor behind Australia’s decision to procure nuclear submarines. The AUKUS puts Australia in the vanguard of the political alignment posed to counter the rise of China. Australia’s intended patrol stations are concentrated between the Sea of Japan in the East and the Malacca Straits in the West pointing out that Australia views China as the most important security concern. The AUKUS may not undermine QUAD, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), and both alliances are likely to be complementary to each other. It was stated that the French reaction to Australia cancelling the attack submarine deal was exaggerated by the media. AUKUS’s potential to promote regional stability can only be ascertained by assessing the long-term implications of the trilateral pact.
Detailed Report
Dr Jagannath P. Panda commenced the session with his opening remarks about the topic by referring to AUKUS as a trilateral security pact focused on intelligence sharing on secret technology of building nuclear-powered submarines.
Cmde Abhay K. Singh, Retd, began his presentation by exploring the rationale of Australia’s decision towards AUKUS and its geo-political implications. Explaining the overwhelming superiority of nuclear submarines over conventional submarines including the ones with the advanced air-independent propulsion in terms of speed, range and combat capability, Cmde Singh elucidated the rationale behind the Australian Government’s decision to acquire American-built nuclear submarines instead of French-built conventional submarines. Cmde Singh then went on to chronicle the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) long history of operating submarines from as early as 1913. But the narrow industrial base combined with their extensive dependence on the British Navy led to Australia being unable to develop indigenous submarine building capability. The deliberation by the Australian leadership to raise independent maritime capability started in the 1950s when the withdrawal of British Navy from the Indian Ocean became evident.
By 1959, taking into account the cost-effectiveness and simplicity in operation of conventional submarines, the Australian leadership was convinced that they would be sufficient to meet the strategic requirements of that time. As a result, the RAN acquired six British manufactured Oberon Class that operated from 1967 to 2000. In the 1980s once again the debate over nuclear versus conventional submarines arose when the Australian Government began deliberating on replacing the existing Oberon Class submarines. Cmde Singh stated that the high maintenance cost of the Oberon Class and heavy dependence on British technical support convinced the Australian Government to indigenously build the revolutionary Collins Class submarines in collaboration with Sweden, thereby improving the defence industrial base of Australia.
Cmde Singh explained how in 2009 Australia initiated the Future Submarine Programme (FSP) to acquire submarines possessing greater range, longer endurance and enhanced combat capabilities than the existing Collins Class submarines. Once again the debate over the propulsion system of FSP began and Australia took into consideration RAN’s requirement to establish patrol stations from the Sea of Japan to Malacca Straits. Although it became clear that only nuclear submarines can meet RAN’s strategic requirements to carry out prolonged covert patrols but the absence of nuclear energy industry and no availability of bipartisan consensus for nuclear propulsion once again led to Australia opting for conventional submarines. French Shortfin Barracuda, German Type 216 and Japanese Soryu Class submarines were among the contenders of the FSP race, out of which French Shortfin Barracuda was selected by the Australian Government for acquisition at an estimated cost of over $50 billion.
Cmde Singh pointed out how shortly after the deal was finalised, the programme came under extensive media scrutiny over the document leak of India’s Scorpene submarines, delays and cost overruns. This prompted the Australian Government to review its decision regarding the French attack submarines, taking into consideration the deteriorating strategic environment, the indispensable requirement of nuclear submarines to confront the strategic threat and the manageability of the fall-out of the conventional attack submarine deal with France, all of which culminated in Australia’s decision to acquire nuclear submarines through the AUKUS trilateral security pact. Cmde Singh concluded his presentation by stating that AUKUS’s potential to provide strategic stability, initiate a regional arms race, undermine QUAD, including its impact on India’s nuclear submarine programme, is yet to be assessed by observing unfolding developments of the future.
In the discussion that followed, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General, MP-IDSA remarked that China’s growing military and economic rise is the key reason behind growing security concerns amongst nations in the region including Australia. He further commented that through AUKUS, Australia strengthened its resolve into becoming the strongest link in the global political configuration to counter China’s aggressive growth. The French reaction to the cancellation of the submarine deal was overblown by the media by citing how both France and the US have quickly re-engaged with each other on security and strategic cooperation. The Director General encouraged further deliberation on assessing the implications of Australia’s move for India’s maritime security and also for the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Maj. Gen. Bipin Bakshi, Retd, Deputy Director General, MP-IDSA pointed out how Australia had expressed apprehensions towards India’s growing naval power in the 1990s and conversely at present no longer views India as a threat which is evident from the concentration of RAN’s patrol stations towards the North. He further stated that AUKUS may not undermine QUAD nor would it transform into a new security alliance.
Brigadier Satyavrat Pagay, currently Research Fellow at MP-IDSA, opined that AUKUS is essentially an American-backed alliance to counter China. He expressed the need for India to deliberate on whether India’s strategic autonomy can be preserved by becoming a part of QUAD and if AUKUS has the potential to benefit India during military conflict. He also brought out that to counter AUKUS, China may endow Pakistan with military assets and technology which would change the balance of power in the region. Taking into consideration the unresolved border issues with China, Brigadier Pagay stated that India must deliberate on whether it would be able to balance its budgetary allocation between land-centric forces and the navy.
Dr Rajiv Nayan, Senior Research Associate, MP-IDSA, commenting on the ramifications of AUKUS to the non-proliferation regime, stated that the US has always been reluctant to share even low enriched uranium-powered nuclear submarines even with close allies like Australia and Canada in the past. Therefore, US’s recent decision to supply Australia with submarines powered by high enriched uranium reactors has resulted in several nations raising eyebrows. He further stated that the existing non-proliferation treaties lack any clear definition regarding nuclear submarines as weapon platforms and hence are unlikely to have any serious ramifications.
During the Q&A session, in response to the question on why Australia’s intended submarine patrol stations did not go beyond the South China Sea into the Indian Ocean, Cmde Singh stated that submarine deployment is based on the respective nation’s threat perceptions and hence Australia’s submarine patrol stations are concentrated towards the north with a focus on China. Responding to another question comparing force structure and budgeting of India and Australia, Cmde Singh stated that there can be no comparison as Australia’s expenditure towards Defence has always been minimal as it is part of a security alliance that can cater to its security requirement. Responding to a question on whether AUKUS undermines QUAD, Cmde Singh stated that both the alliances are complementary to each other. On being asked whether India in any way can take advantage of the situation by enhancing its security cooperation with France, Cmde Singh stated that due to the cancellation of the submarine deal with Australia, France will have surplus production capability thereby allowing India to utilise it for its own military acquisition.
Key Takeaways:
- The deteriorating strategic environment due to China’s aggressive military and economic expansion is the key factor behind the creation of AUKUS.
- AUKUS is not likely to undermine the existing QUAD but rather both alliances will be complementary to each other.
- Australia through AUKUS has consolidated itself into becoming one of the strongest links in the political configuration formed to counter China.
- France’s reaction to Australia’s cancellation of the multi-billion dollar attack submarine deal has been exaggerated by the media.
- Even with the acquisition of the nuclear submarine, Australia’s military capability will extensively be dependent on its security alliance partners.
Report prepared by Mr R. Vignesh, Research Analyst, Military Affairs Centre, MP-IDSA
Download Event Report [PDF]
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Nuclear and Arms Control |
AUKUS |
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54th ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING |
October 06, 2021 |
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1030 hrs |
Other |
The 54th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) will be held on 06th October, 2021 at 1200 hours at the MP-IDSA Auditorium. Individual invitations to the Life Members and Members have already been mailed. However, any Life member and Member who may not have received the same due to any reason may treat this as a notice for the meeting.
Please note that only LIFE MEMBERS AND MEMBERS form the General Body of the Institute.
Norms of social distancing and other COVID-19 related precautionary measures will be ensured.
For any clarification please contact.
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Col Rajeev Agarwal (Retd)
Assistant Director
Tele: 2671 7983, Extn. 7301
Fax: 26154192 (DG)
26154191 (DDG)
26146833 (AD) (Telefax)
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ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING |
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Virtual Conference on Resilience to Violent Extremism and Terrorism |
August 27, 2021 |
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1000 to 1245 hrs |
Other |
Concep Note
Violent extremism and terrorism is a multi-systemic phenomena passing through new and mutating life-cycles, perpetually producing deadlier strains. Thus even after major setbacks to ISIS and other global terror networks since 2019, it may be wrong to surmise that threats emanating from terrorism to global security have substantially receded. There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn have thrown terrorism off its perch of being the foremost international security challenge. It is also true that the Global Terrorism Index (2020) has recorded a 59 percent fall in the number of deaths caused by terrorism from 2014 till the end of 2019. However, rapid geopolitical shifts in the past couple of years have raised significant new red flags over the resurgence of radical forces and terrorism that have not yet been fully adumbrated nor quantified.
For one, the annexation of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan in a lightning advance even before the US deadline for a full withdrawal from the country by 11 September 2021 has raised new questions about the effectiveness of the almost two decades long global campaign against violent extremism and terrorism. It has also raised a whole new set of concerns regarding international peace and security, just when the world is struggling to come out of a major pandemic and serious economic crisis.
In order to gain a clear insight and new perspectives over the still unfolding unexplored scenarios for India and its extended neighbourhood, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses has organized a conference titled ‘Resilience to Violent Extremism and Terrorism’ on 27 August 2021, in which various challenges and solutions to the problems related to cross-border terrorism, terror financing, linkages of criminal networks to terror groups as well as counter radicalization approaches shall be deliberated upon by some of the most notable security experts.
Programme
Director General of MP-IDSA Welcome Address – (10:00 AM-10:05 AM)
SESSION I (10:05 AM – 11:30 AM)
Cross Border Terrorism: Emerging Threats and Policy Options
Chair - Lt. Gen. Arun Kumar Sahni, PVSM, UYSM, SM, VSM (10:05-10:15 AM)
- India’s Policy Options for Emerging Threats from the Af-Pak Theatre
-Dr Ashok Behuria, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the South Asia Centre, MP-IDSA (10:15 AM-10:30 AM)
- Options for Combating Terror Finance
-Colonel (Retd.) Vivek Chadha, Research Fellow, MP-IDSA (10:30 AM-10:45 AM)
- Organized Crime and Terrorism: Threat to India’s Security
-Mr Rupin Sharma, IPS, DG(Border/Affairs) (10:45 AM-11 AM)
Q and A session: 20 minutes
SESSION II (11:20 AM-12:45 PM)
Reconstructing Religious Thought against Radicalism
Chair: Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar (11:20-11:30 AM)
- Need for Moderation in the Religious Narratives of Islam
-Mr Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation(11:30-11:45 AM)
- Countering the Islamist Fallacies of Terror Groups
-Dr Adil Rasheed, Research Fellow & Coordinator of Counter Terrorism centre, MP-IDSA(11:45-12:00)
- The Opening up of Saudi Arabia’s Social and Religious Outlook
-Mr Pradeep Singh Gautam, Indian Revenue Service (IT) officer and Research Fellow (MP-IDSA), (12:00-12:15 PM)
Q and A session: 20 minutes (12:15-12:35 PM)
Closing Remarks (12:35 to 12:45 PM) –Sri Jayant Misra, Former Member and Chairman, Settlement Commission for Indirect Taxes, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance from 2017-19.
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Panel Discussion Webinar on Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan and Approaches of Regional Countries |
August 31, 2021 |
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1000 hrs |
Other |
The discussion will focus on developments in Afghanistan and the evolving situation as also brainstorm the approaches of regional countries
Programme
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1000-1005 hrs:
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Introductory Remarks by DG, MP-IDSA
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1005-1020 hrs:
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Shri Vishal Chandra, Research Fellow: Recent Developments in Afghanistan
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1020-1035 hrs:
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Amb Rakesh Sood: Taliban 2.0
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1035-1050 hrs:
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Amb P.S.Raghvan: Understanding Russia’s Approach to Taliban
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1050-1105 hrs:
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Prof K.P.Vijayalakshmi: US and Taliban
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1105-1110 hrs:
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Dr Ashok K Behuria: Pakistan and Taliban
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1110-1115 hrs:
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Dr Muddassir Quamar: Turkey and Iran’s Approach to Taliban
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1115-1120 hrs:
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Dr Jaganath P Panda: China’s Approach to Taliban
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1120-1125 hrs:
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Dr Prashant K Pradhan: GCC and Taliban
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1125-1145 hrs:
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Q & A Session
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Webinar on Global Geopolitics and Regional Security Environment in West Asia |
July 27, 2021 |
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1500 hrs |
Other |
The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and The Strategic Studies Centre, Cairo
Is organising a webinar on
“Global Geopolitics and Regional Security Environment in West Asia”
Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General MP-IDSA and Staff General Adel Mohamed Hassan Eldeeb, Director Strategic Studies Centre Cairo, will lead the Webinar on both sides.
The Programme of the Webinar is attached.
Download Event Report [PDF]
Executive Summary
Webinar on “Global Geopolitics and Regional Security Environment in West Asia” organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and the Strategic Studies Centre (SSC), Cairo, on July 27, 2021.
- The world is experiencing a major global geo-economic shift and COVID-19 pandemic has acted as an accentuating factor. China’s economic rise has been accompanied by unilateralism and a military assertiveness that is bound to be resisted by all peace-loving nations. Technology, particularly in fields of telecom, Artificial Intelligence, cyberspace and data security are the new battle grounds.
- Chinese bid to bring trade diplomacy in South Asia has brought a new challenge in India’s neighbourhood. The most challenging aspect of the security is the unfolding situation in Afghanistan. Taliban is coming back with great momentum and is trying to establish its hold in Afghanistan in a violent manner. Regional cooperation is needed to contain this issue but Pakistan is not on board. If the issue is not contained the region will become a breeding ground for fundamentalism which will further increase the security challenges.
- For India, Indo-Pacific is gaining currency as a vastly more inclusive concept in terms of economic prosperity in a much wider region. The Biden Administration has taken a more engaging outlook towards the Indo-Pacific region. His policies towards Asia include more focus on multilateral mode of engagement with respect to climate change, trade, connectivity and development; focus on building a responsive partnership with Japan and South Korea; continuing rivalry with China and to remain engaged in the Korean peninsula.
- Scholars from the SSC stated that the previous US administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy that pushed Iran to the corner has affected the regional security and stability. On the other hand, the activities of Iran-backed proxies or armed groups increased in the region, particularly in Syria and Yemen and has caused serious security concerns for the regional countries.
- Participants from SSC argued that for the Biden Administration, the case of Iranian nuclear deal remains a top priority. Ho in their policies and perspectives towards each other and the region. They argued that given the change of behaviour from both the parties, an amended nuclear deal is possible, if Iran adheres to the JCPOA and the US removes sanctions on Iran.
- Egypt believes that Israel wants to be the only state with nuclear power in the region. Its policies are to ensure that no other state possess such power. Israel is working with the US, and other Western countries to ensure sanctions on Iran to continue so as to force Iran to abandon its nuclear programme.
- The situation between Iran-Israel will continue to remain tense. Tehran’s support to Assad regime, and groups like Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas will continue to challenge Israel’s national security.
- Turkey is following a Neo-Ottoman policy in West Asia which has alarmed other key regional players. Its policies have led to several problems in the African countries especially in Libya. Also, with its new maritime ambitions, Turkey intends to expand its naval presence in the Horn of Africa, Red Sea and Persian Gulf regions. It taken steps to enhance its naval capacity in the region, especially Africa which has led to serious fictions between Turkey and other regional powers like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt.
- For India the goal is to achieve rapid and inclusive economic growth in a stable and peaceful environment. Our strategic autonomy is better today. India is non-permanent member in the UNSC that has given it a fresh opportunity to engage with partners including Egypt and to help strengthen multilateralism.
- Egypt’s role has become more significant as it has taken a number of steps to stabilise the region by rooting out terror groups, minimising internal conflicts and preventing regional turmoil in Libya and Palestine. Egypt played a critical role in bringing a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas in May this year, which was praised by the international community. Egypt’s position on Libya as well as Mediterranean region is to balance Turkey’s presence in the region.
- Counter-terrorism has emerged as one of the leading areas of cooperation between India and Egypt. There are several mechanisms including regular cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of two countries and the Joint cooperation committee’s regular meetings between senior officials from both sides.
- India and Egypt that have common interests in security and the stability of the West Asian region to strengthen their partnership. It is imperative for both the countries to cooperate and coordinate on regional security, especially in the area of strategic cooperation.
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Eurasia & West Asia |
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The Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGM) of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |
August 16, 2021 |
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1030 to 1300 hrs |
Other |
The Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGM) of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses will be held on 16th August, 2021 at 1230 hours at the IDSA Auditorium.
Download Advertisement
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53rd ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING |
July 15, 2021 |
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1030 hrs |
Other |
The 53rd Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) will be held on 15th July, 2021 at 1030 hours at the MP-IDSA Auditorium. Individual invitations to the Life Members and Members have already been mailed. However, any Life member and Member who may not have received the same due to any reason may treat this as a notice for the meeting.
Please note that only LIFE MEMBERS AND MEMBERS form the General Body of the Institute.
Norms of social distancing and other COVID-19 related precautionary measures will be ensured.
For any clarification please contact.
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Col Rajeev Agarwal (Retd)
Assistant Director
Tele: 2671 7983, Extn. 7301
Fax: 26154192 (DG)
26154191 (DDG)
26146833 (AD) (Telefax)
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ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING |
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MP-IDSA-SIIS Virtual Dialogue |
June 18, 2021 |
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1330 to 1530 hrs |
Bilateral |
The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) is holding a dialogue (online) with the Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS) in Shanghai.
Subject: The Future of China-India Relations
Bio of SIIS and MP-IDSA Speakers
Opening remarks
Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, an expert on China, Japan and national security issues, is Director General, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP- IDSA), New Delhi. A career diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service from 1981-2018, he was India’s Ambassador to Japan from 2015-2018, and earlier, the Ambassador to Mexico. A specialist with over 25 years of experience on East Asia and the Asia-Pacific, he served in Indian Missions in Hong Kong and Beijing and as Consul General in Shanghai and Sydney.
Prof. and Dr. CHEN Dongxiao is the President of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). Dr. Chen specializes in the studies of United Nations, China’s foreign policy and China-U.S. relations.
Session-I
Dr. Jagannath Panda is a Research Fellow and Coordinator of the East Asia Centre, MP-IDSA. His research focuses are on East Asian affairs.
Dr. Liu Zongyi is a Senior Fellow and the Secretary General of South Asia and China Center, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). His research interests are on India’s Economy and Foreign Policy, China’s Foreign Policy, BRICS, and G-20.
Session-II
Dr. Liu Youfa is a non-Resident Senior Fellow, previously served as Ambassadorial Consul General of China to Mumbai, Republic of India, Vice President at China Institute of International Studies (CIIS).
Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh is an Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA. His research areas are strategic and domestic affairs of China and Taiwan. He is a recipient of CCS Grant for Foreign Scholars in 2016 by National Central Library, Taiwan and )a recipient of the prestigious CCS Grant for Foreign Scholars in 2016 by National Central Library and National Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, Taiwan (2011-12).
Session-III
Dr. Li Hongmei is a Research Fellow of International Strategic Studies, SIIS. Her research fields focus on India`s maritime strategy and foreign policy, Indo-Pak relations, the regional security in the Indian Ocean, Geopolitical theory and etc.
Dr. Titli Basu is an Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA. Her research interests include Japanese security, strategy and foreign policy. She was a visiting fellow at University of Tokyo (2010-2011) and NIDS (2017).
Session-IV
Ms. Shruti Pandalai is an Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA. Her research interest are Media and National Security, strategic communication in diplomacy and conflict resolution. Previously, she was a broadcast journalist, a News Anchor and Senior Correspondent with a leading national English news network.
Dr. Shao Yuqun is a senior fellow and the Director of the Institute for Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao Studies and Senior Fellow of the Center for America Studies. She used to work as the Deputy Director of the Department of American Studies and the Director of the Department of Research Management & International Exchange, SIIS.
Concluding remarks
Moderator: Maj. Gen (Dr.) Bipin Bakshi (Retd.) is the Deputy Director General, MP-IDSA. He has wide experience across Operations, Training and Cyber/Information Warfare with 5 years in the Parachute Brigade and over 2 ½ years in the NSG. He commanded an Infantry Brigade on the Northern Border and an Infantry Division on the Western Border, and led the Info Warfare section of Northern Command as a Brigadier and served in the UNO in UNAVEM III, Angola
Programme Schedule
Co-Chairs: Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, DG, MP-IDSA
Co-Chairs: Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS
- 1330 hours – 1340 hours (Beijing time) (10 minutes)
[1100 hours – 1110 hours IST]
Opening Remarks
MP-IDSA: Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, DG, MP-IDSA
SIIS: Prof Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS
- 1340 hours – 1450 hours (Beijing time) (70 minutes, 8 minutes for each speaker)
[1110 hours- 1220 hours IST]
Session-I: India-China Relations: Rebuilding Trust
Moderator: Prof Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS
Dr Jagannath Panda, Research Fellow, MP-IDSA [TBC]
Dr. LIU Zongyi, Secretary General & Senior Fellow, South Asia & China Centre, SIIS
Session-II: India-China Trade and Economic Ties
Moderator: Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, DG, MP-IDSA
Dr. LIU Youfa, Distinguished Fellow, SIIS
Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh, Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA
Session-III: Regional Security Environment
Moderator: Prof Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS
Dr. LI Hongmei, Research Fellow, Institute for International Strategic Studies, SIIS
Dr. Titli Basu, Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA
Session-IV: Global Security Architecture
Moderator: Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, DG, MP-IDSA
Ms. Shruti Pandalai, Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA
Dr. SHAO Yuqun, Director and Senior Fellow, Institute for Taiwan, Hongkong & Macao Studies, SIIS
- 1450 hours – 1520 hours (Beijing time) (30minutes)
[1220 – 1250 hours IST]
General discussion
- 1520 hours – 1530 hours (Beijing time) (10minutes)
Concluding Session
Moderator: Maj Gen (Dr) Bipin Bakshi (Retd), Deputy Director General, MP-IDSA
Amb. Sujan R. Chinoy, DG, MP-IDSA
Prof Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS
Participants of SIIS:
CHEN Dongxiao, President and Senior Fellow, SIIS
CHEN Youjun, Senior Fellow, Institute for World Economy Studies, SIIS
LI Hongmei, Research Fellow, Institute for International Strategic Studies, SIIS
LI Yanliang, Research Fellow, Institute for Foreign Policy Studies, SIIS
LIU Youfa, Former Chinese Consul General at Mumbai, Distinguished Fellow, SIIS
LIU Zongyi, Secretary General and Senior Fellow, South Asia and China Centre, SIIS
SU Liuqiang, Research Fellow, Institute for International Strategic Studies, SIIS
SHAO Yuqun, Director and Senior Fellow, Institute for Taiwan, Hongkong & Macao Studies, SIIS
Zhang Qiyue, Research Fellow, Institute for Global Governance Studies, SIIS
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