China deploys H-6 bombers along LAC

The H-6’s considerable firepower, deploying a wide range of standoff cruise missiles, can potentially provide the PLA with a major advantage in the event of a future clash in the Ladakh region, the report stated. 

By Soma Mookherjee

City Editor, The Statesman

KOLKATA, 1 NOV: China appears to be sticking with its “Wolf Warrior” tactics of intimidation amid simmering tensions with India on its Himalayan border. According to Military Watch Magazine, new images released by the Central Theatre Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) show several H-6 bombers have been deployed near the disputed Line of Control (LOC).

China deploys over 270 H-6 bombers across the country, the bulk of them based near its east coast, which make up the largest bomber fleet in the world with much newer airframes available than those in the American or Russian fleets, said Grp Captain (rtd) R K Das.

The H-6’s considerable firepower, deploying a wide range of standoff cruise missiles, can potentially provide the PLA with a major advantage in the event of a future clash in the Ladakh region, the report stated. 

Given the scarcity of airbases on both sides, the ability to strike Indian bases at long ranges could be enough to turn the balance in the air.

Most notably, the new CJ-20 cruise missile carries a 500kg warhead and has a 2,000 km range, while its lighter counterpart the YJ-63 has one tenth of the range but is considerably lighter, meaning more can be carried by a single bomber, the report stated.

Their very high precision and manoeuvrability make them a very serious threat to Indian positions, Grp Captain added.

He said, "tensions with India, however reveal that the aircraft still have a role to play in a conventional land attack role, the report said. China has over 270 H-6 bombers across the country, the bulk of them based near east coast. India on the other hand, was reportedly considering acquiring modern bombers from Russia, namely the Tu-22M, to serve as a maritime strike platform. 

It currently deploys  air superiority fighters which have a formidable range estimated at 300-400 km — with the missiles well optimized in engaging subsonic bombers, the report said. India has ordered S400 Air Defense Missile system which will be deployed to the Ladakh region when they are received from Russia, with the platforms highly capable at intercepting cruise missile attacks as well as bombers at long ranges.

Courtesy: Images from Web/ China Military

Amid Indo-China tension, India first ever exports cargo to Bangladesh through IBP route from Haldia port

Amid Indo-China tension, India first ever exports cargo to Bangladesh through IBP route from Haldia port

The inland vessel MV Purthi carrying 45 containers of sponge iron would reach Narayanganj, Bangladesh in 7 days, cutting down a substantial time, energy and fuel.

                     
 Biswabrata Goswami

 HALDIA, 1 JULY: Amid a serious escalation of tensions with China following the   first fatalities along their contested border in more than four decades, a surging   pandemic and an economy heading for recession, India – Bangladesh trade relation   has once again witnessed a major development.

In the line with the government’s focus on improving connectivity, the first ever containerised cargo movement via Indo-Bangladesh protocol route started from Haldia on Tuesday.

The inland vessel MV Purthi carrying 45 containers of sponge iron would reach Narayanganj, Bangladesh in 7 days, cutting down a substantial time, energy and fuel.

The voyage is an integrated IWT movement via National Waterways and Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route. This is the first ever containerized cargo movement on this Inland Water Transport (IWT) route.

In a statement, shipping ministry said, “The Maiden Exim cargo movement through National Waterways is a landmark moment and we are very delighted with our recent development in shipping sector. This environment-friendly mode of transportation would escalate business growth and contribute to the economic development of the country."

“In line with Government’s focus on strengthening regional connectivity through inland waterways, maiden containerised EXIM cargo consignment sailed from Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) to Narayanganj, Bangladesh,” ministry of shipping said in a statement.

It said 45 containers of steel fillings / pig iron ingots, of West Bengal-based steel manufacturer Rashmi Metaliks Ltd has been assigned to export to Bangladesh via National Waterway – 1, National Waterway – 97 (Sundarbans) and IBP Route.

Currently, IBP route is mostly used for transportation of Bulk cargo like fly-ash, coal, stone chips and over-dimensional cargo for export to Bangladesh.

India’s exports to Bangladesh in FY 2018-19 stood at USD 9.21 billion and imports from Bangladesh during the same period were USD 1.04 billion. 

The government said given the trade volume, this movement is a welcome development as it will not only reduce the congestions on

Land Custom Stations at Petrapole, Gojadanga etc but also reduce the cost of logistics, air pollution and GHG emissions.