In a clear departure from the past, the annual report of the Defence Ministry for 2015-2016 released here on Tuesday refrained from naming Pakistan and China. Earlier reports used to clearly state that terror infrastructure in Pakistan and growing military might of China pose security challenge and India’s continues to monitor the scenario.
However, this time round the 237-page report preferred to mention that “terrorism emanating from India’s neighbourhood and Af-Pak region continuing to be epicentre of international terrorism” is a matter of concern. The only reference to Pakistan without identifying it comes when the document says developments in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, especially the cross-border terror attacks and trafficking or arms and narcotics is a cause of concern.
The report goes on to say even as overall security situation in Jammu & Kashmir remains stable, external factors — including the changing situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan — may also impact the internal situation in the border State.
In comparison, last year’s annual report(2014-2015) said “Pakistan continues to remain home to several Non-State actors with North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) serving as the fountainhead for terrorist activity in the region. Pakistan’s quest for strategic depth in Afghanistan continues to drive its policy to support Taliban and its affiliates in Afghanistan.”
“The expanding footprints of extremist and terrorist organisations in Pakistan and their linkages with terrorist activities in J&K and rest of India poses a major security challenge to India, with severe ramifications on bilateral relations, as well as to the peace and security of the region,” it said.
“The use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy has deep roots in Pakistani military establishment. Ceasefire violations and infiltration from across the border also continues unabated. India desires peaceful and cooperative ties with Pakistan. However, continued activities of terrorist organisations operating from Pakistani territory and territories under Pakistan’s control are major obstacle and source of concern,” the last year report said.
While this year’s report did not touch upon China let alone naming it, last year’s report clearly stated India remains “conscious and watchful of the implication of China’s increasing military profile in our immediate and extended neighbourhood, as well as the development of strategic infrastructure by China in the border areas.” India is also taking necessary measures to develop the requisite capabilities to counter any adverse impact on our own security, it said.
Coming to the latest report, the document said terrorism and the activities of terrorist organisations are perhaps the most serious threat to peace and security. “The use of terrorism as an instrument of policy by a few states has exacerbated intra and inter-state conflicts.”
Terrorist groups have leveraged new technologies, particularly in cyberspace, for trans-national mobilisation and ideological radicalisation, especially of the youth. They also continue to gain logistical and financial support for their activities from disparate sources including some States, and are increasingly able to threaten regions well beyond their base areas, the report said.
Without mentioning China In the context of it flexing muscle in South China Sea, the report said renewed maritime disputes in the Asia-Pacific region has introduced new dimensions in military and diplomatic interactions among the major powers and regional States. Ongoing contestations over island territories in the region have fuelled regional tensions that could seriously strain the co-operative structures that have enabled a rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific region as an engine of global growth.
India has major strategic interests as well as economic and commercial stakes in the region and holds the view that all countries must exercise restraint and resolve bilateral issues diplomatically and without recourse to the use or threat of use of force, the document said.