SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER FEBRUARY - MARCH 2017, VOL 9 ISSUE 6 www.salute.co.in I www.saluteindia.org

In This Issue

04 ENHANCING DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 05 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I On the Situation in J&K 06 BE DISTINCT I Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma 07 SALUTE TO SUBEDAR MALKIAT SINGH, MVC I Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir 08 VERSATILITY AND FLEXIBILITY 30 I Air Mshl Sumit Mukerji ONE MAN’S MEAT IS ANOTHER MAN’S 09 POISON MALDIVES MELODRAMA I Col Arun Sarkar I Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha 32 10 THE LONG NIGHTMARE OF HORROR IN THE FINEST CHIEF FOR THE FINEST ARMY DHAKA I Gen. Nirmal Chander Vij I Hiranmay Karlekar 12 DEPLETING FIGHTER SQUADRONS A 33 DEFENCE NEWS SOURCE OF CONCERN 37 I Dinakar Peri SEPARATE THE SEPARATISTS 15 DEPLETING SQUADRONS IN AN EXPANDING I Lt Col Anil Bhat THREAT MATRIX 38 PAY AND PENSION ISSUES I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 19 I Hony Capt Baldev Singh IS WEAPONISATION OF SPACE INEVITABLE? 39 I Group Captain Puneet Bhalla EVEREST AND BEYOND 22 I Lt Gen Yogi Sharma BEAR HUG FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN 40 SEVASI VIDYADHAR VAV: A HIDDEN JEWEL I Lt Gen Rameshwar Yadav I Aarti K Pathak 26 BATTING FOR THE FOOT SOLDIERS 41 DUM ALOO: A PERENNIAL WINNER ASPIRATIONS I Pathikrit Payne I Aditi Pathak 28 42 AMBUSH IN SUKMA MAROOF’S MUSINGS I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch I Maroof Raza

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[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 03 EDITOR’S NOTE ENHANCING DEFENCE Publisher Maroof Raza PREPAREDNESS Editor Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch Maj Gen Dhruv Katoch SM,VSM The news that the Defence Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley Accounts and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and has given the green signal to the recommendations has also made recommendations on restructuring of Associate Editor made by the Committee of Experts set up by the the National Cadet Corps (NCC), suggesting that it Lt Col Anil Bhatt previous Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar be brought under the administrative control of the VSM (Retd) is indeed heart warming. Considering that most ministry of human resources rather than the MoD. committee reports continue to gather dust, years Optimal use and integration of manpower and Publicity Manager after they were submitted to the government, the resources by re-deploying ex-servicemen including approval given by the Defence Minister to the retired officers and JCOs in various organisations (as Hony Capt (Retd) Baldev Singh reforms process in such a short time is path breaking. mentioned above) has also been proposed. The Committee of Experts was constituted by The committee has also recommended higher Board of Advisers the Ministry of Defence under the chairmanship allocations in the Union Budget for the defence sector Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma of Lt. Gen. DB Shekatkar (Retd) on May 11, 2016 to and has suggested cutting down the expenditure and PVSM,AVSM,YSM,VSM(Retd) recommend measures to enhance combat capability closing down certain organisations/PSUs, which it and rebalance defence expenditure of the armed felt was wasteful expenditure. forces. It submitted its report to the then Defence About 90 recommendations of the Shekatkar Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar on December Committee stand approved by the MoD, which Printed Published by 21, 2016. Thereafter, an internal committee was expects all of them to be implemented within Flags Media Pvt Ltd constituted within the Defence Ministry to analyse the next two years. That off course has to be seen, A-47 Hauz Khas(LGF) the recommendations made by the Shekatkar panel, considering the poor state of implementation of to identify the recommendations to be accepted and previous reports. But we have a new and more New Delhi 110016 to frame the key action points as well as a roadmap focussed government in power now, so perhaps the for their implementation. requisite change may indeed be in the offing. The Printed At The Shekatkar Committee was mandated to: CDS most likely will become a reality within the JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd  w 6IZMI[ XVEMRMRK EHQMRMWXVEXMZI ERH PSKMWXMGW year and certain other recommendations involving C-21,DDA Shed, establishments vis-à-vis what is described as “best cuts in manpower will also most likely come about. Okhla Phase-1 practices under Indian conditions”, the purpose However, the challenges lie in other areas. being to optimise manpower in the defence forces New Delhi - 110020 and increase ‘teeth to tail’ ratio. w;MPPXLIKSZIVRQIRXI\LMFMXXLI[MPPXSVIJSVQXLI  w 7YKKIWX lVIHITPS]QIRX VITSWMXMSRMRK ERH OFB by shedding wasteful organisations? RNI Registration restructuring of manpower and resources” to w'ERXLI(6(3FIXVERWJSVQIHSRXLIPMRIWSJ-763 DELENG/2008/26923 improve combat capability. to deliver high quality products?  w 7YKKIWX MRXIKVEXMSR SJ GMZMP MRJVEWXVYGXYVI ERH  w 'ER XLI 1S( MXWIPJ FI MRXIKVEXIH XS LEZI EX resources into the logistic system of the defence least fifty percent representation in all posts from Certified that the views forces in war and peace to “avoid duplication and the military? All modern democracies have such expressed and suggestions reduce expenditure”. systems, but the Indian MoD is staffed with civilians made in the articles are made w7YKKIWXQIEWYVIWXSlGSVVIGXXLIFMEWSJHIJIRGI with little or nil knowledge of defence matters, yet by authors in their personal budget towards revenue expenditure”. having total power with no accountability. Capacity and do not have any In broad terms, the Committee has recommended w'ERPSKMWXMGWIVZMGIWFIMRXIKVEXIHJMVWX[MXLMRXLI Official endorsement the following: Army, then within the Services and finally within the w%WXEVGLMIJSJHIJIRGIWXEJJ '(7 EWXLIGLMIJ country? military adviser to the defence minister.   w 'ER [I LEZI E HIJIRGI SJJMGIV JYRGXMSRMRK EW w(IZMWMRKERMRXIKVEXIH[EVETTVSEGLF]XLI-RHMER Defence Secretary, instead of an officer from the IAS? Army, Navy and Air Force. The challenges are many, but the issues referred  w *MRERGMEP QEREKIQIRX VIJSVQW ERH HSMRK E[E] to above are the ones difficult to implement. It is with the multi-layered system of according financial unlikely that the defence budget will be raised to clearances (first within the finance division of MoD two percent of GDP, but a great deal can be done and then at the finance ministry). to improve defence preparedness by streamlining  w )JJIGXMZI YXMPMWEXMSR SJ VIWSYVGIW ERH VSPP SR SJ procedures and reducing delays. India’s MoD too unused funds. has been a stumbling block to the reform process, in The committee has further specifically pointed a bid to preserve its turf. The challenge lies therein. at re-organising the role of certain organisations like the DRDO, DGQA, Defence Estates, Defence

04 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] YOUR VOICE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (On the Situation in J&K)

Dear Sir, against terrorists. Nowadays, it has become fashionable to Thank you for this brilliant and positive analysis (SALUTE- Jan generalise and pass comments based on isolated standalone Feb 2017). Do hope 2017 heralds the end of terrorism. figures of anti terrorist actions/casualties etc. The fact is -Aarti Pathak that in certain actions where terrorists are well entrenched, Dear Sir, casualties on SF are high; the attitude, albeit the active support Very apt analysis in your Jan-Feb issue of SALUTE. The media to nefarious designs of terrorists and their sympathisers makes plays a very important role in shaping perceptions as most such operations even more dangerous and high risk. It’s time citizens form their opinions on what they read in the newspapers for a political initiative. For how long will SF be asked to contain or watch on television. Venom must never be spread in public. terrorism? -Col Dinesh K Kaushik -Col Deepak Kher Dear Sir, Dear Sir, Casualties do happen in these types of operations but pelting Very well brought out as usual. No doubt, the level of terrorism of stones on troops by locals to protect terrorists is a negative will be brought down by the Army and the other security forces. HIZIPSTQIRX-XGERRSXFIMKRSVIH;IPSWXSRIFVEZISJJMGIVHYI But what is of concern is the increasing incidents of anti India to hostile locals.Therefore the attitude of COAS on combatting slogans, stone pelting etc being resorted to by the children and stone pelters is absolutely right. the youth. Is it an indicator of the success or failure of our battle -Col NarenderSingh Tanwar for the ‘hearts and minds’. The recent statements of the leading Dear Sir, politicians of J&K are shocking, to say the least and must be Your analysis of the situation is brilliant as always. Loss of countered in an appropriate manner. our men is always painful. Stone pelters and the overground -Brig. Sandip Sen supporters of the terrorists need to be dealt with ruthlessly. Dear Sir, -Col Yashbir Singh ;LEX[IRIIHXSHSMWXSTYXERIRHXSXLIXIVVSVMWXW]QTEXLMWIVW Dear Sir, activists and politicians who support such activities. If we all Thanks for this positive picture of Valley, but we don’t want to speak in one voice, no Pakistani ISI terrorists can ever make lose our soldiers any more. any inroads into our country. Unless we seriously sort out the -Vijaya Singh enemies from within, nothing can be done. Dear Sir, -Dennis Collins It was good to see your analysis of the situation in J&K, as it Dear Sir, stands today. However, 2017 is too early for peace to set in, ;LMPI - EKVII XLIVI MW RS RIIH JSV KPSSQ SV HSSQ MR . / especially when we see the dismal political situation in the some introspection is necessary. Our casualty ratio is not too state. flattering. In my view we have neglected minor tactics, the art of -Col Madan Shukla stalking, camouflage and ability of NCO-leadership to out-think Dear Sir, the terrorist. Obviously, as professional soldiers, we ought to Thank you very much for your enlightening article on the have a great advantage over the terrorists. Just food for thought. situation in J&K. Though casualties of any of our brave soldier -Pushpendra Sing pains and saddens us, we are extremely proud of our forces. Any Dear Sir, false reporting by media can not shake our faith in Army. A very pertinent and timely put across point that needs to be -Omprakash Angnani understood by the environment. Casualties in operations Dear Sir, can happen as our troops encounter extremely complex The situation in J&K was very aptly brought out. Veterans need and unpredictable foe. Moreover, the politics played by to be careful about voicing their opinions. Ours is a very good unscrupulous opportunists who care a damn for National professional army. They know what is required to be done. No interests and sing the adversary’s tune inciting gullible locals need to raise hue and cry, every time a casualty occurs, which especially the youth by coercion or enticement with money. To MRSTIVEXMSRW[MPPYRJSVXYREXIP]LETTIR;I[MPPXEOIMXSRXLI further aggravate the situation our shameless political parties chin and bash on regardless. play dirtiest games to make matters worse. The victim is the -Maj Gen PK Mullick soldier who puts his life at stake protecting and upholding Dear Sir, national integrity. Given the terrain obtaining in Kashmir, the waning local support -Brig Vinayak Ramnarayan and the nature of operations, causalities cannot be avoided. The Dear Sir, WSPHMIVWYRHIVWXERHXLMWEWTIGXSRP]XSS[IPP;LEXQER]GVMXMGW Injustice leads to violent actions. This has been happening can possibly do, is to maintain a silence rather than displaying WMRGIEHZIRXSJLYQERW;LMPIFSXL1SHMERH:ENTE]II[IRX their shallow understanding of how army operates in such a to Pakistan with open arms, seeking peace, vested interests scenario. Kudos to the army medical teams working tirelessly. scuttled their efforts. Both China and Russia too are to be -Col Shiv Choudhary blamed for unrest in the Peninsula. The situation is a difficult Dear Sir, one to comment on. The casualties KIA in two actions have been unfortunate, -Farid Abdul Jabbar though it confirmsthe fact that operations are continuing

[email protected]@gmail.com >> >>February February 2017 2017 - March - March 2017 2017 >> >>SALUTE SALUTE TO TOTHE THE INDIAN INDIAN SOLDIER SOLDIER 05 GENERAL SPEAK BE DISTINCT

‘Be distinct or extinct’ is a well known adage of modern entrepreneurship. However, this I feel is equally applicable in other walks of life also and is especially true of the armed forces in general and the army in particular. Our role, way of functioning, training, operating, war fighting and the very ethos is so different in all its dimensions that it is imperative and crucial that we not only ruthlessly maintain, nurture, preserve and protect our unique identity but also ensure that no one dilutes or appropriates any part of it. It is in this context that I was anguished when at a recent flag march in Haryana the army columns carried placards stating that they were from the army!This is grave injustice not only to the image of the army but also a body blow to the national security paradigm, wherein the last tool of arbitration of the nation state must be clearly recognised for the shock and awe effect. This lack or blurring of distinction degrades and weakens the army’s abilities no end. This sorry state has come to pass because each and every sundry police and paramilitary organisation has been allowed to copy and clone all external aspects of appearances of the army. Thus, to any person, there is no discernible difference among uniformed personnel!

The above state reminds me of an incident which is worthy of recall. ;LMPIEXXIRHMRKEGSYVWIEX9/[ILEHEXEPOF]XLI1IXVSTSPMXER4SPMGI Commissioner. In the opening phase of his talk he remarked that the badges of rank worn by officers of the army should never be worn by any other organ of the government. He said that this was to guard against comparisons of equivalence/status being inadvertently and wrongly Lt Gen drawn by looking at similar looking badges of rank. Thus, at the time of independence, the Indian Army’s badges of rank—the Ashoka lion Sudhir Sharma and the stars—should have never been allowed to be worn by any other organisation including the police. This would have ensured that the army remains distinct and the unsavoury rows of rank status and protocol would never have come into play.

To make matters worse and detrimental to national interests, the powers that beallowed segments of the police, BSF and even the CRPF to don army combat uniform or very similar clothing. This was not strongly opposed by the army and over a period of time even the veneer of distinction between army and other services was reduced. Thus, to an ordinary Indian or foreign observer, the police or BSF or CRPF patrolling the troubled streets of Srinagar is all army! Therefore, to the discomfiture of many, we hear of hugely inflated numbers of army troops in J&K being parroted by people inimical to Indian interests. Furthermore, any drop in discipline or standards of operating norms gets perceived and reduced to the lowest common denominator.

The Indian army must demonstrate overtly and steadfastly the very highest standards of distinct dress,weapons,equipment and professionalism if it is to continue to win the respect and adulation of a verygrateful nation. The trust and regard earned by the sacrifice and high standards of our peers must not be be shared by anyone masquerading albeit legally as the army. It is important for us to revisit very seriously and implement the separation of roles between various uniformed elements of the nation and make them distinct from each other,and for each to play MXWVMKLXJYPERHPIKMXMQEXIVSPIMRXLIWGLIQISJXLMRKW;IQYWXMRWMWXERH be ‘Distinct’ for the sake of the army and our great nation.

06 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] SALUTE TO SUBEDAR MALKIAT SINGH, MVC Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, Bir Protik

where it was engaged in imparting yards of the platoon defences and was training to the Mukti Bahini. engaging the Punjabis with machine By early November, the situation along the border continued to worsen. Due to the ceaseless firing by the Pakistan army and the frequent cross border operations launched by them, the Indian population in the border areas was suffering casualties. To prevent the Pakistan army from continuing with such hostile actions, It was necessary to secure some of the launching pads being used by them for their cross border operations and this could only be done by crossing the border and securing XLSWIEVIEW'SRWIUYIRXP]4YRNEF[EW ordered to secure Garibpur by first light of 21 November 1971. It was appreciated that the enemy would react violently The developments in Maldives prompt XSXLMWEGXMSRF]XLI-RHMER%VQ]WS the credible democracies of the world Punjab was directed to take up defensive such as US and India to make use positions there to face the inevitable of the emerging space and time to enemy’s counter attack. firmly encourage the establishment of By the first light on 21 November, democratic process. From the time ex  4YRNEF 6IKMQIRX XSSO TSWMXMSR SUBEDAR MALKIAT SINGH President Nasheed began misusing his around Garibpur by conducting bold leadership and he went wrong. Nascent manoeuvres in the face of the enemy. democratic systems need nurturing Finding their lines of communication gun fire and hand grenades. Showing particularly when a country has emerged threatened, the enemy launched a heavy total disregard to his own safety, Malkiat from three decades of autocratic rule. By assault on the defensive positions which Singh, who was wounded, arresting a judges, Nasheed displayed 4YRNEFLEHRS[SGGYTMIH8LIEXXEGOW crawled towards the enemy and his immaturity which was followed were exceptionally heavy on the platoon destroyed the enemy machine gun, by number of arbitrary decisions for locality which was being defended by killing both the machine gunners. At this which confidence of parliament would Subedar Malkiat Singh and his platoon. critical juncture, Sub Malkiat Singh was have been desirable in the absence of Fierce fighting continued for a long once again hit by enemy fire and this established constitutional provisions time, with the enemy desperately trying time he succumbed to his injuries and and rules. The opposition saw this as an to break through the defences, using became a martyr to the cause of freedom. opportunity to mislead people that the infantry and tanks, and the defenders Throughout the engagement, Subedar President was as good as an autocrat who equally resolutely, holding on to their Malkiat Singh displayed exceptional had acted unconstitutionally. This would positions. The role played by Subedar bravery and frontline leadership, of a very have been right opportunity for both Malkiat Singh was indeed praiseworthy high order. For this courageous action of the big democracies e.g. US and India as he continuously kept moving from gallantry and valour, Subedar Malkiat to help Maldives and the President from trench to trench, encouraging his men to Singh was posthumously awarded the downslide. keep firing against the advancing enemy. Maha Vir Chakra (MVC). In April 1971,the unit was deployed in 8LI IRIQ] LEH RS[ GSQI [MXLMR  /VMWREREKEVEVIEFSVHIVMRK;IWX&IRKEP to ensure security. The battalion moved to /EPP]ERMYRHIV&VMKEHIJSVGSRHYGXMRK LT COL QUAZI SAJJAD ALI ZAHIR, BIR PROTIK IS A VETERAN FROM intensive training with a squadron of THE BANGLADESH ARMY. A RECIPIENT OF HIGHEST NATIONAL  'EZEPV] 6IKMQIRX IUYMTTIH [MXL PT-76 amphibious tanks. The training HONOUR OF BANGLADESH ‘SWADHINATA PADAK’ HE IS PRESENTLY continued for a few months. Later the THE PROJECT DIRECTOR OF BANGLADESH ARMY HISTORY PROJECT. regiment was moved to Gobordanga

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 07 OUT OF THE BLUE VERSATILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

carrier battle groups at sea” seem virtually » Operations from unprepared/ semi- static, in perspective. The vulnerability of prepared surfaces for transport surface elements is eminently obvious and aircraft. therein lies the reason for the Army and » Short field capability for heavy Navy to ask for their own air assets. transport aircraft. The issue at hand is not to debate whether » Leap-frogging capability for all they are justified in their demands or types of aircraft/ helicopters. whether the status quo is the better option. » Multifarious capability of the Rather, it would be pertinent to gather our helicopter. thoughts and take a look at how much » Air-to-air refuelling to extend range the spectrum of operations in the third and straddle the area of influence dimension has grown to not only straddle and interest. the entire gamut of warfare, but also have » %;%'7 TVSZMHMRK FSXL HIJIRWMZI far-reaching effects which do not allow and offensive capability. its assets to be fettered in small (relative) » Precision targeting capability to theatres of operation. The earlier wars of minimise collateral damage. attrition, the two world wars, the Korean » Rapid intra-theatre or inter-theatre and Vietnam wars, while proving the deployment capability. efficacy and lethality of the use of airpower, » Hot refuelling and arming have Air Mshl Sumit did not truly reflect the capitulating effect further reduced time on ground and it could have, if it so desired. The 1991 Gulf increased operational efficacy. Mukerji, PVSM, ;EV XVYP] TVSZIH XLMW TSMRX ERH TIVLETW » Developing ground infrastructure was the catalyst that finally changed the which caters to civil and military SC, VSM (not so receptive) mindset of surface patronage simultaneously. commanders. One has to accept the reality » Maintenance architecture of pill, however difficult it may be to swallow. airborne platforms in a modular ;LIR SRI PSSOW EX XLI ;VMKLX *P]IV concept design where quick change and how the heavier than air machine of LRUs ensures a rapid availability overcame Newton’s hold (!) on objects, of these platforms. one can only marvel at the vastness of » A progressive expansion of the the canvas the aeroplane has covered in a Integrated Op Logistics system little over a century. Variations in platform with the means to maintain a short design for multifarious purposes/ roles, teeth-to-tail ratio. engine design and development in an ever- » The ability of airpower to target and increasing pursuit to achieve efficiency hit strategic centres of gravity is not and conserve energy, weaponisation to in doubt. The clamour to obtain their own air achieve lethality and progressively, over » The growing importance of the assets has increasingly become more the years, to curtail collateral damage, UAV and its progressive utilisation strident among the surface forces and have followed an exponential path. Of in diverse tasks. Is this a portent of there is no gainsaying or guessing as course, the biggest boon to mankind, airpower of the future? to the reason for this clamour. Ever the transportability factor, shrinking the since the advent of airpower and globe so much faster than Christopher The dynamics of warfare have long gone it’s utilisation in military warfare, it Columbus, Hannibal, Erik the Red (Viking) past the days of “Boots on the ground” and became obvious that victory could or Genghis Khan could have imagined, in “Flotillas of warships converging on enemy only be certain if surface forces were their quest for far-off lands or territory. The shores”. The future expects quick results in effectively protected by airpower. One aerospace industry, with its many verticals, a rapidly changing environment. It is the may go so far as to state that victory on is colossal, to say the least. versatility and flexibility of airpower that ground or at sea would not be possible ;LMPI QER] EHNIGXMZIW QE] KPSVMJ] will dictate and dominate warfare. without adequate protection of the airpower, its features of versatility airspace above. Increasing speeds of and flexibility are possibly its biggest 238) ;MXLMR XLI GSRJMRIW SJ XMQI ERH aircraft, their ability to span vast areas promoters. Some of the easily discernible length, the cyber and space domains have and the sheer lethality of the evolving features not been addressed.) weapon systems made the “dynamic, are :- high mobility, rapidly changing » Multi-Role/ Swing-Role capability of Air Mshl Sumit Mukerji is the former battlefield” and the “rapid response fighters. AOC-in-C of Southern Air Command.

08 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] PERISCOPE MALDIVES MELODRAMA

The developments in Maldives prompt the credible democracies of the world such as US and India to make use of the emerging space and time to firmly encourage the establishment of democratic process. From the time ex President Nasheed began misusing his leadership and he went wrong. Nascent democratic systems need nurturing particularly when a country has emerged from three decades of autocratic rule. By arresting a judges, Nasheed displayed his immaturity which was followed by number of arbitrary decisions for which confidence of parliament would have been desirable in the absence of established constitutional provisions and rules. The opposition saw this as an opportunity to mislead people that the President was as good as an autocrat who had acted unconstitutionally. This would have been right opportunity for both the big democracies e.g. US and India to help Maldives and the President from downslide. Present President Yameen, with the help of old man Gayoom, an autocrat of 30 years and half brother of Yameen, made use of the fragile constitutional provisions and manoeuvred to position himself as an alternate President. Even some of the cabinet colleagues of Nasheed played dubious role in ousting him and establishing =EQIIRMRTS[IV4VMSVXSXLMWIZIRXXLISJJMGMEXMRK4VIWMHIRX;ELIIH[EWYWIH by old man Gayoom in the arrest of Nasheed and subsequent imprisonment which led to his disqualification for future election. Even the Indian government giving Vice Admiral VIGSKRMXMSRXSYRIPIGXIH;ELIIH W4VIWMHIRG]TSWXWSGEPPIHGSYT[EWUYIWXMSREFPI

Shekhar Sinha A lot has happened since, Yameen has turned into an autocrat himself. He has silenced virtually entire opposition by either bribing or threatening. In a small nation like Maldives this is easily achieved. China, which has been making all effort towards India’s encirclement for decades, saw an opportunity to lure a pliable Head of State and a situation of chaos. Not only the Chinese made massive investments in Maldives but also used the good offices in Sri Lanka to manage the Maldivian Presidential election results. Now, the situation seems to be somewhat uncertain. Old man Gayoom, who had supported Yameen, seems to have become disappointed with his nominee. He was forced to leave for bringing in democracy by scheduling elections and later power WLMJXIHXS4VIWMHIRX2EWLIIH,IHMHRSXPEWXLMWJYPPXIVQ;MXL=EQIIRLEZMRKJEPPIR out of Gayoom’s favour, Nasheed has patched up his old animosity and his party has joined hands with that of Gayoom in the parliament. This is clearly ringing alarm bells for Yameen. Few months ago Nasheed paid a visit to Colombo and had made a statement that he was working towards reestablishing democratic process. The recent collaboration between the Maldivian Democratic Party and the Progressive Party of Maldives headed by Mr Maumoon Gayoom offers an opportunity to politically oppose President Yameen in the proposals that he makes to the parliament for its easy passage. Last episode in the parliament was On 26/27 March when the motion against impeachment of the speaker Abdullah Maseeh Mohamed was defeated by ZSXIWEKEMRWXRSRIMREQIQFIVTEVPMEQIRXEJXIVEPPXLISTTSWMXMSRPE[QEOIVW had walked out. A dozen legislators were evicted earlier for unruly behaviour. The speaker is close ally of President Yameen. Though the Progressive Party is represented in the government it was reported that some govt legislators were expected to vote for impeachment. Possibly, it is time for US and India to help Maldives inrealising true parliamentary democracy. Very right suggestions have been given by the US embassy in Colombo which covers Maldives that due democratic processes must be followed, the point is if it is not being permitted then will some hard options be used by the free word to end the Maldivian Melodrama?

Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, PVSM, AVSM, NM and Bar is the former Commander in Chief Western Naval Command & former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 09 OPINION THE FINEST CHIEF FOR THE FINEST ARMY Gen. Nirmal Chander Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM

years or so, it is inevitable that some will Commanders have comparatively more exposure to Here we need to do a little soul searching certain conditions than the others. This is and introspection within the Armed even when in our system, officers above Forces to ask ourselves as to whether are Brigadiers level are exposed to varied we selecting only the best as the army sectors and operational situations and by commanders and thus throwing up only and large all of them generally acquire the the very best for the selection of a Chief. experience and qualification to handle all The quality of the Army Commanders types of formations in any appointment has a direct bearing on the selection of a assigned to them. Having said this, it Chief.The changing nature of war today will also be churlish to cast shadows of covers the complete spectrum of conflict. imaginary rivalry between infantry and Inevitably therefore, the Indian Armed armoured corps, just because an infantry Forces are going through phenomenal officer has been made a Chief. At this changes in terms of modernisation of high level, to which Arm you belong, weapons, combat systems and strategic is not an important factor, because all application of overall military power. arms are equally important and all have The army commander’s role in this their specific roles cutout to play in wars; entire gambit is most pivotal. In our definitely none can replace the other. context, the army commanders are also Service Chiefs have to possess incisive responsible for vast geographical areas vision and deep insight of the broader and different commands have span of Ever since the nomination of the now politico-strategic complexities at the control encompassing areas like full J&K, incumbent Army Chief was announced, national/international level to exercise Rajasthan, entire North –East etc. Besides there has been widespread discussion and overarching control over the nation’s commanding all forces in their theatres public debate on this issue. It was only as hard power. Exercising acumen at tactical of war, the army commanders also expected and squarely indicative of the level or experience of any particular arm participatein decision-making at apex importance of the appointment, and the can neither be their forte, nor can that be level on strategic, operational, training trust and affection in which the people the main criterion to be the nation’s top equipment, personnel administration, hold their Armed Forces. military commander. In this case, in all logistic issues etc. Further, their At the outset, I must unequivocally fairness, it is assumed that the Govt has responsibilities spread to the exercise say that General Bipin Rawat is a most taken a decision, which in their judgement of institutional control over defence outstanding officer with an illustrious is in the best interest of the country, establishments dealing with quasi- record of service both in war and active even while departing from the normal military administrative, financial, logistic insurgency areas behind him, and that convention of going by the seniority, all and judicial matters. These all add upto he will most certainly lead the Army with other factors being equal.The tricky issue humongous responsibilities. distinction. I wish him all the success in this consideration remains, as to how As the Govt has to nominate the nation’s and the Army should be proud of being does the Govt decide the merit and under Service Chiefs from amongst the army led by him.Having said that, let me also no circumstances plays favourites.The commanders, it stands to reason that only make it clear that the two passed over apolitical ethos of the Services has been the most meritorious among the eligible Army Commanders also have outstanding one of the strongest pillars of our stable candidates (corps commanders) should record of service and in the words of and strong democracy. Any possibility of be selected to be the army commanders. the Raksha Mantri himself, “their not the senior commanders currying favour The present system of appointment of being selected does not reflect on their with the political leadership definitely army commanders is however heavily merit”. The opinion of the supporters will be against the long term interest of skewed in favour of residual service and of the Govt’s selection feel that the new the Armed Forces themselves as also the seniority, and not inter se merit, among Chief’s intense hands-on experience of nation and is more importantly fraught the eligible candidates. It is here that there the proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, with risks. Thus, the same must be exists a definite room for improvement last year’s operation in Myanmar as guarded against and should not even most and is thus discussed subsequently. Corps Commander and performance as remotely govern the selection of such Vice Chief during the Surgical Strike etc crucial appointment as an Army Chief. Infirmities in the Present system have clinched the nomination for Rawat. The penultimate rung to be elevated to ,S[IZIV MR GEVIIVW WTERRMRK ETTVS\  The Importance of Army the appointment of army commander

10 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] OPINION

is the command of a corps – the highest commanders, even at the cost of the merit. WIPIGXMSRJVSQTIV]IEV%WVSYKLP] operational formation. Besides that This system was being followedwas based four to five vacancies are only likely to eligibility, the other stipulation is that in on four considerations. Firstly, that the occur in a year, that would restrict the the interest of meaningful contribution corps commanders were automatically selection to four or five only; and that and continuity in such a pivotal considered to be good enough to be army would tantamount to real deep selection, appointment, the candidate must have a commanders, which is not necessarily as the approval percentage would be minimum period of two years to serve on correct in all cases. Secondly, it was felt GYVXEMPIHXSNYWXTIVGIRX being elevated to the appointment of an that at this senior stage, the selection This would ensure that not only the army commander. Finally, among those, system should be done away with to best become the army commanders, but who qualify under these two criterion, remove any unwarranted competition also inter alia the very best out of the the army commanders are nominated in amongst the candidates, more so when a best would be available to the Govt to order of seniority. As can be seen, there is viable residual service in the appointment be appointed as the Chiefs. Then there no process of deep selection amongst the was also an important aspect. Thirdly, would be virtually no need to make any comparative choice from amongst the army commanders available to the Govt for the appointment of the Chief. This process will serve the nation’s interest best and also ensure that not only merit remains the sole criteria at this level but also is believed to be so. As regards the selection process, in the best spirit of objectivity and jointness amongst the three services, the three service Chiefs (and four when Chief of Defence Staff or Permanent Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee is introduced) can constitute the selection boards. The Chief of the Service, for which the candidate is being selected, can be the presiding officer. After the selection, the board result can be sent to the Govt for approval as in all cases from Colonel upwards. Some other systems, which are being suggested, like the PM, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition incumbent corps commanders to select because of the short spans of tenures forming the selection committee for the army commanders, which remains a especially in higher rank, as to whether Chiefs are considered undesirable in a lacuna in the system. enough inputs will be available to make system, which unlike others goes through At any time of an army commander’s a further selection.Finally, the problem of a very thorough churning at every level. post falling vacant, there could be exactly who would be the member of the You surely cannot select a Chief by going QER] EQSRK XLI  MRGYQFIRX GSVTW selection boards?The Chief alone cannot through only dossiers. commanders, and some more who constitute this. Time has since long come to introduce would have moved out after command some very pressing reforms in our to other appointments, who could be “Merit First” –The Overarching military command structure and level of considered to fill that vacancy. Among Criteria preparedness. The present Govt is known these officers, there would be many who This is an anomalous situation, for in for its ability to take decisions and will would have commanded a corps with every other promotion in the services, the do well to now introduce these reforms. distinction, but not having two years mandatory criteria for selection is merit. It Deep selection for Army Commanders left to serve at the time of occurrence of is only after empanelment in the selection is the call of the day. Army commanders a vacancy are not considered eligible boards that officers are placed in the thus selected will also facilitate the very for elevation to the command of the SVHIV SJ XLIMV MRXIVWI WIRMSVMX];MXL XLI best being available for selection for the army. Thus there are numerous instances profoundly pivotal role to be performed appointment of Chiefs. of leaders of outstanding merit who by the army commanders, especially in perforce get sidelined to staff posts to the fast changing paradigms of wars, it Gen. NC Vij is a former army chief and await superannuation, while officers of is very essential that elevation to this iscurrently Director, Vivekananda somewhat lesser merit get elevated to the level should only be made through deep International Foundation. An abridged command of an army. selection, notwithstanding the problems version of this article has earlier Herein lies the lacunae, wherein the listed above. appeared in “The Hindu” on 30 Jan 2017. residual service of two years and seniority If the stipulation of two years tenancy, at the time of occurrence of the vacancy which had been introduced to have stable have been the governing factors to tenures at the Army Commander’s levelis virtually routinely elevating the Corps GYVXEMPIHXSQSRXLWXLMW[SYPH[MHIR Commanders to the status of army the availability of eligible candidates for

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 11 COVER STORY DEPLETING FIGHTER SQUADRONS A SOURCE OF CONCERN Dinakar Peri

assessment by the Indian Government’s of-the-art products with commercial Parliamentary Standing Committee on spin-offs for a global market. The LCA Defence, even that number of squadrons programme was intended in part to is at risk of declining even further to further expand and advance India’s EW PS[ EW  WUYEHVSRW F]  EW XLI indigenous aerospace capabilities. service’s ageing and obsolescent MiG- After many hiccups, the first 21s and MiG-27s are progressively indigenous product flew in January 2001. retired before they can be replaced by The preproduc-tion versions that have the indigenously developed Tejas Light been in flight trials ever since have been Combat Aircraft (LCA). Almost a quarter TS[IVIHF]+IRIVEP)PIGXVMG W*IRKMRI of the IAFs intended numerical strength (which also powers the earlier versions of has been lost to obsolescence in a little 972EZ] W*%,SVRIX EW,%0ERHXLI over a decade, even without considering IAF continued to await—ultimately in normal attrition, which remains high in vain—the maturation of a planned more its older fleets. Noted American Analyst powerful domestically-designed engine Ashley Tellis succinctly observed that called the Kaveri. As a result, in its current the IAF is now “in crisis” as a result of configuration, the LCA is underpowered its steadily declining fighter inventory. for its intended mission needs. For Earlier, concern was expressed by no its part, the indigenous Kaveri engine To guard the Indian skies, the Indian Air less a person than Air Chief Marshal BS development which was sanctioned in Force (IAF) currently flies a staggering Dhanoa, who as the Vice Chief of Air 1EVGL[EWHVSTTIHMREJXIV mix of fast jets which include the Hawk, 7XEJJ STMRIH MR 1EVGL  FIJSVI XLI repeated failures. The programme for an Mig-21, Mig-27, Mig-29, Jaguar, Mirage start of the firepower demonstration indigen-ous engine was undertaken by 2000, Su-30MKI and Tejas. It will soon ‘Iron Fist’, “Our numbers [of active fighter the Gas Turbine Research Establishment be flying the Rafale and is in the process squadrons] are not adequate to fully (GTRE) of DRDO for mastering one of the of procuring another lightweight fighter, execute an air campaign in a two-front most complex technologies. It ultimately which could be the Saab Gripen E/F scenario.” proved to have been so afflicted by or Lockheed Martin F-16 ‘Block 70/72’. The Mig-21 has been the mainstay both design problems and rampant India is also in talks for procuring a fifth of the IAF for decades, but has long inefficiency that the IAF finally gave up generation derivative of Rus-sia’s PAK outlived its utility. It was an excellent on it. *%8 WXIEPXL JMKLXIV 8LI HMZIVWMX] interceptor in the 1960s and 1970s, but Making fighter jets is of course a difficult is staggering—from extremely old and today stands outclassed by most hostile proposition, but making a jet engine is on their way to retirement aircraft to aircraft it is likely to meet in combat. It IZIR QSVI WS ;LMPI XLI HIZIPSTQIRX cutting edge and expensive multi-role is slated for final retirement by 2020 and of Tejas progressed, the development aircraft, which pose daunting challenges is to be replaced by the Tejas. The LCA of the Kaveri engine was marred with with respect to training standardisation programme was launched in the early technical challenges. India’s problems and logistics, besides the prohibitive eighties for two primary purposes. The lay in its lack of metal-lurgical expertise expense of supporting and maintaining principal and most obvious goal was the in making alloys that could withstand such a diverse fleet. But an even bigger development of a replacement aircraft high temperatures. The nations which challenge that the IAF is currently facing for India’s ageing MiG-21 fighters. The had this expertise were unwilling to is the rapid rate at which its squadron other objective was to give an impetus part with such technology, forcing the strength is depleting. for an across-the-board advancement (6(3XSSTXJSVXLI+)*IRKMRIEW (IWTMXI E XEVKIX WXVIRKXL SJ  of India’s domestic aviation capability. a replacement. The Tejas was inducted fighter squadrons, the IAF is at present The value of the aerospace “self-reliance” [MXLXLI*IRKMRIERH[MPPWSSRKIXMXW down to 32 squ-adrons—well below initiative was not simply the production FOC (Final Operational Clearance) with its authorised minimum safe figure of of an aircraft, but also the building of a the same power plant. But all is not lost  WUYEHVSRW %GGSVHMRK XS E VIGIRX local industry capable of creating state- for the Kaveri engine as a consultancy

12 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] COVER STORY

agreement with Safran of France is under Squadron of the IAF. but that does not fully address the negotiation to revive the project. . If the present development and concerns of the IAF. The 36 Rafale swing- Former Defence Minister Mr Manohar capacity enhancement plans go as per role fighters being procured directly from Parrikar confirmed at Aero India 2017 schedule, the Indian Air Force will have France will certainly help meet India’s air held in Bengaluruthat the Kaveri fighter 123 indigenous Light Combat Aircraft defence requirements, given the potent engine project will be revived and that 0'% 8INEWJMKLXIVNIXWMRMXWJPIIXF] air superiority capabilities of the type, but the DRDO is in discussions with Safran 8SEGLMIZIXLMWKSEP,%0MWWIXXMRKYT it is too small a number to provide much as part of offset clause under the Rafale a new assembly line and is also involving of an answer to India’s requirements jet deal, inked between India and France the private sector in a big way. As of for defending its vast airspace from in September 2016. The DRDO is now now, HAL has the capacity to build eight intruders and potential hostile strikes. hopeful that with the help of Safran, aircraft per yearand the new assembly The Government is expected to very soon they will have the Kaveri engine running line will double this to 16 aircraft per begin the process to select another single within a year. According to DRDOs year. To increase the production of fighter to be assembled in India with Aeronautical Systems Director General the aircraft HAL has outsourced major significant technology transfer as soon C.P. Narayanan, an updated version of parts of the jet, thereby transitioning as the -- much delayed -- guidelines on the engine will be developed, which will into the role of an integrator from that Strategic Partnerships under the Defence FI GEPPIH / l;I LEZI YT XS RS[ / of a manufacturer on the lines of global Procurement Procedure are finalised. (prototype), now we are going to call it aircraft manufacturers. India has every right to feel proud of K9,” he said. 8LI-%*LEWTPEGIHSVHIVWJSVNIXWMR the fact that Tejas is India’s indigenously In early 2006, the IAF signed a contract two batches of which the first 20 will be devel-oped aircraft which is a worthy with HAL for the delivery of 20 Tejas Mk I in the Initial Operational Configuration replacement to the Mig 21 and will also figh-ters to be ready for squadron service (IOC) while the remaining 20 in the Final give a fillip to India’s fledgling aviation by 2011 once the aircraft passed its initial Operational Configuration (FOC). In industry. But the IAF, based on past opera-tional clearance. That milestone November 2016, the Defence Acquisition experience, has serious reservations on was not met, however, owing to multiple Council (DAC) had given initial clearance the ability of the DRDO to deliver the recurring de-velopment problems and JSVEMVGVEJXMRXLI1O%GSRJMKYVEXMSR aircraft with the necessary up-grades resultant schedule slippages that have with specific improve-ments sought and in the stated time schedule. On the repeatedly hindered the programme’s by the IAF. But even if the induction of positive side, Tejas was given the thumbs progress ever since. All that nowseems Tejas goes as per plan, it will have just six up by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, like a thing of the past. The Tejas is an WUYEHVSRWSJ8INEWF]&]XLMWXMQI after he flew the aircraft in May 2016 excellent fighter aircraft which finally the IAF is scheduled to phase out all 11 and subsequently declared it “a good has been operationalised after 32 long squadrons of Mig-21 and Mig-27 fighters. aircraft and fit to be inducted into the years. It made its international debut And therein lies the concern of depleting IAF.” Also, re-gardless of the problems in the Bahrain air show in January 2016 fighter squadron strength. It was partially involved, India needs to have its very own and proved its mettle there. Finally, on to offset this concern that India has gone indigenous aircraft, if its defence aviation .YP]MX[EWMRHYGXIHMRXS2S in for the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft, base is to develop. The naysayers in the

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a one-to-one replacement of its rapidly ageing MiG-21 fleet. Such assessments are however made on past experiences, which may not necessarily apply in the changed environment of today. Regardless of future pitfalls, it is in India’s interests to persist with the Tejas. The K9 Kaveri engine will hopefully be operationalised soonest and enhance the capability of the Tejas. Besides showcasing Indian capacity and capability in developing upper end fighter aircraft, it will reduce Indian dependence on foreign manufacturers and give the necessary fillip to the indigenisation effort.

Dinakar Peri is the Defence Correspondent of The Hindu newspaper. Views expressed are IAF are well meaning when they posit frontline fighter at the low end of the personal. that the LCA cannot become the IAF’s mix, nor can the IAF afford to look for

14 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] COVER STORY DEPLETING SQUADRONS IN AN EXPANDING THREAT MATRIX Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch, SM, VSM

territory which China claims—and justify XLI*WSV*%W,S[IZIVEWEPQSWX the action as self defence. To that end, the all Chinese aircraft lack quality engines Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) capable of lasting more than a few is modernising its forces, emphasising hundred hours, Chinese capability would preparations to fight and win short- stand greatly diminished in long drawn duration, high-intensity conflicts out campaigns, though they would be along China’s periphery. This includes highly potent in short duration wars. scenarios for Taiwan, building counters to third-party, including potential U.S. China also has two ongoing stealth intervention in cross-Strait crises and fighter programs—the J-20 and the Chinese claims along its borders with J-31. The J-20’s frame suggests a stealth -RHME ;LMPI 'LMRE W EFMPMX] XS TVSNIGX interceptor designed around countering conventional military power beyond its ER%;%'YWMRKEMVJSVGIPMOIXLI9RMXIH periphery as of now remains limited, States while the J-31’s frame suggests a its modernisation programme, which modern air-to-air fighter that may be includes an expanding force of ballistic GSQFEXVIEH]MRXLIRI\X]IEVW;LMPI missiles (long-range and short-range), the capabilities of these aircraft are yet The Indian Air Force (IAF) is today cruise missiles, submarines, advanced to be seen, they represent the PLAAFs operating at its lowest combat strength— aircraft, and other modern systems will progression towards a fully modern air and the numbers are expected to dip sooner rather than later enhance her force capable of delivering offensive further in the coming five years. The capability to project power well beyond deep strike missions against similar threat assessment however is indicative her shores. This will be a major cause of QSHIVR EMV HIJIRGIW &]  MX MW of both China and Pakistan ramping up worry to India. assessed that China may be in a position their air capabilities, which necessitates to deploy anywhere between 300 and that India be prepared to fight an air war In the event of hostilities breaking WSTLMWXMGEXIHEMVGVEJXEKEMRWX-RHME on two fronts, should both our potential out with China, a criticality for the IAF By this time, the PAF would likely have adversaries collude in a conflict against will be dominating the air space over between 100 to 200 advanced fighters, India. Considering present capabilities, XLI 8MFIXER TPEXIEY ;LMPI MX LEW XLI and the IAF would have to cater to both India needs to be wary of both countries, capacity to do so at this juncture, within threats, if faced with a two front scenario. but essentially of China and its swift rate a decade from now, the PLAAF will have of military modernisation. The Pakistan superiority in both numbers and in more Fighter Jets for the IAF factor too has to be considered as that capable aircraft. The PLAAF has made Till the 1990s, the IAF had a qualitative country looks up to China for a large real progress in enhancing its fighter edge over the fighter jets available part of its military supplies including jet capability with the continuous induction with both Pakistan and China. This fighter aircraft. of more modern air frames while edge got eroded with the Chinese shedding second and third generation modernisation of its military, especially The Chinese Challenge frames from its fleet.By 2010, modern the PLAAF, with a consequent impact The Chinese doctrine of ‘Active Defense’ fourth-generation variants accounted on the PAF as well. Towards the late posits a defensive military strategy and for almost 30 percent of the jet fighters 1990s, the IAF was however contending asserts that China does not initiate wars in PLAAF. This figure crossed the halfway with a fleet that was ageing and getting or fight wars of aggression, but engages in QEVO MR  ERH MW EWWIWWIH XS FI technologically obsolescent, with war only to defend national sovereignty close to 62 percent today. Between 2010 poor reliability and high maintenance and territorial integrity and attacks only ERH  'LMRE W MRZIRXSV] SJ JSYVXL costs. The modernisation plan of the after being attacked. Beijing’s definition KIRIVEXMSR JMKLXIVW MRGVIEWIH JVSQ  IAF sought an optimisation of its force of an attack against its territory, or to 736, yielding an impressive average structure through reducing the range of what constitutes an initial attack, is left of 70 modern fighters added per year. aircraft types and enhancing operational vague, however. In the Indian context, This includes the J-11, which is a strong capability with a focus on technological an unresolved border dispute could well XL KIRIVEXMSR TPEXJSVQ XLEX GSQTEVIW relevance and force multipliers. The result in China using force to reclaim favourably with U.S. jet fighters such as planning process envisaged equipping

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 15 COVER STORY

the IAF with the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, 116'%;LMPI XLMW [EW E +SZIVRQIRX XS +SZIVRQIRX HIEP as a replacement for the Mig 21 fleet, to cater to the lower/lighter it fell through due to contractual disagreements. India wanted end of the fighter fleet. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft Dassault to accept final responsibility for the products that (MMRCA) as the lynchpin of the IAF’s envisaged operational were manufactured in India. Dassault however, was unwilling capability for the 21st century was to replace the entire fleet of to accept final responsibility for the quality of the products that MiG-21 Bis/MiG-23/27 jet fighters and the heavier fleet, with were to be manufactured by HAL in India, over which it would JSGYW SR EMV WYTIVMSVMX] [SYPH FI XLI 7Y 1/;LMPI XLI have no direct control. The deal fell through, but the impasse Tejas has been delayed, it is India’s indigenous aircraft and so [EWTEVXMEPP]FVSOIRMR%TVMPF]XLIHIGMWMSRSJXLI1SHM must be supported to the hilt. The IAF has placed orders for 200 government to purchase 36 Rafales in a fly away condition, Tejas aircraft which can equip six squadrons. As of now, with straight off Dassault’s production line. This will certainly help the present capacity to produce eight aircraft a year, it will take meet India’s air defence requirements, given the potent air at least two years to equip the first squadron with the Tejas. superiority capabilities of the type, but the numbers are too As this capacity is set to double with the setting up of another small to address India’s concerns with respect to defending its production line, it would take at least another five years to come vast airspace from intruders and potential hostile strikes. Also up to the six squadron mark. for consideration is the fact that the Rafale will perhaps be the only remotely credible type operated by the IAF for an airborne India’s quest for acquiring a new MMRCA to supplement nuclear delivery mission against Chinese and even eventually and eventually supplant its ageing inventory of MiG-29s Pakistani air defences in the years to come, which makes it and Mirage 2000s has been a work in progress for more plausible that the Rafale will be used for nuclear deterrence. than a decade. The proposal was to induct 126 new fourth- Hence other similar aircraft types will still be required to fulfil KIRIVEXMSR JSVIMKRHIWMKRIH JMKLXIVW [MXL EPP FYX XLI JMVWX  the requirements of the conventional multirole and air defence to be manufactured in India by HAL and with an option for a HSQEMRW;LMPIXLITYVGLEWISJ6EJEPIJMKLXIVNIXWMRJP]E[E] follow-on acquisition that might ultimately yield a total of 200 condition partly assuages the problem of the depleting fighter new MMRCAs for the IAF in due course. The MoD issued a squadrons available with the IAF, the long term requirement of formal RFP (Request for Proposals) in August 2007 and finally the IAF of 126 to 200 new fighters to fill out its desired follow-on chose the Rafale in January 2012 as its preferred follow-on MMRCA inventory still needs to be addressed. To fill this need,

16 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] COVER STORY

India is now looking into foreign collaboration to manufacture powerful radar, can carry a wide variety of missiles and ground the same in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with attack munitions, and has an impressive range on internal fuel. the foreign producer partnering with India’s private industry, On the downside, it has a huge radar cross-section (RCS) and rather than with HAL. Towards that proposed end, Lockheed is thus liable to be detected long before it can detect opposing Martin, Boeing, and Saab have all expressed their readiness to fighters—whether operating under active or passive search move their entire production lines for their respective F-16s, QIXLSHW ;MXL E QM\ SJ PSRK ERH WLSVXVERKI QMWWMPIW ERH *%W ERH +VMTIRW XS -RHME 8LIWI JMVQW LEZI EW SJ RS[ different seeker heads, the Su-30MKI is a dangerous opponent indicated their willingness to continue to produce the most JSV RSRWXIEPXL JMKLXIVW SJ XLI JSYVXL ERH  KIRIVEXMSRW

advanced versions of their aircraft, both for the IAF, and also for However, against fifth generation fighters such as the F-22 prospective additional buyers worldwide. This will be done with 6ETXSV ERH * EW [IPP EW 'LMRE W HIZIPSTMRK .% XLI a substantial supporting involvement of the Indian domestic aircraft has few answers. Stealth aircraft will always detect the labour force under the auspices of Indian private industry, Su-30MKI from very long range, and can take position to either which partners with the foreign firm to meet the requirements avoid it or engage under the best possible launch parameters. of the IAF in fulfilling its MMRCA requirement. ;LMPIXLI7Y1/-MWPMOIP]XSKMZIXLI-%*EGETEFPIERH ;LMPIXLI-%* WHIWMVIXSLEZIEFSYXWUYEHVSRWF]XS TSXIRXGSVIJPIIXJSVXLIRI\X]IEVW-RHME[SYPHVIUYMVI cater to the anticipated threat matrix at that time is compelling, an aircraft to match the future Chinese stealth aircraft - the J-20 MX MRZSPZIW XLI IUYMZEPIRGI SJ EFSYX  EMVGVEJX [LMGL and the J-31. The Su-30MKI is also not credible against modern is unlikely to be achieved. The IAF, as per a recent Carnegie air defence networks, due to very high RCS, heat signature and, report, remains “stymied by serious constraints on India’s d at best, average electronic warfare and jamming capabilities. efence budget, the impediments imposed by the acquisition This means that, for deterrence purposes, it is not credible process, the meagre achievements of the country’s domestic against China and will slowly lose its capability to conduct deep development organisations, the weaknesses of the higher strike missions in Pakistan as the latter improves its defences. defence management system, and India’s inability to reconcile ;MXL XLI EMVPEYRGLIH &VELQSW WYTIVWSRMG GVYMWI QMWWMPI the need for self-sufficiency in defence production with the integrated, however, the type does give the IAF a formidable necessity of maintaining technological superiority over rivals.” anti-ship capability, especially with the long range inherent in the ‘Flanker’ design. The Su-30MKI The IAF has ordered 272 Su-30MKIs and has, so far, received FGFA and AMCA SZIVSJXLILIEZ]JMKLXIVW-XMWI\XVIQIP]QERSIYZVEFPIMR To cater to a potential Chinese threat, India needs to field its a close-range turning fight, although it bleeds energy fast in own fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft and has placed its high-alpha manoeuvres and does not have the thrust-to-weight LSTIWSRXLI6YWWMER4%/*%8TVSKVEQQI7YOLSM W4%/ VEXMSSJXLIPEXIWX;IWXIVRSV6YWWMERJMKLXIVW-XLEWEPEVKIERH FA (Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsyi or

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Future Air Complex for Tactical Air Forces) is intended to be an air superiority warplane, with ground attack and reconnaissance being secondary missions. Known as the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) in India, it is a heavy aircraft that will perform the same role as the IAF’s Su-30MKI “air dominance” fighter. In 2007, India signed an agreement with Russia to co-develop E WYMXEFPI ZEVMERX SJ XLI 8 FSXL GSYRXVMIW WLEVMRK GSWXW EX SZIV 97(  FMPPMSR IEGL FYX XLI TVSKVEQQI ETTIEVW XS LEZI run into difficulties. The role played by HAL in its development is insignificant and Sukhoi’s flight test programme has not been inspiring. The systems engineering required to produce a fifth generation aircraft is extremely difficult, both in low- observability and sensor fusion-enabled situational awareness. The aircraft’s projected definitive engines that will be needed for it to be able to super-cruise at supersonic speeds without the use of afterburners—an essential precondition for a fifth- generation fighter—have not yet even been developed, let alone flight-tested. In 2012, the IAF reduced its planned acquisition of XLIEMVGVEJXJVSQMXWSVMKMREPI\TIGXIHFY]SJEMVGVEJXXSNYWX  8LIVIEJXIV XLI 6YWWMER 1MRMWXV] SJ (IJIRGI ERRSYRGIH MR .YP]  XLEX MX LEW VIHYGIH MXW TPERRIH FY] SJ XLI EMVGVEJX to just a dozen following which the IAF has further reduced its planned acquisition to just three squadrons totalling 63 aircraft. IAF concerns relate to the aircraft’s existing interim engine being unsatisfactory, its radar inadequate, its stealth features poorly engineered and India’s permitted work share too low. In addition, the unit cost of the aircraft is likely to be prohibitive, by the time it comes up for series production, which puts a serious question mark on the future of this Indo-Russian venture. At Aero India 2017 in Bangalore, India’s Defence Minister said that the vexing issues in the FGFA were being sorted out and a high powered team has been constituted to look into the matter. But uncertainties with respect to the FGFA lie ahead.

Alongside the FGFA, India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is set to fly on technology developed in Russia. As per K. Tamilmani, Chief Controller R&D (Aero) of DRDO, India has the basic technologies but Russia is cooperating in critical areas such as thrust vectoring. A number of Russian companies are partnering with India in this project. Klimov is partnering with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to develop three-dimensional thrust vectoring for the AMCA’s engines.Other partnerships include a joint venture between the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) with the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design for the development of an active electronically scanned array or AESA radar, and between Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Sukhoi for stealth and related technologies. The ADA has pitched the AMCA as an upper end fighter with extended detection range and targeting, supersonic persistence and high speed weapon release. Close-combat operations will be facilitated by “high angle of attack capability, low infrared signature and all round missile warning system,” making it a formidable weapon system. Four prototypes are expected by 2019, but whether that deadline will be met remains a moot question.

;LMPIXLI*+*%MWMRXIRHIHXSFIEREMVWYTIVMSVMX][EVTPERIXLI%1'%MWEMQIHEXVITPEGMRKEMVGVEJXX]TIWWYGLEWXLI Mirage-2000, Jaguar and Mig 27. India would need a mix of fighter aircraft including small, medium and large jets for a variety of combat roles. The Tejas, MMRCA, AMCA and FGFA are intended to meet the requirements of the IAF by 2032—the year that the IAF will be celebrating its centenary. To get there, however, the IAF has to overcome entrenched political interference in military procurement decisions, a recalcitrant bureaucracy and the inevitable financial crunch which continues to dog India’s military modernisation effort.

18 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] Weaponisation of Space IS WEAPONISATION OF SPACE INEVITABLE? Group Captain Puneet Bhalla

destroy all nearby satellites in their to analyse the developments that could line of sight and damage many more encourage or lead to the weaponisation in the ensuing weeks by the increased of the domain in the future unless radiation in low earth orbits. The Limited adequate steps are taken to control it. Test Ban Treaty of 1963 thus prohibited Space based assets are becoming nuclear explosion in space. It also laid ever more critical to modern military the foundation for the Outer Space operations and security functions. They Treaty of 1967, which further banned are used for strategic and theatre level TPEGMRKSJ;IETSRWSJ1EWW(IWXVYGXMSR warning, ISR, command and control, ;1(W ERHRYGPIEV[IETSRWMRWTEGI communications, weapon guidance Transiting weapons were not covered to and targeting, to enhance coordinated enable ballistic missiles carrying nuclear manoeuvres and for some nations to warheads transiting through space. support their expeditionary military The OST also did not forbid developing operations. This makes them legitimate and deploying conventional weapons targets, rather Centres of Gravity that in space. This was mainly to enable could be gainfully targeted in case of deploying of missile interception and hostilities – disrupting operations or destruction capabilities. The treaty also destroying them to deny information and did not explicitly prohibit deliberate gain an operational advantage as well as attacks on satellites or conduct of ASAT inhibit the attacked nation’s ability to Space is the ultimate high ground and weapons tests. Meanwhile, the distant, respond. Space enabled capabilities have from the very beginning exploration technologically intensive domain was out also become crucial for providing a host in the realm was pursued to extract of reach of most nations and its impact of political, economic, social and security strategic and military advantages by the on the everyday lives of most of humanity related services. This dependence is two superpowers of the time, the US and on the battlefield was also not very not uniform, being much more for and USSR. Unsurprisingly, both of them visible. This has resulted in a supposedly advanced space faring nations like the also worked on several programmes weak OST, lacking in definitions and US as compared to the less developed that developed and tested anti-satellite enforcement and overlooking many of ones. Even a rudiment technology in (ASAT) capabilities, aimed at destroying the potential ways for weaponisation, the hands of technologically inferior or damaging satellites or to disrupt their being largely successful in maintaining malevolent states and non state actors operations. These included direct ascent peace in the realm, dissuading nations could provide them an asymmetric low projectiles, co-orbital ASATs and more from placing weapons therein and with cost option to launch attacks against the agile and responsive air-launched ASATs. few instances of intentional interference systems of the more advanced nations. &] XLI QMH W S[MRK XS ZEVMSYW with operations and none of intentional Destruction or damage to satellites reasons, both had given up ASAT tests. targeting of these assets. would cause increased debris in orbit, There had also been programmes that The relative insignificance of indiscriminately threatening other envisaged placement of weapons in Outer Space has ensured that the satellites, further impacting operations of the domain to target satellites, ballistic consequences of hostile action within nations with higher space dependence. missiles and terrestrial targets, but none or emanating from this distant domain In addition, disruption could also be of these offensive use programmes have always remained in the shadow of affected through cyber attacks, satellite reached fruition. the more visible and impactful nuclear jammers, and directed energy weapons Simultaneously, they had also pushed ERH ;1( XLVIEXW ;LMPI RS [IETSRW (lasers, radio frequency, microwave, and for regulatory mechanisms to contain have yet been placed in space and it has particle-beam weapons), temporarily the other’s use of the domain for not been used for offensive purposes disabling a target satellite. offensive purposes, while being careful till now, recent developments have Technological advancement and not to restrict their freedom to pursue rekindled the debate on weaponisation proliferation has put the ability to diverse programmes. A US nuclear test of space with some analysts predicting deploy and operate satellites into the in space in 1962 had brought on the its inevitability, even as others warn that hands of a larger number of players realisation that nuclear explosions in any escalatory measures could have and the numbers continue to increase space are indiscriminate and would catalytic consequences. The article seeks steadily. Developing ASAT capabilities

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 19 Weaponisation of Space

no longer require dedicated efforts as Experts have tried to compare these could encourage individual nations most technologies used for peaceful developments to those in the primary to develop capabilities to alleviate the applications in Outer Space have the domains of land, sea and air where current and future vulnerabilities of potential to be used for ASAT purposes. commercial competition and resource their assets. As it is technologically For example, the progressively more protection led to building of forces and and economically unviable to provide popular micro-satellites and Rendezvous capabilities for protection and to secure adequate protection and resilience to all and Proximity manoeuvring capability interests and which further evolved satellite systems, advanced nations could both have latent space negation into efforts at domain dominance and resort to developing offensive or dual use potential. This has broadened the threat control, like Sea Control, to protect the counter-space and response capabilities environment for satellites, both in terms commercial interests. to deter and dissuade potential of technology and its proliferation even The distant domain has relatively adversaries from any unwelcome or as the extant regulatory framework is low situational awareness. Hence hostile activities in space. These would found to be inadequate to deal with detection and attribution of an attack is include non kinetic and soft kill options. these changes in the environment. difficult. The situation would worsen as The US is well aware of the pivotal This dual use potential further makes it thousands of small size micro-satellites role that space based capabilities play difficult to enact adequate provisions populate the orbits. Currently, the US is in maintaining its leadership role in the and mechanisms towards verification the only country with an extensive space world as well as of their being its critical and enforcement. situational programme and it is making vulnerability. It has continued to pursue As the commercial prospects of Space great efforts to make improvements offensive capabilities and even carried continue to grow, the domain is becoming to its space surveillance hardware and out a controlled destruction of one more competitive. To add to this many of software to improve its awareness and SJ MXW WEXIPPMXI MR  XS HIQSRWXVEXI the satellites being launched by private cater to the evolving threat environment. its kinetic-kill prowess. Its Joint Space entities are also heavily dependent on Other nations have now started making Doctrine explicitly brings out space military orders to sustain themselves dedicated efforts at enhancing their control functions, similar to sea and air commercially. Advanced space faring space situational awareness but it would GSRXVSP MRGPYHMRK WTEGI HIRMEP ;LMPI nations are also investing in initiatives take years for them to have a credible its programs that could support space that seek to mine heavenly bodies to network of sensors and data handling weaponisation efforts were put on a support future space exploration as also infrastructure in place. back-burner during President Obama’s to address resource scarcity on Earth. These uncertainties in the environment presidency, a more aggressive Trump

20 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] Weaponisation of Space

also ensuring that any debris caused by the engagement falls onto the launching state itself.      ;IETSRW TPEGIH MR SVFMX could equally be used against other space based weapons or satellites for a more responsive defence for critical satellites against attacks. Similarly, these could provide offensive capability against terrestrial targets providing reach and responsiveness and restricting the response options for the adversary. Major space faring nations are unenthusiastic about retaliating to an attack within space as the increased debris would be detrimental to their operations. Space based weapons would provide more credence to their response capability and help deter the administration is expected to reverse that could threaten navigation satellites adversary. those decisions. These efforts at space in MEO and critical communication It is evident that if the moratorium dominance have and will continue to and early warning satellites in GEO. on placement of weapons in space raise concerns among other nations, Technologies being developed for its is broken, it would lead to an especially China and Russia, who have peaceful space missions also enhance unbridled space weapons race to gain not hesitated in following a similar path, its ASAT prowess. This includes its often disproportionate military and strategic although not so openly, towards their cited offensive cyber capability that it dominance. Space is a global common own interests. could also use against space systems. and peaceful development in the A ‘resurgent’ China is looking at Having recovered from the economic domain has provided multiple benefits enhancing its regional influence and turmoil following its balkanisation, Russia to mankind and all efforts should be secure its trade and energy interests has increased its investments in space. It QEHI XS OIIT MX JVII SJ [IETSRW;LMPI across the globe. It is preparing already possesses ASAT capabilities and more stringent regulations would seem for short duration, high-intensity, it is improbable that it would desist from an obvious choice, it would be difficult “informationised” regional wars with pursuing these capabilities in the future. to reach a consensus on these as nations an emphasis on net centricity and In addition to the ASAT potential, placing would seek differing interests based joint operations conducted at greater of weapons in space also provide other on their technological prowess and distances from the mainland. Its anti- strategic advantages. An important one interest in the domain. It would be more access anti-denial (A2/AD) strategy is towards Ballistic Missile Defence, a prudent to have collaborative efforts envisages forcing the adversary to critical facet of national security efforts and dialogue towards an accepted set of operate and engage from a further than of modern nations, which continues Transparency and Confidence Building optimum distance – aimed primarily at to grow in significance as more players Measures (TCBMs) that persuade restricting the US fleet operations in an acquire the ability to launch these nations towards responsible behaviour eventuality of a war over Taiwan and over missiles with ever increasing reach and in space and dissuade weaponisation. contested areas of South and East China lethality. Nations would seek to develop An international agency, similar to those Seas. Space enabled capabilities such competence to identify the threat and existing for global arms control, could EW'-76ERH+PSFEP2EZMKEXMSR[SYPH intercept and neutralise it at the earliest be established and made responsible for play a decisive role in all these and it has – mid-course or even in the boost phase verification and enforcement. India has thus made its space program one of the – even as the response times available been a peace loving nation, espousing key priorities. for such counter measures continue to the use of technology for development China has also been developing ASAT shrink. The US already has space based rather than warfare. Being one of the technologies to counter US dominance detection capabilities that provide it nations with large interest in the domain, and to act as a deterrent. Its 2007 ASAT advanced or early warning of missile and it should actively work towards non test has been followed by other “missile rocket launches. Space based weapons discriminatory mechanisms that help defence tests”with inherent ASAT would provide a more responsive, prevent weaponisation of space. capabilities. One such test in May 2013, agile and adaptive global capability to described as a high-altitude scientific effectively target missiles not only in Group Captain Puneet Bhalla is Senior research mission, was interpreted by the midcourse but also in the boost phase, Fellow, Centre For Land Warfare Studies US as a high-altitude ASAT verification when they are the most vulnerable, (CLAWS).

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 21 REGIONAL ROUNDUP BEAR HUG FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN Lt Gen Rameshwar Yadav, PVSM,AVSM,VSM

scheme to become a major arbitrator Atlantic Oceans. The emerging situation of energy supply from the Asian in the region warranted an immediate landscape and increase its global turf politico-military action otherwise the and economic reach. Conceptually, US would have checkmated Russia such regional control, in turn, would and its allies politically, militarily and secure a politically dominant position IGSRSQMGEPP];LMPIHSMRKXLIEFSZIXLI for it in world affairs as energy security scope and scale of Russian intervention is the life-line of the world economy. It had to be calibrated judiciously as there warrants demonstration of political will was a great risk of escalating the ante to use economic and military leverages against the US. Russia chose to take the to influence, intrude and intervene to risk in the backdrop of the commonality expand strategic turf. of the aim of both countries to neutralise Russia commenced this campaign the IS. Russia intervened in Syria in by testing the waters with military 7ITXIQFIVMREGSRJVSRXEXMSR[MXL overtures and economic restrictions in the US, conveying its political will to use 9OVEMRI MR  -X [EW HSRI XS GSIVGI military force to safeguard its national Ukraine not to break away from the interests. fold and at the same time convey a In the current Syrian crisis on the There is a distinctly visible political flux message to European countries that western flank of the region, Russia has MR XLI ;IWX 'IRXVEP ERH 7SYXL %WMER Russia is important to them for their exploited the situation to its advantage. landscape which has the potential of energy security. Encouraged by the ;MXL MXW QMPMXEV] MRXIVZIRXMSR MR 7]VME redrawing strategic equations amongst muted response from the international Russia has also ensured that Assad’s regional as well as global powers. community, Russia enlarged the mosaic government will stay and thereby the Russia, with its economic and military by capturing Crimea. Annexing Crimea political objectives of the US and the buoyancy and its underlying desire to ensured full domination of the Black Sea energy security interests of its European rebound as a global power, is at the core and increased access to the strategically allies will need the cooperation of of this apparently changing geo-political important Mediterranean. Russia in future. Accordingly, even if a scenario. The catalyst for this emerging Besides Iran, Russia has substantial transitional government consisting of political paradigm is the US withdrawal influence in Shia-dominated countries representatives of all the sections of Syrian from the energy-rich Asian region, which that include Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, society, including the rebels, is formed, has created a strategic vacuum. The and so on. The Iranian nuclear calculus, it will have Russian patronage besides strategic compulsion of Russia to have apparently for peaceful purposes, was that of the US. Russia is already seen to access to warm waters for furthering not particularly liked by the western be in the lead in all the consultations to its economic ambitions and power world as a strong and stable nuclear resolve the Syrian crisis, the latest being projections has prompted it to undertake Iran in the centre of the Middle East a conference for the restoration of the overt politico-military operations in had the potential to challenge their situation in Aleppo with Iran and Turkey, Ukraine, Crimea and Syria in the recent predominance which was obviously not where the US was not a participant. TEWX ;LMPI ;IWXIVR ERH 'IRXVEP %WME in their strategic interests Besides Syria, Iran has been nurtured are already under their influence, the Subsequently, as pressure on Syrian by Russia ever since it fell out of the US opportunities in South Asia have come President Bashar al-Assad increased due fold after the Islamic revolution. Hence their way courtesy of Pakistan, a close to the onslaught of the US-sponsored Iran is a strong ally who can be depended US ally that has reached out to the rival Syrian rebels and capture of almost one- upon to take care of Russian interests. Russian camp seeking military linkages third of Syrian territory by the Islamic Besides Iran, Russia has substantial and providing access to the Indian Ocean State (IS), Russia felt a threat to its strategic influence in Shia-dominated countries through the China-Pakistan Economic interests in Syria and the Mediterranean that include Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Corridor (CPEC). This latest development Sea. The Russian military base in the and so on. The Iranian nuclear calculus, could potentially have a detrimental Mediterranean Sea that is located close to apparently for peaceful purposes, was effect on regional and global strategic Syrian territory facilitates its domination not particularly liked by the western dynamics. of the junction of three continents, world as a strong and stable nuclear The emerging pattern makes it clear namely, Asia, Europe and Africa, and also Iran in the centre of the Middle East Russia is working on a well-planned gives Moscow access to the Indian and had the potential to challenge their

22 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] REGIONAL ROUNDUP predominance which was obviously theIndian Ocean since the Czarist era, military diplomacy including conduct of not in their strategic interests. However, and that’s where South Asia figures as a military exercise with the Pakistan Army of late, with Russian intervention and a permanent feature in their political ERH WYTTP] SJ 1M EXXEGO LIPMGSTXIVW realising the potential of Iran to help the aspirations.They could not succeed in Talks are on with Russia to supply the Su- western world in their fight against the their ambitions due to resistance by XSJMPPXLIWLSVXEKIWMRXLI4%*HYIXS IS, there is an apparent dilution in their the western bloc and their hold over denial of F-16s by the US. anti-Iranian stance. Some sanctions have Afghanistan and Pakistan all these years. The Indian Ocean is important to been removed, and Iran is back in the oil The upcoming “North-South Corridor”, Russia as it serves two emerging world ERHKEWWYTTPMIVKVSYT;LEX[MPPFIXLI passing through old Russian republics economies, India and China, besides

parameters of the new policy on Iran of and Iran, is a manifestation of Russian other countries of the Asia-Pacific and the Donald Trump administration is a motivation to the partner countries %JVMGE[LIVIMRTIVGIRXSJXLI[SVPH W matter of speculation as all depends on including CAR for their connectivity TSTYPEXMSR VIWMHIW %TTVS\MQEXIP]  the utility of Iran in the western world’s with the Indian Ocean through Iran. percent of the container traffic and strategic matrix. However, there is However, both Iranian ports, Bandar half the energy supply of the world unlikely to be a major change given the Abbas as well as Chabahar, are located in pass through this region. Therefore, for current US approach to scale down its the Persian Gulf, hence susceptible to a a country with global ambitions, it is international presence and concentrate naval blockade in military contingencies important to have an effective politico- on internal dynamics, besides the as witnessed in the recent past. military presence in the Indian Ocean reported positive equation between Gwadar, a new port constructed by region. Russia has shown an interest to Vladimir Putin and Trump. China in Pakistan, facilitates domination participate in the CPEC as it facilitates Coming further east, the Central of the entire region with comparative ease. its own access to the Indian Ocean. Asian Republics (CAR) have been part Consequent to Pakistani complicity in It would be a game-changer for both of the old Russian federation and have terrorism and tacit support to the Taliban Russia and Pakistan politically as well reasonably positive synergies with them. in Afghanistan, the US has scaled down as economically.To reach CPEC through They could not expand their oil and gas the supply of crucial military hardware troubled Afghanistan, Russia is known to trade to its full potential due to structural and imposed conditions for utilisation be in touch with the Taliban to seek their deficiencies and the rigid stance of the of military aid to them. Pakistan, as an cooperation to facilitate safe passage 8EPMFER MR %JKLERMWXER HIWTMXI  ]IEVW alternative, appears to have approached through their areas to enter Pakistan. of US efforts to connect them to the Russia to fill the emerging strategic gap. ;LMPIMXLEWRSXFIIRETTVIGMEXIHF]XLI Indian Ocean.Russia has been looking Russia, grabbing such an opportunity, US-backed Afghanistan government as it for connectivity and domination of has lost no time in initiating aggressive provides legitimacy to the rebels, there

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 23 REGIONAL ROUNDUP

are no indications by Russia of relenting may also affect the Indian advantage a degree of vulnerability as regards Indian on this issue. of addressing the vulnerable Pakistani operational preparedness at the time of China, a conceptual and executive southern flank which has the potential national emergency if Russia does not partner of CPEC, is also on board as to dislocate Pakistani forces in certain step in. The silver lining is that the Indian they see this as a platform for forging a military contingencies. Any military defence industry is already geared up for Russia-China-Pakistan axis which would confrontation in the region would also manufacture and sustenance of Russian- be a game-changer in the global strategic impact Russia. Hence they may have to origin equipment to a reasonable extent. matrix. It is well-known now that China calibrate their response appropriately Besides this, India has conscientiously is likely to have a substantial naval as they have strong Indo-Russia ties diversified its supply base over a period presence at Gwadar port along with the on one side and at the same time there of time to retain political flexibility Pakistani Navy apparently for its security. is an increasing military linkage with in times of crisis. The Make in India Russia would also have force projection Pakistan.A strategic tilt of Russia towards campaign also envisages further self- on its mind, and in all probability is likely Pakistan and China, as a response to reliance in the manufacture of state-of- to have some form of military footprint increased Indo-US engagements, may the-art weaponry and equipment within sooner or later. further impact on politico-military the country. India has opened its defence Pakistan, by endorsing Chinese deterrence against India given the known production field to foreign OEMs with military presence, has managed to collusiveness of China and Pakistan. In lucrative incentives for joint ventures enhance military deterrence against consequence, one can expect Pakistan with nominated Indian private and India in all its dimensions. India may to continue to be belligerent in approach public sector companies. have to handle joint multi-directional towards India and indulge in politico- A strategic tilt of Russia towards Chinese and Pakistani threat post the military adventurism. Pakistan and China, as a response to availability of another road axis to The Indian armed forces are increased Indo-US engagements, may China through Pakistan. Moreover, the heavily dependent on Russian arms further impact on politico-military Indian leverage against China in the and equipment to include air power, deterrence against India given the known Indian Ocean would certainly get diluted mechanised forces, strategic missiles and collusiveness of China and Pakistan. In with its naval presence at Gwadar. It the naval component. Therefore, there is consequence, one can expect Pakistan

24 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] REGIONAL ROUNDUP to continue to be belligerent in approach transit through CPEC. Russia is known to reduce the regional political frictions towards India and indulge in politico- to be consulting China and Pakistan in especially in the context of our hostile QMPMXEV] EHZIRXYVMWQ;LMPI -RHME MW ER bringing about peace in Afghanistan. neighbours. Simultaneously, appropriate emerging economic power with vibrant At the strategic level, Russia is moving alliances with friendly countries within markets and high financial buoyancy, pro-actively in an aggressive way which the ambit of national priorities need Pakistan continues to be a weak economy has the potential to disturb world to be pursued to enhance the political looking for financial concessions/grants peace and tranquility. The emerging flexibility to take care of the emerging from Russia. So Russia would not antagonise India beyond a point as we happen to be their potential market for their goods and services which is one of the reasons to seek a land route and access to the Indian Ocean. Russia probably has bigger designs of power projection and increasing influence in theIndo- Pacific region,rather than getting involved in Indo-Pakistan local politics. The CPEC is assessed as a means to achieve its strategic objectives in the IOR as it provides a firm base for global pursuits. Russia would certainly accommodate the supply of weapons and equipment to Pakistan for political as well as commercial reasons, but no overt military collusion with Pakistan against India is likely. Nevertheless, the mere fact that Russia would be a supporting factor to Pakistan in operational Russia-China-Pakistan axis also has the strategic shift in the Indian Ocean preparedness adds to Pakistani military potential to increase the intransigence Region.Military diplomacy needs to be deterrence by default. quotient between the rival power groups upgraded to demonstrate our capability It would be in Russian interests to foster at regional as well as global levels. All to respond to security challenges. The harmonious relations between India countries including India would be nuclear calculus may be re-calibrated to and Pakistan. Russia could work as a affected by the negative fallouts of such a infuse pro-active content to respond to moderating agent to make Pakistan see global political transgression. the changed strategic environment. The reason and de-escalate its futile rhetoric The Chabahar port connecting India strength of economic leverages of India regarding Kashmir in the contemporary with Afghanistan and the CAR, the with appropriate diplomatic “strategic strategic environment. The CPEC would North-South Corridor connecting the pull” should continue to be the mainstay be more useful to both Russia and China Eurasian and Russian hinterland, and of the Indian approach to maintaining for trade with India than Pakistan itself. CPEC have positive economic synergies. strategic balance albeit with a stronger Accordingly, Russian presence in the ;LMPI 6YWWME MW I\TIGXIH XS FI QSVI military capable of handling collusive region may turn out to be advantageous interested in enhancing its economic military overtures by Pakistan and China to India provided it is handled with engagements with India utilising CPEC with a possible added dimension of deft diplomatic manoeuvring ensuring and access to the Indian Ocean, its global Russian material support. appropriate accommodation of ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region may The bear hug from the Mediterranean sensibilities of all stakeholders. give rise to some negative connotations, to the Indian Ocean is going to be a In the same context, Russia and given the recent Indian tilt towards reality soon. It has all the ingredients for China together may be able to bring the US camp. Looking at its increasing initiating a “colder war”, and that is the about reconciliation between theTaliban engagements with Pakistan, it would cause for alarm for all nations. and the Afghanistan government once have footprints closer to our national the US is out of the scene as it has boundaries soon. Russia is proven to be Lt Gen. Rameshwar Yadav is a former immense economic benefits for all aggressive, arrogant and unpredictable Director General of Infantry. He is a parties involved. Pakistan can be nudged when it comes to its interests. regular contributor towards national to agree to facilitate rapprochement India needs to suitably align its policies security and international strategic amongst Afghan society as Pakistan and work out responses to all the possible issues. This article is from the print has a lot to gain by facilitating mineral contingencies. Our time-tested political issue of Hardnews: December 2016 - wealth of Central Asian Republics to leverages with Russia may be harmonised January 2017.

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 25 OPINION BATTING FOR THE FOOT SOLDIERS ASPIRATIONS Pathikrit Payne There is a case for considering the introduction of more ranks among the PBOR personnel

years in the army with addition of just      ;MXL QSVI IGSRSQMG TVSWTIVMX] one stripe in the arms i.e appointment aspirations have increased across the as Lance Naik, which incidentally is not board for all Indians. The soldiers cannot a rank. Does it really mean that those be excluded from the same. Getting soldiers are not meritorious enough stripes and badges of a higher rank on to get time bound promotions? Or is it the arm or shoulder does add to the that in the pyramidal structure, there motivation level and social recognition are too few avenues to get every jawan as well as work as a major non monetary promoted?Recently I met a retired soldier incentive. The Indian Air Force has a from Indian Army who has served with relatively better structure for promotions the army for The mandatory minimum of its airmen. It has a time scale 17 years and after his retirement is promotion policy for personnel till the presently engaged as a Personal Security rank of Sergeant. All Corporals who have Office (PSO) with a private company. completed 13 years of service are eligible ;LIR EWOIH EFSYX XLI VERO EX [LMGL to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. he retired, the soldier, with a tinge of *VSQ7IVKIERXXS.YRMSV;EVVERX3JJMGIV Is there something that India should hesitation visible in his face, replied that though, eligible after serving a minimum learn from US on the issue of promoting he retired in the rank of Sepoy but under SJ]IEVWMWQIVMXFEWIH enlisted soldiers? ‘The US Army has the Assured Career Progression (policy) around 13 possible ranks for the enlisted or ACP, he was getting the salary in the The Discrimination in Favour of soldiers and there is a much faster process pay grade of a Havildar. Civilian Employees for promotion. For example, in the US This made me wonder as to why Even when the issue of Modified Army, an enlisted soldier can become someone who has served for 17 long Assured Career Progression arises, a Corporal with only six month Time in years in the force was not granted a civilian employees of central government Grade (TIG) in the rank of Private First single promotion or accretion of stripes are entitled to three financial upgradation 'PEWW ERH E XSXEP SJ  QSRXLW8MQI MR on his arms. This may not be a norm but after completion of 10,20 and 30 years Service (TIS). In other words, an enlisted for sure this was not an exceptional case of service. The same for Armed Forces soldier becomes eligible for the rank of either. However, the moot question is, LEZI FIIR QEHI EX MRXIVZEPW SJ   Corporal barely after two years in service does it ever happen that an officer has ERH  ]IEVW =IX QSWX SJ 4IVWSRRIP while becoming eligible for promotion to been commissioned in the Indian Army Below Officer Rank (PBOR) retire much the rank of a Sergeant after three years of but has not been promoted for 17 long FIJSVIGSQTPIXMSRSJ]IEVWSJWIVZMGI Time in Service (TIS) and Staff Sergeant years or, in other words, throughout his ( in case they fail to get promotion to after seven years of Time in Service. WIVZMGI PMJI# ;IPP XLI ERW[IV MW ORS[R a higher rank) and thus are deprived As per reports, in case of exceptional XS EPP ;LMPI XLI GSRGITX SJ QSRIXEV] even of the minimum three financial performers, a Corporal can even become upgradation through Modified Assured upgradation. In other words, because a Sergeant with just four months of TIG Career Progression is praiseworthy, of a stiff pyramidal structure, not only ERH  QSRXLW SJ 8-7 [LMPI E 7IVKIERX questions do arise as to whether India PBOR often fail to get rank promotions can be made a Staff Sergeant with just should ideally have a system of giving but most are even deprived of the JMZIQSRXLWSJ8-+ERHQSRXLWSJ8-7 time scale promotion to every soldier up minimum three pay upgradations that to the rank of a NCO or a Senior NCO. The Indian Scenario their civilian counterparts generally get without any hassle. Further, in case of Does it happen like that in India? It is Today’s Soldier is Aspirational – civilian employees, when someone is not uncommon to find jawans of Indian Important to take cognisance of due for promotion, in case of absence of %VQ] [LS QE] LEZI WIVZIH JSV  the same vacancies, often the post itself in which

26 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] OPINION the concerned employee is serving, gets structure and the level of a Corporal. Artificer III-I in Indian Navy. It needs to upgraded to the next rank. This is not the At the least, Indian Army should be extended to Indian Army and Air Force case with armed forces in general. embrace the rank of Specialist. In the as also for Y Group Sailors of Indian Navy. regimental structure that is followed What India should do- Embrace by Indian Army, while it may not be Retaining Trained Hand is the rank of Specialist and possible to give time bound promotion as Important as Hiring New to every personnel to the rank of Naik introduce the rank of Staff or Corporal, introduction of the rank of Recruits Sergeant Specialist (equivalent to the pay grade      ;MXL XMQI EVQIH JSVGIW LEZI of a Corporal/Naik) may solve much of increasingly become sophisticated with the issue of promotion. By ensuring time critical equipments and cutting edge bound promotion of enlisted soldiers to technologies playing a major role in the the rank of Specialist, the army can also overall competence of any unit. This leads make sure that no soldier is needed to to major investments by the armed forces retire after 17 years of service and that too in training its personnel. For example, if without a rank promotion throughout a sergeant technician in Indian Air Force service life. Institutionalising the rank of who is trained to work on maintenance Specialist should go hand in hand with of sophisticated platforms like Su-30MKI increasing the minimum service duration takes premature retirement after the to 20-22 years instead of the current 17 mandatory 20 years of service, because years for Indian Army. This may not have he sees no further opportunity for him any financial burden as many Sepoys to get promoted, then it is a sheer loss for already, in due course of time because of the Air Force. ACP, get the pay grade of a Naik/Corporal The solution to the same is not that without accretion of stripes. Introduction he should be replaced with a new recruit of rank of Specialist would have more of who would take years to muster such skill Havildar Major should be made a non monetary benefit. sets but to make sure that such trained rank with a grade pay of Rs 3400 personnel are optimally utilised. From Make Havildar Major a rank and the cost benefit perspective too, it is much more feasible to give a nominal increment not just an Appointment in pay grade and retain experienced The other thing that should ideally personnel with considerable work life be done is to institutionalise the rank of still left in them , than to let them go and Havildar Major as an intermediary rank then spend a fortune to train a new set in of a Senior NCO between a Havildar and a their place.Further, with time longevity Naib Subedar. At present, Havildar Major of an average human being has increased is merely an appointment and not a rank. much. Therefore, even while keeping the If the rank is introduced, it can be called force profile young, efforts should be Staff Sergeant in case of Indian air force made to make sure that personnel don’t while in case of Indian Navy it can be retire too early. The usual lame excuse of denoted as Senior Petty Officer. This rank financial constraints of the bureaucracy WLSYPHMHIEPP]LEZIETE]KVEHISJMR should not be paid much heed because the 6th Pay Commission pay structure. bureaucracy has never thought much      ;L] XLMW -RXIVQIHMEV] 6ERO MW about government finances while doling Important out largesse for their civilian subordinates Many competent soldiers especially or NFU for themselves. The civilian those from technical trades prefer to IQTPS]IIWEPVIEH]LEZITE]WGEPIWMR take retirement instead of continuing, the 7th Pay Commission Matrix while US Army Specialist Badge. This rank after having finished the minimum XLI %VQIH *SVGIW FEVIP] LEZI  8LYW is equivalent to a Corporal service duration, when they realize there is no hard if a few more pay scales that no further promotion is possible are introduced for the Armed Forces. In for them beyond the rank of a Sergeant Interestingly US army has the rank of today’s era, Armed forces are as much or Havildar.Therefore, creating a a Specialist, which is equivalent to the about investments on equipment as buffer rank of Staff Sergeant/ Havildar pay grade of a Corporal without any about improving the sense of self-esteem Major/ Senior Petty Officer and giving supervisory authority beyond his area of soldiers. The introduction of ranks of a non functional upgradation to some of specialty. This allows a large number Specialist and Staff Sergeant would help extremely competent senior soldiers of technicians and soldiers with specific in doing the same. would help in retaining those precious skill sets or higher qualifications gain Pathikrit Payne is a New Delhi talented personnel who have not been time bound promotions to the pay grade based Research Consultant & Policy selected for promotion to JCO ranks in of Corporal ( in the rank of Specialist) Analyst. He is an alumnus of Nanyang a highly pyramidal structure. The grade without hampering the command Technological TE] SJ  MR XLI 4&  HSIW I\MWX JSV University of Singapore.

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 27 MAOIST VIOLENCE AMBUSH IN SUKMA Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch, SM, VSM

in Sukma district. The horrific stories from the slain soldiers. GSRXMRYIH [LIR SR 1EVGL    ;LMPIXLITSPMGIJSVGIWHSHSQMREXIXLI '64*ERHTSPMGITIVWSRRIP[IVIOMPPIH area by day, the area is left to the Maoists at Tongpal, again in Sukma District. And by night. Domination requires patrolling the list goes on and on. Besides the loss of by night also and setting up ambushes precious lives, what is particularly galling where movement of Maoists is likely. in all these cases is that the Maoists made Such ambush sites are chosen randomly, away with the weapons and equipment to avoid the pitfall of falling into a fixed of the killed soldiers. and predictable routine. Only then can A well planned and executed ambush caution be imposed on the Maoists. In by terrorists will cause casualties to the the present ambush, the Maoists set up security forces, but through proper drills IEDs on the road near the CRPF post by and procedures, these can be minimised. night which indicates they had a free run Even if ambushed, the situation must to do so. So the questions to be asked never be allowed to deteriorate to such with respect to area domination are; an extent that the terrorists can loot does the CRPF carry out night patrolling? the weapons and equipment of the Are they trained to do so? Do they have slain police personnel. That is totally the requisite night vision equipment? unacceptable for it reflects the total Do they set up ambushes at random domination over the area by the hostile to prevent the move of armed militant force. groups? Unless we ask these questions, In his book “The Life of Reason”, George To learn the right lessons, it is how can we even hope to improve the Santayana, the Spanish American incumbent on the part of the security quality of our response? philosopher observed, “Those who forces to carry out a detailed analysis The next question is, were the police cannot remember the past are on what went wrong and what needs JSVGIW QSZMRK XEGXMGEPP]# ;LMPI QSZMRK condemned to repeat it”. This statement, to be done to avoid casualties in future. out for operations, there is a laid down made in the larger historical context, has Too often however, after an action standard operating procedure where equal applicability to conflict situations. where the security forces have suffered troops move well spaced on either side If operational lessons are not correctly heavy casualties, the difficult questions of the road. It is important to remember learned, casualties will continue to occur are rarely asked, unpleasant facts are that the leading elements carry out such with monotonous regularity. The Maoist covered up and accountability is rarely QSZIQIRX GVSWWGSYRXV] EFSYX  XS ambush of a Central Reserve Police established. In deference to those who  QIXIVW SJJ XLI VSEH ERH RSX SR XLI Force patrol at Sukma in Chhattisgarh have laid down their lives, statements are road itself, with the rest of the column on March 11, 2017, is yet another chilling given to the media of the brave resistance following tactically in file formation. reminder of the truism of Santayana’s put up by the security forces, even if the Movement in such a manner increases words wherein 12 CRPF personnel were ground action gives no indication of any the chances of detecting an ambush killed and two critically wounded. The such resistance being offered. So history and obviates the possibility of the whole Maoists also took away ten rifles and repeats itself, not because it has been group being hit simultaneously. Should two radio sets from the killed men of the forgotten, but because we failed to record the leading elements come under fire, the CRPF patrol party. it correctly in the first place, leading to rest of the group is in a position to react Let us rewind a bit to the sorry history continuous loss of life and a further cycle and break the ambush, in turn causing of loss of lives in the state of Chattisgarh. of cover-ups and misreporting. severe casualties to the militants. ;E] FEGO MR 1EVGL  JMJX] JMZI In the March 11, 2017 ambush of The Maoists took away the rifles and policemen were killed and 11 injured CRPF personnel at Sukma, about 100 radio sets of the killed CRPF personnel. when the Maoists stormed a police men had moved out in the morning to This indicates a lack of resistance by station in Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. dominate the area. A portion of this force the rest of the group as any form of April 2010 saw the biggest bloodbath was ambushed, which led to 12 CRPF resistance would have prevented such yet, when in a well planned ambush, TIVWSRRIP FIMRK OMPPIH ;LEX RIIHW XS an occurrence. The question to be asked the Maoists killed 76 CRPF personnel in be determined is what action if any did is what did the rest of the group do Dantewada. A few months later in June, the rest of the personnel who were in the when the leading lot came under fire? It 26 CRPF men were killed in Bastar. Then vicinity take to help their colleagues who would be important to get an answer, if SR  1E]   TISTPI [IVI OMPPIH were under fire. There certainly appears corrective measures are to be applied in including a major part of the state level to be serious weaknesses in the training terms of training in battlefield skills and leadership of the Congress party in an and leadership level of the CRPF, if the junior level leadership training. ambush by the Maoists in Darbha Valley terrorists could get away with ten rifles The last question pertains to

28 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] MAOIST VIOLENCE

PIEHIVWLMT;LIVI [IVI XLI PIEHIVW PSGEXIH#;LIVI [IVI XLI company commander, the battalion commander, and the DIG ERH-+PIZIPVEROIHSJJMGIVW#;LEX[EWXLIFVMIJMRKKMZIRXSXLI XVSSTW# ;IVI XLI] XVEMRIH MR ERXMEQFYWL HVMPPW# ,S[ QYGL EQQYRMXMSR [EW FIMRK GEVVMIH F] IEGL QER# ;LEX [EW XLI communication within the group? It is important to ask these questions and hold commanders at all levels accountable for acts of omission or commission if the war on terror is to be won. The discourse unfortunately has shifted to peripheral issues. The media consistently refers to lack of intelligence, but this does not apply to security forces moving out on operations. They have to be prepared for an ambush each and everytime they move out. The media also pointed out that the ambush was executed by a large Maoist force, in excess of a hundred police forces taking part in such operations to make them adept personnel. This appears unlikely. Ambushes to be successful at jungle fighting. are conducted by small groups, which make a quick getaway It is also open to question whether the CRPF is the right force after execution of task. Large numbers are easy to spot and also to be the lead agency in combatting the Maoists. The Force calls provide a bigger target to the security forces. And if indeed there itself a Paramilitary Police Force, but that is a contradiction in were Maoists in their hundreds, all set to ambush the CRPF, that terms. A force can either be a police force, trained on police reflects very poorly on the security forces for failing to detect lines or a paramilitary force, trained on military lines and led them. by military officers. As of now, it is led by police officers but There are basic weaknesses in the training and leadership is required to function on military lines. A mere change in levels of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) taking part in nomenclature cannot give teeth to an organisation, which is a anti Naxal operations. These need to be addressed on priority function of leadership, training, equipping and a host of other if we are to win the war against terror. For a start, CRPF units factors. As of now, serious shortcomings exist in the functioning must start operating as an organised body under their own of the forces deployed for operations against the Maoists and commanding officers. They must also be trained in unit or unless these are rectified, we will continue to suffer casualties in company groups. Officers of the rank of DIG and IG must leave sudden and surprise attacks carried out by the Maoists. Urgent the towns and live with their personnel who are taking part in corrective measures need to be taken if we are to obviate such casualties from occurring in future. STIVEXMSRWXSTVSZMHIJVSRXPMRIPIEHIVWLMT;IQYWXXVEMRSYV

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 29 IN LIGHTER VEIN ONE MAN’S MEAT IS ANOTHER MAN’S POISON Col Arun Sarkar

that the Indian armed presence on the a convoy, my Commanding Officer rang island exceeded the total strength of to say that I should spend the night at the Sri Lankan armed forces and para Punani with the SLAs Fourth Gajaba military organisations. How could 6IKMQIRX +6RSXXSFIGSRJYWIH[MXL their government cater to such a large XLI-RHMER%VQ] W+6SV*SYVXL+SVOLE population, even if they’d wanted to? Rifles). And I rather suspect they didn’t want to, ‘For a change, you’ll be able to relax in a because it was no secret that there was completely safe and secure environment. no love lost between the two sides!It is No need to worry about any LTTE ironical that despite the raging conflict activity at night,’ he enthused. ‘There’s a with the Tamil Tigers, most Indian motorable track going off to your right at officers and men were staunchly pro 4YRERM -X PP PIEH ]SY XS XLI  +6 GEQT Tamil. Indeed, my jawans would often about a km away.’ tell me that they would much rather fight I wasn’t too pleased to hear this and with the LTTE against the Sri Lankan neither would my men be, given their Army (SLA). attitude towards the SLA. However, Be that as it may, it fell to our lot to SVHIVW [IVI SVHIVW ;I VIEGLIH 4YRERM During Operation Pawan, I was deployed protect convoys moving between Jaffna, without incident and allowed the convoy with my battalion in the Batticaloa sector Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. to proceed towards Trincomalee. A little of Sri Lankaas part of the Indian Peace A convoy comprised thirty or forty large later, we were in front of the main gate of Keeping Force (IPKF). I was then a major, lorries carrying most of our needs such as  +6 -X GSRWMWXIH SJ LYKI MRXIVPSGOMRK commanding Alfa company (A coy), rations, arms, ammunition, equipment, wooden logs interspersed with strands which was located in a large, disused rice fuel, mail and reinforcements. The of barbed wire. A sentry stood inside, depot in the village of Valaichennai. The convoys had instructions to crawl looking at us in bewilderment. other three companies were positioned to forward at walking speed, to enable the D;IEVII\TIGXIHMR]SYVGEQTXSRMKLX  our south, at Kiran,Murukkodenchennai accompanying infantry to move ahead I informed him. and Eravur. and search the road and surrounding ‘I do not have any information about ;LIR-JMVWXEVVMZIHMR7VM0EROE-[EW area for land mines and the tell tale wires the arrival of Indian troops,’ he said surprised to find that every single item of used to detonate them from a distance. disdainfully. our food had to be shipped across from If we came under rebel fire, the convoy ‘Hadn’t you better find out then,’ I India. I found this incomprehensible. I would halt until we had eliminated or suggested. remember once, in the Vavuniya sector, dispersed the opposition. It was a nerve He looked at me suspiciously for a JP]MRKMRE1-LIPMGSTXIVXLEXGSRXEMRIH wracking exercise that sorely tested our moment, then strode off to the sentry QSVIKSEXWXLERWSPHMIVW;L]GSYPHR XXLI physical endurance and mental resolve. hut nearby, presumably to phone his Sri Lankans provide us with our rations, I The convoy returning from Batticaloa superior and seek orders. wondered. The Indian military presence early in the morning would be handed Company Havildar Major (CHM) was massive. Surely, they ought to have over to me at Valaichennai by Delta Sumer Singh hurried to my side. jumped at this golden opportunity to company. My task was to take it 20 km ‘The blighter didn’t salute you, sahab!’ he land such a lucrative contract? As for us, north to Punani (P), where the Tamil muttered indignantly. ‘Nor did he address we would receive fresh vegetables, fruit inhabited areas ended. From there it you as ‘sir’.’ and milk, rather than stuff that had been travelled to Trincomalee without escort, D-X WEPVMKLX7YQIVVIPE\;IGERLERHPI lying about in ships, planes, lorries and EXMXWRSVQEPWTIIH;I[SYPHWTIRHXLI this.’ transshipment points for several days. I night in a defensive position near Punani ;LIR XLI WIRXV] VIETTIEVIH EX XLI KEXI reckoned that the cost of transportation and get some rest - if the rebels didn’t a minute later, his manner had changed from India alone, never mind the value of attack us. The next morning, we would completely. the commodities, would have exceeded start walking back with a fresh, incoming Saluting me smartly, he said, ‘I’m sorry the total amount we would have paid Sri convoy. to have kept you waiting, sir. I’ve just Lanka by way of a contract. The standard procedure was to leave spoken to the adjutant and he’s asked me ;LIR - I\EQMRIH XLI QEXXIV E PMXXPI one platoon behind to guard my base to let you in at once.’ more closely I realised, to my surprise, and move out with the other two.One Sumer chuckled with satisfaction. morning, as I prepared to move out with 8LIKEXI[EWTYPPIHSTIR;I[EPOIHXLI

30 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] IN LIGHTER VEIN short distance to theirlines, where the me. I stopped and waited for them. They the 2IC, coming forward to shake my adjutant, a young captain, was waiting came to a halt before me and saluted. LERHD=SYPSSOEFMXXIRWI;LEX[SYPH to receive us. He apologised profusely They looked extremely agitated. you like to drink?’ for the delay at the gate, then began the ‘At ease! Is anything wrong?’ I asked. ‘If it’s no trouble, any fruit juice will do process of accommodating my men, for ‘I’m afraid there is, sahab,’ said Balbir. me fine, but before that, I’d like a quick whom he had set aside two barracks. ‘There is a cow outside the SLA kitchen. word with you in private.’ A little later, their second in command They’re going to kill it.’ ‘Yes, certainly,’ he said, detecting the (2IC) appeared on the scene. D;LEX  - GVMIH MR EQE^IQIRX D%VI ]SY note of urgency in my voice. ‘Let’s go to ‘I’m afraid the CO’s away at a meeting sure?’ the billiards room. It’s empty now.’ in Fort Frederick, Trincomalee. But not ‘Yes, sahab,’ said Sumer. ‘They’re going to ;LIR [I [IVI F] SYVWIPZIW - ETTVMWIH to worry, I’m here to do the honours. slaughter it for their dinner.’ him of what was happening. ;I PP TVSZMHI ]SYV GLETW [MXL FEXLMRK -[EWWLSGOIH;L]LEH-EWWYQIHXLEX ‘Looks like we’ve made a nuisance of ourselves by coming here,’ I ended apologetically. ‘No, no, it’s alright. I can well appreciate your men’s religious WIRWMFMPMXMIW ;I QYWX RMT XLMW MRXLIFYH;LEXHS]SYXLMRO# ‘If I might make a suggestion, could you postpone this activity?’ I said, recoiling from using the term “cow slaughter”. D;L]RSX#+SSHMHIE ;I [IRX XS XLI ERXI VSSQ where he picked up a field telephone and rattled off some orders in Sinhala. ‘There, I’ve cancelled the program,’ he said, replacing the receiver. ‘Are you happy now?’ ‘Yes, very,’ I said, as I felt an oppressive weight lift from my shoulders. ‘Come, let’s watch the news on Rupavahini and have dinner.’ facilities, dinner and packed meals for no Buddhist eats beef? ‘Thanks, but give me a minute first. I’ll be tomorrow.’ ‘Look, I understand your distress, but back in a jiffy.’ ‘It’s very kind of you,’ I said. we must remember this is their country. I went outside and gave Balbir and Sumer Although we had carried our own packed They don’t need our permission to do the good news. They were ecstatic and food, I wouldn’t turn down the offer of a anything.’ overcome with gratitude. hot meal. ‘Yes, sahab, but we are Rajputs,’ said ‘Don’t thank me. The credit goes to their After my men had been settled in, I asked &EPFMVD;I PPGLSTXLIMVLIEHWSJJFIJSVI 2IC,’ I said, but they weren’t listening. if I could be given a bed nearby. they can lay their hands on the cow.’ Back in Valaichennai the next evening, ‘Surely not!’ said the 2IC, his eyes It was not an idle threat. An ominous I informed the CO of everything that widening in astonishment. ‘You are situation was developing. I had to remain had happened. He congratulated me for an officer. I cannot let you bunk down firmly in control. having defused a potentially explosive with your men. I’ve had a guest room ‘That’s no way to talk to an officer,’ I situation.From then onwards, I was prepared for you in the Officers’ Mess. reminded Balbir, a trifle pompously. RIZIVEWOIHXSWXE]XLIRMKLX[MXL+6 - Let’s go there now.’ ‘I’m sorry, sahab’ he said, springing back took my chances out in the open. Since it was a matter of only a night, I to attention, ‘but you are a Kshatriya, too. ;LIR-VIGSPPIGXIHXLIIZIRXWSJXLEX thought it would be ungracious to insist. ;IGERRSXEPPS[XLIQXSGSQQMXXLMWWMR day, I realised that it had been touch and The 2IC escorted me to a comfortable in our presence.’ go. I shuddered to think what would have room and asked the civilian waiter D;LEXEVIXLIQIRHSMRK# happened if the 2IC had been adamant standing outside to attend to my needs. D;I ZI EWOIH XLIQ XS VIQEMR GEPQ ERH and refused to listen to me? Mercifully, ‘I guess you’d like to turn in early, so could not react to any provocation,’ said Sumer. everything had passed off peacefully.As we expect you in the Mess for dinner at 7 ‘Good thinking. Now listen, I’ll try to do XLI(YOISJ;IPPMRKXSRQMKLXLEZIWEMH pm?’ asked the 2IC. WSQIXLMRKEFSYXMX;EMXLIVI- PPFIFEGO it had been a damned close run thing. ‘Yes, thanks.’ in a moment.’ I emerged from my room a little before D;LIR-IRXIVIHXLIQIWWHVE[MRKVSSQ Col Arun Sarkar is a veteran army seven. As I walked towards the mess the SLA officers rose respectfully to greet officer based in Secunderabad. building, I saw Subedar Balbir Singh and me. CHM Sumer sprinting frantically towards D;IPGSQIXSXLI+63JJMGIVW1IWW WEMH

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 31 LIBERATION WAR THE LONG NIGHTMARE OF HORROR IN DHAKA Hiranmay Karlekar

XLSWIIRKEKIHMRXLI0MFIVEXMSR;EV[LS absolute trust and faith in the Almighty were then subjected to acts of utmost Allah, nationalism, democracy and savagery, but themselves perpetrated socialism…” The order also introduced murders, rapes, torture and expropriation the invocation “Bismillah-ir-Rahman- of properties. The expectation that they ir-Rahim (in the name of Allah, the would be tried and punished, which soared beneficent, the merciful) above the after Bangladesh’s liberation following Preamble to the Constitution. the India-Pakistan war of 1971, was, These changes were ratified by the Sixth however, not met then. The Bangladesh Constitution Amendment Act of 1979. The Collaborators (Special Tribunals) Order, General-turned-President also allowed, TVSQYPKEXIH SR .ERYEV]  SJ XLEX ]IEV MRSRISJXLITVMRGMTEPGSPPEFSVEXSVW came into force on March 26, 1972. By of the Pakistanis during the Liberation 7ITXIQFIV RIEVP]  GSPPEFSVEXSVW ;EV +SPEQ %^EQ XS VIXYVR SWXIRWMFP] were arrested and charges were brought to attend to his sick mother, and stay EKEMRWXSJXLIQFEWIHSRWTIGMJMG on. Meanwhile, ties with Pakistan were allegations. By October 31, 1972, however, growing fast. The Directorate-General of the 73 special tribunals, created under the Forces Intelligence, Bangladesh’s principal %GXLEHVIWSPZIHGEWIWERHSRP] intelligence-cum-unconventional had been convicted. warfare arm, was established after Sheikh Every March, I am increasingly reminded Around 26,000 of the collaborators who Mujibur Rahman’s murder, virtually of the military crackdown the Pakistani had been arrested were released when as a clone of Pakistan’s Directorate- Army launched in Dhaka that night in Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared in May, General of Inter-Services Intelligence. 1971 and then extended it all over what 1973, a general amnesty which, however, The two organisations operated in close was then known as East Pakistan, the did not extend to those convicted of coordination, promoting insurgency role of the leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami heinous crimes like murder, rape and in India’s North-East and subversion Bangladesh and its supporters who arson. Of those who remained in prison, elsewhere in this country, until Sheikh collaborated with it, and the efforts of 11,000 were released when, after Sheikh Hasina’s second innings as Prime the military oligarchy ruling Bangladesh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination on Minister when, armed with formidable from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s %YKYWX   XLI QMPMXEV] SPMKEVGLW parliamentary strength, she began to EWWEWWMREXMSR SR %YKYWX   XS XLI ruling Bangladesh under Major General systematically sanitise the DGFI. general elections of 1991, to wipe out Zia-ur Rahman, with President Abu Sadat Earlier, the process of Islamisation XLI0MFIVEXMSR;EV WPIKEG]SJWIGYPEVMWQ Mohammad Sayem as the front, repealed had continued under another General- and democracy, Islamise the country and the Bangladesh (Special Tribunals) Order turned-President, HM Ershad, who, move close to Pakistan. by the Bangladesh (Special Tribunals) MRTVSGPEMQIH-WPEQEW&ERKPEHIWL W Had I not seen the aftermath of what 6ITIEP  3VHIV SJ (IGIQFIV   state religion and continued the DGFI’s the Pakistani Army had done, I would not %RSXLIV SVHIV SR 1E]   VIZSOIH close ties with the ISI. Nor was there any have thought that human beings could %VXMGPISJXLI&ERKPEHIWL'SRWXMXYXMSR change in Begum Khaleda Zia’s two stints even think of, far less carry out, the kind prohibiting the formation of communal as Prime Minister. The second, where of atrocities that it perpetrated during parties or associations, thus preparing she headed a coalition comprising the &ERKPEHIWL W 0MFIVEXMSR ;EV MR  the way for the re-emergence of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and her 8LVII QMPPMSR TISTPI QYVHIVIH  Jamaat and its auxiliaries, which had been Bangladesh Nationalist Party, included in women raped, hundreds of them kept banned after Liberation in Bangladesh’s the Ministry two war criminals of 1971, as sex slaves in cantonments, and 10 politics. Matiur Rahman Nizami and Abu Ahsan million people forced to flee their homes Major General Zia-ur Rahman, who Mohammad Mujaheed, who have since and become refugees in India, constitute made himself Bangladesh’s President met their just desserts in the trial of war chilling figures. But the figures do not tell in April, 1977, also paved the way for criminals initiated by Sheikh Hasina. half the story, particularly of the tortures the country’s Islamisation by issuing Hiranmay Karlekar, has been a that accompanied the crimes. a proclamation order which removed journalist for 53 years. He is an author The Bangladeshi collaborators acted not secularism from the fundamental and is currently Consultant Editor, The just as informants of the Pakistani Army, principles of state policy, stating that the Pioneer. This article first appeared in the identifying to it the families and friends of latter should comprise “The principle of Pioneer, Thursday, 23 March 2017.

32 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] DEFENCE NEWS

MAIDEN TRIAL FIRING OF SAMs BY INS VIKRAMADITYA

The Indian Navy, on March 22, 2017, successfully conducted the maiden trial firing of newly installed Surface-to-Air missile system from its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. During the firing carried out in the Arabian Sea, the missile was fired against a live low flying high speed target. The target was successfully engaged and destroyed. The firing was conducted as part of the Operational Readiness -RWTIGXMSRSJXLI;IWXIVR*PIIXF]:MGI%HQMVEP+MVMWL0YXLVE*PEK 3JJMGIV'SQQERHMRKMR'LMIJ;IWXIVR2EZEP'SQQERHJVSQXS 23 March. The missile marks a significant milestone in providing Air Interception and Defence capabilities, thus enhancing operational capabilities of the Navy’s aircraft carrier and the fleet. UNMANNED COMBAT VERSION OF LCA India has started work on developing an unmanned combat version of the home-grown light combat aircraft (LCA), with a task group being constituted to study how to convert the fighter for a futuristic role. A team has already started work on the project to convert the LCA into a drone and India’s premier aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is confident that the project can be carried out within a short time frame. As per Suvarna Raju, Chairman and MD of HAL, an internal study on making a unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) on the Tejas platform has been initiated. The Chairman also expressed his confidence on producing an unmanned version of the Chetak helicopter as well. As of now, the IAF has already placed orders for 123 LCA fighters and HAL is targeting a gap of 200 fighters that the Air Force will face in the coming years.

An unmanned version of the LCA could be used for cross-border strikes — missions thatplace a high risk on pilots in case of a ditching in enemy territory. India is also working on a project named AURA to make a futuristic combat drone that would be powered by a modified version of the Kaveri engine. ARMY HEROES HONOURED In a glittering investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 20 March 2017, An officer and a JCO who were part of the audacious cross-border “surgical strikes” against terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir last year were among the military personnel awarded with KEPPERXV]QIHEPW1ENSV6SLMX7YVM  Para), was awarded the Kirti Chakra for killing four terrorists in close- quarter combat during the surgical strikes on September 29, while Naib Subedar Vijay Kumar was awarded the Shaurya Chakra. Apart from these X[SSXLIVGSQQERHSWJVSQERH 9 Para Commandos (SF) had figured in this year’s Republic Day gallantry awards list for the surgical strikes that sent an unequivocal message to Pakistan to desist from actively aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism against India.Of them, four were awarded Shaurya Chakras, while 13 got Sena Medals. The commanding SJJMGIVWSJXLIERH4EVEFEXXEPMSRW Col Harpreet Sandhu and Col Kapil Yadav, in turn, were awarded Yudh Seva Medals.

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 33 DEFENCE NEWS BHARAT DYNAMICS LIMITED In Service of its Customers and the Society

Bharat Dynamics Limited, a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence was incorporated in the 1970 to be a manufacturing base for guided missiles and allied defence equipment. Today, BDL is amongst a few industries in the world having capabilities to produce state-of-the-art guided weapon systems. For the financial year 2016 – 17, BDL has achieved a record sales turnover of Rs  GVSVI VIKMWXIVMRK ER MRGVIEWI SJ  percent growth over the previous year. BDL has also been rated as ‘Excellent’ JSVMXWTIVJSVQERGIHYVMRKXLI]IEV 16 by the Government of India. This is the third consecutive year the Company has been rated as ‘Excellent’. A snapshot of the recent developments made by the Company is presented below.

MoU SIGNED FOR EXPORT OF TORPEDOES

BDL entered into an MoU with L&T for I\TSVXSJ8SVTIHSIW 0;8<4 [LMGLLEWFIIRHIWMKRIHERHHIZIPSTIHEX2780:MWEOLETEXREQERH[MPPFIQERYJEGXYVIHF] BDL. Shri V. Udaya Bhaskar, CMD, BDL and Shri Jayanth Patil, Head of Defence, L&T exchanged MoU documents in the presence of Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Union Minister of Defence and Finance and Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, Govt. of -RHMESR1EVGLEX2I[(IPLM Dr S. Christopher, Chairman, DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr SC Sati, Outstanding Scientist and Director General, Naval Systems & Materials, DRDO, Shri K. Divakar, Director (Technical), BDL, Shri Arun T. Ramchandani, Head of Guns, Missiles and Armoured Vehicles, L&T were present on the occasion.

STATE-OF-THE-ART EXPLOSIVE STORAGE FACILITY INAUGURATED

A state-of-the-art explosivestorage facility was inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre at BDL, Hyderabad SRXL.ER8LIJEGMPMX]MWEGSQTEGXPE]SYXSJWXSVEKIQEKE^MRI[MXLSYXGSQTVSQMWMRKSRWEJIX]EWTIGXW

MoU SIGNED WITH MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

&(0LEWWMKRIHER1S9[MXL1MRMWXV]SJ=SYXL%JJEMVWERH7TSVXWSR1EVJSVGSRXVMFYXMSRSJ6WGVSVIXS2EXMSREP Sports Development Fund. The MoU was signed as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility initiative taken up by the Company for promotion of excellence in sports in India and achieving greater heights at national and international level competitions. Dr. N.K Raju, ED (P&A), BDL and Shri Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS, who represented the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India exchanged the signed documents of MoU documents at BDL.

MoU SIGNED WITH INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE BDL has signed a MoU with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru on 27 March 2017 aiming at Skill Development of Unemployed Youth. As per the MoU, BDL will contribute an amount of Rupees One Crore and IISc will provide Solar PV and CSP based Training and Smart Micro-Grid Training for Unemployed Youth at IISc, Challekere Campus towards Skill Development of Unemployed. Dr. N.K Raju, ED (P&A) exchanged MoU documents with Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Chairman, Division of Interdisciplinary Research & Chairman, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, IISc, Bengaluru.

34 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] DEFENCE NEWS

NAVY’S EXPEDITION TO MOUNT EVEREST FLAGGED OFF

On March 23, 2017, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, flagged off the Indian Navy’s second expedition to Mount Everest which has been themed on the concept of ‘Sagar Tal se Sagar Matha’ (From seabed to summit). The Naval expedition consists of 24climbers who have been selectedafter a gruelling selection process over the last two years. The Naval Chief handed over the ceremonial ice axe to the climbers, after which the ceremonial ice axe with the Naval Ensign was taken to the bottom of sea by diving off the coast of Karwar. This will now be taken to Everest, symbolically depicting the Navy’s ascent from the depths of the ocean to the highest point on earth. The first all Navy expedition to Everest was flagged off from Indian Navy Submarine Sindhuraj in 2004 at 50 metres below the sea. The expedition thereafter went on to scale Everest and plant the Naval Ensign at 8848 metres. The second all Naval expedition is set to repeat the feat in May this year. INDIAN AND BANGLADESH ARMY CYCLING EXPEDITION A 11-day joint cycling expedition of Bangladesh and Indian army wasflagged off on March 23, 2017 from Agartala with a view to further strengthening friendship between the two armed forces.The 30 member expedition team, formed with officers and jawans from both countries would pass through major cities of the neighbouring country – Comilla, Dhaka, Jessore, Manikgunj, Faridpur, Magura – before reaching Fort William in Kolkata in 11 days after covering a distance of 532 km.A defence press statement said, “Indian and Bangladeshi Army conduct joint military exercise annually, and the introduction of joint adventure activities would result in increased mutual understanding and cooperation at troops’ level”. INDIA AND OMAN JOINT EXERCISE The closing ceremony for the 14-day joint training exercise between Indian Army and Royal Army of Oman was carried out on 20 March at Bakloh in Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. Senior observers and other officers of both the Armies were present during the validation exercise and closing ceremony. Major General Naveen Kumar Airy of the Indian Army said, the exercise demonstrated the determination of the two armies in working closely with each other to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.India and Oman have cordial relations in defence sector and the Joint Military Exercise is seen as yet another milestone in defence co-operation and military relations between two countries.

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 35 DEFENCE NEWS BULLET PROOF JACKETS AND HELMETS

fields including defence, aerospace, medical, automobiles and others.” ;LMPIGYVVIRXP]YWIHQEXIVMEP[MXLWMQMPEVTVSTIVXMIWVIUYMVI raw material to be imported, this composite has been prepared with material which is available in India in abundance. Thus products developed using this composite will be fully indigenous thus achieving 100% self-reliance with zero outflow of capital to foreign countries.Presently, procurement is being done through foreign ventures like Hexel, DuPont, Victrex and others. Other than the bullet proof jackets, the TCF technology can also be utilised for AFVs, bullet proof vehicles and mines/ blast protected vehicles, UAVs, LCAs Supersonic Aircrafts, Long Distance Missiles besides hardening of critical shelters for Army and BSF personnel in border areas. SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN DEFENCE PRODUCTION Thermoplastic Carbon Fabric (TCF) technology has been indigenously developed and patented by Dr Bhowmik, the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has drawn up plans to make Head, Research & Projects and Professor in the Department of India self-sufficient in production of arms and ammunition Aerospace Engineering, Amrita University, Coimbatore. This with the twin objectives of reducing imports and meeting fully indigenous technology on high performance composite REXMSR W VIUYMVIQIRXWl;I EVI GVIEXMRK EHHIH GETEGMXMIW MR material can be used for the manufacture of bullet proof jackets the production of T-90 tanks and Pinaka rockets at the various and helmets besides a vast array of other applications in the ordnance factories”, defence and aviation sector. It has the potential to give a boost to S K Chowrasia, the government’s ‘Make In India’ initiative, while catering to the member, OFB, said. protection needs of the Indian Army through high technology Chowrasia, who is solutions for military modernisation. slated to assume the %WTIV(V&LS[QMOl8LI0MKLX;IMKLX,MKL8IQTIVEXYVI office of chairman Thermoplastic Composite can prove to be a game changer for of the board from India’s defence and aviation sector,” A Bullet proof jacket made December one, also JVSQ XLMW QEXIVMEP [SYPH [IMKL ETTVS\MQEXIP]  OMPSKVEQW stated that work as against currently available vests with similar protection was on to create but weighing around 10-13 kgs. For the infantry, this dramatic additional anti- reduction in wright would be a great boon which would tank ammunition enable the troops to operate with greater efficiency in difficult capacity under situations. Project Mango The bullet proof vests and helmets in use currently by the in technical Indian forces are very heavy, causing a lot of discomfort and collaboration with leaving the Armed Forces personnel at a disadvantage during Russia.The OFB an encounter with heavily- armed terrorists. The requirement has also started for light weight equipment is hence a priority item for the production of Bimodular Charge Systems (propellants) at its Armed Forces. If the light weight bullet proof vests and helmets factory at Nalanda for high-calibre artillery guns, Dhanush and are produced in bulk within the country, it will ensure low-cost Bofors, with the objective to meet the country’s demand, he supplies and an end to the endless wait for foreign vendors to said. supply the equipment. India also carries out limited exports of ammunition. It has Dr Bhowmik has stated that the Army has acknowledged VIGIMZIHERSVHIVJVSQXLI9%)[SVXL6WGVSVIJSVXLIWYTTP] that this technology has tremendous potential for the Defence SJQQWLIPPW8LI3*&MWEPWSI\TSVXMRKPMQMXIHUYERXMXMIW forces. This took place during his interaction with the Army of ammunition to countries of South Asia, Indonesia, Germany as part of the trilateral Army-Industry-Academia dialogue. ERH97ERHXLIETTVS\MQEXII\TSVXXYVRSZIV[EW6WGVSVI Dr Bhowmik added that in its first compendium of problem The primary purpose however remains to meet the nation’s statements by the Indian Army, the latter talks of the TCF demands. The OFB had also undertaken designing of Future technology developed by him.“The Army has acknowledged Infantry Combat Vehicle for the Indian Army in collaboration that this technology promises to offer solutions for the futuristic with the IITs. requirement of high performance composite material in various

36 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] RAISINA HILL

SEPARATE THE SEPARATISTS Lt Col Anil Bhat

separatists’ programme of radicalisation the Army like the NGO called Shaheed of the valley populace, particularly youth, Major Rohit Sharma Memorial Society, has been upgraded to switch to the formed in 1999 by the locals and headed tactics of trying to stymie anti-terrorist by Mohammad Ali Mir of Mandi, in operations by SFs and helping terrorists Poonch district. This NGO helping escape. people in distress and providing financial Another irony is the very naming of the assistance to needy school children aims Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The at improving the memorial for Indian TSVXMSR[MXL-RHMEQIEWYVIWWU Army personnel martyred there. kms, of which Ladakh, has the largest In September 2016, then GOC-in-C, PERH EVIESJ  WU OQ EQSYRXMRK Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda XS  .EQQY [MXL  WU OQ met civilians, including an elderly couple EQSYRXW XS  ERH /EWLQMV [MXL who were taken hostage by terrorists WUOQWEQSYRXWXSNYWX in Poonch district and awarded them During the Kasauli Literary Festival in for their contribution in the three-day 2016, former Jammu and Kashmir chief long encounter. In October 2016, when minister Omar Abdullah, an alumnus of a vehicle of the Kupwara-Srinagar army the Lawrence School Sanawar located convoy accidentally caught fire due to Pakistan Day is annually celebrated on there, had stated: “There is an effort of an engine fault, local youth immediately March 23 to commemorate the Lahore painting the entire problem as religious rushed to help, dousing the fire and Resolution by the Muslim League and to one. That Jammu and Kashmir is the way pulling out the driver. In the January 2017 celebrate the adoption of Pakistan’s first it is because the valley has radicalised. I avalanche in Macchil and Gurez sectors, constitution marking the transition of would be the first person to accept that civilians and porters came to rescue and the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic there is a greater element of radicalism saved army mens’ lives. 6ITYFPMG SJ 4EOMWXER SR  1EVGL  today than it making Pakistan the world’s first Islamic [EW  ]IEVW republic. Pakistan’s republic day parade ago, but to by the armed forces is celebrated in the suggest the memory to commemorate the event at entire valley the Minar-e-Pakistan. of Kashmir Pakistan’s lackeys, the Kashmiri is radicalised separatists, holding Indian passports and everything and enjoying many governmental you see on benefits, even as they feverishly and the ground continuously organise terrorism and is because disruptive activities against India, radical Islam especially in J&K. These separatists have has suddenly been ardent celebrators of Pakistan’s taken over is VITYFPMG ERH MRHITIRHIRGI  %YKYWX  not true.” He days, partaking of ‘biryani’ with New then spoke Delhi based Pakistani diplomats, while about how the calling for shutdowns in Kashmir valley situation came on India’s Independence and Republic about and it Days. Government also provides them being “very worrisome”. But there However, much of the Valley is seriously bullet-proof cars, even as Indian security was no mention of the separatists/their infected and requires urgent medication. forces (SFs) fight the terrorists supported role. Even at the cost of being repetitive, it by these separatists operate without is reiterated that political will must be enough bullet-proof gear. Such are  ;LIR 'LMIJ 1MRMWXIV 1ILFSSFE 1YJXM exercised to neutralise the separatists, merely some of the accepted- as-usual lashed out at the separatists during the along with sustained use of social ludicrous policies/ procedures of India’s peak of 2016’s rioting, which also left 32 media to make Kashmiris of the valley democracy—so far at least. schools reduced to ashes, S.A.S. Geelani aware of the dire hazards of ‘azaadi’, by Separatists’ ‘calendars’ during 93 or ranted against her. His grandson has beaming visuals and accounts of what more days of bloody rioting causing over recently been given a government job. is happening in Pakistan Occupied 90 deaths and many more blindings in the It is also true that there have been many Kashmir and Balochistan. Kashmir valley from midsummer, 2016, instances of Kashmiri locals assisting stand relegated. Because Pakistan’s/

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 37 VETERANS ALERT

PAY AND PENSION ISSUES

2S  ;IWX  &VEWWI] %ZIRYI 'LYVGL XLIEKISJ]IEVWERHEFSZI[MPPFI[MXL- 6SEH 2I[ (IPLM PIXXIV 2S &%+ held till further orders. PCDA Circular No. PS-3(P) dated 02nd Feb 2017, the Defence HEXIHXL*IFVYEV]VIJIVW Salary Package (DSP) account holders are eligible for education loan at concession- Delay in first payment of pensionary al rate under the‘ SBI Loan Scheme’ Five awards and revised pension after is- %;)7 -RWXMXYXMSRW LEZI FIIR MRGPYHIH sue of initial/corrigendum PPOs due in the List ‘B’ institutes eligible for the to delayed dispatch/processing of scheme viz Army College of Medical Sci- PPOs by the Record Offices and Pen- ences(ACMS), New Delhi, Army College of Dental Sciences (ACDS), Secunder- sion Disbursing Agencies i.e. Bank abad, Army Institute of Technology (AIT), CPPCs, Treasuries and DPDOs etc. Pune, Army Institute of Management The payment of pension is getting de- (AIM), Kolkata and Army Institute of Law layed due to delay in dispatch of PPOs to (AIL), Mohali. Salary Package Account the Pension Disbursing Agencies by the holders are also eligible for Personal Ac- Record Offices. The delay is occurring at cident Insurance (PAI) (Death) cover and the end of Pension Disbursing Agencies Air Accident Insurance (AAI) (Death) cov- too in disbursement of first payment of Hony Capt er for Gold and above variants insurance pensionary awards. Revised pension after provider. The new PAI and AAI policy issue of corrigendum PPOs also needs to Baldev Singh WLEPPFIZEPMHJSV]IEVMI[IJ be paid expeditiously by completing nec- XS4%-ERH%%-GPEMQ[LIVI essary action at the end of Record Offices the salary account holder has met with an and PDAs. PCDA Pension Allahabad has EGGMHIRX FIX[IIR  XS  requested to all Record Offices and PDAs  ERH I\TMVIH WYFWIUYIRX FYX [MXL- to avoid delay in dispatch/processing of in the 12 calendar months of the date of PPOs, so that DCRG, Commuted value of accident should be submitted to Future pension, pension in case of 1st payment Generali India Insurance Company Ltd and revised pension in the case of corri- (FGIICL). SBI Corporate Centre Mumbai gendum may be credited to the pension- e-circular No NBG/PB/C & ITU/19/2016- er’s account immediately. PCDA Pension HEXIH.ERVIJIVW %PPELEFEH 'MVGYPEV 2S  HEXIH XL Feb 2017 refers. Amendment to GOI, MOD letter No. Clarification on implemen-   ( 4IR4SP  HEXIH XL 1E] tation of 7th Central Pay 2016 issued for revision of Casualty Pen- sionary award in respect of Pre-2006 Commission ( 7th CPC) Armed Force Officers and JCO/ ORs Pen- The disability element which was be- sioners/ Family pensioners. ing paid to Pre-2016 Defence Pensioners Minimum of fitment table for the rank EWSR[MPPGSRXMRYIXSFITEMH D1;3  KVSYT D<  LEW FIIR EQIRHIH MR till decision on the recommendations Annexure ’B’ (Air Force) attached with the of Anomalies Committee is taken by the +3-13(PIXXIV2S  ( 4IR Government. . The matter regarding re- Pol) dated is” May 2016 (circulated vide covery on account of payment of excess 'MVGYPEV 2S   %GGSVHMRKP] 7TIGMEP dearness relief, additional pension on Family Pension, 2nd Life Award of Spe- disability pension & war injury element cial Family Pension, Liberalised Family Conversion of SB Account was raised by various Pension Disbursing Pension & 2nd Life Award of Liberalised Agencies (PDAs) after the issue of PCDA to Defence Salary Package *EQMP] 4IRWMSR MR VIWTIGX SJ 1;3 D<  4IRWMSR%PPELEFEH'MVGYPEV2SHEXIH have also been revised. Necessary orders/ (DSP) Account 31.10.2016. It has now been decided that instructions be issued to all PDAs by their Defence personnel can send their recovery of excess amount, if any, paid respective Head of Bank to ensure the request to Bank Manager, State Bank SREGGSYRXSJTE]QIRXSJ(6$MR- revision at the earliest. All other terms of India who maintaining their saving stead of DR 119% while working out dis- and conditions shall remain unchanged. account for conversion to Defence Sal- ability element war injury element and 4'(%4IRWMSR%PPELEFEH'MVGYPEV2S ary Package account with all its special recovery of additional pension on disabil- dated 27th Feb 2017 refers. features. In terms of Addl Dte Gen Pers ity element war injury element paid w.e.f. Service, Adjutant General’s Branch, Plot 01.01.2016 to pensioners who attainted

38 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] BOOK REVIEW

EVEREST AND BEYOND Lt Gen Yogi Sharma

The hero of this book, Col’ Bull’ Kumar, courage as also risk-taking ability that treacherous upper reaches of the mighty is a true-blooded Indian superhero and are the essence of his life. His story Indus in flimsy boats and skied down an acknowledged ‘icon’ of his time. The defies human norms and challenges the Trishul peak. Clearly, the secondary long list of gallantry and distinguished conventional wisdom. interest had become his primary passion service/achievement awards, national It is axiomatic that human memory and to seek ever higher challenges a and international, won by him bear is fickle and attention-spans are getting ‘hunger’. shorter. Memorable deeds of role- In the same period, the rest of us were models of earlier generations must, struggling full-time to be good soldiers therefore, be preserved for posterity and, at best, nursed a casual hobby or to inspire future generations. In this two. His enviable achievements did not context Col NN Bhatia, a spirited come easy, they were the fruits of ex- ‘Kumaoni’ himself, has passionately ceptional hard work and commitment in packaged the life-story of his pursuit of a ‘passion’—a ‘flaming spiritual esteemed Regimental elder in this fire’ to take on and beat any challenge. book. It is a thrilling and an in-spiring Such gifts are indeed inborn and the read. ensuing success is a special bless-ing— Bull was a year senior to me in as acknowledged by him in the book. XLI2(%MRIEVP]W;ILEHXLYW But none of these can be earned without overlapped for three years in the I\XVESVHMREV] IJJSVX ERH [MPP TS[IV ;I %GEHIQ] .7; 1MPMXEV];MRKW ERH had seen early signs of those in the fierce then kept meeting, off and on, in- ‘bull-charges’ in the boxing ring against service for decades. In any case his all-comers, of any size or reputation. achievements in mountaineering Lest this become overly hagiographic, and other adventures were admired, let me also focus on a soft spot. envied and followed by us all. Despite -TIVGIMZIHJEMRXWMKRWSJMXSR4EKI that, none of us could possibly see quoted extract “…Brig ….Singh, who have known the full spectrum, was inexperienced to lead … tried to run and the insidestory of his amazing it more like a military exercise ignoring adventures. This book has been a safety of team members.” I realise that revelation in that respect—it carries this is an expert’s judgment which must the reader through many mind- be based on more information than blowing experiences. given here. Yet, on all counts listed viz. A life story is a brave search into inexperience, military style and high- ‘someone’s soul’. Any life is a mix of risk decisions seem to be a replay/ many truths—to find the truth which mirror-image of Bull’s own climbing is the ‘essence’ is the challenge. I experiences, at some stage or another. He have tried to understand the power also had limited experience during initial and the process that transformed a expeditions and most of his crunch Soldier Mountaineer: The ‘normal’ Cadet Narendra Kumar, into decisions were played for high-risk Colonel who got Siachen the superhero ‘Bull Kumar’. He was stakes. That is the nature of the ‘beast’- Glacier for India neither born or bred as a mountaineer both mountaineering and military nor selected for that purpose when operations. That is why both are similar LINSMRIHXLI%GEHIQ]MR in so far as meticulous planning, resolute By Col N Kumar with Col execution by the team and risk-taking are During the next decade, of normal concerned. As to high-risk choices: you NN Bhatia military training and service, he had win some and lose others. Perhaps Jagjit acquired so much expertise in this was not as lucky as others, especially extra-curricular activity as to lead Bull whose record is truly blessed in Vij Books, India an expedition to the Trishul peak XLMW VIWTIGX;I EVI XVYP] TVSYH SJ LMQ ,EVH'SZIVTT6W ERH PEXIV GPMQF YT XS  JIIX SR and grateful to Col Bhatia for bringing Everest in 1960. Thereafter, he led his story to life in this book (hopefully, expeditions “…to 13 of the highest edit-bugs will be eradicated in future testimony to that. A biography, in words, Indian Himalayan peaks above editions). can scarcely recreate a true ‘feel’ of  JIIX|IZIR EJXIV LI LEH PSWX LMW his incredible spirit and superhuman toes to frostbite”, as also challenged the

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 39 LEISURE AND LIFESTYLE SEVASI VIDYADHAR VAV: A HIDDEN JEWEL Aarti K Pathak

;I PIJX JIIPMRK XIVVMFPI EFSYX XLI I\XIRX reminders to the concerned authorities of neglect that it was under. The well no one has bothered to do anything. It’s which used to be full of drinking water been years, I don’t know what else to do today is full of soil and dirt. The pillars now…’ which lasted centuries may give way in a few years. The only consolation was ;IPIJXXLIZEEZJSVXLIWIGSRHXMQIXLI that it was clean. Also, at one level there feeling of despondency heavy in our was a small ‘hawan kund’ which was lit hearts. probably by the locals. For travellers who love to visit the lesser known destinations, this vav is a must see ;IZMWMXIHXLIZEZEJI[HE]WPEXIVEKEMR and probably soon, before it crumbles This time we met a man named Dinesh Patel who was cleaning XLI WXITW;I KSX XEPOMRK ERH LI told us that the vav was made by Raja Haridas in memory of The Sevasi Vidyadhar Vav, situated in the revered spiritual leader Shri Sevasi on the outskirts of Vadodara is a :MH]EHLEV MR XLI ]IEV  jewel in our midst but it is probably just Intrigued, we asked him how he a matter of a few years before it gives in, knew all this and he pointed us to succumbing to decades of government the inscription on the walls right neglect, losing the battle against the above our heads. He translated ravages of time and completely withering them to Hindi and Gujarati as we away. felt insufficient and ignorant in his presence. Then he pointed us Carved completely out of stone, the vavs to the few surviving sculptures. (step wells) of Gujarat are unique marvels ‘This one’, he said pointing to one of architecture. In their prime they which we had photographed but provided respite, shade and cool water not understood last time, ‘is the to travellers. The walls of these wells are Shivling with eight naag around adorned with captivating sculptures from it’. Look here,’ he continued holy epics. The science and aesthetics pointing to the other way, ‘this behind these high utility structures has is Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra. always been awe inspiring. This one is a Ganpati ka prateek,’ we watched rapt as everything The humble Sevasi Vav is probably one of around us, one by one got the least known and most neglected vavs. meaning and came almost alive. It exists unassumingly on a nondescript side lane of the Sevasi-Sindhruot road ;IEWOIHLMQLS[LIMWEWWSGMEXIH[MXL collapses due to absence of both the and travellers would definitely miss it the vav and he replied, ‘I am just a local literal and metaphorical external unless someone told them about it. here and have been visiting the vav support, it so dearly deserves. since childhood with my grandmother On our first visit there, we were stumped who lived till the age of 107. Hence, am Aarti Pathak is a mother of two by the geometrical precision of the walls, emotionally attached to it. After I retired young children and resides in the steps and the pillars. As is always I could not bear to see the way it was, Vadodara, Gujarat. A prolific the case with such monuments, we hence have taken to caring for the place writer she is presently, editor at were left wondering how the architects full time myself. I clean it daily and make Bonobology.com. She blogs at https:// and sculptors completed this detailed sure no one defaces what is left of it or sparrowtimes.wordpress.com/author/ work with the limited means available disrespects the prayer area.’ Showing bloggingsparrow/. XLIR;I XSSO PSXW SJ TMGXYVIW FYX XLIVI us the cracks in the walls and pillars he was no information about it anywhere. shares, ‘in spite of repeated requests and

40 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] LEISURE AND LIFESTYLE DUM ALOO: A PERENNIAL WINNER Aditi Pathak

» Salt to taste Prepare this dish in just a few easy steps. First, boil the potatoes in a pressure cooker. You will need no more than two whistles for this. Once cooled, remove the potatoes and peel the skin. Poke the An ideal dish for the potato fans, Dum potatoes with a Aloo is so delicious and so versatile. I have skewer all over. personalised this dish to suit my taste. Now shallow There are so many ways to make this dish fry the potatoes and after having tried several of them, I and cashews. Mix well and savour the till slightly brown and add a bit of salt to have found this particular recipe most aroma that will arise at this time! Add this. Once done, keep this aside for use to my liking as it is rich but not heavy, the Kashmiri lal mirch, turmeric and later. has lesser spices and is very flavourful. coriander powder. Finally add the Now move on to prepare the dry masala. You can enjoy this dish with rice or like tomato onion paste. Cook this for a bit. Take the fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, me, with freshly made parathas. Even Add salt to taste. Mix well and this would cardamom and cashews and sauté in with such less spices, this dish comes be the time to add the yogurt. Reduce the very little oil (you can also dry roast out fragrant, looks pleasing to the eyes flame and slowly add whisked yogurt. Let without the oil). Remove from heat and and tastes like heaven. So do try this out this cook for some time then add some using a mortar and pestle, grind this till when you need to pamper your senses! water to adjust the thickness of the gravy. you get a smooth powder. Add cashews Simmer and let cook for some time. at the end as they are already quite soft Finally add the potatoes to the gravy. Mix INGREDIENTS: and crush easily. The reason I grind these » well and cover and let the potatoes cook Baby potatoes (2 packets) separately is because I like this to be a and absorb the aromas. I allowed this to » Fennel seeds - 1 tea spoon smooth powder and using a mortar and » cook on a small burner on low flame for Cinnamon stick - 1 pestle I can make sure it come out the 20 minutes and then let the dish rest for » Cloves - 2-3 way I want it. Now keep this aside too. » another couple of hours before finally Cardamom - 2-3 I am using tomatoes and onions in my devouring it with parathas! » Cashews - handful dish and this is my variation. Traditionally » To serve, place the prepared dish in Onions - 3 roughly chopped there would be dry masala and yogurt a bowl and garnish with crushed kasuri » Tomatoes - 2-3 roughly chopped only to make the gravy but I find this suits » methi. I also topped it with some dried Ginger - small piece chopped my taste buds best. So sauté some onions red chillies sautéed in oil. » Few garlic pods - chopped MR E TER;LIR WPMKLXP] FVS[R EHH XLI » Hope you would try this variation too Coriander powder -1 tea spoon chopped tomatoes followed by ginger and enjoy it as much as I did. » Turmeric powder - 1tea spoon and garlic. Remove from heat, cool and » Kashmiri lal mirch - 1-2 tea spoon then blend to get a smooth paste. » Ms Aditi Pathak Is based in Cumin seeds - 1 tea spoon Finally it’s time to get the dish together Singapore. Widely travelled and from a » Asafoetida - a pinch as all the individual elements are all » Services background, cooking is one of Kasuri methi - a bit to garnish prepared. Heat some oil in a pan. Add the her many passions. » Dried red chillies - for garnish cumin seeds and asafoetida. Now add the » One cup yogurt (mixed well) dry masala powder prepared earlier with » ;EXIVEWRIIHIHJSVKVEZ] fennel, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom

[email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 41 MAROOF’S MUSINGS

Even as analysts the world over are coming to terms with US President Donald Trump’s remarks on nuclear weapons—a willingness to even start another arms race to outmatch and outlast all rivals—India’s politicians are almost embarrassed to admit that India is a nuclear weapon state. And any talk of revisiting our stated stand on ‘no first use’ throws up angry responses from politicians and peaceniks across India, like Mr Parrikar did, who until recently was the defence minister, in his personal capacity. A key element of any country’s nuclear strategy must be the ability of its political leaders to convey their intent to use nuclear weapons, without which deterrence cannot be enforced. In fact, ‘the study of nuclear strategy is therefore the study of the non-use of these weapons’, stated Sir Lawrence Freedman. Concerned with Russia’s nuclear modernisation efforts, President Trumpsaid on Twitter, on December 22, 2016that, “The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes.” And for good effect, he then EHHIHXLIRI\XHE]SR172&'VEHMSXLEXz0IXMXFIEREVQWVEGI;I[MPP outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all.” This has thrown all the arms control lobbies into a tizzy, fearing a catastrophe. And as a first step, the US is now likely to modernise its nuclear arsenal and its doctrine, so “that the United States nuclear deterrent is modern, robust, flexible, resilient, ready, and appropriately tailored to deter 21st-century threats and MAROOF RAZA reassure our allies”.      'SQTEVI XLMW [MXL -RHME W RYGPIEV TSWXYVI IZIV WMRGI  [LIR 1V Vajpayee took the least aggressive posture by announcing a ‘no first use’ doctrine. It was apparently a hurried response and arguably announced without due deliberation, reflecting the uninspiring state of India’s national security decision making that is dominated largely by India’s civilian CHANGING political, bureaucratic and to a more limited extent, her scientific elite. 8LMWXMKLXGMZMPMERGSRXVSPLEWFIIRLEMPIHF];IWXIVRGSQQIRXEXSVW&YX it raises crucial issues, such as, does India have the necessary second-strike capability to respond to Pakistan’s threats to use tactical nuclear weapons, NUCLEAR if India were to use the ‘cold start’ doctrine, (that could be initiated in the aftermath of a major terror attack, which could lead to Pakistan using its tactical nuclear weapons, as a Pakistani, Zamir Akram, most recently suggested)? POSTURES In such circumstances how would India’s ‘no first use’ policy and its doctrine of credible and survivable deterrence add up? India’s second- strike capability (which itneeds to enhance further anyway), would require a certain amount of pre-delegation of launch authority to local commanders, not least because of the rudimentary state of much of India’s telecommunication network. And although the present government has been engaging the service chiefs during a crisis, in an advisory capacity, will our civilian leadership be willing to give that authority to military commanders? Currently, India’s nuclear command and control chain apparently runs down from the Prime Minister, through the Cabinet Committee on Security to the Defence Minister, the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Strategic Forces Command and to the service HQs. Pakistan has exploited India’s unwillingness to adopt a pro-active nuclear strategy, to push its terror agenda under its own nuclear umbrella. But this could soon change. Former NSA, Shivshankar Menon has recently gone on record to admit that “there is potential grey area when India would use RYGPIEV [IETSRW JMVWX  %RH RS[ EX E VIGIRX GSRJIVIRGI MR ;EWLMRKXSR Vipin Narang an MIT scholar has claimed that evidence now suggests that India may not restrict itself to a ‘no first use’ policy, in the event of a standoff with a nuclear adversary, but instead New Delhi could order an all out ‘comprehensive counterforce strike’ without waiting to engage in a tit for tat exchanges that will endanger Indian cities, (as reported by the Times of India on 1st April, 2017). It should worry Pakistan, more than anyone else.

For more details on Maroof Raza, visit: maroofraza.com

42 SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected] [email protected] >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER RNI Registration: DELENG/2008/26923

SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER >> February 2017 - March 2017 >> [email protected]