South Asia
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Features
The Indo-Pacific Strategic Space and the Global Order
Dr. Arnab Das/Cmdr. (Ret.) Indian Navy The center of global power has shifted toward the Indian and Pacific oceans. The Indo-Pacific strategic space is recognized as the main theater of geopolitical and geostrategic interactions in the 21st century. More nations globally are deploying assets in the region to ensure their strategic presence and interests. India, the People’s Republic of China…
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Climate
Renewable Forces
On the evening of November 21, 1918 — 10 days after the signing of the armistice that ended World War I — British War Cabinet member George Curzon presided at a dinner honoring the Inter-Allied Petroleum Conference. Toasting the delegates gathered in London, Curzon declared that the Allies had “floated to victory on a wave of oil” due to their…
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Departments
India developing unmanned combat air vehicles
FORUM Staff India is developing an autonomous, jet-powered stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) that could be ready to field by 2025. Researchers at India’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, part of the defense ministry’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), demonstrated a scaled-down prototype, pictured, in July 2022 for the Indian Air Force at a test range in southern India, according…
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Across The Region
Indo-Pacific Countries Launch Major Trade Talks
Economic ministers from more than a dozen Indo-Pacific countries launched negotiations in September 2022 on the United States’ first major regional trade engagement effort in nearly a decade. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks in Los Angeles, California, were aimed at addressing future challenges and achieving “sustainable and equitable growth” in the region. U.S. President…
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Across The Region
Indian Navy Commissions Biggest Aircraft Carrier in Domestic Defense Push
India commissioned its first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier in September 2022, underlining New Delhi’s efforts to boost domestic production to supply a military deployed on two contentious borders. After 17 years of construction and tests, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the INS Vikrant, pictured — the Navy’s second operational aircraft carrier and the largest warship ever built in India…
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Partnerships
Women build on legacy of defense, security, peacekeeping contributions
FORUM Staff Indian engineer Rajeshwari Chatterjee helped found her nation’s first microwave research lab in 1953. Her contributions to radar and antenna technology have defense applications more than 50 years later. Chemist Stephanie Kwolek, working for industrial chemistry giant DuPont in 1965, made a discovery that led to Kevlar, a fiber still used in body armor as well as to…
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Departments
Eyes Right
Sri Lankan Army Soldiers march during Independence Day celebrations in Colombo in February 2022.
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South Asia
India’s aircraft carriers key to Indo-Pacific strategy
The Associated Press India is preparing to relaunch its INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier after a major refit, a critical step toward fulfilling its plan to deploy two carrier battle groups as it seeks to strengthen its regional maritime power to counter the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) increasing assertiveness. The Vikramaditya, pictured, is expected to be launched imminently and will…
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Global Commons
India OKs ‘unprecedented’ procurement of military assets
Mandeep Singh India has approved spending U.S. $10.18 billion to modernize its military on land, at sea and in the air while boosting the nation’s defense economy with largely domestic investments. Maritime and border security threats have led the nation’s Defence Ministry to procure assets for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The “unprecedented initiative” will bring new…
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Key Issues
France-India naval exercise deepens strategic partnership
FORUM Staff France and India concluded the latest iteration of their long-running naval exercise Varuna in the Indian Ocean in late January 2023 as they celebrate 25 years of strategic partnership and work toward “an ambitious agenda for renewing, expanding and deepening their cooperation.” A French Navy carrier strike group (CSG) led by the nuclear-powered flagship Charles de Gaulle joined…
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