Is there any credible news source out there which is raising this question or is this maverick site the only one carrying it?

MP

Chairboy was excellent!!

The LTTE could do it if they want to do it as they control the north west, north and east coast of Srilanka. They also have big ocean going vessels that could serve as mother ships. Simply they don’t want to indulge in such stupid acts as they would pit India against them. You must also know that even though they have a limited stock pile of chemical weapons, the LTTE has not used them against the public in Srilanka till now. The LTTE as an insurgent organization striving for a definitive political goal does not want to antagonize the civilized world by resorting to such acts.

On Sethusamudram project, I don’t oppose it merely because it cuts through Ram’s bridge. I oppose it because it is technically not feasible. No nation has dredged through the sea to make a passage. Experts say that the soil keeps moving and simply one time dredge will not do. We will have to periodically dredge which is not feasible. But unmindful of these concerns the DMK ministers want to do it because they are supposedly getting kickbacks out of it. A route that is feasible would cut through the land to make the passage and that is what has been done the world over right from the Suez canal. Sethusamudram would only add to the security of India because we need not go around the untrustworthy Srilankans who would be ready to inform our warship movements to the Chinese/Pakistanis in case of a conflict. They already helped the Pakis during 1971 and there is no guarantee that they will not do it again.

So if we’re going to look after our own interests, let us not allow the sudden praise from others to go to our heads. The Indian Navy should be dedicated to safeguard Indian shipping, and if any hapless Chinese get hijacked then leave them to their fate. After all, the Chinese have helped to create this current piracy situation, through their rampant arms sales to feuding African factions.

India seems to be performing services for free, and getting nothing in return.

The UNSC membership is beside the point. You become a great power by looking after your interests, no matter what people think. This doesn’t require anyone to give you any title, seat or position—you can (and must) do this yourself. “Khudi ko kar buland itna…”

How else do you expect a naval warship armed with missles (even the Brahmos has been fitted on it!) to respond when you virtually challenge it to a duel? Obviously, the pirates had it once they challenged INS Tabar

BTW, I do not think there is any law that allows a warship to sink another one in a non-war scenario if there is no threat to it. If the pirates would have just stay put and said that they are not upto any harm, INS Tabar would have to ignore them according to international law!

After all, if the Permanent Five are going to claim some exclusive privilege for their status on the UNSC, then let them provide the security for the shipping lanes, instead of India.

No obligation without representation.

Here’s more on the piracy story