India 2018

Defence 131
In Afghanistan, the Afghan National Security Forces took over the security
responsibility and are facing a daunting challenge of fighting insurgents with
reduced international combat support. The Taliban now controls more territory
in Afghanistan than at any time since their ouster in 2001 and is pursuing distinct
military as well as political objectives. Pakistan has been manoeuvring to expand
its influence using insurgent groups as proxies. India continues to play a role
in training and supporting capacity building of the Afghan Security Forces.
India has so far provided $2 billion in assistance towards development in
Afghanistan and has committed a further US$ 1 billion for capacity and
capability building.
While the political situation in Bangladesh is stable, proponents of radical
ideology continue to make efforts to propagate their narrative within
Bangladeshi society. The activities of such organizations have posed a grave
challenge to Bangladesh's security in the past year. Nepal witnessed prolonged
turmoil by way of the Madhesi agitation after the promulgation of the
constitution in September, 2015. The internal situation has since improved, but
remains fragile. With the new NLD Government in power, Myanmar has moved
towards democratisation. The new government has made efforts towards
resolution of ethnic conflicts and establishment of peace. While the security
situation in Sri Lanka is stable, the economic scenario remains challenging
despite efforts by the government to shore up revenue through new taxation
measures and other initiatives.
The political situation in Pakistan continues to remain fragile with a severe
deficit of inclusive and balanced economic development. Pakistan also continues
to relentlessly expand its military forces, especially nuclear and missile
capabilities. The country is torn by ethno-regional conflicts, with the zone of
conflict expanding from the tribal areas on Pakistan-Afghan border to the
hinterland. The military has made efforts to improve the security situation in
the country, more measures need to be taken against jihadi and terror outfits
that target Pakistan's neighbours. Support to such group persists despite
ongoing efforts by the international community, including India, to list the head
of the terrorist group JEM, MasoodAzhar, as an international terrorist. Such
outfits continued to be encouraged to infiltrate into India under the cover of
massive cross-LoC and cross-border firing in Jammu and Kashmir and other
areas throughout the year. Pakistan based terrorists attacked military bases in
India, triggering an appropriate response by Indian armed forces.
India's central peninsular position in the Indian Ocean and geo-political
circumstances makes it reliant on the seas. India's oil imports have risen to
nearly 80 per cent, almost all of which is transported by sea. 95 per cent of
India's total overseas trade by volume is through shipping. A third of the world's
bulk cargo and half its container traffic passes through the Indian Ocean. The
security of trade and commerce is, therefore, of utmost primacy and importance
for India. The location of choke points such as Straits of Hormuz, Malacca and
others and the presence of multinational maritime forces makes the scenario in
the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) dynamic.