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`100 MAY-JUNE 2016, VOL 8 ISSUE 9 www.salute.co.in I www.saluteindia.org
INDO-US DEFENCE RELATIONS A New Symphony in Play 44-Back Cover_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 1/15/2015 9:56 PM Page 1
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in this issue
04 A BRIDGE TOO FAR I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 05 WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES I Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma 06 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 07 US-INDIA RELATIONS I Dr. Harinder Sekhon 11 A FORCE FOR COOPERATIVE SECURITY IN THE INDO- PACIFIC I Brig Gurmeet Kanwal 14 DEFENCE TRADE WITH THE US: INDIA’S QUEST FOR SELF-RELIANCE I Air Vice Marshal Arvind Verma 18 CUTTING THE DEFENCE BUDGET: REDUCE THE INVISIBLE TAIL I Brig V Mahalingam 21 TIPS ON CYBER SECURITY I Rishabh Gupta 22 POINT - COUNTERPOINT: THE SIACHEN DEBATE I Sudha Ramachandran and Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 26 BOAT RIDE ON THE PYKARA I Anil Gonsalves 29 BORN TO LEAD I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 31 PROVIDING SECOND CALLINGS FOR EX-SERVICEMEN 33 40 NEWS 37 BUCKWHEAT NOODLES A LIGHT WHOLESOME MEAL I Aditi Pathak RAISINA HILL I Lt Col Anil Bhat 41 38 TIBET TRAVELOGUE: NATHU LA KAILASH VETERANS ALERT I Hony Capt Baldev Singh MANASAROVAR YATRA I Col RC Patial, SM 39 42 BOOK REVIEW I Aarti K. Pathak THE BIG BUSINESS OF DEFENCE I Maroof Raza
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EDITOR’S NOTE
A BRIDGE Publisher Maroof Raza TOO FAR Editor MAJ GEN DHRUV C KATOCH Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch SM, VSM The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra policy has limited returns but suits China Modi to the United States, in which he had a admirably. Unlike the CTBT and the NPT, the Associate Editor bilateral with President Obama and also NSG is not a treaty and is hence more adaptable. Lt Col Anil Bhat addressed both Houses of the United States However, it does require consensus of all its VSM (Retd) Congress has received worldwide accolade. The members for inclusion of a new member into burgeoning defence relationship between the Design this exclusive club. UNEEDUS two countries reflects the new geopolitical reali- For India, non-inclusion has no impact on its ty, wherein India is considered as a major player nuclear programme as the 2008 Civil Nuclear Publicity Manager contributing to global security. However, despite deal between India and the US provides for a Hony Capt (Retd) Baldev Singh the American support for India’s membership of NSG waiver, enabling India to engage in civil the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and the nuclear trade with other countries. However, Board of Advisers whirlwind diplomatic offensive undertaken by membership does provide greater certainty and Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma the Prime Minister himself, there was no con- a legal foundation for India's nuclear regime and PVSM, AVSM, YSM ,VSM( Retd) sensus at the meeting held in Seoul to accept thus greater confidence for those countries India’s candidacy. The NSG is a cartel of nuclear investing billions of dollars to set up ambitious Printed published by equipment and material suppliers that sets its nuclear power projects in India. Moreover, as Flags Media Pvt Ltd own rules and amends them through consensus A-47 Hauz Khas (LGF) India’s international political, economic, military New Delhi 110016 among its 48 members. and strategic profile and clout increases, India China remained a stumbling block, cleverly would like to move into the category of interna- Printed at pushing for Pakistan’s inclusion in a bid to keep tional rule-creating rather than rule-adhering JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd India out. Other than the Chinese and perhaps nations. For this, it is essential that India gets due C-21,DDA Shed, Turkey, there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm recognition and a place on the NSG high table. Okhla Phase -1 for Pakistan’s cause, but by advocating for the India has however become a member of another New Delhi -110020 inclusion of Pakistan, Beijing effectively scuttled exclusive club, the Missile Technology Control India’s chances as the normative stakes for Regime (MTCR). The Indian Foreign Secretary RNI Registration expanding the NSG’s membership were magni- Mr. S Jaishankar signed the instrument of acces- DELENG/2008/26923 fied. Beijing’s contention that India is not eligible sion on 27 June 2016. India’s joining the exclusive to become a member of the NSG as it is not a Certified that the views MTCR club is a very welcome development and expressed and suggestions member of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty would be beneficial in furthering international made in the articles are made (NPT), however lacks merit as adherence to the non-proliferation objectives. China as of now is by authors in their personal treaty is merely a guiding principle for consider- not a member of the MTCR, though it is seeking capacity and do not have any ation and not a necessary prerequisite for mem- membership of the same. official endorsement bership. While India’s bid for NSG membership India advocated a merit based approach, to remained a bridge too far, the prospects should be seek inclusion but this was countered by China better next time around. International politics which sought a criteria based approach rather remains a game where national interests trump all than granting country specific waivers, primarily others. To that extent, India must seek to neutralise to keep India out. China also stated that India's those players that are opposed to it. But it is a sign membership will “jeopardise” China's national of forward movement that India has apparently interests and touch a ''raw nerve'' in Pakistan. shed its hesitancies of the past and is prepared to This fits in well with the larger Chinese designs of take up its rightful place in the world. There will be hyphenating India and Pakistan and using the hiccups on the way, but next time round, the latter to keep India tied down to South Asia. This bridge would most certainly be crossed.
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GENERAL SPEAK WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES
Canada in 2000. Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma Indian Army opened its doors to women officers in 1992. The delay can Recently we witnessed the very pleasing be attributed to a large reservoir of male spectacle of three smart young women, volunteers and conservative social become the first fighter pilots in the pressures. The first advertisement for Indian Air Force. This, we hope, is a women officers was for 50 vacancies. precursor, to more women joining the Even at that stage, nearly 1800 women fighting stream of the three services in aspirants applied for these 50 the coming years. This development is a vacancies. The number of applicants healthy trend and in sync with modern kept increasing every year and a India and the important role women separate academy to train women will play as we stride forward with officers came into being. The steady confidence. In the land of the legendary increase in the numbers and Rani of Jhansi who was the trailblazer importance of women officers in the and fought the British, it should have Indian Army can be gauged by the fact come sooner than later. There have that an all women officers contingent been many warrior queens and women took part in the Republic Day Parade fighters the world over none more with Mr. Barrack Obama as the chief popular than Ahilyabai Holkar, the guest. Recently the President of India in Holkar Queen of the Maratha ruled his address to the Parliament said that Malwa kingdom and Razia Sultana of the government would in future recruit the slave dynasty. India thus has a women for wider roles across the history and acceptance of women military. He stated “My government has donning the uniform and taking to approved the induction of women as arms shoulder to shoulder with their short-service commissioned officers male counterparts. and as fighter pilots in the Indian Air The earliest formal record of women Force. In the future, my government will soldiers in combat role can be induct women in all the fighter streams attributed to the Russian Army. Russian of our armed forces.” He further added armed forces recruited women soldiers “in our country ‘Shakti’, which means during the First World War in combat power, is the manifestation of female and near combat missions. Often energy. This Shakti defines our women soldiers joined disguised as countries started regular recruitment of strength”. male soldiers with the tacit knowledge women soldiers due shortages of their These are welcome steps indeed but of the recruiting agencies. In World War male counterparts. the Army must gear up its entire ethos I, Madame Alexandra Kudasheva Israel was the first country to adopt and structure to ensure that further enlisted in her late husbands regiment, compulsory military service for integration of women officers in the 6th Ural Cossacks. For her bravery unmarried women in 1948. In the Navy, combat streams is seamless and done in Prussia she was awarded the Order of the induction was comparatively slower so with due finesse and competence. St George and a Lieutenant’s especially in the submarine arm. In The era of debate and indecision on this commission. By 1915, she had risen to 1985 the Royal Norwegian Navy became subject is over, and the time has now command the regiment, a force of 600 the first navy in the world to permit come to prepare and plan adroitly for light cavalry, which had both male and female personnel to serve in the enlarged role of women officers in female troopers and officers. By the submarines, followed by the our gallant forces. I am sanguine that Second World War most nations were appointment of a female submarine given a fair chance and level playing using uniformed women soldiers in captain in 1995. The Danish Navy field women of India will script a golden combat support roles especially air allowed women on submarines in 1988, chapter of valour and devotion to the defence on home soil and similar the Swedish Navy in 1989, followed by forces and set an example for many to duties. After the war, many Western the Royal Australian Navy in 1998 and emulate.
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YOUR VOICE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
of the need and to timely execution of WE NEED ATTACK SCRAP THE DPP procurement, focusing more on peripheral bureaucratic paperwork and HELICOPTERS at times totally unrelated rules. That is Dear Sir, why procurements are oft halted mid way. Many deals have been halted by Dear Sir, The Jan-Feb 2016 Issue of SALUTE has the same agencies that inked it! For the covered multiple facets of defence most part, the reason for halting such This mail is in response to an article on indigenisation and the DPP. In my view, deals is corruption, but no one in the Attack Helicopters by Gp Capt A.G. the DPP should be scrapped. The DPP Ministry of Defence has ever been taken Bewoor in the Jan-Feb 2016 issue. In a seems like a book with rules and to task for the same. The DPP is gist,any officer who claims that Attack counter rules. It is a book that can be strangely silent on this aspect. We boast Helicopters are not required or if at all used to ‘damn you if you do’ and ‘damn today of the Scorpène class submarine, they should be centralised under the Air you if you don’t’ depending on which yet we have not questioned why the Force only is either pathetically rule or counter rule suits. Some may deal was halted over two decades illiterate, uninformed or is simply refute this, but it would be hard to earlier. And why no one has been held fighting his side of the turf war. No more refute the failures at the micro and responsible for the delay. The DPP need be said and absolutely nil macro levels. Micro Level failures are cannot be silent on such issues. weightage needs to be given to broadly as under: Long delays also lead to gaps in such"expert"opinion, which are technology. By the time the product is prejudiced and myopic and do not have • The DPP was brought out to curb procured, it most likely is substituted or the greater good of the armed forces corruption, but it has failed to do so. enhanced with an additional feature. and the nation at heart. More importantly however, the DPP • Procurements were to be carried does not permit incorporation of such —Aryan Aayan out in conformity with the procedures enhancement as then someone will laid out in the DPP. Yet the Augusta probably be guilty of infringing a rule! deals and perhaps others too, point out The DPP makes one run around in to a flagrant violation of such circles, catching ones own tail and procedures. achieving very little. When time delays multiply, and defence needs become • An analysis of procurements stalled critical, we lose our bargaining chips in midway also leads to the DPP in the the procurement process. Add to this end. the arms lobby pushing chaos through That is why, following the Augusta propagating its own vested interests trials in Italy, charges are flying thick and we find ourselves in a tricky and fast in India, with both parties, the situation. The seller then knows that he one levelling the charges and those can dictate terms. The state of the Air refuting them, quoting the DPP. Force is a case in point. Its time to scrap The raison d’être of the Armed the DPP. There are simpler, less Forces is defence preparedness against cumbersome and more effective ways visualised threats. security has been of procurements. compromised due to excessive delays in procurement which have been largely —Rustom Jamasji caused by the DPP as it is not user Dadar, Mumbai driven but procedure driven. Thus, the evaluation of procurements on basis of product fitting the need for the defence of the country is subverted to first holographing multiple rules which give scant consideration to the importance
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US-INDIA RELATIONS
Dr. Harinder Sekhon
rime Minister Narendra Modi’s satisfactory outcomes in US-India saw India’s defence minister in the US to visit to the US was to all extents relations. Beginning with President meet with his counter-part, US Defence a stupendous success. He had a Obama’s highly successful visit to New Secretary, Ashton Carter, to discuss a bilateral meeting with President Delhi as Chief Guest at India’s Republic range of “proposals for co-production of PObama and addressed the Joint Session Day celebrations and continuing with a top-notch military equipment as well as of the US Congress on 8 June, making spate of activities during September 2015 bolstering maritime security, counter him the fifth India premier to do so, the that saw PM Modi back in the US (New terrorism and intelligence-sharing last one being his predecessor, Dr. York) for the second time within a year, between the two countries.” Manmohan Singh in 2005. This visit, the first visit to the Silicon Valley by an The importance of both countries to Modi’s fourth to the United States in less Indian PM since Jawaharlal Nehru, the each other, and more especially as than two years has signalled a further launch of the Strategic and Commercial partners for peace and stability in Asia strengthening of the bilateral partnership Dialogue between the two countries, the and the Indo-Pacific, safeguarding global between the two countries in many first US-India-Japan ministerial level commons through deepening spheres despite some differences. trilateral dialogue and a meeting of the cooperation on counter-terrorism, The previous year too saw very US-India Business Forum. The year-end radicalism and cyber security is not lost
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on either India or the United States. This strengthen India's defence industrial cooperation. is amply reflected in the US-India Joint base. Recently, the Indian army announced Strategic Vision for Asia-Pacific and the Four technology defence hardware its decision to buy 16 Sikorsky S-70 Indian Ocean Regions. Besides this, were identified as 'pathfinder' defence Seahawk Helicopters for its multi-role bilateral issues like defence, trade and projects: RQ-11B Raven Unmanned helicopter requirement that is estimated commerce are important areas of Aerial System; Roll on/roll off kits for the to be worth $1 billion. Defence Minister cooperation and have made remarkable C-130J aircraft; Mobile Electric Hybrid Manohar Parrikar-led Defence progress during the year. Power Sources; and Uniform Integrated Acquisition Council (DAC) has also Protection Ensemble, along with cleared the acquisition of four more P8-I Defence and DTTI cooperation on aircraft carriers and jet long-range maritime patrol aircraft for Defence relations have made impressive engine technology. All of these projects almost $1 billion that would be used for gains with the US emerging as India’s have a stand-alone value and maritime patrols in the Indian Ocean in largest weapons supplier, overtaking simultaneously lay down the foundation the backdrop of growing Chinese naval Russia, Israel and France. This has so far for future co-development and co- presence in the IOR. India and the US are been mainly through the US Foreign production initiatives. These initiatives also negotiating an $885-million deal for Military Sales Route but both countries were cleared in record time and talks are 145 M-777ultra-light howitzers, which are committed to move from a traditional at an advanced stage now to finally clinch will eventually be made in India. India buyer-seller relationship to "co- all of these at the earliest. For its part, the has various other projects in the pipeline production, co-development and freer Indian government has taken concrete with the US. exchange of technology” through the steps to create a proper environment by The Pentagon has given license Defence Trade and Technology Initiative enacting reforms in the defence sector. approval for the co-production of two first proposed in 2012 by Secretary of One of the first steps in this direction was key projects — one for the joint Defence Leon Panetta, who at that time to increase the Foreign Direct Investment production of an aircraft carrier for India directed his Deputy Secretary of Defence, (FDI) in the defence from 26 percent to and the other for the manufacture of the current Defence Secretary, Dr. Ashton 49 percent with an option to increase it to aircraft engines. The aircraft carrier Carter, to undertake an initiative to 100 percent if the deal involves high-end group has made very good progress and provide increased U.S. senior level technology transfer and is approved by talks are at an advanced stage regarding oversight and engagement with India. the MoD. The investment in the defence modalities to be adopted for aircraft The aim was clear. To look for ways that sector now has been increased to 100 carrier cooperation. This is a military to would eventually include collaboration percent with the latest slew of reforms military model of cooperation enjoying in "defence technology transfer, trade, announced on 20 June 2016. political support at the highest levels in research, co-development and co- The government of India has also both countries and is likely to fructify production for defence articles and asked the defence establishment to soon. The Jet engine group on the other services, including the most advanced revisit the over a decade old proposal hand is about three to four months and sophisticated technology." from the Pentagon that will enable India behind schedule and there are some India’s huge demand for the and the US to grant mutual access to structural challenges since the IPR for modernisation of its defence sector along each other's military bases, refuel and this technology is held by the US with relaxation of export controls on replenish warships and fighter planes Corporate sector and on the Indian side defence technologies by the US and and, in a contingency, participate jointly the interlocutor is the DRDO, considered significant cuts in American defence in multi-nation military operations. to be an impediment to defence spending, have led American defence There is an expectation that this would production and modernisation even in contractors to look for investment be achieved through their recent India!! The US Department of Defence opportunities in the Indian market. This commitment where India and the United has only an advisory role and cannot could be a win-win situation for both. States have agreed in principle to sign foresee the possibility of an outright Co- production and co-development “within weeks” or “months” a Logistics transfer of technology by private would also provide a large employment Exchange Memorandum of Agreement American companies as desired by the base and sustain several thousands of (LEMA) to provide supplies and fuel to DRDO. This would mean an intervention jobs for American companies, while each other’s armed forces from their from the highest quarters and a non- modernising Indian defence industry. bases. While India is clear that it would bureaucratic flexible approach by India, Co-production has been the thrust of not allow the stationing of foreign troops perhaps even starting the project from discussion in all the dialogues between on its soil, it would try to resolve this scratch, giving the US manufacturers the India and the US. The idea of co- gridlock by evaluating the importance of option to choose their own partner from production also resonates well with PM signing the foundational agreements in among an Indian corporate house and Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to order to further bolster defence opt for a joint manufacturing model that
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has advantages for both. year. convergence between the two countries, These projects fit in with the Modi’s For India, the Look East policy has this common vision does not vision of “Make in India.” Focused been a cornerstone of its foreign policy unfortunately extend to the west of India working groups to move these initiatives initiatives since the 1990’s when it and the true potential of this partnership forward have been set up and such embarked on its economic therefore remains unfulfilled. There are successful collaborations have the transformation. Since then India has gaps between expectations and potential to impart India greater strategic been stepping up its engagement with achievement—some of them are autonomy and prestige in a changing ASEAN and is now recognised as an historical, and some because of divergent global scenario. But to implement the important economic, political and perceptions. Indian PM’s positive vision for India, the security player. India’s aspirations to be a India finds it difficult to reconcile to Indian bureaucracy must shed its inertia global player in the international arena U.S. policy on terrorism and its attitude and overcome the lack of strategic combined with increasing Chinese toward Pakistan. Washington's over- knowledge and priorities amongst the assertiveness in the South China Sea eagerness to accommodate Pakistani civilian staff in the DRDO and the MOD. make it necessary for India to play a more demands and perceptions accompanied India must not remain bound by history involved role in East Asian geo-politics to by an inability or unwillingness to but should recognise the challenges and safeguard its economic and security penalise Pakistan, despite the harsh move forward. Time is an important interests.India’s Look East policy has reality of Pakistan's continued support element in the conclusion of important therefore become Act East. As India for terrorism, remains inexplicable to defence deals and the US too should readjusts and revitalises its Look East India. While the US seems aware that this adopt a ‘quick action’ top-down Policy, it, along with the other Indo- tacit support by it has emboldened approach – as was done during the Pacific nations has begun to form the Pakistan to resist demands to dismantle nuclear deal - in clearing projects with nucleus of middle power coalition its terrorist infrastructure, it is reluctant India as the US too has a major stake in building in a region where it has core to exert pressure on Pakistan to act firmly doing business with India and in strategic and economic interests. Areas of against terror. This discrepancy in US ensuring India’s rise. cooperation include security dialogues, policy despite a formal counter-terror intelligence exchanges, military capacity cooperation mechanism between India Asia-Pacific building, technology sharing, maritime and the United States is puzzling. India is On September 29, 2015 United States cooperation and joint naval exercises, baffled about what precisely are US Secretary of State John Kerry hosted the agenda setting for regional forums and security interests in Pakistan and why inaugural U.S.-India-Japan Trilateral coordinated diplomatic initiatives. they are so important that the US is Ministerial dialogue with Indian External To bolster its Act East policy, India has willing to disregard India’s sensitivities Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and embarked upon an ambitious and especially at a time when the US and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida practical strategy of revamping its naval India are trying to forge convergences in on the sidelines of the 70th United capabilities and the Indian Navy today is their foreign policy and security interests. Nations General Assembly in New York. among the top-five navies in the world. More recently, the US-Pakistan Joint Representing a quarter of the world’s India’s naval influence in the Indian Statement at the end of Pakistan PM population and economic production Ocean is already significant and has Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Washington in power, the three countries highlighted increased greatly in the Indo- Pacific as October 2015 and the reference therein their shared support for peace, well as a response to the US Pivot. India about India and Pakistan both having democracy, prosperity, and a rules-based has stepped up its joint maritime “mutual” concerns about terrorism is international order. exercises to include Japan and Australia perplexing. Equally confounding is the The U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific recently and today its maritime lack of a suitable response from the U.S. under the Obama administration, India’s engagement encompasses the major when just a couple of days before Nawaz new Act East Policy under Prime Minister powers, regional actors and even the Sharif’s visit to the U.S., its Foreign Narendra Modi, and Japan’s smaller states of the Indian Ocean littoral Secretary, Aizaz Chaudhary issued a reinvigorated role as a ‘proactive besides its engagements in the Indo- statement that Pakistan would use low- contributor to peace’ under its premier Pacific. Thus India’s role in East Asia is yield tactical nuclear weapons to forestall Shinzo Abe, have all been powerful complementary to the US re-balance or any possible advance of Indian troops indicators of the importance these pivot to Asia. under New Delhi’s “Cold Start” doctrine. players attach to the region. All three This insolence and American props of the triangle have also been South Asia and US Pak Policy unwillingness to exert pressure on strengthened recently, with positive While the US-India Joint Strategic Vision Pakistan over its expanding nuclear momentum seen in U.S.-India, U.S.- for Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean arsenal, the continuing Sino-Pakistan Japan and India-Japan ties over the past Regions showed unprecedented nuclear nexus, and the recent
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NIC Global Trends Report has predicted “that in 2030, India could be the rising economic powerhouse that China is seen to be today.” This is important to note. Similarly, Indian business leaders want India to try and negotiate its inclusion into APEC, show its commitment to find a way out of the WTO impasse and look for ways to move forward on the BIT. These are all positive signs and India will continue to engage on these though a firm commitment on any of these issues cannot be expected soon. The US, as the largest economy in the world, can show magnanimity in finding a solution to some of these matters.
Concluding Remarks Despite challenges, India and the United announcement of the construction of a base for the Indian software industry. States are bound by common values, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that Similarly, the Indian market offers vast people to people interactions, soft power will pass through Indian territory, POK, scope for US business houses to do linkages and a basic understanding of raise the question as to where Pakistan business in India. each other that brings a special gets this level of confidence from. PM Modi is deeply interested in dynamism into this partnership. It is in US actions demonstrate an element of economic issues - and has a vision to the interest of both nations to create a contradiction in its policy in South Asia. transform India through innovation and durable strategic partnership, and On the one hand the US claims to view the development by implementing his ideas transform relations into a “defining US-India relationship as an important of Make in India, Smart Cities, partnership of the twenty-first century.” factor in the region to stabilise Infrastructure Development, etc. The While the US must show sagacity and Afghanistan and sees a ‘commonality of Indian PM is committed to promoting treat India as an equal partner, India too interest” with India to ensure “peace and ease of doing business in India, and while needs to realistically assess its core stability of a democratic Afghanistan,” this has so far not shown desired results, strategic and developmental interests while at the same time it is facilitating a measures that have been initiated will and make itself sufficiently useful to reconciliation process in Afghanistan with soon prove the Government’s sincerity in Washington. The US and India can build Pakistan’s assistance that limits India’s role this area. Areas of cooperation are likely a strong partnership while and impinges on regional stability and to include investment in infrastructure simultaneously advancing their India’s genuine security concerns. development, clean energy and R&D – all respective strategic goals as there exists a critical to India’s developmental needs. strong underlying commonality of Economic To the United States, India may seem interests to improve bilateral relations While trade and investment are an to suffer from a restrictive regulatory and collaborate increasingly in important aspect of the expanding India- regime for investors, but the Indian multilateral fora. While there is a lot of US bilateral relations, this has become a market has significant potential. goodwill and bonhomie between the two contentious issue between the two UNCTAD’s World Investment Report leaders, a sustained effort by the senior nations. On the one hand, from a modest listed India third among the preferred officials in both countries is also needed USD 5.6 billion in 1990, bilateral trade host economies for FDI and the ever- to maintain a continuum as the US today stands at $100 billion and efforts expanding Indian market offers readies itself for a new Administration in are on to increase this five-fold over the attractive business and investment January 2017. next five years. This is an ambitious target opportunities. but not impossible to achieve given the In the aftermath of the global Dr. Sekhon is a Senior Fellow at the positive trajectory of US-India relations economic meltdown of 2008, India has Vivekananda International Foundation, today. It is in the mutual interest of both managed to maintain a fairly robust a New Delhi based think tank. She to foster closer economic ties with each growth rate at a time when most of specialises in Indo-US relations, US other. The US is India’s second-largest Europe is in recession and the US itself is policy and strategy in the Asia Pacific trading partner and the largest customer witnessing very shaky growth. The US and regional security challenges.
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INDO-US STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: A FORCE FOR COOPERATIVE SECURITY IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
Brig Gurmeet Kanwal The Indo-US strategic partnership must be taken to the next higher trajectory to enable joint threat assessment and contingency planning for joint operations.
Meeting the Chinese Challenge architecture and strengthen regional Chinese perceive such efforts as attempts Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue dialogues. Together, we can ensure free to gang up on them and, therefore, their sponsored by the Ministry of External and open sea lanes of communication reaction was fast and furious. Hong Lei, Affairs on March 2, 2016, Admiral Harry that are critical for global trade and spokesperson of China’s Foreign Harris, Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific prosperity.” Ministry, said, "We urge the US Command, called for quadrilateral Admiral Harris also announced that government to put some restraint on Australia-India-Japan-US consultations the next set of naval exercises in the them (US commanders) and stop them for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific trilateral annual Malabar series, from irresponsible sensationalisation region. He said, “Together, we can comprising India, Japan and the US, will and hyping up so as to avoid develop a roadmap that leverages our be held in the northern Philippine Sea, undermining regional peace and respective efforts to improve the security close to the South China Sea. The stability."
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In this era of strategic uncertainty, the consequences. The US-India strategic India is gradually emerging as a only certainty is that China’s rise is partnership makes eminent sense as a dominant power in the Indo-Pacific and unlikely to be entirely peaceful. China’s hedging strategy for both countries. is preparing to discharge its regional brazen violation of international norms responsibilities. In keeping with its in recent years, particularly its US Support for India as a ‘Net rapidly growing strategic interests and construction of military facilities on Provider of Security’ regional responsibilities, India is likely to reclaimed islands in the South China Sea, Though it will be a gradual and long- be increasingly willing to join its strategic and its growing military and economic drawn process, a cooperative security partners to intervene militarily in its power pose a strategic challenge to the framework may eventually emerge from regional neighbourhood when the countries in the Indo-Pacific region, the ashes of the ongoing conflicts. situation so demands. While India would including India, the United States and its Together with the US and its other prefer to do so with a clear mandate from allies and strategic partners. strategic partners, India must take the the United Nations Security Council and China senses the emergence of a lead in establishing a cooperative under the UN flag, it may not be averse to security vacuum in the Indo-pacific and security framework for peace and joining ‘coalitions of the willing’ when its is rushing to fill it. China has discarded stability in the Indo-Pacific and for the vital national interests are threatened Deng Xiaoping’s 24-character strategy to security of the global commons – air and consensus in the Security Council “hide our capacity and bide our time”. It space, space, cyber space and the sea- proves hard to achieve. has also dropped the phrase “peaceful lanes of communication to enable the Stemming from the need for rise” while referring to its military and freedom of navigation and the free flow contingency planning, particularly in economic growth. of trade. If China is willing to join this support of its forces deployed for United China’s rapid economic growth has security architecture, it should be Nations (UN) peace-keeping and peace- been fairly uneven and non-inclusive. welcomed. support duties and for limited power There is a deep sense of resentment US leaders have expressed their projection, India will need to raise and against the leadership of the Communist support for India’s emergence as a major maintain in a permanent state of quick- Party for the denial of basic freedoms and power several times in the last ten years. reaction readiness adequate forces to rampant corruption. The They have used phrases like the US is participate in international coalitions in discontentment simmering below the committed “to help India become a India’s area of strategic interest. surface could boil over and lead to an major world power in the 21st century” The late General K. Sundarji, former uncontrollable spontaneous implosion. (briefing by US official after the visit of COAS, had often spoken of converting an David Shambaugh, a well-known China Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, existing infantry division to an air assault scholar is the latest to have jumped on to 2005); “India is not just a rising power, it division by about the year 2000. Though the China-may-implode bandwagon. has already risen” (President Obama, the idea was certainly not ahead of its The recent crash of Chinese stock 2010). time, the shoestring budgets of the 1990s markets may have provided the first Now the US expects “India to become did not allow the army to proceed to glimpse of impending implosion. a net provider of security” in the region, practically implement the concept. Now Also, given its recent belligerence, but the expectations have not been the time has come to translate his vision China could behave irresponsibly stated in specific terms. When asked, US into reality. Lt Gen Vinay Shankar (Retd.) somewhere in the Indo-Pacific. It could officials normally point to India joining has written, “Some years ago the army decide to intervene militarily in the international counter-terrorism and had drawn up an approach paper South China Sea, or to occupy the counter-proliferation efforts; sharing projecting the requirement of two air- Senkaku/ Diaoyu islands or to resolve intelligence; upholding the rules and mobile divisions… This is now a definite territorial and boundary disputes. norms governing maritime trade; requirement and the proposal ought to Though President Xi Jinping denied providing help to the littoral states to be followed up.” Other analysts are also plans to ‘militarise’ the South China Sea, meet their security needs; helping to of the view that India needs to put in surely China is not building air strips counter piracy and narcotics trafficking; place a fairly expansive expeditionary there to fly in Japanese tourists. and, continuing to taking the lead in capability. Bharat Karnad is of the view: Both the contingencies have a low humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) “At the very least, a genuine probability of occurrence, but will be operations in the region. All of these expeditionary force would have to high impact events with widespread expectations are unexceptionable and comprise two division equivalent forces, ramifications if either of them comes to India has been contributing extensively increasing over time to 5-6 division pass. The US, which is the leading to achieving these common goals. equivalents for distant employment…” provider of security in the Indo-Pacific, A key combat requirement for out-of- and India, will need strong partners to Force Structure for Military area contingencies is ‘air assault’ deal with the fallout and to manage the Intervention capability. It is also a significant force
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multiplier in conventional conflict. The as an amphibious brigade; this brigade equivalent to a Corps HQ should also be present Indian requirement is of at least group could be suitably upgraded. The raised under HQ Integrated Defence Staff one air assault brigade group with amphibious brigade should be self- for continuous threat assessment and integral heli-lift capability for offensive contained for 15 days of sustained operational planning and to provide employment on India’s periphery. This intervention operations. The third C4I2SR support to the RRDs and their capability must be in place by the end of brigade of the RRD should be lightly firepower, combat service and logistics the 12th Defence Plan period 2012-17. equipped for offensive and defensive support components. The HQ should This brigade should be capable of short- employment in the plains and the also be suitably staffed with a skeleton notice deployment in India’s extended mountains as well as jungle and desert civilian component comprising neighbourhood by air and sea. terrain. All the brigade groups and their diplomats, civic affairs personnel and Comprising three specially trained air ancillary support elements should be disaster relief staff. This component assault battalions, integral firepower capable of transportation by land, sea should be beefed up when the task force component and combat service support and air. With the exception of the is ordered to be deployed. Unless and logistics support units, the brigade amphibious brigade, the division should planning for the creation of the group should be based on Chinook CH- be logistically self-contained for an initial capabilities that are necessary begins 47 and MI-17 transport helicopters. It deployment period of 15 to 20 days with now, these potent fighting echelons will should have the guaranteed firepower limited daily replenishment. The not be available when these are likely to and support of two to three flights of infrastructure for such a division, be required. With these capabilities in attack and reconnaissance helicopters especially strategic air lift, attack place, it will be clear to potential and one flight of UCAVs. helicopters, heli-lift and landing ship adversaries that India will not hesitate to The air assault brigade group should capability, will entail heavy capital intervene in conjunction with its be armed, equipped and trained to expenditure to establish and fairly large strategic partners if its vital national secure threatened islands, seize an air recurring costs to maintain. However, it is interests are threatened in its area of head and capture an important objective an inescapable requirement and funds strategic interest, which extends from the inside the adversary’s territory such as a will need to be found for such a force by South China Sea in the east to the Horn of key bridge that is critical to furthering innovative management of the defence Africa in the west. Effective deterrence operations in depth. It should also be budget and additional budgetary equals victory without a shot being fired. equipped and trained to operate as part support. The second RRD should be This would be true against state actors. of international coalition forces for raised over the 14th and 15th Defence Non-state actors have different speedy military interventions. To make it Plans by about 2032 when India’s motivations and are not easily deterred. effective, it will have to be provided air regional responsibilities would have The defence cooperation element of and sealift capability and a high volume grown considerably. Unless planning for the Indo-US strategic partnership must of battlefield air support by the IAF and the creation of such capabilities begins be taken to the next higher trajectory to the navy till its deployment area comes now, the formations will not be available enable joint threat assessment; within reach of the artillery component when these are required to be employed. contingency planning for joint of ground forces. Since the raising of such Special Forces support should be operations; sharing of intelligence; a potent brigade group will be a highly available to the RRDs on as required simulations and table-top exercises – expensive proposition, its components basis, for conventional conflict and besides training exercises with troops; will need to be very carefully structured intervention operations. The airborne coordination of command, control and to get value for money. force projection capability that India has communications; and, planning for Simultaneously, efforts should at present is that of the independent deployment and logistics support. All of commence to raise a division-size rapid Parachute Brigade. Since the these activities will need to be reaction force, of which the first air organisational structure of this brigade is undertaken in concert with other assault brigade group mentioned above more suitable for conventional strategic partners such as Australia, should be a part, by the end of the 13th operations, this brigade should be Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Defence Plan period 2017-22. The retained as an Army HQ reserve for Vietnam. Only then will the India-US second brigade group of the Rapid strategic employment behind enemy strategic partnership realise its true Reaction Division (RRD) should have lines to further the operations of ground potential as a force for peace and stability amphibious capability with the forces that are expected to link up with it in the Indo-Pacific. necessary transportation assets being in an early time frame. However, when The writer is Distinguished Fellow, acquired and held by the Indian Navy, necessary, the brigade could be allotted Institute for Defence Studies and including landing and logistics ships. to the RRD for short durations to carry Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi, and former One brigade group in Southern out specific tasks. Director, Centre for Land Warfare Command has been recently designated A permanent tri-Service headquarters Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi
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INDO-US DEFENCE RELATIONS DEFENCE TRADE WITH THE US: India’s Quest for Self-Reliance Air Vice Marshal Arvind Verma, VSM Indo-US defence trade is on an upward trajectory and further growth on equitable and fair terms would ensure a win- win environment which would lead to India achieving self reliance without the US compromising its commercial and national interests.
Self-reliance in defence production trade & investment forums, admission version of the F16/F-18. has been the key focus of “Make in into multilateral export control India” policy of the present regimes and joint-manufacturing, Recent Acquisitions Government. The policies formulated including Defence equipment, The US is fast consolidating its position intend to provide a platform and a through technology sharing as India's largest arms supplier with a level playing field for the Indian arrangements have become key flurry of new defence deals and joint industry to invest in defence milestones and a measure of growth in projects, after having inked the production to ensure that India closer US-India relations. expansive new 10-year defence becomes a self-sustaining nation for In January 2015, the “joint strategic framework in June 2015 and bagging its defence needs and from a net vision” for Asia was signed between contracts worth $10 billion over the last importer gravitates towards being a India and the United States. The US eight years. In March 2009, the Obama net exporter of defence products. The armed forces now hold more joint Administration had cleared the $2.1 current policies, including the Defence exercises with India than with any other billion sale of eight P-8 Poseidons to Procurement Procedures (DPP) 2016, country and two years ago India India. This deal, and the $5billion are aimed at achieving 70 percent overtook Pakistan as a buyer of US agreement to provide Boeing C-17 indigenisation by 2020 and give a weaponry. It helps that America has the military transport aircraft and General boost to private industries kinds of goods that Indian armed forces Electric F414 engines announced participation in the defence sector in want as they seek to project power more during President Obama's November collaboration with foreign companies. widely in the Indian Ocean, including 2010 visit, propelled the US as one of In recent times, Indian foreign policy long-range patrol aircraft and drones, the top three military suppliers to India has sought to leverage India's strategic maritime helicopters, aircraft-carrier (after Israel and Russia). Between 2011 autonomy in order to safeguard technology and anti-submarine gear. and 2014, almost 40 per cent (Rs 32,615 sovereign rights and promote national US has also moved nimbly to crore) of Rs 83,458 crore spent on interests within a multi-polar world. accommodate India’s plans for defence imports had gone to US Increase in bilateral trade and strengthening its own defence industry. companies. India US collaboration in investment, cooperation on global Besides half-a-dozen existing Defence items over the last eight years security matters, inclusion of India in partnerships involving such things as include INS Jalashwa, UH-3H Sea King decision-making on matters of global jet-engine design and avionics, the two helicopters, C-130J Hercules military governance (United Nations Security sides have suggested jointly producing transport aircraft, Harpoon Block II Council), upgraded representation in fighter aircraft, probably an Indian naval surface missiles, P-8I maritime
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reconnaissance aircrafts, C-17 submarines. US in the area of defence started in Globemaster III aircraft. Defence This propels US as the top arms January 1995, when the Agreed Minute Acquisitions Council (DAC), has cleared supplier to India ahead of Russia which on Defence Relations between the two acquisition of another four P-8I long- had a share of 30 per cent, or Rs nations was signed. This led to the range maritime patrol aircraft for 25,363.96 crore, followed by France at establishment of a Defence Policy almost $1 billion. This "follow-on Rs 12,046 crore or 14 per cent. Israel, Group (DPG). Defence Policy Group contract" comes even as the Navy has which once held second place after the worked as apex institutional dialogue inducted seven of the eight P-8Is Russians in terms of military sales to mechanism for Defence Cooperation ordered from Boeing in the $2.1 billion India, had a meagre 4 per cent share at between India and United States. In deal inked in January 2009. The package Rs 3,389 crore. June 2005, a New Defence Framework of these radar-packed aircraft, which Agreement for the U.S.-India Defence serve as "intelligent hawk-eyes" over Defence Trade and Technology Relationship was signed. This the Indian Ocean, includes Harpoon Initiative (DTTI) and the document focused on defence trade, Block-II missiles, MK-54 lightweight 'pathfinder' Offers joint exercises, personnel exchanges, torpedoes, rockets and depth charges to India-US Defence Framework Pact and collaboration and cooperation in take on enemy warships and DTTI India’s formal cooperation with maritime security and counter piracy
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operations, exchanges between each of construction technologies, which Mahindra Group as the Indian business the Services, etc. DTTI, launched in includes EMALS (electromagnetic partners. In addition, it is reported that 2012, was an unprecedented joint aircraft launch systems) developed by India has offered to buy two intelligence, endeavour that brought sustained General Atomics, under the DTTI. surveillance, target acquisition and leadership focus to the bilateral defence There has been very little movement reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft from the trade relationship, created in the first two “pathfinder” proposals U.S. on a government-to-government opportunities for India-US co- but India and US have committed basis. production and co-development, and to“identifying additional projects for The US defence technology is the encompasses more sophisticated possible co-development and co- most advanced. Also, the purchase of US science and technology cooperation, production of high technology items weapons comes with high restrictions. while ensuring that bureaucratic that meet the transformational intent of US is known to share the high-end processes and procedures do not stand DTTI,” according to a defence ministry defence technology with very few allied in the way of the progress. In 2015, India statement. There have been positive nations such as UK. India is among eight and United States have renewed this discussions at the Joint Working Group countries where US defence exports are Defence Framework Agreement for the on Aircraft Carrier Technology not restricted. This status has facilitated next 10 years. The most important Cooperation (JWGACTC), especially in the defence technology transfer from US element within the Defence Framework the area of Aircraft Launch and to India, which is generally under tight Agreement is the Defence Technology Recovery Equipment (ALRE), and control for other countries. and Trade Initiative (DTTI). Its main progress has been achieved at the The innovative technologies resulting objective is to strengthen defence second meeting of the JWGACTC in from increased U.S.-India collaboration cooperation by facilitating the Indian February 2016 in India. The Jet Engine could be produced by India’s growing companies to collaborate with US Technology Joint Working Group industrial base, aligned with Prime partners in defence co-production, (JETJWG) has reportedly concluded its Minister Modi’s “Make in India” policy. where the US provides technology and Terms of Reference and is moving in a Although the initial investment in the guidance for building modern weapon positive direction. Meanwhile, India two DTTI projects viz, mobile electric systems. It is important because co- and the US have identified two new hybrid power sources and Chemical development and co-production under "pathfinder" projects under the DTTI biological warfare protection gear for DTTI may become the hallmark of the for the joint production of a helmet- soldiers is modest—with the U.S. and Indian government’s ‘Make-in-India’ mounted digital display and a India each committing a total of initiative. DTTI is not a treaty or law but biological tactical detection system. $500,000 over two years for each aims to strengthen India US project—the value of the collaboration is cooperative research, co-production, Future Acquisitions:Self-Reliance far greater when measured in terms of and co-development of capabilities that through Transfer of Technology, the strategic realignment the are needed for the sustainment and Joint Development, Joint partnership signals, especially vis-à-vis modernisation of our military forces Production concerns over the balance of power in and the growth of our economies. Last year in September, days before the region. Under the renewed pact, four key Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s India and US have discussed the “pathfinder projects” for joint second official visit to the US, New Delhi further movement in Defence Trade and development and production were approved plans to buy 37 military Technology Initiative and the core identified in 2015 (during President helicopters from Boeing Co. These technologies listed under the initiative Obama’s visit) under the DTTI. These include 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift during Defence Minister Manohar were production of next generation helicopters and 22 AH-64E Apache Parrikar’s recent visit to the US. His Raven Unmanned Ariel Vehicles, multi-role combat helicopters, and meeting with Secretary Defence focused intelligence-gathering and options to buy an additional 7 Chinook on the India-US defence relationship reconnaissance modules for C-130J and 11 Apache helicopters. An official and broader India-US strategic Super Hercules aircraft, Mobile electric estimate of the deal is quoted to be partnership and focused on ways to hybrid power sources and chemical worth $3 billion. Simultaneously, maintain the strong momentum of biological warfare protection gear for Pentagon and South Block have security and defence engagement, soldiers (technically called uniform concluded $694 million contract for BAE including means to further move the integrated protection ensemble M-777 ultra-light howitzers, under DTTI forward. India’s Defence Research increment-2). In addition, working which the bulk of the 145 artillery guns and Development Organisation wants to groups were announced to explore to be acquired in the government-to- partner with GE on the latest F-414 cooperation on jet engine technology government deal will be made in India engine for the future Tejas Light Combat and aircraft carrier design and with Mahindra Defence & Aerospace, Aircraft. So far the U.S. side has been
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reluctant despite the scope of future common. In fact, they seem to more about the opportunities in engine deals which may lead to India compliment each other’s objectives. The technology and trade that will come over going for a global tender. U.S. analysts US has commercial interests, for it seeks the next decade,” said Ralph Voltmer, agree that Washington is unlikely to part to obtain a sizeable share of India’s chair of Covington’s India practice. with cutting-edge technology because projected defence requirements worth Cross-border trade and business that’s what gives its defence industry an $100 billion over the next 10 years. relationships between U.S. and Indian edge. The DTTI initiative can start at the However, India is not interested in a companies are likely to grow in light of lower end to test how the two typical buyer-seller relationship with the the renewed framework agreement and bureaucracies, private industry and US or, for that matter, with any other other policy changes and new priorities other suppliers connect. “You can’t country. It wants to be a co-developer on both sides. This is easier said than produce a Lamborghini right away,” one and co-producer of defence goods. In done as private defence manufacturers American official is quoted to have addition, the shift in policy to permit and in the US are not known to part with commented. promote exports of Defence equipment technology easily. Also, there are produced in India gives a further legislative controls on sharing of The Way Forward impetus and incentive to the industry in technology. This hindrance can be India’s quest for self reliance in defence this sector. This has been one of the overcome only if India is elevated to the sector is predicated around main reasons for the US defence status of US’ defence partners like indigenisation and use of organic industry to formally pitch two proposals Australia and Israel. While India never industrial and human resource base. for the manufacture of fighter jets under wanted to be closely identified with any India’s interests in US the 'Make in India' initiative. country in its pursuit of strategic defencetechnology are mainly on The trust between India and the U.S. interests, it cannot also overlook the technology transfer. The reason is that has grown over the years, as have sales of growing symmetry between its own “look when we purchase the arms, we need weapons. The two sides have moved east policy” and US interest in Asia. support and denial of support can from deep suspicion to talking about The India-US Logistics Exchange cripple critical equipment. Technology collaboration on developing India’s next Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) is transfer, besides providing the obvious generation aircraft carrier. That’s a long agreed to in principle. However, the big security against denial at critical times distance to cover in a short span of 10 benefits, almost entirely in the form of would create an environment for the years. Cooperation between the two technology, would come more easily growth of own industry and human countries is expected to increase under from the other ‘foundational resource. India acknowledges the the renewed framework and the recent agreements’—Communications and technological superiority of the US developments are a few examples of the Information Security Memorandum of weapon systems but it seeks partnership types of cooperation and trade we will Agreement (CISMOA) and Basic and not seller-buyer relationship. If we see between the two countries. Exchange and Cooperation Agreement keep defence relations in perspective, Given the recent developments in the (BECA) for Geospatial Intelligence—as the strategic relationship between India U.S.-India defence and security and when (and if) they are signed. and the US are on a growth trajectory. relationship, Covington and Tatva Legal Growing Indo-US defence trade is There also seems to be greater hosted the Third Annual India-U.S. emerging as a path breaker for the recognition of India’s concerns on Defence and Security Forum in New Government’s ambition to make India a transfer of technology. Hence, the talk is Delhi in May last year. The forum self-reliant nation for its defence needs. not just about co-production but also brought together top executives of major The quest for self-reliance is based on co-development of next generation U.S. and Indian companies involved in the need to ensure national security, equipment and weapon systems. The defence and the defence-related sectors, economic growth, development of changes in policy for FDI in defence along with senior officials from both human resource, all in line with the sector have had a positive impact on the governments, thought leaders, and key “Make in India” policy. The challenge is environment for greater foreign industry participants, to engage in in- to transform the intent to action. participation. The talk of increasing the depth and action-oriented discussions FDI on case to case basis from the on the impact of the policy changes, the current 49 percent to 74 percent and new opportunities, and the existing Air Vice Marshal Arvind Verma, VSM even 100 percent would further make challenges related to expanding the U.S.- is a retired Indian Air Force officer. He the industry salivate on the prospects of India- defence sector relationship. has been Senior Directing Staff at investing in this sector. “Defence trade between India and the National Defence College, New Delhi The US’ Defence Trade and U.S. creates a win-win opportunity for and is former Centre Director of Technology Initiative (DTTI) and India’s India and U.S. companies, and our National Technical Research Make in India programme have a lot in Forum will help corporate leaders learn Organisation.
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OPINION CUTTING THE DEFENCE BUDGET: Reduce the Invisible Tail Brig V Mahalingam
Is the ministry of defence (MOD) appropriately structured to provide strategic and operational directions to the armed forces and handle situations in our borders? If what happened during the Daulat Beg Oldie incident in April 2013 is anything to go by wherein an ad-hoc body called the ‘China Study Group’ consisting of the National Security Advisor and bureaucrats from other ministries including heads of central security agencies sidelined the MOD and took control of the situation, the MOD had abdicated its responsibility by failing to prepare itself for such contingencies by wargaming and working out contingency plans and by integrating professionals in its organisation. Instead the ministry has accumulated irrelevant non performing flab by trying to build an empire for itself which is beyond its ability to manage efficiently. May be it is time the defence minister to took a look at his other support staff (The organisational Organisation, Directorate General ministry too for corpulence. Where lies chart provided does not show the Quality Assurance, Office of the Chief this flab and how big a drain it is to the complete human resources employed Administrative Officer, Security Office country’s defence budget? by the MOD). Not a single professional and the Vigilance Division). Could military man has been allowed to superfluous manpower in some of MOD participate in its working. Wasn’t this these organisations be the drain on the The MOD has the Department of establishment meant to employ and defence budget and the pension funds? Defence (DOD), Department of Ex- support the defence forces whose Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Defence primary job is to undertake military DESW Research and Development operations? Walking through the DESW under the MOD has a Pension Organisation (DRDO), Department of corridors of MOD, the sight of under Division and a Resettlement Division Defence Production (DDP) and the employed staff, piles of dusty files, with three attached offices. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff boxes and cupboards lying in the offices Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) has 32 (HQ IDS) under it. The MOD is staffed are a depressing sight to say the least. Rajya Sainik Boards (RSB) and 392 Zila with a plethora of bureaucrats and an The MOD runs 29 other organisations Sainik Boards. The Government of India unspecified number of clerical and (excluding Army Purchase bears 75 percent of the expenditure of
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RSBs in the case of smaller states and 60 viz. BrahMos Aerospace, four human continuously upgrading their percent in the case of the rest. From the resource institutions i.e. Centre for infrastructure. Each ordnance factory is military veterans point of view, their Personnel Talent Management headed by a General Manager of the utility, efficiency and cost effectiveness (CEPTAM), Institute of Technology rank of an Additional Secretary. The is questionable. In terms of Management (ITM), Military Institute Indian Ordnance Factories Service achievement in relation to the number of Training (MILIT) and Recruitment (IOFS) is a civil service and the doctors of military veterans, the story is not and Assessment Centre (RAC), one in OFB belong to a separate service much different with the functioning of deemed university viz. Defence known as the Indian Ordnance Directorate General Resettlement. As Institute of Advance Technology (DIAT) Factories Health Service (IOFHS). The for the Ex–Servicemen Contributory and three certification agencies i.e. OFB also runs nine training institutes, Health Scheme (ECHS), it fails to make Centre for Military Airworthiness and three regional marketing centres and timely payments to affiliated Certification for airworthiness of four regional controllers of safety. What hospitalsfor services rendered, products, Centre for Fire Explosive and if any, are the sales targets achieved by resulting in some hospitals for Environment Safety for fire and these factories outside its captive withdrawing from the scheme. There is explosives and Scientific Analysis market, the defence services? a perpetual problem of medicines in Group for grading of information As per the report of the Comptroller the ECHS polyclinics. The long pending security products under its fold. Four and Auditor General (CAG) of India for proposal for outsourcing issue of research boards (Aeronautics, Naval, the year ended March 2014, the medicines has not seen the light of the Armaments and Life Sciences) are also production per employee in respect of day. When medicines are not available, functioning under DRDO funding. Can ordnance factories for the year what is the use of specialists examining some of these institutions be run by 2013–2014 was Rs 16.8 lakhs. In the patients, carrying out costly tests private sector educational institutions? contrast, the production per employee and prescribing medicines? Most DRDO projects are in the case of private sector companies characterised by time delays, cost is at least six times higher as has been DRDO escalations and poor quality control. brought out in the subsequent DRDO headquarters at Delhi houses its The 5.56 INSAS rifle developed by paragraph of the CAG report, which corporate directorates viz. Budget, DRDO after 15 painfully long years is states “For the Ordnance Factories to be Finance and Accounts (BF&A), nowhere comparable to the modern competitive, they will have to exercise Extramural Research and Intellectual assault rifles. The night vision devices effective control over the cost of Property Rights (ER&IPR), Human produced by the DRDO, though with production, which presently is very Resource Development (HRD), 100 per cent imported Infra-Red (IR) high. The present structure and Parliamentary Affairs, Personnel, tubes are far bulkier and heavier than processes are not geared for such Planning and Coordination (P&C), the imported ones. Even in items like control….” This is indicative of poor Public Interface, Raj Bhasha etc. Apart clothing and bullet proof jackets, the staffing, and production management. from the Scientific Advisor to the quality of the products has not matched Besides the ordnance factories, the Raksha Mantri and the Secretary, up to the requirements. DDP has 9 Defence Public Sector Department of Defence R & D, the Undertakings (DPSU) under it, each DRDO has seven Director Generals and Department of Defence one, an empire by itself. A look at the five Chief Controllers and their offices. Production (DDP) performance of the DPSU’s is revealing. DRDO has strength of 25,966 The Apex Board of the Ordnance The average annual output per employees, out of which 7,574 are in Factory Board (OFB) under the DDP is employee in respect of nine defence Defence Research and Development headed by the Director General PSUs as revealed by the MOD in Service (DRDS), 9,643 in Defence Ordnance Factory Board (DGOF) and Parliament on April, 29, 2013 is Rs 38 Research and Technical Cadre (DRTC) four additional Members of the rank of lakh per employee. This compares and 8,775 in Administration and Allied Additional DGOF responsible for staff poorly with private sector companies. Cadre. It has 50 Laboratories under it functions. The Ordnance Factories are As an example, Bharat Forge’s Pune employing over 5000 scientists and divided into 5 operating divisions each facility with 4,000 employees generates about 25,000 other scientific, technical headed by an Additional DGOF. a turnover of Rs 4,000 crore, giving and supporting personnel. The OFB under the DDP has 41 employee productivity of Rs 1 crore per The Department of Defence existing ordnance factories. Two new annum. Tata Power generated revenue Research and Development (DDR&D) a ordnance factories are coming up at of Rs 9,500 crore in 2011, with 4,627 separate body formed in 1980 has one Nalanda in Bihar and Korwa in UP. OFB employees, with each employee autonomous body viz. Aeronautical employs about 93,519 personnel at generating over Rs 2 crore. Despite the Development Agency, one joint venture present. Ordnance factories have been low productivity, the DPSUs pay out a
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significant amount as overtime. HAL liability of huge pension bills of its sector, India’s arms imports have been had the largest overtime payout, with employees. Why have we failed to see growing consistently over the years, Rs 8,664 lakh paid to some 32,644 the practicality of the government giving the country the dubious employees. Goa Shipyard, with the running these establishments? distinction of being the largest arms lowest employee productivity, paid Rs importer in the world. As for 1,167 lakh to 1,596 employees, adding Cutting the flab? equipment like the TATRA trucks, even up to over Rs 70,000 per employee per The author was posted to the when the Indian private sector is quite year. Directorate General Resettlement, capable of manufacturing a similar The attached offices under DDP MOD in 1973 and was in charge of vehicle we chose a DPSU for include Directorate General of Quality resettlement of Emergency and Short procurement which acted as a mere Assurance (DGQA), Directorate General Service Commissioned officers. On a middleman in importing them at huge of Aeronautical Quality Assurance query after taking charge, the five costs to the exchequer. The question is, (DGAQA), Directorate of member office staff in the section is it not time the MOD quit Standardisation (DOS) and Directorate confirmed that over 12,000 officers were manufacturing and R & D domain and of Planning and Coordination (Dte of P yet to be resettled. During the course of allow private sector to develop? & C). National Institute for Research & initial settling down it was observed The MOD which includes the Development in Defence Shipbuilding that the office seldom replied to any alphabet soup of its offices and (NIRDESH) is an autonomous society letter from an officer and when they subordinate organisations has working under the aegis of MOD, DDP. did, it took anything beyond 10 days for accumulated excess weight over a Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO) the reply to be sent. Two months in the period of time without any review. This is a subordinate office under the DDP. office suggested that the number of flab is protected and is invisible. Has Do such huge establishments officers yet to be settled was probably anyone attempted to review their role, costing crores to the public exchequer exaggerated. Accordingly registered the need for their existence, the contribute significantly towards the letters were sent to every single officer manpower, the cost of running these fighting efficiency of the defence to ascertain if any resettlement establishments, the pension bill and services? Is there any justification for assistance was required. The process of the cost benefit ratio of these their existence in the present form? The sending letters to over 12,000 officers organisations? It is time these details Government’s capacity to fund and took over a year plus for various reasons are put out in public domain for the efficiently manage long gestation R & D and it emerged that just about 140 or so information of the tax payers. The projects is very limited. Its ability to officers really needed any resettlement Parliamentary Standing Committee for train and create a pool of trained assistance. A recommendation to Defence will do a great service to the manpower to integrate specific systems merge the section (Res 4) with the nation by reviewing these towards manufacture of high section dealing with the resettlement of organisations if cutting the defence technology weapons and equipment is retiring regular officers (Res 3) was budget and the huge pension bill is the negligible. Thus indigenous made. The recommendations were also aim. It is astonishing that according to manufacture of complex weapon made to the Staff Inspection Unit (SIU) the 7th Central Pay Commission systems in the country is not the which visited the organisation Report, the authorised strength of Government’s cup of tea. Outsourcing subsequently. However no changes Defence (Civil) persons is 5.85 lakhs. manufacture of military hardware, were made at least till the author left the The pension payout to the defence equipment, high technology systems organisation in mid-1976. Yet another civilians amounts over 45 percent of and related R & D excepting in areas section and an IAS officer on part time the total pension bill! “No wonder the with security implications is therefore duty to the section as Officer on Special tail is wagging the dog” logical. Duty (OSD), for allotment of gas With necessary incentives, such a agencies and petrol pumps to the policy provides the motivation to the disabled and war widows remained Private Sector to invest in R&D. intact despite no gas agencies or petrol Outsourcing manufacture and R&D pumps being made available for Brig V Mahalingam is a veteran exploits expertise besides providing allotment by the ministry concerned Infantry officer, based in the NCR. He better and closely monitored sleek throughout my stay (three and a half is a defence analyst and frequently industries ensuring efficiency, quality years) in the organisation appears on TV shows on matters products and cost effectiveness. It dealing with national security. A spares the Government the burden of Conclusion version of this article was earlier running and maintaining huge Despite the existence of a huge defence published in the Times of India blog of organisations besides acquiring the industrial base in the government 31 May 2016.
20 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER << May-June 2016 << [email protected] 21-Cyber_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/12/2016 10:30 AM Page 1
SECURITY TIPS ON CYBER SECURITY
Rishabh Gupta
Today, every organisation uses the individual illegally. questions across multiple sites and internet to save time and store their Smartphones and other mobile change your password on the regular 90- confidential data online. Cyber Security is devices can be at high risk to cyber-attacks days basis at least. According to some important for protecting laptops, and other bullying acts. Today’s reports, more than 1 billion passwords are programmes, payment information, smartphones have the ability to do so stored in Russian databases already. personal details, bank accounts, customer much more than what a normal mobile Your password must be 12 characters and client information and networks from phone did a few years ago – but this long, include numbers, symbols and damages, attacks or unauthorised access. intensely extended range of potentials uppercase and lowercase letters It is a broad term that covers the different also exposes the user to increased security combination. Stop using passwords such measures that defend computers and risk. Today, everyone is using their phones as mobile numbers, patterns as networks from mischief and starts with for a much wider range of activities – from "password”, “QWERTY" or “123456”. the individual’s security from the internet. online shopping to social networking, Malicious software or malware can The necessity for security stems from the online banking, paying bills and surfing make its way from the downloads, email, keystroke logging programmes, virus the web. We need to take sensible safety social media onto machines. One such threats and spyware that exist today. Some measure to make sure our phones and our malware is the Key logger which tracks the of the popular cyber-crimes are phishing, sensitive information is kept safe from keystrokes of the user. Every input from cyber stalking and espionage. cyber criminals and malware attacks. the keyboard is stored and lately, it allows Phishing seeks to extract your the attackers to see passwords and other important information. Here, an attacker Eight Cyber Security Tips to Stay Safe confidential information. Frequent makes a user visit a website which in turn and Secure update of the software will help to avoid asks for a password, username, credit card Cyber-attacks are a big problem for such malicious software activities. details and so on. To secure yourself from companies large and small. Here are some Recognise the social engineering. phishing attack, never enter the correct tips to help you secure your sensitive Social engineering can be used both password in the first attempt. Always information from attackers. offline and online by the criminals. It is check the link of the site in the browser. If Regularly evaluate responsibilities and also known as pre-texting. Many criminals possible, Google the website link. HTTPS access to sensitive data. Always verify 3rd- with the help of social engineering make links are secured so never input the credit party access and security. Most frequent the users install malicious software such card details without checking the SSL form of insider misuse is privilege abuse., as fake antiviruses. certificate in the browser. which accounts for over 80 percent of all Secure the Wi-Fi: Encrypt the Wi-Fi for In cyber stalking, the stalker incidents. So monitor and verify security purpose. There were flaws in the anonymously stalks and harasses a privileged use. Apply encryptions to PCs older wireless forms of encryption. Your person with the help of email, messaging and USB drives and encourage the company should employ the WPA2 or online discussion groups. It differs from employees to keep devices with them. encryption i.e. Wi-Fi-Protected-Access 2. spamming because spammer targets Enable auto-update to the 3rd party add- With the increasing number of many recipients at random but stalker ons such as Acrobat, Java, and Flash as successful cyber attacks against high- targets a specific victim. Stalker these are the common malware infection profile targets, it’s important to stay alert encourages others to harass the victim, vectors. Remember, data on a personal and responsible. Cybersecurity is imposes false victimisation and posts computer and removable storage is most everyone’s responsibility. There’s no magic defamatory and derogatory statements. at risk (47%). wand, obviously, but taking the above The best way to guard against cyber Enable email scanning by your anti- precautions reduces your risk. stalking is to stay anonymous. Use virus, disables automatic previewing. primary email for trusted contacts only Never respond to the email requests Rishabh Gupta is an Indian and for other communications use email which demands the personal and entrepreneur who is the Chairman and with an anonymous name. Your online company account information. 91 founder of iNFOTYKE, a fast growing name must be gender neutral and make it percent of the advanced cyber-attacks company (dealing with IT & social different from your original name. begin with email. media) in India & worldwide. He founded Espionage refers to gathering of Do not share your password with The iNFOTYKE in 2010 and today it has information of any organisation or any anyone! Try not using the same security customers from around the world.
[email protected] >> May-June 2016 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 21 22-25-Point-Counterpoint_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/12/2016 10:30 AM Page 1
POINT - COUNTERPOINT DOES INDIA REALLY NEED TO DEFEND THE SIACHEN GLACIER?
Sudha Ramachandran habitable or seen to have great strategic which means that the glacier is rightfully value.” India’s. The Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest That perception changed a few years battlefield, is once again in the spotlight. later. In the late 1970s India woke up to Echo of Gunfire On the morning of February 3, an the fact that publications abroad, Since 1984, the Siachen has resounded to avalanche hurtled down this icy including U.S. government documents, the echo of India-Pakistan gunfire as wasteland, swallowing an Indian military were carrying maps that showed the LoC Pakistan sought to wrest the glacier from post and claiming the lives of ten soldiers. extending northeast from NJ 9842 to the India. It has not succeeded. The tragedy has drawn public attention to Karakoram Pass. In other words, the A ceasefire has been in place since the extreme weather and hostile terrain Siachen Glacier was appearing in maps as November 2003 and while the Actual that soldiers contend with daily at these part of Pakistani territory. Besides, it Ground Position Line (AGPL) that icy heights. It has triggered discussion in learned that Pakistan was permitting separates the Indian and Pakistani India over the strategic value of the Western mountaineers access to the positions in the Siachen region has seen Siachen and whether India needs to Siachen and the ridges flanking it, quietly no violations or exchange of fire since, continue its deployment of soldiers at its establishing its claim over the area.India soldiers are dying. icy heights. concluded that Pakistan was resorting to The hostile terrain and weather in the The 75-km long Siachen Glacier is cartographic invasion and oropolitics to Siachen are claiming many lives. located in the eastern Karakoram Range bolster its claims over the Siachen. Temperatures here plunge to minus 40 of the Himalayas. It lies to the north of Then, in the early 1980s India learned degrees and blizzards whip up winds of Point NJ 9842, where the Line of Control of Pakistan’s purchase of high-altitude speeds in excess of 300 km per hour. (LoC) between India and Pakistan ends. fighting gear. Anticipating a Pakistani Oxygen is so rare at these heights that The Siachen has been an important occupation of the Siachen, India sought “every breath is a painful battle for bone of contention between India and to preempt it and in April 1984 landed two survival,” the major-general said, Pakistan since 1984 when the Indian platoons of soldiers on the Bilafond La recalling his stint on the glacier over 15 Army took control of the glacier, beating and Sia La, two key passes on the Saltoro years ago. The “combined impact of high Pakistan to it by a week. Ridge. With Pakistan’s access to the altitude and cripplingly cold weather” The roots of the conflict over the Saichen blocked, India established causes severe depression, hallucination, Siachen lie in the ambiguous text of the control not only over the glacier but over memory loss, blurred speech, frost bite, 1949 Karachi Agreement that ended the all its tributary glaciers and key passes as pulmonary and cerebral edema, and even 1947-48 India-Pakistan war over Kashmir. well as the Soltoro Ridge that lies to the death. That agreement described the Ceasefire glacier’s west. Since then, both countries Around 2,000 Indian and Pakistani Line in Kashmir as running up to map have deployed soldiers in the area, India’s soldiers are said to have lost their lives in coordinate NJ 9842 and “… thence north on the Siachen and the Soltoro and the Siachen region, the overwhelming to the glaciers.”Under the 1972 Simla Pakistan’s at much lower altitudes and majority of them to natural disasters, Agreement, the Ceasefire Line was some distance away from the glacier. terrain and bad weather. The financial converted into the LoC but the fuzziness The two countries base their claims costs of maintaining soldiers here are of the boundary beyond NJ 9842 was not over the glacier on different huge as well. addressed. interpretation of the words “… thence The high human, financial and “So inhospitable is the terrain of the north to the glaciers” in the 1949 and 1972 material costs of maintaining soldiers in Siachen Glacier that even as late as 1972 Agreements. To Pakistan it means a the Siachen area have prompted calls for neither India nor Pakistan thought it straight line from NJ 9842 in a a demilitarisation of the glacier. But necessary to clarify the boundary here,” a northeasterly direction to the Karakoram sections of India’s strategic community major-general of the Indian Army told Pass, giving it control over the Siachen are opposed to India pulling out of the The Diplomat. Neither country thought Glacier. India argues that from NJ 9842, Siachen. They point to improved living the other would be interested in an area the boundary line should run through the conditions for soldiers stationed there that was “neither resource-rich nor nearest watershed, the Saltoro Ridge, and a drop in fatalities in recent years.
22 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER << May-June 2016 << [email protected] 22-25-Point-Counterpoint_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/12/2016 10:30 AM Page 2
POINT - COUNTERPOINT
Even if deployment is costly,they argue, no cost is too great if it is to defend the country’s sovereignty, especially since the Siachen plays akey role in India’s forward defence. It “serves asa wedge” between Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and the Shaksgam Valley that Pakistan illegally ceded to China; India’s control of the glacier prevents China and Pakistan from “militarily linking up.”Besides, the Saltoro and Siachen give India “the much needed depth to important mountain passes that are the gateways to Ladakh and Kashmir.”If Indian troops pull out of the Siachen, the major-general warns, “Ladakh would be not strategic or military.” for instance, said that the demarcated exposed to a Sino-Pakistan pincer attack.” AGPL should be “internationally Additionally, its control of Saltoro gives Demilitarising the Siachen approved.” India the “tactical advantage of In the wake of the recent tragedy,calls to However, would Pakistan agree to dominating height.” Sitting at much demilitarise the Siachen have grown in authenticate and demarcate existing lower altitudes, Pakistani soldiers are India,as they did in Pakistan in 2012 when ground positions on maps? That seems completely “shut off from a view of the an avalanche engulfed its Gayari military unlikely, as this would legitimise what it Siachen Glacier” and are thus at a “severe base, killing 129 Pakistani soldiers and 11 sees as India’s “occupation” of the tactical disadvantage” all along the AGPL. civilian contractors. Siachen. Demilitarizing the glacier would amount Such calls for demilitarisation evoke Given their differences on the to India surrendering its advantage. alarm in India’s military and intelligence sequencing of steps in the However, not everyone is convinced of establishment. Will the politicians fritter demilitarisation process and the deep the strategic and tactical value of the away the long term strategic advantage of mutual distrust, an agreement seems a Siachen. Brigadier (retired) Gurmeet holding the Siachen for short term long way off. Kanwal has argued that in the event of political gains? Natural disasters are known to spur Pakistan and China launching a joint There is concern that after India peace processes. The 2004 Indian Ocean offensive to occupy the Ladakh region of withdraws its troops from the Siachen, tsunami, for instance, brought the Kashmir, they are unlikely to approach it Pakistan would send its soldiers to occupy Indonesian government and Acehnese via Siachen’s “treacherous mountain it. “Withdrawal from these strategic rebels to the negotiating table. This terrain” as “better options are available” heights without any iron clad guarantees culminated in a peace agreement and an for them to access Ladakh. India’s control that do not extend beyond declarations of end to the armed conflict. of Siachen then does not deny Pakistan intent would be the height of folly,” warns The same tsunami opened space for and China approaches to Ladakh. Vikram Sood, a former chief of the co-operation between the Liberation Its control of the heights gives India Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lankan “neither offensive nor defensive The Indian military is cautious in its government, an opportunity that both advantage,” Happymon Jacob, associate approach to the Siachen’s sides rejected. That led to an escalation in professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru demilitarisation. It wants its control of the the fighting. Which example will inspire University in New Delhi and author of Saltoro and Siachen to be recognised and India and Pakistan? Kashmir and Indo-Pak Relations: Politics recorded first. of Reconciliation, told The Diplomat. “No As the General Officer Commanding- Dr. Sudha Ramachandran is an amount of concentration of forces in in-Chief of the Northern Command of the independent journalist/researcher based those areas can help India deter the so- Indian Army, Lt General D S Hooda in Bangalore, India. She writes on South called Chinese designs in the greater recently said, the actual position on [the] Asian political and security issues and Karakoram region,” he said. “Nor can it be ground… where [the] Indian Army is can be contacted at used to stage any offensive military positioned should be authenticated first [email protected] This article operations against either Pakistan or and that should be agreeable to both first appeared in The Diplomat dated 23 China.” Consequently, the advantage that sides” before talks on demilitarisation can February 2016 and is reproduced here accrues to India from its control of the begin. Others have gone further. In 2011, with the permission of the Publisher, The Siachen is “mostly symbolic and political, India’s then Air Chief Marshall P V Naik, Diplomat.
[email protected] >> May-June 2016 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 23 22-25-Point-Counterpoint_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/12/2016 10:30 AM Page 3
POINT - COUNTERPOINT WHY SIACHEN MUST BE HELD
Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch Northeast towards the Karakoram Pass. Too many copious tears have been On 3 February, 2016, an ice wall under This is mind boggling. After the Saltoro, shed over soldiers losing their life and which the Sonam post on the Saltoro the next range of mountains is the limb to weather conditions while Ridge was located came crashing down, Karakoram and the Siachen Glacier lies defending the position. As of now, from burying all ten occupants of the post. in between. It is far fetched to presume 1984 till date, about 900 soldiers have lost Nine soldiers perished before the rescue that the line from NJ9842 could possibly their lives due to weather and terrain. teams could get to them on the fifth day. allude to it joining the Karakoram Pass, Great improvement have however been But miraculously, there was a lone which is what cartographic aggression by made over the years in the logistic survivor, L/Nk Hanamanthappa Koppad, Pakistan attempted to do. That was a support to forces operating at those whose girt and determination to survive monstrous lie, but some in India, ever heights as a result of which weather at all costs galvanised the spirits of the ready to affect peace at any costs, a la related casualties now stand greatly country. A second miracle was required Chamberlain in 1939, swallowed the reduced. There is a price to be paid for to save his life, but that was not to be. Pakistani position, hook line and sinker defending the country and every self Even so, his will to survive against all and continue to do so till date. respecting country will use all the power odds exemplifies in large measure the A proposal mooted by Pakistan is that at its disposal to maintain its territorial spirit of the Indian Army. In his death, both India and Pakistan should integrity. Throwing away a strategic L/Nk Hanamanthappa paradoxically simultaneously withdraw from the advantage in such a cavalier manner, achieved immortality. Siachen Glacier and revert to the citing deaths due to harsh weather Curiously, voices are once again been positions held in 1984. This makes no conditions is myopic at best and could raised on the need to demilitarise the sense at all as Pakistan is not in Siachen Glacier. The strategic value of the occupation of any part of the Siachen. A Glacier is being questioned and the high withdrawal simply means an Indian cost in terms of lives lost and the large withdrawal from the heights of the financial resources required to maintain Saltoro Ridge. Pakistan has fed a lie to its troops in such inhospitable terrain is own public that its military is in being cited as logic for withdrawing occupation of the Glacier. Why Indian troops from those icy heights. On the face academics should fall for such deceit is of it, these arguments sound logical, beyond comprehension. couched as they are in humanistic terms, More importantly, India claims the citing the well being of soldiers. “There is whole of J&K as its territory. That is also neither honour nor glory in death due to the stated position in the Indian cerebral oedema or hyperthermia’ is the Constitution. What then is the logic of argument oft trotted out. A deeper withdrawing from the Saltoro, a position analysis simply exposes the hypocrisy of firmly held in Indian hands. As per the such claims. Another claim put out by Constitution of Pakistan, J&K is not a part Indian apologists states that there is of Pakistan. Yet that country rules over ambiguity about the cease fire line, as the disputed portion and has over the post the 1949 Karachi Ceasefire decades carried out ethnic cleansing of Agreement, the delineation stopped at a the area, changing the very demography map grid reference, NJ9842, the wording of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. of the Agreement stating the CFL as Withdrawing from the Saltoro Ridge line “Chalunka (on the Shyok River), Khor, would be tantamount to accepting thence North to the glaciers”. There is Pakistani duplicity over Kashmir. For too little of ambiguity in the Agreement. The long has the Indian administration been only ridge running Northwards towards soft on Pakistan with respect to Kashmir. the Glaciers is the Saltoro Ridge and that We need to be firm in our resolve that the remains the logical position. That is how only pending issue between the two boundaries are traditionally defined. The countries as far as J&K is concerned is Pakistani’s however chose to interpret it that Pakistan must hand over all differently, stating that the line was occupied territories to India.
24 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER << May-June 2016 << [email protected] 22-25-Point-Counterpoint_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/12/2016 10:30 AM Page 4
POINT - COUNTERPOINT
also be construed as being dishonest and ongoing task, but that must be done of Kargil. Now or ever. motivated. As an example, we do not see without sacrificing territorial integrity. Finally, we come to the matter of cost. any outcry over incidents of death that The strategic significance of the Since when has cost been a factor take place on our roads every day. Over Saltoro Ridge is oft lost sight of, especially determining national security. The 650 people die daily on Indian roads - yet in relation to Gilgit-Baltistan, Shaksgam Indian state can write off over one lakh there is no outcry over such loss of life. Valley and the Wakhan Corridor. Control crore in bank defaults, but some Put in another way, every 48 hours we over the Saltoro implies defacto control academics still quibble about a few lose more people on Indian roads, than over the Siachen. It implies use of the air hundred crores which is the cost what has been lost on Siachen till date! space above the region. If lost, it gives incurred for maintaining troops in the While loss of life is painful, it hardly Pakistan an opportunity to press further Glacier. Should we then not extend the behoves a nation of the size and stature into the Shyok Valley compounding argument to all places which are difficult of India - a nation which has Rani of India’s security problems manifold. to hold and give the enemy free access to Jhansi and Rana Pratap as its icons, to It must be appreciated that a penetrate our borders? Such convoluted sacrifice its interests on the glacier, withdrawal from Siachen will dictate the thinking must stop. Thankfully, India’s merely because the position is a hard one need for a larger force component to Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar to serve in. When such thinking is guard the new defence line. While it is has nipped the problem in the bud by extended to other difficult snow bound true that large scale operations cannot unequivocally stating that withdrawal areas across J&K and Arunachal Pradesh, take place in this area, nothing prevents from Siachen is not on the cards. As a we will be left holding precious little and the enemy from undertaking small scale nation, we must defend what is ours, or will be extending an open invitation to intrusions, undetected, in areas devoid of such areas will no longer be ours to the enemy to enter our homes and snow during summer months. They can defend. Siachen is as much a symbol of hearths. Yes, every endeavour must be then be used as staging posts for India as L/Nk Hanamanthappa Kopad. It made to reduce casualties and that is an infiltration. Let us not forget the lessons must be defended at all costs.
[email protected] >> May-June 2016 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 25 26-28-Anil Gonsalves_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/12/2016 10:28 AM Page 1
IN LIGHTER VEIN BOAT RIDE ON THE PYKARA
Anil Gonsalves
In school I did reasonably well in both sick for stomach ache. Nobody missed academics and sports. I passed out with me! 78%, with the second highest marks in This is the trouble. Nobody speaks Maharashtra for Advanced German but up in NDA. I had wanted to prepare a almost failed in Basic English! Which placard and stage a silent protest makes me wonder what the hell were outside the Commandant’s office to cut the Professors smoking in those early down the cross-country distance to say Hippie culture days when Bhagwan a mile or so, with the hope of eventually Rajneesh invaded Pune. I didn’t do too putting an end to the world’s second badly in sports either. I was part of the dullest sport. But a sensible friend of Inter-school 4 x 100 meter relay squad, mine told me very firmly “There is an triple jump, and swimming, in the year unspoken and unwritten rule here that that St Vincent’s won the overall sports the best way to protest about anything championship trophy in Pune. is to do absolutely nothing about it!” I However, there were times in NDA I like unspoken and unwritten rules, so I wished I had opted to become a took his advice, for the next thirty years, milkman because dispensing very seriously. bonhomie to housewives in their So I turned my attention from cross negligees would certainly have been country to sailing boats in my fifth better than dispensing bed-tea to sixth enclosure for cross country and by my term. Every half day and holiday I termers. Also I put on 10 kgs of body fifth term I had dropped to sixth would cycle to Peacock Bay and with weight in the first two years, because I enclosure and nearly landed in the another enthusiast, select an Enterprise was eating double the amount in half oxygen tent. Each time I reached Lone- boat and put her out into the lake. The the time, sleeping during class hours Tree hill (the hill without the Lone-Tree) Enterprise is quite a clunky, stiff, heavy, and keeping awake at night! My DivO my legs would hurt like hell, my hips sluggish, cramped, rickety, difficult-to- once woke me up from deep sleep would ask my head ‘what the hell is handle boat and can get you to your during the study period and remarked going on?’ and my lungs would become destination with the reliability of the “Your desk is as uncluttered as a asthmatic, before they finally stopped Indian Railways. Other boats look Sanyasi’s address book!” Both of us breathing. Invariably, when I woke up cheerful and bouncy. This one looks like laughed merrily at his witty joke and we from a ten minute coma I would find someone has stuffed a banana up its stopped short of giving each other a two guys sitting on my chest backside. ‘high five’ and promising to meet up at bludgeoning me with the palms of their Two questions might pop up in your the bar. Then he told me to do a hands in an attempt to do Cardio- mind – What is it really like to sail in one ‘seventh-heaven’! It did not help my Pulmonary-Resuscitation and having of them and how far will it go before you fore-arms! Because I was doing 50 an absurd discussion on whether have to call the Coast Guard? I shan’t bend-stretches, rope climbing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is bother you about the technical details seventh-heaven, and goodness knows administered on the top end or the of sailing, because I don’t really what else on a daily basis and my bottom end! In my sixth term I didn’t understand them either. But suffice it to forearms were growing like the hind want to start a new enclosure called 7th say that if your boat is pointing directly legs of a rhino, while my legs were enclosure, so I woke up early, drank my into the wind, then it’s called ‘In Irons’ shrinking. bedside tea, changed into games rig, and you won’t move an inch. So you In the first term I finished in the 2nd walked across to the MH and reported need to keep the wind on the bow or on
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IN LIGHTER VEIN
the beam (at right angles) or from astern. At some point you would have to turn to come back home. So you either ‘tack’ by turning the boat’s bow through the wind or you ‘gybe’ by turning the stern through the wind. When you gybe, the boat turns very fast indeed, so fast that the booms swings over to the other side and can take your head off. Also, the shift in weight caused by the swinging boom can capsize the boat. When you tack into the wind, the boat sticks its nose into the wind and stops dead in its track and can hurl you fifteen feet in front of it! Either way (not to put too fine a point to it) you’re knackered! But best of all, on a straight line the boat can whistle along at 10 knots, skimming all the wave tops, which we sailors call ‘sea horses’. If you get it right, the sensation of speed is awesome. Catch a little wind about an hour later by sending a motor wouldn’t like to relive. My crew, poor in your sail and you’ll begin to believe boat. chap, spent the rest of the evening that you can outrun INS Viraat. To put it The second time we commandeered muttering to himself, something about in perspective, for a similar trip a boat, my partner was ebullient on the me trying to remain in the boat and not anywhere else, you’ll need to sell your methods of handling a sailboat and out of it. house and use all the money on LSD. insisted that he took hold of the Towards the end of my fifth term, I The first time was interesting. We steering and teach me a few lessons. On got the hang of staying in the boat, but rigged an Enterprise boat with the help reaching the first buoy he tacked into hadn’t yet learnt how to move in the of the crew at the Boat Pen and I cast off the wind. The nose of the boat direction I had to go. Soon I realised from the wooden jetty with all the burrowed into the water and the back with practice that it was possible to majesty of a Boeing 747 taking off and end reared up in a prelude to what bash into the buoy at exactly the correct headed for the first buoy in the circuit. became a gigantic summersault for the speed and angle so as to emerge from On reaching there I decided to gybe. coxswain. He landed 15 feet ahead of the confrontation pointing roughly in When I put the tiller over to the other the boat on the flat of his back. From my the direction of my destination. side, the boom swung and hit me on the point of view he went whizzing past at Something like how snooker works! back of my head. I took off from the 10 knots, when the world around us had Sometimes I had to put my foot into the boat and executed a double-front-flip- suddenly stopped. When his head water to act as a pivoting point or a half-jack-knife manoeuvre in the air popped out of the water, it looked like stabiliser. before disappearing into the water. My he had been at the receiving end of a On one beautiful Saturday head hurt the same way it would hurt Jaguar missile strike. It was my time to afternoon, there was a boat ahead of me had a 3-Tonner rolled over it. But my point out to him that had he fallen on with some moron (A sixth termer, who crew was clueless since he was busy his crotch, he would have been doomed as a Sergeant in his fifth term, used to tending to the ‘jib’, or the front sail. His to an unromantic marriage! take post at Ashoka Pillar and mental meanderings were inevitably The third time I took the boat out, I confiscate hankies from juniors) on the brought to an abrupt halt when he was a trifle off the mark in timing rudder who was cruising at glacial realised five minutes later that the because I was watching the boom speed with all the alacrity and verve of a coxswain of the boat was missing and closely and was prepared for the boom- gold fish on valium. I was coming up he was proceeding at Battle Speed swing. But the swing came so rapidly from behind him at combat speed. He towards the equatorial forests and and unexpectedly that I left the tiller was dawdling compared to my Sukhoi- mangroves on the other side of the lake. and grabbed the boom and for the next 30 on combat power. There wasn’t And he didn’t know how to stop the ten minutes was left swinging from one much option left for an unarmed junior boat. They retrieved him and the sail side of the boat to the other. Believe me, like me but to bash into him. After we boat, which was stuck high up on a tree, it was a bowel-loosening experience I collided, I ejected on the other side of
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the buoy, with his boat capsized and Rajiv Khel Ratna awards for sailing. Everybody likes a winner! So my best mine sailing merrily. He emerged from When you’re surrounded with such moments in sailing came when KB Sahi the water one hour later after they sent magnificence, it’s bound to rub off. I (53-54/K) and I won the Eastern Naval him a tow boat, by which time I had learnt quite a few things on our Command trophy for sailing in 1982 cycled back to the squadron and was Saturday jaunts about sailing from him, and then again in 1993 when AR Karve treating myself to cold coffee and in the Kochi sailing club. By the time I (56/A) and I won the DSSC open sailing pastry. That gave me a nice warm became a Lieutenant in the Navy I got trophy in Pykara lake, which was a silver feeling in my underpants. the hang of sailing and used to regularly metal beer mug with a glass bottom. In my first outing as a sixth termer I make my way around Vizag harbor on Ah! I Iove to drink from that mug! managed to round the buoy without half days, as a bachelor, in a boat Because showing off that mug is just colliding into another boat. It wasn’t sufficiently filled with chilled beer cans. another way of saying in the most because of my good looks or the dirty I also felt that if I half-closed my eyes, I ostentatious way “Hey! I took a boat smelly socks I was wearing. It was could imagine the bow of the boat to be ride on the Pykara!” because the guy in the other boat, a the prow of INS Rajput or the nose of a chap who I immediately took after my Sea Harrier or the protruding gun of the An alumnus of the NDA, Captain own heart, quickly got out of the way. T-72 Tank. Anil Gonsalves, IN, (Retd) commanded Soon thereafter, I found other boats Now, who said sailing is time Coast Guard ship Rajshree and INS ahead of me parting, like the Red sea to consuming and boring? Left up to me, I Mahish in the Navy among his varied allow me to go through. could’ve sat in a boat and gone from pt appointments. He took premature During my Subs-Courses I was A to B in NDA instead of running up and retirement in 2005 and presently is fortunate to share a cabin for a full year down hills looking for ‘Lone Trees’ and working in the Offshore Division of the with Motivala (54/A) the famed sailor, anatomical body parts of a woman Shipping Corporation of India as who is also the most awarded, having called Babita, every time the squadron Master in their Platform Support received the Arjuna, Dronacharya and took off towards the hills. Vessels.
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OBITUARY BORN TO LEAD Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch, SM, VSM
On 27 May 2016, one of the heroes of in that victory. The first of these was Lt both the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars, Gen. Sagat Singh, who was then Maj. Gen. Hardev Singh Kler, MVC, commanding IV Corps. It was Sagat’s AVSM, passed away at his residence, relentless offensive spirit that pushed 21240 Sunwood Drive, Walnut, his Corps to the limits of human California. Born on 03 September 1924, endurance. He sensed victory would be General Kler was commissioned into his if he could but get to the gateway of the Corps of Signals. A man born to Dhaka in time. Though not part of his lead, General Kler took part in the mandate, he conceptualised the Second World War aged 19 years where possibilities inherent in his task and he served with distinction in the Burma prepared for them accordingly. He was Campaign and was Mentioned-in- a maverick, a quality that his peers and Despatches. After the War, he saw seniors in equal measure resented, but action in the Jammu Division in 1948 a quality that made his officers and men and two years later, in 1950, he was achieve the impossible. At the posted to 50 Independent Parachute operational level, his grasp of the Brigade. In 1954 after a stint as GSO2 overall situation was unsurpassable - Northern Scouts, he was posted as BM MAJ GEN HARDEV SINGH and he stood alone, towering above all 82 Infantry Brigade. He did another the rest. He was in full measure, India’s stint as BM 104 Infantry Brigade at KLER, MVC, AVSM Guderian in the Liberation War. His Tangdhar and thereafter moved to 03 September 1924 - 27 May 2016 crossing of the Meghna is legendary, a Tenga as Commander Signals, 5 feat IV Corps accomplished under his Infantry Division. leadership, with the full unstinted Posted as the GSO-1, 19 Infantry support of another legend of the Division in 1963, he played an offensive, captured the famous Hajipir Liberation War, Air Commodore (Later instrumental role in thwarting the Pass. The account is gripping and Air Vice Marshal) Chandan Singh and insidious Pakistani infiltration plan in unputdownable - and is a must read for his men. August 1965. A set of fortuitous those who want to know what really At the tactical level, Hardev Kler was circumstances led to his continuing to happened in the month of August 1965. a cut above the rest. His masterful stay as the principal staff officer of the What is equally remarkable about this handling of the battle of Jamalpur is the division, as he had been posted out to story is that Gen. Kler, on my request, stuff that legends are made off. A the Staff College and had already been wrote it just a couple of years before he combination of the brilliance of Sagat dined out. When the infiltration started, died, from the notes he had preserved and the tactical acumen of Hardev Kler, he chose to stay back and continued from the war years. He was 90 years old helped India snatch a victory in a time with the Division till the end of the war. then and was unwell, recovering from frame that few would have thought For the sterling role played by him in an amputation of his leg - yet he chose possible at the commencement of the those tumultuous months, he was to capture that bit of history for war. At that time, 95 Mountain Brigade awarded Vishisht Seva Medal II, which posterity - a truly remarkable was under 101 Communication Zone was later renamed Ati Vishisht Seva achievement. headquartered at Shillong and Medal. His account of ‘Operation Perhaps the crowning feature of Gen. commanded by Maj. Gen. Gurbax Gibraltar’, published in the book Kler’s military career was the role Singh. It was the battle of Jamalpur that ‘Honour Redeemed and other stories of played by him as Commander 95 opened up yet another avenue to the 1965 War’ makes for fascinating Infantry Brigade in the 1971 Bangladesh Dacca, at a time when the operations of reading, bringing out with great Liberation War. Much has been written XXXIII Corps under Lt Gen Thapan and candour and honesty how the about this war, but credit has rarely II Corps under Lt Gen. Raina were infiltrating force was defeated, and how been given to the two field stalled. Jamalpur was a tough nut to 19 Infantry Division in the counter commanders, who played a leading role crack, being defended by 31 Baluch plus
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OBITUARY
With Mr Zohal Haq Munshi, the courier who carried Gen Kler’s Message to Lt Col Sultan Ahmad.
some additional elements, under the command of Lt Col Sultan Ahmad. In a show of gentlemanly spirit, Kler sent Sultan a letter, offering him generous terms to surrender. This was spurned by Sultan, who in an act of bravado returned the messenger with another note, enclosed in a bullet. ‘Hope to find you with a sten gun in your hand next time instead of the pen, you seem to have so much mastery over” was the terse reply. In the ensuing battle, Sultan’s battalion was decimated with 234 dead and 380 taken prisoner. Sultan however escaped with about 200 men and was taken prisoner later in Dacca. Thereafter, it was 95 Brigade which carried out the link up with 2 Para, which had been airdropped over Tangail on 11 December. The battalion decimated a Pakistani brigade at the The Indian flag flutters proudly atop Hajipir Pass. Maj. Gen. (then Lt Col) H.S. Kler is standing Poongli Bridge which it caught by second from right. In the centre is Brig. (later Lt Gen.) Z.C. Bakshi. Second from left is the surprise. By the evening of 12 Commander Engineer Regiment, Lt Col Tenny Berry. Photo taken in September 1965. December, 95 Brigade had completed the link up with the paratroopers. Not their mark. Indeed, the man was their three children, Deejay (Wg Cdr DJ surprisingly, the first man to reach there invincible in battle. Maj. Gen. K.M. Kler, VM), Madhur (Dimple) and Kiran was Brig. Hardev Kler! Bhimaya, an erudite scholar rated him Saluja. As a matter of interest to military During the entire course of the as ‘arguably the best field commander historians, Wg Cdr DJ Kler also fought in operations, Kler as the Commander of the Indian Army’. After the war, in the Liberation War - a rare instance exercised front line leadership, being which he deservedly was awarded the where both father and son fought always in the midst of action. He Mahavir Chakra, Gen Kler went on alongside in the same theatre. escaped death by a whisker on more promotion to command 10 Infantry Rest in Peace Sir. May the Angels look than a few occasions, but always passed Division. On leaving the Army, he after you in your final resting place at off such happenings in a jocular settled down in Chandigarh and later Valhalla. We consider you a soldier fashion. His jeep was blown but he moved to California. beyond compare, a man who made remained unscathed. Bullets went He is survived by his wife Avtar history in 71. Your role will always be through his parka, but failed to find Chakkal whom he married in 1947 and remembered.
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EMPOWERING VETERANS PROVIDING SECOND CALLINGS FOR EX-SERVICEMEN
Lt Gen Ata Hasnain Unveiling the Site
Soldier2ndlIfe, a website that harnesses The site has a unique proposition. It the two ex-army officers who founded the power of the defence community into uses the power of the internet to harness and established the site, amplified on its a comprehensive portal offering the over 5 million strong members of the concept, “The defence forces form one of products and services was launched on defence community (which includes ex- the largest affinity groups in the country 03 June at New Delhi. servicemen and their spouses) and and have a pan-India reach. Most sites Lt Gen. Ata Hasnain, a renowned provides them with a portal on which offer them jobs and placements but there strategist and military thinker and also they can look for jobs, offer services, sell are many more avenues that can be the mentor of the site, unveiled the site in products on-line and put up their homes explored. We do provide jobs through our a ceremony attended by luminaries from for a Bed-n-Breakfast. The products and tie–ups with industry and commerce, but the Army, Navy and Air Force, ex- services are put up for sale on the site and that is a minuscule part of the overall servicemen and members of industry can be procured on-line by the entire offerings. We offer varied options to ex- and commerce. He brought out the internet community. Some of the servicemen by which they can find unique bonding that exists within the products were also on display during the productive second callings. The services defence community and how launch and stood out by their range and sector is one in which their power has still Soldier2ndlife could be the platform that originality. been untapped. Here, they can offer helps link them together. Col Sunil Prem and Col Ajay Singh – services in the fields of training,
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EMPOWERING VETERANS
investigation, project management, surveys and even rudimentary ones such as driving and other administrative services” “They can also put up homes for a Bed n Breakfast. So many ex-servicemen have a spare room to offer and more importantly make excellent hosts. We use that USP to get clientele for them from India and abroad.” The site also enables them to sell products – unusual products which in some way reflect the ‘soldier theme” and has some unusual handicrafts, apparel and outdoors items. One of its major attractions is a home wine-making kit, perhaps the only one of its kind in India, which is available on the site. The event also saw the presentation of the ‘Soldier for Life” Award – an award presented to persons who persons who have attained notable success in both their military careers and subsequently in the civil world. The inaugural award was presented by Mrs Sabiha Hasnain to Lt Gen. Sudhir Sharma, Commodore Dr Prem Chand and Col S.M. Kumar, who followed their glittering military careers by establishing and operating MITKAT, one of the largest security advisory companies in the country. Gen. Sharma Col Ajay Singh (top) and Col Sunil Prem addressing the audience reaffirmed the credo of Soldier 2ndlife when he said, “Soldiers don’t retire; they merely re-attire and change from military uniforms to civilian clothing”. The launch culminated with the release of the comic book ‘Chak De in Africa’ – authored and conceptualised by Col Sunil Prem – a first of its kind in India which covers the exploits of a fictional army unit in different situations. Soldier2ndLife does have a unique concept which has much to offer. The platform seems to be well-set. Now, operationalising it on a pan-India basis would be the next big challenge for its founders.
Presentation of the Inaugural Soldier2ndlife Award
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NEWS
CHINA’S UNDERWATER GREAT WALL The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), one of the country’s two largest shipbuilding state-owned enterprises, has proposed the construction of a network of ship and subsurface sensors that could significantly erode the undersea warfare advantage held by US and Russian submarines and contribute greatly to future Chinese ability to control the South China Sea (SCS). As per the news website of IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, details of the network of sensors, called the 'Underwater Great Wall Project', were revealed in a CSSC booth at a public exhibition in China in late 2015. A translated copy of the descriptions was obtained by IHS Jane’s from a government official. The text was confirmed by a second government source on condition of anonymity. What CSSC is proposing is in effect an improved Chinese version of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) that for a time gave the US a significant advantage in countering Soviet submarines during the Cold War. It aims to provide its customers with "a package solution in terms of underwater environment monitoring and collection, real-time location, tracing of surface and underwater targets, warning of seaquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters as well as marine scientific research”. It says it has on offer, 10 series of products that include systems relating to marine observation, oceanographic instrumentation, underwater robotics, and ship support and that its R&D and production bases in Beijing and Wuxi have the ability “to support the whole industry chain covering fundamental research, key technology development, solution design, overall system integration, core equipment development, production, and operation service support”. China’s Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is likely to acquire the system, which may also be offered for export. powered submarine paid a port visit to the island nation, Specific components of CSSC's surveillance system include ostensibly to send a message to the Japanese! surface ships, sonar systems, underwater security equipment, Both the United States and India are growing concerned at marine oil and gas exploration equipment, underwater unmanned the reach and ambition of the Chinese navy, which is taking an equipment, and marine instrument electronic equipment. increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea and is India needs to keep a close watch on further developments in challenging India's domination in the Indian Ocean. We are likely this field. The Chinese navy controls the world’s second largest to see enhanced cooperation between the two countries on fleet with more than 80 submarines, 16 of which are nuclear- tracking submarines in the Indian Ocean, further boosting powered and another 15 are equipped with marine technology defence ties. This will perhaps encompass talks between the two that allows them to stay underwater longer and their engines to navies on anti submarine warfare (ASW), to include areas of operate more quietly, enhancing their stealth capability. Of sensitive military technology and closely held tactics that only concern to India is increasing Chinese submarine activity in the allies share. Presumably, such basic engagements will be the Indian Ocean. With India preparing to launch its first locally-built building blocks for an enduring Navy-to-Navy relationship, which submarine armed with nuclear tipped missiles and the U.S. could fructify into a shared ASW capability. As of now, both India seeking to track Chinese nuclear armed submarines in the and the United States conduct joint naval exercises and both fly Pacific, the Chinese are expected to send their own attack the new version of the P-8 aircraft, Washington's most advanced submarines to the Indian Ocean in greater numbers to scrutinise submarine hunting weapon, equipped with sensors that can track the Indian patrols. and identify submarines by sonar and other means, making As per Indian naval officials, sighting of Chinese submarines information sharing easier on highly sensitive submarine tracking takes place four times every three months. During the visit of activities. Japanese premier Shinzo Abe to Sri Lanka, a Chinese nuclear
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NEWS GOOD BYE SEA HARRIER, WELCOME TEJAS
ourselves to our partnership with the Indian Navy through our continued support on the Hawk advanced jet trainer.” The Sea Harriers are being replaced by the indigenously built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The naval version of Tejas will operate from the Vikrant’s successor, an indigenous aircraft carrier under development that is scheduled to be commissioned in 2018. Commodore (Retd) CD Balaji, chief of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which oversees the Tejas development programme, stated that taking off and landing from a 200-metre deck has been fully established. So has “hot- refuelling” --- topping up the On 11 May 2016, after thirty years of flying from Indian Navy aircraft after a sortie with the engine running and the pilot in the aircraft carriers, the iconic Sea Harrier jump jet made its last cockpit --- which allows a rapid turnaround between sorties.The flight with the Indian Navy. Built by BAE Systems, the Sea Tejas will fill in the crucial light fighter slot for the INS Vikrant Harriers operated from India’s erstwhile air craft carriers, the INS and, subsequently, INS Vishal. The MiG-29K will be the medium Vikrant and INS Viraat, both of which are now no longer in fighter on INS Vikrant. Service. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha flew a On the occasion of their de-induction, Mr Alistair Castle, VP trainer version of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and GM-India, BAE Systems stated: “We are very proud of our (LCA) on 17 May 2016. “It’s a good aircraft to fly and fit to be support to the Indian Navy in keeping the iconic Sea Harriers inducted into our fleet,” He said. airworthy over the last 33 years. Three decades ago, when the The current Tejas Mark 1 is fitted with the F-404 engine. The Sea Harriers were inducted, these aircraft with modern Tejas Mark 2 will have the more powerful General Electric F-414 weaponry, avionics and an engine which could land the aircraft engine. Carrier based trials are likely to be completed in 2017 vertically, defying all the laws of aerodynamics, introduced and the system is likely to be operationalised thereafter. V/STOL for the Indian Navy. On this symbolic day, we re-dedicate
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ADMIRAL LANBA TAKES CHARGE AS NAVAL CHIEF
On 31 May 2016, Admiral Sunil Lanba, took charge as the Chief of Naval Staff from his predecessor Admiral R.K.Dhowan, who retired after four decades of service. Admiral Lanba, was earlier the the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. His appointment as Naval Chief had been announced by the Government on 6 May 2016. In a service spanning nearly 38 years, Admiral Lanba has served in a variety of command, operational and staff appointments. He has commanded four frontline warships — INS Kakinada (minesweeper), INS Himgiri (frigate) and destroyers INS Ranvijay and INS Mumbai. Admiral Lanba is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptionally high order. He will have a full three-year-term as Naval Chief till May 31, 2019.
ARMY EXPEDITION SCALES MOUNT EVEREST
At dawn on 19 May 2016, Lt Col Ranveer Jamwal, the team leader on April 25. Twenty-two international climbers and local sherpas, of the Indian Army’s Everest Massif Expedition 2016, along with six lost their lives in an avalanche which struck the base camp, but the team members successfully scaled the world’s highest peak. Indian Army Expedition, fortunately remained unharmed. It thereafter Earlier, on 30 March, the 30 member expedition had been flagged took control of the situation organising rescue and relief measures. off by Lt Gen. M.M.S. Rai, Vice Chief of the Army Staff. This is the Son of a Havaldar, Jamwal had joined the army as a jawan in third time that Lt Col Jamwal has scaled Mt Everest, having the Dogra Regiment. With sheer hard work and dedication, he accomplished this feat earlier on May 25, 2012 and on May 19, made it to the Army Cadet College (ACC) and then was 2013. commissioned in the Jat regiment as an officer. He has the In 2015, Lt Col Jamwal, who is a reputed climber, was at the record of having led 17 climbers to Everest, including the six Everest base camp when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake stuck Nepal which scaled the peak on 19 May 2016.
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NEWS
ATTESTATION PARADE AT ASSAM REGIMENTAL CENTRE
295 recruits of 315 batch of the Assam Regimental Centre participated in a magnificent attestation parade on 14 May 2016 in a scintillating ceremony conducted at Parson Parade Ground of Assam Regimental Centre. The Parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) and Colonel of the Assam Regiment & Arunachal Scouts. The parade was graced by the proud parents and relatives of the passing out trainees. A large number of military dignitaries and civilian guests were also present. Raised on 15 June 1941, this is the platinum Jubilee year of the regiment. In its glorious history, the regiment has earned Seven Battle Honours, Three Theatre Honours, Nine Chief of Army Staff citations, 23 Army Commanders citations and Two United Nations citations. 55 Individual Honours and Awards Pre Independence and 1548 Post-Independence. Complementing the passing out batch for their immaculate standards, the general encouraged the warriors from the North East to persevere in pursuit of excellence.
India gets its own Submarine Assembly Workshop
In a major step towards self-sufficiency in the area of submarine 45 per cent of the submarine will have to be built indigenously, ” construction for the Indian Navy, defence minister Manohar said Parrikar. Parrikar inaugurated a state-of-the-art submarine assembly India had acquired the capacity to build submarines in the workshop at the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited on 28 May early 80s and had built two submarines, INS Shalki and INS 2016. Shankul under a technology transfer agreement with German Built at a cost of Rs153 crore, the workshop is capable of HDW. But then, for nearly two decades, no other submarines building five submarines concurrently. This will ensure lesser were built after India decided to buy Kilo class submarines from delays in building submarines in the long run, as well as for the Russia. envisaged second line of Scorpene submarines under Project P When questioned how India would keep up with its submarine 75I. “The project might go through a strategic partner. A building skills, Parrikar said, “The skill which we acquired 24 strategic partnership route is being discussed. Once we finalise years ago had gone to waste because there was no work. We the modalities, we may go for P75I selection where nearly 40 to are planning to sustain the skill we have acquired.”
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RAISINA HILL
PAKISTAN’S ‘INDIAFLUENZA’ INFECTS ITS KASHMIRI MINIONS TOO
mix of piling up a nuclear arsenal by devious means, being a dangerous global liability as a nuclear armed nation ruled by a rogue army connected with/supporting mad-dog-minded terrorists, its irresponsibility/gung-ho bravado of threatening to use its nukes against India and the lies and irony of its other related statements. A day after India’s March 2016 test- Lt Col Anil Bhat firing of an indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile capable of destroying any incoming ballistic missile, In February 2016, New York Times South Pakistan claimed that this test will Africa correspondent Carlotta Gall stated “disturb the balance of power in the that experts have found a lot of evidence region.” Sartaj Aziz, adviser on foreign of Pakistan facilitating the Taliban affairs to Pakistan’s Prime Minister said offensive. “This behaviour is not just an that Pakistan will raise its voice at the issue for Afghanistan. Pakistan is international level against these intervening in a number of foreign developments and will upgrade its conflicts. Its intelligence service has long defensive capabilities by acquiring acted as the manager of international advanced technology to improve its mujahideen forces, many of them Sunni defence. This is but a classic example of extremists, and there is even speculation Pakistan’s irresponsibility, as it involves that it may have been involved in the rise its declared use of “tactical nuclear of the Islamic State… Pakistan regards weapons” against Indian Army if it enters Afghanistan as its backyard. Determined Pakistani soil. Pakistan’s nuclear not to let its arch rival, India, gain materials procurer Dr. A.Q. Khan influence there, and to ensure that chipped in with his claim of nuking India Afghanistan remains in the Sunni attention of the security agencies to in 5 minutes. Hafiz Saeed also ranted Islamist camp, Pakistan has used the prevent the youth of Kashmir from about using nukes against India. Does Taliban selectively, promoting those who getting lured (into ISIS),"while former that mean that apprehensions about further its agenda and cracking down on CM, J&K, Omar Abdullah had terrorists already possessing nukes are those who don’t. The same goes for Al dismissively stated “The flag was waved true? Such kind of sabre-rattling must be Qaeda and other foreign fighters... It said by some idiots, which does not mean that taken serious note of by not only India, there are reports that Pakistan had a role ISIS has any presence in Kashmir.” In but other major powers, particularly the in the rise of ISIS... It might come as a April 2015 there were reports of not only US and China, especially the latter as also surprise that the region’s triumvirate of protesters raising anti-India slogans and the Pakistani public. violent jihad is living openly in waving ISIS and Pakistan flags after It is reiterated that India needs to Pakistan… First, there’s Siraj-ud-din Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid, but make it unaffordable for Pakistan to Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani also of protesters setting ablaze flags of continue its proxy war by terror by network. Then there is the new leader of PDP. Since then, waving of ISIS and developing the capacity to strike the Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Pakistani flags outside the Jama Masjid effectively against Pakistan’s terrorist Mansour. Finally, Al Qaeda’s leader, on Fridays has become a routine affair. assets. Simultaneously, BJP’s ideologues Ayman al-Zawahri, enjoys sanctuary in 2016’s tally of attacks by Pak army/ISI must reign in its “fringe” liabilities. The Pakistan.” supported terrorists in Kashmir valley till people of J&K must also assert In October 2014, Lt Gen. Subrata Saha, June 2016, is thirty, with over 30 terrorists themselves to separate the separatists then GOC of 15 Corps headquartered in killed and a large number of incidents of (read traitors) from amongst the masses. Srinagar had cautioned: "The emergence incitement of local populace, particularly Other wise, the state will continue to be of ISIS flags (during protests) merits youth, to disturb peace. hostage to terrorist groups at great cost to concern and deserves the highest Pakistan’s next absurdity is a sinister life and liberty.
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VETERANS ALERT
IMPORTANT WEBSITES USEFUL TO EX-SERVICEMEN
Hony Capt Baldev Singh
Websites that give useful information for forms/information related to pay, perks all veterans are listed below: and other entitlement. www.pcdapension.nic.in http://indianarmyveterans.gov.in/ Personnel can directly contact with This Indian Army Veteran Portal was PCDA Pension Allahabad regarding their raised in April 2013 as a single window for grievances. the redressal of veterans’ issues and www.npsnavy.com aspirations at Army Headquarters level. It is related to Naval Public School. You Since then, its role and charter has can visit this site for career option, expanded considerably, to include counselling, admission, board of matters beyond the usual pension and governors etc. welfare related issues. www.inpa.co.in http://www.desw.gov.in/ This for Naval Placement Agency site This is a Department of Ex-Servicemen provides job assistance to all ex-naval Welfare (DESW) that was set up in personnel including widows free September 2004 within the Ministry of membership). Defence. This department formulates www.pcdanavy.nic.in various policies and programmes for the This provides information regarding welfare and resettlement of ESM in the latest orders/circulars of pensioners. Country. They can contact for pending claims Pagindia (www.pagindia.com) regarding revision of pension and TA/SA Details of old age home in different claims etc. places in different parts of India. There www.csdindia.gov.in www.persmin.nic.in are two types of Old Age Homes in India, All important information in respect to The website of Ministry of Personnel, namely the free old age homes and the Canteen Stores Department like revised Public Grievances and Pensions. paid old age homes with various facilities monetary limits, authority letter www.mod.nic.in and services rendered by old age home of regarding purchase of car by JCOs/OR , This is the official website of Ministry of India. CSD bulletin, AFD item list – depot wise Defence. Provides all MoD/GOI www.armedforces.nic.in are available on this site. orders/Circulars and publication, which This site provides information regarding www.nausena-bharti.nic.in are useful to ESM e.g. “Sainik Samachar”. tri-services organisations. This site provides detailed information www.indianarmy.nic.in/echs www.irfc-nausena.nic.in about various entries in Navy, This site provides information about This website is maintained by the recruitment criteria, eligibility and ECHS policy letter, list of polyclinics, Information Resource and Facilities contact information of DMPR for FAQ, guide lines for ECHS members. Centre at IHQ, MoD (Navy). Information Officers and Sailors entries. www.ieslindia.org regarding VSF is hosted in retired section. www.dgrindia.com Indian ex-services league, Govt approved www.indianairforce.nic.in This website is maintained by the largest ex-servicemen body. It is for welfare for Air Force Veterans. Director General Resettlement and www.awesindia.com www.indianmilitary.info contains valuable information regarding To provide admission to children of It is for Indian Military Service Benefits resettlement opportunity, employment Officers, JCOs and OR in the schools and and issues. assistance provided to ESM, various colleges iafpensioners.gov.in Forms and News updates from the http://awhosena.in/ This website is for benefits to ESM. Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). Very To provide quality housing at affordable www.indiannavy.nic.in important web site for Ex-sailors, widows cost to Serving/Retired Army personnel This is the official website of Indian Navy. and their NoKs. and their widows It provides vision document of Indian https://navpay.gov.in http://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/ Navy and links to home page of Naval This website is of Naval Pay Office. After Candidate selection to joint army as an Dockyard, INBA, NGIS,DNA, Dte of Fleet logging in you can communicate with officer and rally scheduled for enrolment Maintenance, DME etc. Naval Pay Office and find all of JCOs/OR in army.
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BOOK REVIEW COURAGE BEYOND COMPARE
Aarti K. Pathak
What happened in the 1965 Indo-Pak the poignant battle accounts of Col VN War? Perhaps a good way to find out Bhatia, Lt Col NK Rastogi and others. The would be to read the first hand accounts Battle of Barki by Colonel Duggal and of the men who fought in that conflict. Brig Kanwaljit Singh make for ’Honour Redeemed’ is perhaps the first unforgettable reading and transport the book in that genre, which has brought reader to the battlefield, as if it was out the subaltern history of that war. This yesterday. And then there are fascinating was also the time when the Cold War was accounts of the 1 Corps Indian offensive at its peak and rivalry between the into Pakistan by Lt Gen. N.S. Cheema, Lt United States and the Soviet Union was Gen. Ajai Singh, Brig. M.M.S. Bakshi and at an all time high. India was going Brig. O.S. Goraya. Another inspiring through a bad phase, economically and anecdote which is certain to grab the militarily, being hampered by a slow reader’s attention is the account of the growth rate, the result of Nehruvian battle of Miajlar, by Lt Gen. Duggal, socialism and still recovering from the which “is a tribute to the spirit of young humiliating defeat at Chinese hands in officers who have carried the burden, so 1962. Pakistan, however had a strong valiantly, of all wars that India has fought economy and was flush with funds and against her adversaries.” The air warriors HONOUR REDEEMED military hardware from the West and the are not far behind with fascinating tales United States. In Pakistani eyes, the time of valour by Wg Cdr Vinod Nebb, Air AND OTHER STORIES was ripe to take on India and settle the Marshal Philip Rajkumar and Air Marshal FROM THE 1965 Kashmir issue on terms favourable to it. V.K. Bhatia, each story a masterpiece, INDO-PAK WAR The book starts with an account by Lt remaining etched in the mind for long. Col Keshav S Puntambekar who saw It is indeed fortunate that many of the Editor: operations first hand as a young Captain. people who fought that war over fifty Maj Gen. Dhruv C. Katoch His account of the ‘Battle in Kutch’, years ago had preserved their war Bloomsbury India captures in totality the operations which accounts. Despite their age, despite Pages: 324 took place in this sector, to include the some being seriously ill and under heroic defence of Sardar Post by a medical care, they pulled out their Price Rs 500/- company of the Central Reserve Police accounts, so that their experiences could Paperback Force against the might of a regular be shared with the youth of today. The brigade of the Pakistan Army. From there, editor has done a remarkable job in the book seamlessly delves into putting it all together in a manner that is Pakistan’s nefarious plan to attack and easy to read and comprehend. Since seize Jammu and Kashmir in an publication of this book in 2015, a few of operation code named ‘Operation these veterans have passed away to their Gibraltar’. The account of Operation rightful place in Valhalla, but the book Gibraltar, by Maj Gen. H.S. Kler, inspires remains a testimony to the spirit and awe, and is a testimony to the heroism valour of India’s Armed Forces. and grit of the Indian soldier. This is a book which must be read not The book is a treasure trove of just by the officers and men of our armed inspiring and unforgettable accounts of forces but by the youth of India. The the most important battles of the 1965 stories are indeed awe inspiring and will war. The Battle of Chhamb comes alive most certainly leave the reader with a with its telling by Lt Col Anil Heble. The sense of pride. And, as the title of the fields of Khem Karan once again book so eloquently states, the Honour of reverberate to the sounds of gun fire with the Nation stood Redeemed.
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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE BUCKWHEAT NOODLES A Light Wholesome Meal
Aditi Pathak
I have always enjoyed noodles as a light meal and am always on the lookout for healthy noodle options. I recently came across a pack of buckwheat noodles and was quite intrigued by it. Upon reading up on this a bit I found that buckwheat is actually the seeds of the buckwheat plant (and is not actually 'wheat'). Buckwheat is a rich source of protein, fibre and vitamins. The pack of noodles I had found was organic, which is always good news as it means no pesticides in my food! So I happily got myself one to try it out. Wanting to make this as healthy as possible, I added my favourite greens to it and it turned out just right! Do give this a try if you can get your hands on buckwheat noodles (note that the pack I got also contained organic unbleached wholewheat flour).
Ingredients: ● Organic Buckwheat Noodles ● Broccoli Florets chopped - 1 cup ● Green capsicum thinly sliced - 1 cup ● Basil leaves - a bunch ● Onion sliced - 1 small ● Garlic chopped - 2/3 pods the noodles and rinse once with cold basil and the noodles and combine well. I ● Ginger sliced - an inch water. Then set aside. added basil in the end as I wanted it to ● Red/ green chilli - sliced For the vegetables, start with heating remain firm. Remember, basil wilts ● Olive oil - to sauté the vegetables oil in a pan. Add the sliced ginger followed completely in heat. Check for seasoning ● Extra virgin olive oil - to add when by garlic and sauté for a bit. Add the and add more salt if required. You could serving onions and sliced chilli. Sauté a few also spice this up by adding more pepper ● Crushed red chillies - 1 tea spoon minutes and then add the broccoli and and crushed red chillies if you like! This is ● Pepper - to sprinkle as per taste capsicum. Cook on high flame and leave what I did as I like my noodles spicy! To ● Salt - to taste the pan open. Add salt to taste. When the serve, add to the your serving plate and vegetables start to get tender, add a few of top with a spoonful of extra virgin olive Recipe: the red chilli flakes and pepper. oil. Enjoy. Get water to boil in a deep heavy Remember, you can always add more bottomed pan. When the water starts vegetables of your choice. Just keep in Ms Aditi Pathak is based in boiling, add the noodles and cook as per mind the cooking time required for your Singapore. Widely travelled and from a instructions on the pack. This usually vegetables and add them accordingly. Services background, cooking is one of cooks in 3-5 minutes. When ready, drain When the vegetables are ready add the her many passions.
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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE TIBET TRAVELOGUE NATHU LA KAILASH MANASAROVAR YATRA
Col RC Patial, SM
I undertook the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) in August 2015 which jelled in well with my love for mountaineering and trekking. In my younger days, during my tenure in Ladakh, I had read of the exploits of General Zorawar Singh and I was also keen to visit his ‘samadhi’, which was near Mansarovar beyond Taklakot. I was amazed that my fellow yatris had no idea about the gallant hero who had integrated Ladakh with India through his military campaign in 1841. When Zorawar was killed in battle in December 1841, the Tibetans cut small pieces of flesh from the General’s dead body to hang outside their houses so that renewable energy could be gauged by the in Ladakh villages and are called the ‘Rest Zorawar-like chivalry was passed on fact that solar panels and windmills Rooms’ in Tibet by the Chinese! among the Tibetan people from dotted the landscape. Also visible were a My mission of the Kailash Mansarovar generation to generation. large number of communication towers. Yatra remained partially unfulfilled as I I had expected the plateau to be could not visit Gen. Zorawar’s Samadhi. totally barren and dust laden but was New townships are mushrooming As per our Ministry of External Affairs surprised with the extent of (Latung- Kangma- Lazi-Darchen) all (MEA), Chinese authorities do not allow infrastructure development that has along the highway with world class diverting from the laid down itinerary. taken place in Tibet, which starts from infrastructure of multi-storey hotels and However, people who go on the yatra via Nathu La itself. This includes state-of- malls. New Han settlements have come Lipulekh do visit the Samadhi. Perhaps the-art roads, rail network, up though not fully occupied with each the MEA could look into this aspect. telecommunications and overall house hoisting the PRC flag. Excellent In the book, ‘Becoming a Mountain’ infrastructure development beyond the post offices and extensive mobile usage by Stephen Alter, there is a passage where actual needs of Tibet. The road network also gave an idea of the development of a refugee from Tibet, Lhatoo remembers in Tibet is excellent, and luxury buses ply the region. In Latung, just an hour’s drive his village in Yatung as ‘a cold, dusty, dark easily up to Nathu La. From what I from Nathu La, the river passing through place’, where he would watch observed, it would be possible for fighter has been converted into a canal with disassembled motorcycles being carried aircraft too to take off from some of these colourful multi-storey buildings on both on the backs of porters all the way from road stretches. This amply highlights the banks. India to Lhasa, where they were Chinese policy of integrating Tibet with How the Tibetans view the reassembled. Clearly, that trade flow has the mainland, by laying special emphasis development is difficult to gauge due to reversed. The pictures of Yatung then and on the economic development of the language barriers as no one understands now tell their own tale. region and showcasing its development English. 99 percent of the road signs, to the world. shop names etc. are in Chinese or Col RC Patial, SM, FRGS is an army Customs/Immigration posts have an Tibetan. Majority of the hospitality sector veteran who has served with NTRO as integrated modern network of and the shops are managed by Chief Editor OSINT & Dy Director NTRO computers. The railway line has reached girls/ladies. Toilets were the only eyesore Training Centre. He has also served with Shigatse and is likely to be extended to at places and along the highway. They are the National Security Council Secretariat Yatung below Nathu La. Emphasis on the open deep trench stinking toilets like (NSCS) as a Senior Defence Specialist.
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MAROOF’S MUSINGS
ndia is today amongst the largest weapon importers in the world and is expected to import weapons worth USD 200 billion or more over the next Idecade. It is thus no surprise that the current NDA government is keen to make India a ‘global manufacturing powerhouse’ on par with China, which has over the last decade turned from being one of the largest importers of weapons to one of the top five exporters. In contrast, the poor track record of India’s defence PSUs – the chosen ‘sarkari’ favourites - in delivering defence items to the security forces on time and within the budget, leaves little room for optimism. But this could change if the Raksha Mantri and the top bureaucratic- military leadership are willing to re-invent the wheel and demand time bound delivery on projects, once specifications are agreed and frozen. And simultaneously overhaul our defence PSUs which reek of nepotism.
Despite our long standing desire to develop India’s domestic defence manufacturing base instead of resorting to short-term modernisation efforts, we have continued to depend heavily on imported systems, as the armed forces reject many of the local products that were manufactured as ineffective or Maroof Raza outdated, since this process of creating a major weapons platform can take up to 15 years or more. And with successive governments insisting that our public sector undertakings be allowed to develop almost everything that our forces THE BIG need, the private sector has largely been denied the opportunities to enter this domain. Apparently, one reason why the Rafale fighter jet deal has been endlessly delayed is because the French want to have the bulk of these jets BUSINESS OF manufactured in partnership with a private sector Indian company, but the DEFENCE government insists this should be done with a PSU. And even if some Indian companies can rise up to the challenge – and that could take several years – there is an urgent need to address the critical gaps in India’s military capabilities. For instance, the collective requirement of helicopters for the three services and the para-military forces itself is for 800 helicopters of various types, requiring an immediate investment of USD 12 billion. By 2027, India will need over 450 fighter aircraft and over 200 warships to acquire some serious blue water naval punch. Add to that the Army’s immediate need for tanks, missiles, artillery systems, and better assault rifles to match the global favourite of terrorist, the AK-47. The demand for rifles itself (to replace the sub-standard INSAS) could be in the range of at least half a million rifles. All this requires billions of dollars in capital investment.
But ironically, despite being a huge market for arms sellers, it isn't easy to crack defence deals in India. With across the board black-listing of a large number of equipment manufacturers (OEMs) - in the wake of the AugustaWestland scandal- plus the reluctance now of politicians and bureaucrats to finalise deals for fear of scandals, along with dwindling capital funds outlay for purchases, would barely allow India to counter a two front threat from China and Pakistan, which are both increasing their offensive capability by the day. And even though an Indian Parliamentary Committee report had stated that 3 percent of GDP must be spent on defence, we currently spend about 1.8 percent of GDP on defence. In contrast, NATO countries, that are safe under a US military umbrella spend 2 percent of GDP on defence. A western study suggests that India must spend from 4 to 6 percent of its GDP, to have a world class military force. But that perhaps, will never happen.
For more details on Maroof Raza, visit: https:/ / www.maroofraza.com.
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