The Fissile Materials Working Group: A Case Study of How a Civil Society Group Can Impact Fissile Material Policy Security experts the world over agree that nuclear terrorism is one of the greatest threats to international peace and security in the 21st century. Since the end of the Cold War, there have been more than 20 confirmed cases of the illicit or unauthorised trafficking of fissile materials. Fissile material for more than 100,000 additional nuclear weapons is spread across the globe. Alexandra I. Toma March 2014 Strategic Analysis
Nuclear Security, the Summit Process and India India has been dealing with terrorism for several decades, and is therefore constructively involved in all genuine exercises for countering the menace. As terror groups are expected to use weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), India fully supports the legal and other operational measures and mechanisms adopted by multilateral and international organisations to mitigate the risk of WMD terrorism. A resolution has been steered in the United Nations General Assembly to gain international support for fighting WMD terrorism. Arvind Gupta , Rajiv Nayan March 2014 Strategic Analysis
The Technological Dimension of Nuclear Security The issue of nuclear security has several dimensions including security of nuclear materials and facilities, export controls, security of technologies and development of technologies that are proliferation-resistant. Each of these dimensions needs examination from an applicable perspective. India looks at nuclear technology and nuclear materials primarily as a resource for meeting a part of its requirements for electricity. R.B. Grover March 2014 Strategic Analysis
Need for action plan to counter KLO The recent violent incidents carried out by the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) in the sensitive eastern and north-eastern parts India have serious security implications. Conscious intervention of the centre in concert with the state governments of West Bengal and Assam and even Sikkim, as well as with cooperation of the Bhutan government is required at the earliest. Gautam Sen February 28, 2014 IDSA Comments
Shinzo Abe’s Visit to India: Reviewing the Strategic Partnership Japanese prime minister Abe realises that solely relying on the US-Japan security alliance might not serve national interest in the fast evolving regional security architecture. So the leadership is diversifying its options and strengthening cooperation with countries like India and Australia. Titli Basu February 27, 2014 IDSA Comments
Iran under Rouhani: From Confrontation to Reconciliation Rouhani’s presidency has injected a new tone in Iran’s foreign policy, marking a dramatic shift from Ahmadinejad’s policy of confrontation with the West. Rouhani’s policy towards the neighbouring countries has received strong support while his policy of engagement with Obama administration and the nuclear deal have generated intense debate. M. Mahtab Alam Rizvi February 26, 2014 Issue Brief
India’s Interim Defence Budget 2014-15: An Appraisal The 10 per cent growth in the interim defence budget although looks impressive from outside, it has a poor outlook on the modernisation front. Much of the hike in the interim budget is consumed by the increase in salary, leaving very little to meet the defence modernisation requirements. Laxman Kumar Behera February 23, 2014 IDSA Comments
Political Turmoil in Bangladesh Likely to Continue The BNP has urged the government to arrange for dialogue. The AL says the BNP must snap ties with the Jamaat before engaging in negotiation. The uncompromising attitude of the two leaders is the main hurdle to initiate concrete steps for resolving the ongoing political impasse. Many Bangladeshis feel that it would take at least another year to reach an agreement. Rupak Bhattacharjee February 19, 2014 IDSA Comments
Heavy Satellite Launch Vehicles: An Assessment This brief has carried out an assessment of the launch vehicles used globally for launching of heavy satellites into the geostationary orbit. This assessment is mainly based on the comparison of the various features of different launch systems and the characteristics of the propellants put in use. Ajey Lele , Parveen Bhardwaj February 19, 2014 Issue Brief
Maoist Finances: Sources, Methods of Collection and Utilization Citing IDSA Report, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, RSN Singh said in the Rajya Sabha recently that “…the CPI(Maoist) party has been collecting not less than Rs 140 crores annually from a variety of sources. Further, the possibility of certain front organizations of the CPI (Maoist) … clandestinely getting foreign funds cannot be ruled out.” P. V. Ramana February 17, 2014 IDSA Comments
