The FORCE 12-Week Bhartiya Beast Transformation

https://forceindia.net

The editor of FORCE Magazine, a national security and defence news publication, is Pravin Sawhney. He is also the co-author of several books, including "Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power". In addition to his role at FORCE, he is active on social media, sharing his perspectives on national security and defense issues. 

FORCE has the largest subscription base from within the 

three armed (Indian Army, IAF and Navy) and the Paramilitary

(CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB) forces in India.

Hazelnut trees in Kashmir

The China-Pakistan-Iran Triangle: Reshaping Asia’s Geopolitics

 

Pakistan has pulled off a diplomatic coup that has sent shockwaves across the region. At the end of a historic two-day visit to Pakistan by Iranian President Dr. Masoud Peshmerga, the two countries signed 12 comprehensive memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering energy, trade, culture and border security. It was announced in a joint press conference that bilateral trade would be increased from the current $3 billion to $10 billion annually, all with an “immediate” timeline. In an interesting but highly strategic development, a joint free economic zone would be established at the Ramdan-e-Gabad border, just 70 kilometers from Gwadar. The Iranian Supreme Council for Free and Special Economic Zones and Pakistan’s Board of Investment have agreed on a framework for the project, including major tax concessions, uniform customs processing, and integrated infrastructure that will make Gwadar and Chabahar “sister ports” of each other. Not only that, but with Beijing’s backing, CPEC is now set to transform into a trilateral corridor. Chinese companies have already invested billions of dollars in Gwadar, and now Iran is also set to connect its Chabahar hub to Gwadar and the ITI (Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul) railway through the “Silk Road Expansion.” The Pakistani and Iranian communications ministers have formed a joint working group to upgrade the ITI line and make the Quetta-Zahedan track dual-lane. But perhaps the biggest setback has come to India and its proxies. The joint statement categorically stated that the first step to prosperity in the border areas is the elimination of terrorism. Both leaders specifically named groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jaish-e-Adl and expressed their determination to eliminate their “base camps”. Iran indicated that all such hideouts would be uprooted from the areas around Ramdan, Sarawan and Zahedan, while Pakistan would further tighten the intelligence cordon on the western border.

In the global scenario, this development has become a diplomatic troika for India. China’s economic power, Pakistan’s land and maritime geography, and Iran’s energy and market have all lined up in the same row. The biggest worry for New Delhi is that the BLA, which it has been using as a “Fitnat-ul-Hindustan” in the region for a long time, will now face state power tightening its grip on both sides.

Strategic analysts say that the Gwadar-Chabahar “twin port” strategy will not only reduce freight costs by 30 percent but will also establish a new land and sea trade bridge between South, Central and West Asia. It is estimated that direct investment of $3 billion is expected in the first five years in the Ramdan-Gabad zone alone, while thousands of job opportunities will be created in Balochistan. In short, the current phase of CPEC is carving a new geographical reality. China will bring capital, Pakistan will provide a corridor, Iran will provide energy and markets, and the result will be that groups like “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” will be at odds on both sides. For the first time in history, Tehran and Islamabad are walking on a strategic highway where political trust, economic partnership and security cooperation all pass through the same speed breaker and are now moving on the “fast track”.

China-Pakistan-Iran alliance,
Trilateral cooperation China Pakistan Iran,
China Iran Pakistan strategic partnership,
New axis of power Asia,
Geopolitical realignment Eurasia,
Countering Western influence Asia,
China’s Middle East strategy,
Pakistan’s role in China-Iran ties,
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, (CPEC) and Iran
Chabahar Port and Gwadar synergy,
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Iran & Pakistan,
Energy cooperation China Pakistan Iran,
Oil and gas trade Iran-China via Pakistan,
Trade routes China to Middle East via Pakistan,

135 Indian army personnel died in Kashmir

Since 2021, around 135 Indian army  personnel have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir, likely carried out by the same group.

Phalgam attack 2025

More updates: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/photos-recovered-from-an-encounter-site-in-2024-helped-identify-pahalgam-terrorists/article69887047.ece

Kashmir's New Gold: Why Elderberry Cultivation is a Game-Changer

Elderberry (specifically Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis) is known to thrive in a range of temperate and subtropical climates. In India, there is growing interest in its cultivation due to its increasing popularity as a health supplement and natural food ingredient.

Elderberry cultivation in India

Key factors for successful cultivation include:

• Soil: Elderberries prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter.

• Climate: The plants are fast-growing shrubs or small trees that bear fruit in late spring or early summer. They can tolerate a variety of environmental conditions but perform best with full sun exposure.

• Water: While they are drought-tolerant, regular watering is crucial for good fruit quality and yield, especially during the summer. Mulching helps to retain moisture.

• Planting: Elderberry shrubs are often planted in rows, with spacing that allows for machinery use and prevents overcrowding as the plants form a dense hedge over time.

While elderberry is not a traditional crop in India, some sources suggest that the country's diverse agro-climatic zones, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, could be suitable for its cultivation.

Market Size and Growth in India

While specific, detailed data on the elderberry market size in India is limited, global and regional trends indicate a growing market with significant potential. Several market analysis reports highlight the following points:

• Asia-Pacific Growth: The Asia-Pacific region, which includes India, is recognized as the fastest-growing market for elderberry products. This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes, the increasing dominance of e-commerce, and a traditional acceptance of botanical remedies.

• High Demand for Supplements: The primary driver for the elderberry market is the increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits, particularly its use in immune-boosting supplements. Products like capsules, syrups, gummies, and powders are gaining traction.

• Functional Foods and Beverages: Elderberry is also being increasingly used as a natural ingredient and colorant in the food and beverage industry, including juices, teas, and functional foods.

• Market Projections: The global elderberry market is projected to continue its growth trajectory. For instance, one report estimated the elderberry extract market in India to reach a valuation of USD 21.7 million by 2032, with a strong CAGR.

• Market Challenges: The elderberry market in India, as in other parts of the world, faces challenges such as seasonal shortages of raw materials and price fluctuations. However, advancements in processing technologies, like spray-drying, are helping to address these issues by enabling year-round production of elderberry powder.

• Availability : Planting material & seeeds
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