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`100 MAY-JUNE 2017, VOL 9 ISSUE 10 www.salute.co.in I www.saluteindia.org

YEARS OF THE MODI 3GOVERNMENT THE STATE OF DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS 02 AD_00_COVER_1.qxd 7/8/2017 6:41 PM Page 1 03-Contents_03_EDIT.qxd 7/8/2017 6:43 PM Page 3

in this issue

04 KEEP THE POWDER DRY I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 05 MY COURSE MATE I Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma 06 YOUR VOICE 07 CAUGHT BETWEEN THE BEAR-HUGS I Air Mshl Sumit Mukerji 08 PM MODI’S 5 HOURS AT CAPITOL HILL AND THE FOLLOWING BREEZE I Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha 09 THE CRUMBLING PILLARS OF STATE I Admiral Arun Prakash 11 DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS: MUCH ACHIEVED BUT A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD I Brig Gurmeet Kanwal 14 31 REVIEW OF THE IAF I Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur DUDE WANTS TO JOIN THE NAVY I Capt (IN) 18 Anil Gonsalves KEY REFORMS REMAIN ELUSIVE I Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch 33 20 DEFENCE NEWS THE GUWAHATI DECLARATION 36 21 RAISINA HILL I Lt Col Anil Bhat SUPERSIZE NUTRITION THROUGH SUPERFOODS I 37 Prof Ram Rajasekharan VETERANS ALERT I Hony Capt Baldev Singh 22 38 POINT-COUNTERPOINT BOOK REVIEW I Deeksha Goel THE DANGERS OF INTEGRATED COMMANDS I Abhijit Iyer-Mitra 39 INDIA NEEDS A CDS I Lt Gen Prakash Katoch JAI MATA DI I Sqn Ldr Siddharth Kharbanda 26 41 INDIA’S SUBSTANTIAL MISSILE PROGRAMME I ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP: A DELICIOUS Lt Col Anil Bhat APPETISER I Aditi Pathak 28 42 A HILL CALLED MELROSE I Dr Yashwantrao Shankarrao Patil MAROOF’S MUSINGS I Thorat Maroof Raza

Authors aspiring to publish their articles in Salute may send by email to [email protected] along with pictures, if any

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EDITOR’S NOTE

KEEP THE Publisher Maroof Raza POWDER DRY Editor Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch MAJ GEN DHRUV C KATOCH SM, VSM Since Independence, the nation has been Unfortunately, such people, instead of being faced with security challenges, either from vilified, are receiving compensation from the Associate Editor external powers or internal actors, some state, which further encourages disruptive Lt Col Anil Bhat aided by external powers. The challenges elements. There is also a need to look into the VSM (Retd) have been squarely addressed by the Forces, school curricula and text books to see that who have left no stone unturned in their sedition does not creep into the minds of our Design quest to protect and guard the Frontiers of children. Equally important is the need to UNEEDUS India from external aggression and the peo- check certain mosques from spewing venom ple of India from internal disorder. The chal- against the state, to prevent radicalisation in Publicity Manager lenges however are getting more complex, society. Hony Capt (Retd) Baldev Singh with no let up in terrorist activities in the While the situation in the Kashmir three active areas within India — Left Wing Division remains serious, a more serious Board of Advisers Extremism (LWE) in parts of India, Terrorism threat is developing along India’s Northern Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma in J&K and low level insurgencies in some borders with Tibet. China is becoming PVSM, AVSM, YSM ,VSM( Retd) states of Northeast India. increasingly belligerent, as evinced by its The Army is not involved in combatting actions in trying to slice away a portion of Printed published by LWE. That function continues to be per- Bhutanese Territory in Doka La. India has Flags Media Pvt Ltd formed by the respective states using their rightly resisted this move, which seems to A-47 Hauz Khas (LGF) police forces assisted by — when asked for — have surprised the Chinese. Some of the New Delhi 110016 Central Armed Police Forces, both BSF and statements emanating from The Global CRPF. The Army however has a dual commit- Times, a mouthpiece of the communist gov- Printed at ment, one in J&K in addressing terrorist vio- ernment in Beijing, were in extremely bad JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd lence and the other in the Northeast in main- taste. Whether they have the approval of C-21,DDA Shed, taining normalcy. While the state of affairs in China’s leadership or otherwise is not yet Okhla Phase -1 the Northeast is under control, a great deal of clear, but it is hard to assume that a state- New Delhi -110020 concern has been expressed over the state of ment made by this paper would not have affairs in J&K, with the open support being come without political approval. The Global provided by Pakistan to terrorist groups Times has even threatened India that it RNI Registration operating in India. The proactive stance would review its position on Bhutan and DELENG/2008/26923 taken by India’s political leadership in isolat- Sikkim. That perhaps would not be in the ing Pakistan and the success achieved by the best interest of China, which is increasingly Certified that the views expressed Army and police forces in tackling terrorists being seen as a regional bully. More to the and suggestions in the state is however yielding results and point, such an action would offer India the made in the articles are made bodes well for the future. opportunity to review its stance on Tibet, by authors in their personal Much work however still needs to be done which would complicate the situate for capacity and do not have any in the state of J&K. Politics, both at the State Beijing no end. official endorsement and National level tends to hijack national The Indian response to Chinese transgres- interest for narrow political gain. It is this sions has been mature, but the standoff at that has prevented a resolution to the prob- Doka La is not likely to end soon. Beijing may lem in J&K, despite the Army having ensured well attempt to stoke violence in parts of normalcy time and again in the state. It is Northeast India as also in Bhutan and Sikkim. vital that the nations lawmakers speak in one A military skirmish at this point cannot be voice to root out terrorism from the state. ruled out. India needs to be prepared to deal There must also be a firm disincentive to par- with Chinese perfidy in any form. While deal- take in anti national activities. This could be ing with the situation at the political and done by making the perpetrators and their diplomatic level, it would be advisable for families pay an economic cost for the dam- India’s military to remain prepared for any age that they cause to the state. eventuality and to keep its powder dry.

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GENERAL SPEAK MY COURSE MATE Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma

The magic words ‘my course mate’ Parkinson’s, others battling the dreaded signify so much depth, bonding and C, or assisted by walking sticks, silvered permanence that only those who have hair and balding pates. Also came the gone through the grind and sweat of better halves of our departed course military training can truly relate to the mates, and few dear friends now sadly range of emotions it conveys! In fact, alone. Yet all came with a twinkle in the relationship between course mates their eyes, a pronounced swagger in is a true example of the ethos and their walk, searching for familiar faces camaraderie, which is the bedrock and of long lost friends. Many met for the spirt of the Forces. This unique and first time after 50 years and the bear hug unbreakable relationship is honed and and moist eyes with colourful language slowly tempered, in the hard and melted away the years and all we saw challenging regime at the military with our failing eyesight’s was the training academies of India. It is no buddy of yore. secret that the most enduring Some had changed beyond relationships are only forged in the recognition with years taking their toll, severest of testing times and in sharing others still dapper and smart. Yet of meagre resources, and the helping recognition would come instantly when hand and encouragement of comrades the magic pet name of NDA was when the will is weak. shouted out! One was either, Sukka, or A lot of my non fauji friends often Speedy, Kalu, Saby or Chandu! Every look askance when I nonchalantly and one has an NDA pet name which only with supreme confidence tell them that the course mates know. Once you utter I am going to so and so place and will it the years fly away in a flash. Wives of look up or stay with my course mate. our course mates who we lost along the They are unable to comprehend the way came to honour the memory of almost open-ended pass to seek any than a hundred of my course mates and their husbands, and to relive and see for favour at any time that this relationship myself recently made a journey to our themselves the places and fables he bestows and ensures. While in service, alma mater, the incomparable crucible must have narrated endlessly. We lived the first thing an officer looks around of leadership; NDA, to celebrate 50 in the NDA cabins and sheepishly for comfort and security are the course golden years of our passing out from shared and laughed at the pictures of mates in a new military station. In this, this hallowed institution (32 NDA). It is our cadet days pasted on our cabin the rank of the officers involved is of by many miles the foremost and leading doors! We danced, sang old songs and little or no consequence. joint services military academy in the partied and made merry, content and This unparalleled and unique world. Friends came from all corners of relaxed, yet conscious that this would flavour came to the fore when more India and abroad, some with perhaps be the last reunion of this band of friends. The solemn ceremony at the hut of remembrance to pay homage to our THE SOLEMN CEREMONY AT THE HUT OF REMEM- course mates and all NDA martyrs was BRANCE TO PAY HOMAGE TO OUR COURSE MATES deeply moving yet filled us all with a AND ALL NDA MARTYRS WAS DEEPLY MOVING YET sense of pride. For most of us it was a pilgrimage to the institution which FILLED US ALL WITH A SENSE OF PRIDE. FOR MOST moulded us and gave us so much in OF US IT WAS A PILGRIMAGE TO THE INSTITUTION return. Fifty years of a life lived with WHICH MOULDED US AND GAVE US SO MUCH IN honour and dignity! My salutation to all RETURN. FIFTY YEARS OF A LIFE LIVED WITH HON- my course mates, may our kinship and OUR AND DIGNITY! bonding remain steadfast, till the time comes for us to bid life adieu!

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YOUR VOICE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir, pointing out the diabolic nature of manpower strength for controlled This has reference to the debate in Chinese scheme, but do not touch upon wages of labour to enhance its foreign POINT-COUNTERPOINT on the issue own shortcomings and failures. Our earnings. However, due to upgradation of the China Pakistan Economic sense of national pride overshadows of technologies and automation, the Corridor in the April-May 2017 issue of our judgement — a very damaging trait. job market in China has shrunk, which SALUTE. In my view, New Delhi has —Col Abdul Rasul Khan has not only led to a reduction in the acted correctly in abstaining from the work force, but also curtailed fresh OBOR and made its stand clear on the recruitment in the market. CPEC as well. It would be a Dear Sir, Unemployment has the potential to contradiction if we did not object as the There is a great deal of hype generated cause social tension and political CPEC passes through an area that is over China’s USD 124 billion One Belt, upheaval which could endanger constitutionally the territory of India, One Road (OBOR) project, also called Chinese national security. though it be under the illegal the"New Silk Road" for economic Excessive funds and rising occupation of Pakistan. New Delhi has growth and world trade. Closer home, unemployment are thus the future correctly seen through the game plan of there is much talk about CPEC (China trouble makers for China. Despite being both China and Pakistan and acted in Pakistan Economic Corridor), which a communist country, gap between rich accordance with the best interests of will join Gwadar on the Persian Gulf in and poor in China is widening. OBOR is the Indian Union. Baluchistan Province of Pakistan to hence being viewed as a panacea to —Brig Chander Thapa Kashghar in Xinjiang province of China, overcome the problem of excessive over a distance of 3000 km. The rail, funds and rising unemployment in road and port projects are seen as game China. This would enable China to Dear Sir, changers in Pakistan, but here too, the divert its funds and its low tech workers The viewpoint expressed by Dr Srinath issues appear to be over-hyped. At the to these regions and open the space in Raghavan in POINT-COUNTERPOINT outset, let me quote Professor Mohan the job market for fresh recruitment. on the issue of the China Pakistan Malik of US based Asia Pacific Centre For China it is a win-win situation. It is Economic Corridor article is a frank and for Security Studies. He recently told a to be noted that funds invested by realistic appraisal of India-China Times Of India correspondent that China in all these countries are not relations and their standing in the Chinese officials, in jest, talked of financial assistance but loans, which world. India has refused to kowtow to buying off smaller countries instead of these countries will not be able to the Chinese strategy of OBOR for some invading them. He further elaborated refund. The case of Sri Lanka and weighty reasons, which have not been that China was in an "empire-building" Maldives are illustrative in this regard. given out. Objecting on the issue of mode and that China is trying to build For Pakistan, CPEC is a double edged sovereignty however does not sound an empire of exclusive economic weapon and would likely end in too well. Firstly, when India could not enclaves that would create a Sino- enslaving Pakistani society by virtual prevent construction of highway centric unipolar Asia. Malik then control over all walks of life in Pakistan. through Aksai Chin, the claims of described this as China's 'imperial It seems, Pakistan has sold the future of sovereignty sound a bit weak. Why is overreach' at a time of economic her unborn generations to China. Once India then not letting this far more slowdown. in, China will never go out because serious sovereignty issue to affect the According to me it is an ‘Economic Pakistan won't be able to repay the loan Indo-China relationship? The issue Mouse Trap’ for small countries, from which amount to almost $100 billion in comes handy to refuse to join the which they would never be able to free next 30 years. initiative, but the real reason may be themselves. China has been the India, therefore, rightly refrained from quite different, which India does not manufacturing hub of the world over attending BRF (Belt and road Forum ) wish to divulge. We must also the last few decades due to low cost of Summit in Beijing on 12/14 May 2017. remember that Chinese imperialism is production, facilitated by low labour CPEC not only violates Kashmir becoming a reality. India has been costs. Accordingly, many sovereignty but is also a clever attempt watching this unsavoury development manufacturing giants shifted their base to "intoxicate nations with money" and with concern, but has been unable to to China, which allowed China to thus lose sight of biting fangs of Chinese counter it. This represents a failure of market its goods world over imperialism. Indian policy. A deeper and starkly competitively and be flushed with —Col Rajinder Singh Kachhwaha frank analysis is required. We feel happy surplus funds. China has also used its

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OUT OF THE BLUE CAUGHT BETWEEN THE BEAR-HUGS Air Mshl Sumit Mukerji, PVSM, SC, VSM

There is no doubt that their promises of beefing up the IAFs their offer is to be believed. The user needs the charismatic depleting fighter squadrons with the LCA, to give the whole thing a long hard look Narendra Modi has in a definitive time frame, talk of procuring under the magnifying glass. taken the world by a single engine multi-role fighter has The other issue which seems to be storm and his travels played the air waves. It is now a reality and hanging like a shroud in the background is around the globe the two best contenders, the Lockheed India's Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft generate a whole lot Martin F-16 (Block 70) and SAAB Gripen E (FGFA) program. It is no great military of interest, not only in have been identified. To be able to address secret that all is not well in the Indo- India, but also in the countries he visits. not only the high evaluation standards of Russian FGFA program. From delays to There is always a 'Take Away' in terms of the IAF which is looking to the future but cost over-runs to work-share to bi-lateral commercial and economic also to target the Prime Ministers "Make in technology sharing, it has become a exchanges that are invariably a fallout of India" program, both parties are floating complex matrix of disagreements. With his visits to those nations. A recent post their futuristic models. The stakes couldn't the Russians demanding more funding, attributed the following to him :- be higher. For Lockheed Martin, a lease of which has already reached astronomical Superman of India, Age 65 yrs. life on a closing production line and for proportions, India has actually set up a Countries visited:USA, Portugal, SAAB, the introduction of a new committee to evaluate if there is a need for Netherlands production line. the FGFA vis-a-vis the indigenous Journey Time: 96 hrs Numerous comparisons abound Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft In-Flight Time:33 hrs between the two Gen 4++ deliverables— (AMCA). In the midst of this 'lovers tiff' Meetings/ Engagements:33 from Lockheed Martin trying to offload a comes the F-16 debate with a tantalising Night Halts: One (Sleeps during his vintage platform against the, always 'carrot' that it could pave the way for a flights) stylistic, new Swedish design. One battle follow-on offer of the 5th generation F-35. Power-packed, with a wholly business proven, against a 'yet to be bloodied' (Bollywood would be proud of this approach, Modi's most recent tour of the competitor. One acquiring its enhanced setting!). One just has to compare the United States had the defence media all technology from an already existing 5th timeframes between development of a abuzz with stories of the possible inking of Generation fighter, the F-35, which is in new platform to the acquisition (albeit in a F-16 deal. The obvious lobbying by the production, against a technology the queue with other potential buyers) of world's largest defence manufacturer at architecture which promises immense an existing one, to understand the the doorstep of the world's largest arms potential to 'add-on' elements which may dynamics. What about the monies importer activated an ever-hyper Indian not necessarily be endemic to Swedish invested with the Russians? The FGFA media into a state of frenzy, upsetting the technology but rather take on a mix of program was expected to generate IAF's single engine fighter requirement Russian/Indian/(whatever) components potential and provide technology for the and virtually relegating SAAB aircraft to suit the user (indeed a tempting offer). development of the AMCA. What about industries and their Gripen E to runners- But the game changer could possibly be that ? The complexities of the conundrum up, even before the competition had the issue of "Transfer of Technology,” are still being kept close to the chest. started. The evidence of 'paid media' which is so important to our "Make in Unraveling the mess (and it's not the first sometimes is so painfully and India" program, with its associated impact time) will have its own repercussions. overwhelmingly obvious. In a recent TV on the development and growth of the Having had the Russian bear hug, was interview the anchor kept asking the Indian defence industry. The transfer of Modi's bear hug to Donald Trump a defence expert, "So how many F-16s will the entire production line of the F-16 to portent of things to come ? we be able to produce in a month/year? India would make it the future supplier of An alumnus of NDA and DSSC, Air What is the sustainability one can expect aircraft and spare parts to numerous other Mshl Sumit Mukerji has served the IAF as from the F-16s? Which countries are we countries who operate the aircraft and will a fighter pilot with distinction He has likely to supply F-16s?" And all this when continue to do so in the future. But the commanded three units, a MiG-29 Sqn, a the defence expert repeatedly reiterates Swedes say that the US may not be willing MiG-25 SR Sqn and TACDE (considered that nothing has been inked, in fact there to part with source codes which virtually the ‘Top Gun’ school of the IAF) and also is but just a memorandum of intent! form the basis for technology to be served as the Air Attaché in Washington Ever since the doddering DRDO and effectively transferred. The Swedes offer DC. He retired in 2011 as the AOC-in-C of HAL have progressively fallen back on their production line with source coding, if Southern Air Command.

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PERISCOPE

PM MODI’S 5 HOURS AT CAPITOL HILL AND THE FOLLOWING BREEZE Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, PVSM, AVSM, NM

Prime Minister Modi’s on enlargement of the contents of debt financing practices, while ensuring visit to the US and his engagement of the two navies in future respect for sovereignty and territorial meeting with President Malabar exercises of which Japan is likely integrity, the rule of law, environment. It Trump is significant in to become a permanent participant. calls upon nations in the region to adhere more ways than one. China has been suspicious of this to these principles. Here, significantly the Discussions in India exercise and often described it as an fault lines of China in the OBOR and have revolved around attempt to marginalise growing might of Maritime Silk Route has been exposed Syed Salahuddin having been declared the PLA Navy in the larger Indo-Pacific. and pointed at. While OBOR is a debt trap specially designated global terrorist and Under the provision of growing for poorer nations and unsustainable, the further actions which are likely to strategic convergence, two important the Maritime Silk Route too is beginning follow. This will be in India’s interest in agreements are worth the mention. First, to show the trappings of debt servicing by pursuing the effort of routing out the the strong support of the US for India’s Bay of Bengal countries like Myanmar, Sri menace of terrorism. membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Lanka and Bangladesh. Pakistan, having A careful examination of the Joint Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement and underwritten the port of Gwadar to Statement reflects the future dynamism the Australia Group. China has been the China, is a virtual autonomous region of which is likely to shape the geo-strategy only P-5 country which has blocked China. And that the CPEC is passing in the Indo-Pacific. Implementation of India’s entry into NSG.Second, US through Indian Territory, though under the White Shipping data sharing between reaffirmed its support for India’s illegal Pakistani occupation, indicates the two countries will enlarge the canvas permanent membership on a reformed lack of respect to integrity of sovereign of maritime domain awareness which is UN Security Council. It is significant that India. key to real time information on the China does not favour this proposal too. In the overall context the latest movement of commercial traffic in the The joint statement identifies close Chinese incursion in the Doklam area of region. This will build a robust partnership between the US and India India-Bhutan-Tibet border is not mechanism of security in the sea lanes of being central to peace and stability in the surprising. Chinese foreign office communication criss-crossing the region, the growing Chinese military statement emanates from their belief Indian Ocean where Indian Navy assertion being seen as a destabilising that Doklam is historically Chinese commands much of dominance at factor in otherwise law abiding littorals in territory and not Bhutan’s and India is a present. Both India and the US have large the IOR. It goes on to say that further third party. The demarche’ issued by the volume of trade traversing through the measures will be put in place to Bhutanese Ambassador to the Chinese Malacca Straits destined for Indian ports, strengthen the partnership as per the Ambassador in Delhi asking China to the Gulf and through the Mediterranean tenets of the UN charter, which calls for maintain status quo is both timely and to the ports in Europe. It is crucial for respect to sovereignty and international essential to call the bullying by China. It sustaining the growth of our economy. law by every country. It reflects that is important to remember that Bhutan The two leaders have also identified that China’s cavalier attitude to PCA and China do not have diplomatic ties. the US and India are leading engines of judgment in the island grabbing case The most positive impact of PM growth in the global economy. Clearly, brought in by Philippines is Modi’s hug to US President Trump is the the economic growth leadership of China unacceptable. It has expressed Chinese un-nerve in the Indo-Pacific, will be challenged by the two countries. expectation that all nations will resolve likely slow down on Chinese The US realises that it will have to take territorial and maritime dispute expansionist agenda, both on land and at India along if Chinese domination is to peacefully in accordance with these laws sea and some relief to littorals who look be curbed. This could be one reason why (meaning not by military power as being up to these two powerful countries for India supports the Observer Status to the practiced by China). their own security. US in the IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Even the issue of Belt Road Initiative Lastly, the historic visit of PM Modi to Symposium), which is essentially a of China has not escaped the attention of Israel, first by an Indian Prime Minister, quorum of the Naval Chiefs of the IOR Indo-US outlook. The statement will also shape the contours of dynamics. navies. Soon, one expects that CinCPAC mentions that it supports bolstering Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, PVSM, would become an attendee in this forum. regional connectivity through the AVSM, NM and Bar is the former Commander in ChiefWestern Naval China is not in this forum not being an transparent development of Command & former Chief of Integrated IOR country. This will have much impact infrastructure and the use of responsible Defence Staff.

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INTERNAL FAULT LINES THE CRUMBLING PILLARS OF STATE Admiral Arun Prakash

campaign. The success of Swachh servants as a central pillar of national Bharat will, however, remain contingent governance cannot be underrated upon its implementation by Brayne’s because they are also key players in Indian successors. Today, when the local administration as well as nation is beleaguered by grave security development programmes for rural and threats, and New Delhi seems bereft of remote border areas. ideas, there is a need to undertake an The hallmarks of an ICS officer were agonising reappraisal of our national his integrity, commitment to the modus operandi. A rapid empire, and paternal attitude towards environmental scan highlights some people in his care; but we seek, in vain, conspicuous examples of the Indian similar qualities in our civil servants. A state’s failures to ensure national more committed bureaucracy could security for want of vision and resolve. have been the agent of development At the outset, it must be and change, for a better, more secure acknowledged that India’s India. grandstanding on the international Administrative shortcomings of An issue like “Swachh Bharat” may stage remains meaningless as long as its successive governments have been seem remote from something as lofty as deep internal instabilities persist. Apart compounded by their propensity to national security, but I start with it from enduring insurgencies in the treat problems, rooted in alienation and because the quintessence of national Northeast and the spiralling unrest in socio-economics, as “law and order” security lies in creating a long-term Kashmir, the most serious internal issues. Most instances of internal unrest vision of national interests, and security threat arises from the armed originate in political venality, demonstrating the ability for resolute Naxalite insurgency running across half malfeasance and apathy. A lax implementation. India’s failure to attain of India’s 29 states. Each of these administration, then, allows the civilised standards of sanitation is “running sores” is evidence of problem to fester and assume emblematic of a serious deficiency on dereliction, by successive governments, unmanageable proportions, at which both counts amongst independent of their duty to assimilate alienated point the politicians panic and throw India’s rulers and administrators. citizens, implement agrarian reform poorly trained police forces at it. In 1920, ICS officer Frank Brayne and deliver social justice to the poor, After the failure of government, civil undertook the “Gurgaon experiment,” the deprived and adivasis. administration and police to control the which included campaigns to eradicate However, “government” is not a situation, the area is declared open defecation, malaria, plague and disembodied entity but an organisation “disturbed” and the military asked to rural indebtedness. Brayne tried to run by 104 secretary-rank civil servants restore order, invoking the Armed impose “disciplined defecation” via in New Delhi. They are the Forces Special Powers Act. In the case of trench latrines and self-help, but his administrative heads of its 53 ministries anti-Naxal operations, however, the experiment failed. India’s population and 51 departments, act as principal military has firmly refused to be drawn has quadrupled since 1920, and the advisors to ministers and draft policies in. There lies another tragic tale of quantum of human excreta on its for them. Given the complete ineptitude. landscape has, no doubt, kept pace. preoccupations of politicians with The Central Reserve Police Force If we ever overcome this national electoral politics, secretaries are also (CRPF) was designated the home ignominy, the credit will go to Narendra responsible for implementation of ministry’s “lead counter-insurgency Modi’s vision in launching a national policies. The critical role of civil force” and deployed on anti-Naxal

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INTERNAL FAULT LINES

operations in 2008. Since then, in an record. Our lackadaisical diplomacy, have steered clear of military issues, but alarming sequence of near-identical based on hubristic assumptions of in the words of Pakistani commentator Naxalite ambushes, the force India’s cultural superiority, led to the Ayesha Siddiqa, “From economy to repeatedly suffered heavy casualties. underestimation of adversaries and social cohesion, India… doesn’t present Coming from the same background as allowed them to outmanoeuvre us. a very stable image”. Doing the same the army jawan, there is no doubt that Having created Bangladesh, we thing over and over again, but expecting the CRPF constable displays equal botched up the 1972 Simla Agreement, different results, is not very smart. The courage and grit. Army ethos, however, and did little to prevent the emergence failure to resolve endemic problems for demands that jawans be led into of a China-Pakistan axis and the 70 years, using the same complacent combat by officers; hence, captains, seduction of our neighbours with loans people and outdated methods, should majors and colonels regularly figure on and weapons. Realpolitik is adroit cause a re-think amongst our political battle casualty lists. The Indian Police power balancing; but our adherence to leadership. Innovative solutions will Service (IPS) officers, who fill the “non-alignment” may have left us emerge only if fresh minds are enlisted majority of CRPF command posts, are friendless in a parlous future into government; from business, not trained for combat; hence, they are environment. Amidst the ongoing industry, academia and the professions not with their men when they walk into jockeying for power, manifest in the — including the military — to reinforce ambushes. OBOR initiative, the China-Russia-Pak the crumbling pillars of the Indian State. The failure to regain control of the axis, US-North Korea face-off and a “Red Corridor” and pacify other states (possible) US-China G-2 diarchy, how Admiral Arun Prakash PVSM, AVSM, for decades clearly highlights the will India fare? VrC, VSM, served as the Chief of the deficiency of vision and strategy in the Finally, the Achilles heel of the Indian Naval Staff of the Indian Navy and Home Ministry. Needlessly heavy State lies in a neglected and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee casualties amongst our brave armed- dysfunctional defence industry, from 31 July 2004 to 31 October 2006. police forces point to a flawed entrusted exclusively to scientists and He is the author of ‘From the Crow's leadership template, which needs generalist bureaucrats. This lacuna has Nest: A Compendium of Speeches and urgent change. The country’s bleak rendered our national defence hostage Writingson Maritime and other Issues’. external environment too calls for to unreliable foreign sources and made This article was first published in the reflection on India’s foreign policy track a mockery of “strategic autonomy”.I Indian Express, 09 June 2017.

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COVER STORY DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS: MUCH ACHIEVED BUT A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD

Brig Gurmeet Kanwal

enhance combat readiness. Unless the squadrons over a decade ago, the management of the defence budget fighting strength of the Indian Air Force improves and the defence procurement has gone down to 33 squadrons, process is streamlined further, thoughts whereas actually 42 squadrons are now of critical hollowness will continue to required to meet future threats and haunt India’s defence planners. challenges. Obsolescent fighter aircraft However, first and foremost, the like MiG-21s and MiG-27s and vintage large-scale deficiencies in ammunition helicopters are still in service. The and important items of equipment need availability of surface-to-air missile to be made up quickly. These (SAM) systems for air defence deficiencies continue to adversely affect operations leaves much to be desired. India’s readiness for war and the ability And, the protection enjoyed by air to sustain military operations over a bases, like the one that was attacked by period of 20 to 30 days if it becomes Pakistani terrorists in January 2016, necessary. The Indian Army is remains rudimentary. reportedly holding stocks of some During its first three years in office, varieties of ammunition for barely ten Slow Pace of Modernisation Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s NDA days of conflict. It has been estimated The continuation in service of obsolete government gave a free hand to the that it will cost Rs 19,000 crore to and obsolescent weapons and army to act pro-actively on the LoC with replenish stocks to the required levels. It equipment also impact the country’s Pakistan and worked assiduously with will be recalled that during the Kargil defence preparedness due to their poor the leadership of the armed forces and conflict in 1999, 50,000 rounds of 155 state of maintenance and one or two the bureaucracy to give a fillip to mm artillery ammunition had to be generations old technology. military modernisation. However, imported from South Africa. The Modernisation of the armed forces has inadequacies in the state of defence occurrence of such a critical situation been stagnating due to the inadequacy preparedness continue to merit the during a time of crisis must be avoided of funds, the black-listing of several government’s urgent attention. During through a prudent replenishment and defence manufacturers and the remaining two years in office, the stocking policy. bureaucratic red tape that stymies the government must devote time and The army’s sister Services are no acquisition process. A committee led by effort to addressing the critical better off. Over the last five years, the Dhirendra Singh, former Home hollowness plaguing defence Indian Navy has had major accidents on Secretary, was appointed to review the preparedness. (The term ‘critical board INS Sindhurakshak and INS Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). hollowness’ was used by General V. K. Sindhuratna, both submarines, possibly Based on its report, several pragmatic Singh, former Army Chief, in a letter he due to the poor state of maintenance. In amendments were made and DPP 2016 wrote to then Prime Minister another accident, submarine batteries was issued by the government in early- Manmohan Singh in May 2012.) Also, that should have been replaced much April. Since then, the Defence major operational deficiencies in the earlier were still being used due to Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by war establishment of the three Services inordinately long acquisition Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has need to be made up early in order to procedures. From its peak at 39 approved the ‘Strategic Partnership’

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model to encourage participation of the third generation night vision devices. lift helicopters, reconnaissance and private sector in defence manufacture. Other requirements for infantry surveillance helicopters, surface-to-air Defence procurement projects worth battalions include 66,000 assault rifles missile systems and electronic warfare over Rs 1,50,000 crore were accorded — a soldier’s basic weapon, carbines for suites. All three Services need to ‘acceptance of necessity’ (AON), or close quarter battle, general purpose upgrade their C4I2SR capabilities to approval in principle, by the DAC machine guns, light-weight anti- prepare for effects-based operations in a chaired by former Defence Minister materiel rifles, mine protected vehicles, network-centric environment and to Manohar Parrikar and contracts were 390,000 ballistic helmets, and 180,000 match ever increasing Chinese military signed for acquisitions worth lightweight bullet proof jackets. capabilities. approximately Rs 90,000 crore. The Navy is in the process of However, it will take three to five years commissioning an air defence ship at Prudent Financial Management before deliveries of the weapons Kochi to replace the aircraft carrier INS All of the planned acquisitions are systems begin. And, like in the UPA Vikrant and building six Scorpene capital intensive and the present regime, significantly large amounts of submarines at Mazagon Docks. It is also defence budget cannot support many of funds continue to be surrendered building 22 destroyers, frigates, them. Hence, financial management unspent from the capital budget. corvettes and other ships such as fast needs a major overhaul if defence In the army, artillery modernisation attack craft, landing ships and support preparedness is to be enhanced. The is about to begin. There is an urgent ships. However, India’s maritime defence budget has dipped to 1.60 per need to acquire approximately 3,000 security challenges are growing and the cent of the country’s projected GDP for pieces of 155 mm/52-calibre guns to Navy not only needs to modernise but 2017-18 — the lowest level since the replace obsolescent towed and self- also expand its footprint in the Indo- disastrous 1962 War with China. propelled guns and howitzers. So far, a Pacific region along with the navies of Parliament’s Standing Committee on contract has been signed only for 145 India’s strategic partners. Defence and the armed forces have pieces of M777 155 mm/45-calibre The modernisation plans of the Air repeatedly recommended that the howitzers from the US. Another contract Force are also proceeding ahead at a defence budget should be raised for 114 pieces of 155 mm/45-calibre snail’s pace. The MMRCA project to progressively to 3.0 per cent of the GDP howitzers based on the Bofors design is acquire 126 fighter aircraft to replace if India is to build the defence expected to be signed with the obsolete MiG-21s is stuck in a groove. capabilities that it needs to meet future Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) The government’s plans to initially threats and challenges and discharge its shortly. Air defence and army aviation purchase 36 Rafale fighters from France growing responsibilities as a regional units are also equipped with obsolete appeared to have got bogged down power in Southern Asia. The budgetary equipment that has degraded their while the contract was being negotiated, allocations earmarked on the capital readiness for combat and created but have since been revived. Meanwhile, account for the modernisation of the vulnerabilities. Lockheed Martin (F-16) and Boeing (F- armed forces will continue to be Modern wars are fought mostly 18) have jumped into the fray again with surrendered unless the government sets during the hours of darkness, but most offers to produce their aircraft locally up a rolling, non-lapsable defence of the armoured fighting vehicles — with transfer of technology (ToT). modernisation fund of approximately tanks and infantry combat vehicles — The IAF also requires several Rs 50,000 crore under the Consolidated are still ‘night blind’. Only about 650 T- additional AWACS early warning Fund of India. Cutting down on wasteful 90S tanks of Russian origin have aircraft, six mid-air refueller tankers, 56 subsidies from which the people do not genuine night fighting capability. The transporter planes, 20 advance jet really benefit in a meaningful manner infantry battalions need over 30,000 trainers, 38 basic trainers, 48 medium- would be one way to spare more funds

THE MODERNISATION PLANS OF THE AIR FORCE ARE ALSO PROCEEDING AHEAD AT A SNAIL’S PACE. THE MMRCA PROJECT TO ACQUIRE 126 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT TO REPLACE OBSOLETE MIG-21S IS STUCK IN A GROOVE. THE GOV- ERNMENT’S PLANS TO INITIALLY PURCHASE 36 RAFALE FIGHTERS FROM FRANCE APPEARED TO HAVE GOT BOGGED DOWN WHILE THE CONTRACT WAS BEING NEGOTIATED, BUT HAVE SINCE BEEN REVIVED.

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for national security. The rules of implementation of the Prime Minister’s alternative. business need to be amended to give vision to ‘make in India’, defence The appointment of a CDS should be effect to this innovation. Incidentally, acquisition and plans for military logically followed by the raising of tri- such a provision had existed during the modernisation must lead to substantive Service integrated theatre commands a British Raj. upgradation of India’s defence few years later so as to ensure the ‘joint’ The 12th Defence Plan (2012-17) was technology base and manufacturing formulation and execution of completed on March 31, 2017 without capability. Otherwise the country’s operational plans. It has now been having been formally approved with full defence procurement will remain mired accepted by all modern militaries that financial backing by the Cabinet in disadvantageous buyer-seller, ‘jointness’ or ‘jointmanship’ leads to the Committee on Security (CCS) patron-client relationships. No new optimisation of single-Service combat throughout its currency. The defence acquisition should be capabilities. Also, the Army, Navy and government has also not formally undertaken without insisting on Air Force HQ have been only nominally approved the long-term integrated indigenous manufacture with the integrated with the MoD and are still perspective plan (LTIPP 2007-22) transfer of technology (ToT). ‘attached offices’ for all practical formulated by HQ Integrated Defence The NDA government has done well purposes. The civil-military disconnect Staff. Without these essential approvals, to announce its intention to allow and the consequent flaws in functioning defence procurement is being defence exports. Formal instructions to must be eliminated. undertaken through ad hoc annual give effect to this policy should be The state of the defence acquisition plans, rather than being issued early. It should be ensured that preparedness of a country is a function based on duly prioritised long-term India abides by the provisions of the of the guidance provided by its civilian plans that are designed to systematically Arms Trade Treaty even though it is not a and military leadership; the number enhance India’s combat potential. These signatory to the treaty. The national aim and, more importantly, the standard of are serious lacunae as effective defence should be to make India a design, training of individual soldiers, units and planning cannot be undertaken in a development, manufacturing, export formations; the quality of the weapons, policy void. The government must and servicing hub for weapons systems ammunition and equipment with which commit itself to supporting long-term and other defence equipment in the they are armed; and, the adequacy of defence plans. next 10 to 15 years in conjunction with the logistics resources available to them. the country’s strategic partners. While all of these factors contribute Indigenisation of Defence almost equally to defence preparedness, Production Defence Reforms perhaps the quality of weapons, The government must relinquish its Structural reforms need to be ammunition and defence equipment monopoly on defence research and implemented in an early time frame to merits greater importance. This factor is development (R&D). The DRDO should improve national security decision a product of long-term defence undertake research in strategic making and synergise defence planning. planning, the availability of funds, the technologies that even the closest The most important issue that has been country’s defence technology base, the strategic partners are unwilling to share; pending for long is the appointment of a efficiency of the procurement process e.g. ballistic missile defence technology. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This was and the ability to achieve and sustain a The Ministry of Defence (MoD) should first recommended by the Arun Singh high state of maintenance of weapons progressively move away from its committee on defence expenditure in and equipment. All countries have excessive reliance on the inefficient the early 1990s, and then by the Group armed forces, but only a few are able to public sector for defence production. In of Ministers led by Deputy PM. L K maintain them in a high state of fact, serious thought needs to be given Advani. The GoM had reviewed the operational readiness at all times. India to whether it is beneficial to continue recommendations of the four task forces must strive to join this small group. with the Department of Defence on the management of national security Production under the MoD, or hive it off that were assembled following the Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal is to a new ministry. submission of the Kargil Review Distinguished Fellow, Institute for The ordnance factories and the Committee report. This crucial Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), defence PSUs should be gradually appointment has been hanging fire due New Delhi and Adjunct Fellow, Centre privatised to make them more efficient to the want of political consensus and for Strategic and International Studies and quality conscious. The private differences within the armed forces. (CSIS), Washington, DC. He is former sector must be encouraged and Recently, the Naresh Chandra Director, Centre for Land Warfare incentivised to contribute to the committee has recommended the Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi. His books national quest for self-reliance in appointment of a permanent Chairman include Nuclear Defence: Shaping the defence production. Through the of the CoSC as a more acceptable Arsenal; and, Indian Army: Vision 2020.

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COVER STORY REVIEW OF THE IAF

Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur, VM

threat to it. Second, the Air Chief, in a AESA radar and EW suite is ongoing— personal letter to all his officers, has there would be many more steps before exhorted them to ready for ‘operations the selected equipments are test flown at short notice with our present and thereafter contracted for, to equip holdings.’ series production aircraft. The necessity of compressing timelines cannot but be Combat Fleet emphasised to make up numbers in the The two acquisitions eagerly looked IAF inventory. For this, HAL would forwardto are the thirty six Rafale and really have to buck its reputation of the one hundred and twenty three Tejas. past seven decades for delayed These are needed, not only for the deliveries. capability that would come in, but also to reverse the trend of reducing Rafale: The Rafale would bring with Squadron numbers due the it a capability that would be unmatched The Central Government has finished approaching phase out of the MiG-21 in the region by many orders of three years in office and consequently, and Mi-27 fleets. magnitude; this is applicable for PLAAF reviews of its achievements and too, even when its J-20 stealth fighter shortfalls are ongoing. For the Indian Tejas: As is well known, the IAF is enters service and becomes operational Air Force this period has been a very inducting 20 Tejas Mk I with the Initial (by 2019 or so). The biggest advantage busy one due the intense focus on its Operational Clearance (IOC) status, that the Rafale would bring is the fact dwindling squadron strength, the another 20 with the Final Operational that it has been tested in real life selection of an MMRCA and the fact Clearance and 83 Tejas Mk IA. It is the operational conditions in Libya, Mali, that its transport and helicopter fleets Mk IA that the IAF is really looking Iraq, Afghanistan and Central African were heavily tasked for Humanitarian forward to as it would bring with it the Republic, something that almost every Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), four mandatory additions that the IAF important piece of Chinese hardware a task that they acquitted themselvesin has demanded of Hindustan lacks. The aircraft would boast of stand- very creditably. The past six months, Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the off air to ground capability with the however, have been relatively quiet Aeronautical Development Agency SCALP missile and a BVR range par after the hectic preceding three years— (ADA); the four are, air to air refuelling excellence with the Meteor missile. hectic, also because of heavy media capability, an Active Electronically coverage of the activities connected Scanned Array (AESA) radar, integration Sukhoi-30: The IAF has a contract with the large scale and big ticket items of a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile with HAL to induct 272 of these heavy that the IAF planned to buy. This article and a modern Electronic Warfare (EW) multi-role aircraft of which roughly 230 examines how the IAF’s operational suite. Of these, photographs are or so have entered service. The Sukhoi’s capability presents itself to the nation available of a fixed refuelling probe have suffered from low serviceability, in the present challenging security having been installed on the aircraft with engine problems being environment. Two additional reasons nose and last reports stated that ground particularly serious (69 engine related demand this analysis. One, because the tests are underway before flight tests issues, including 35 failures, as per a CPEC blue print revealed in the begin. An Israeli Derby air to air BVR statement of the Defence Minister in Pakistan daily The Dawn shows that it has been test fired on 12 May as part of Parliament). However, the could well become a ‘colony’ of China the integration tests with the present modifications introduced by the in the years to come, given the planned mechanical radar in place; for sure, Russian manufacturer have deep intrusive presence in Pakistani once the AESA radar gets installed this ameliorated the situation a great deal— society and daily life. Thus, India would test would have to be repeated (as very but much more needs to be done to have a virtual Chinese existence on its many others too). What is known in the ensure a flight line availability of 70 western front too, aggravating the open domain is that the selection of the percent of the fleet in peace time. In

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parallel, the IAF has commenced a case for the upgrade of the Su-30, a step that THE FIRST FEW IOC STANDARD AIRCRAFT WERE needs to be pursued with focussed attention. RECEIVED FROM FRANCE AND BROUGHT UP TO FOC LEVELS BY HAL AFTER INCORPORATION OF INDIA-SPE- Mirage 2000 Upgrade: The $2.5 CIFIC REQUIREMENTS. THE AIRCRAFT WOULD BE billion Mirage 2000 upgrade will make GOOD FOR THE NEXT TWO DECADES AT LEAST AND the three decades old aircraft a very WOULD BE ONE OF THE LEAD AIRCRAFT IN IAF’S modern machine, with a new radar and very potent weapons for air defence PLANS TO CARRY THE WAR TO THE ADVERSARY. duties. The pilot would have a marked improvement in situational awareness, a new helmet mounted display and MiG-29 Upgrade: The MiG-29 highest level and hopefully things have MICA BVR missiles. The first few IOC upgrade, signed in 2008 for USD started to move. The upgrade includes a standard aircraft were received from 965million, has been way behind new and more potent radar, increased France and brought up to FOC levels by schedule with Russian equipment range due conformal fuel tanks and HAL after incorporation of India- suppliers delaying the despatch of many new avionics. specific requirements. The aircraft required kits. This is representative of would be good for the next two decades the delays in the Russian system where, Jaguar Upgrade: Jaguars are being at least and would be one of the lead despite the contract having been upgraded with the indigenous DARIN aircraft in IAF’s plans to carry the war to signed, their supply has been lacking. III system which affords the aircraft the adversary. This matter has been taken up at the better navigation and weapon delivery.

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Since the aircraft has many more years East. The HS 748 Avro has outlived its Also, Army-Air Force night ops have ahead of it, a proposal to re-engine life and will be replaced by the Airbus received a tremendous boost due this them has been in the works for many manufactured C-295; the contract with capability. years, without any known forward the Airbus Tata combine is pending movement; but the fact is that they and, once signed, could herald real Attack Helicopters: The arrival of 22 would be vital elements of the IAF’s transport aircraft manufacturing in Apache helicopters in 2018-19 is eagerly strike fleet for the next two decades. India. It is hoped that the factory in awaited as they will greatly supplement India would not only cater for the fifty the aging Mi-25/35s presently in IAF Transport Fleet six airframes that the IAF needs but inventory. If the next war comes, all The transport fleet of the IAF would be would also serve as an export hub for experts say that it would be a short high the envy of many developed nations. South East Asia and encourage R&D in intensity engagement; it is here that the The ten C-17 aircraft at Air Force Station the private sector as well. Apaches would be vital for the ground Hindan make it the second largest C-17 war to be prosecuted on our terms. Part operator in the world; an eleventh Rotary Wing Fleet of the fleet would have the mast aircraft has also been contracted for. Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH). Like mounted millimetric wave radar that The landing by a C-17 at the recently the transport aircraft fleet, the Rotary would revolutionise the transparency renovated Mechuka Advanced Landing Wing (RW) inventory is something that available on the battlefield. Used in Ground in Arunachal Pradesh, which the IAF can be proud of. Since around conjunction with AWACS through data has a runway of only 4200 feet, 1970, when the Mi-8 first came in, the linking, the battlefield picture would be demonstrated the large numbers of RW MLH fleet has been built around the centrally available to other users too; men and material that can be airlifted Mi 8/17 versions. The newest the reverse would also be true, with directly, close to the Indo-China border. acquisition has been the Mi 17 V5; after information being passed digitally to The lone C-130 squadron, also at Air the initial 80 were procured to equip six Apaches proceeding to the area of Force Station Hindan, has five special additional Helicopter Units (HU), fifty operations. With their night flying and operations aircraft in inventory while nine more have come in to replace the attack capability, the Apaches would the contract for another one (to make Mi-8s in the IAF fleet. Additionally, bring in state of art war fighting up for the aircraft lost in an accident), fortyeight more V5s have been ordered wherewithal to the tactical battlefield. has been signed. A new special due to enhanced requirement for operations squadron with six C-130s is internal security and HADR, the latter Heavy Lift: Fifteen Chinook coming up at Panagarh in the East, and being an area which the government is helicopters will enter IAF service will cater to the requirements for the laying special emphasis on. The V5s around the same time frame as the China contingency. have come with the Bambi bucket for Apaches, i.e., 2018-19.While a new HU IL-76 operations ex-Chandigarh are fire fighting and one would have seen is being raised in the East, the going great guns, and with all airframes that, in the recent past, these remaining would be placed in the Mi-26 concentrated at one base, the flight line helicopters have been called out pretty equipped HU at Chandigarh. From availability is impressive. An-32s still regularly for this task. Equipped with media reports it appears that some Mi- form the backbone of tactical airlift, Night Vision Goggles (NVG), their 26 are being retained in Service, so this and with around 100 aircraft on presence in the naxalite hit areas of HU would have two different Flights. It strength, they are doing yeoman service Chattisgarh and Jharkand has resulted is indeed heartening that the Mi-26 will for the Indian Army through air in the opening up of the night for still be flying in IAF colours since no maintenance in the North and North support to the police forces on ground. rotary wing machine can replace its 20

IL-76 OPERATIONS EX-CHANDIGARH ARE GOING GREAT GUNS, AND WITH ALL AIRFRAMES CONCENTRATED AT ONE BASE, THE FLIGHT LINE AVAIL- ABILITY IS IMPRESSIVE. AN-32S STILL FORM THE BACKBONE OF TACTICAL AIRLIFT, AND WITH AROUND 100 AIRCRAFT ON STRENGTH, THEY ARE DOING YEOMAN SERVICE FOR THE INDIAN ARMY THROUGH AIR MAINTE- NANCE IN THE NORTH AND NORTH EAST.

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tonne lift capability – 20 tonnes internal Air Defence have built up by the IAF. For it to load or external on cargo hook! There have been a large number of remain current, training would need to modern additions to the IAF’s air be a continuous process and keep up Light Helicopters: The Russian Ka- defence network. New radars, mostly with the technological trends and rapid 226 will replace the Chetak/Cheetah indigenous, have been inducted and advancements taking place in weapon fleet through a government to the Akash Surface to Air Missile (SAM) is and armament systems. Government government deal. While the initial few fast becoming the mainstay of the finance would always be scarce for the would be directly imported, most network; additionally, the Medium defence sector, as the economic would be built through ToT by HAL. It Range SAM project with Israel has agenda of the nation would always be was thought that the indigenous proven itself in trials and will start the first priority in a democracy. The manufacture would go to a private entering service. The Integrated Air Government has assured the Services player so as to incentivise the local Command and Control System (IACCS) of all the funding to keep them current, industry, but that is beyond discussion is making fast progress and is the and a step ahead of the adversaries. now. Though the Ka-226 was tested at lynchpin of India’s air defence. In short, The ball is in the court of the the dizzying heights of the Siachen Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat uniformed Services to live up to the Glacier, the Cheetal (a Cheetah with an Dynamics Ltd have been instrumental expectations. ALH Dhruv engine) would still be in this ‘Indianisation’ of the country’s required for many more years for air air defence and need to be emulated by Air Vice Marshal Manmohan maintenance at 20,000 feet! The Dhruv other Public Sector Undertakings. Bahadur, VM, is a Distinguished Fellow has entered IAF service and, besides at the Centre for Air Power Studies, performing in the Sarang aerobatics The Future New Delhi. He writes regularly in team, it has been performing creditably Indian air power would be the national newspapers and magazines. now (after many years of intense politician’s weapon of first choice in the This article first appeared in the June maintenance problems). next conflict due the capabilities that 2017 issue of FORCE.

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COVER STORY KEY REFORMS REMAIN ELUSIVE Maj Gen Dhruv C Katoch, SM, VSM

India’s defence preparedness has for Government for India’s state of defence will be roped in to build military long been shrouded in opacity. preparedness? From the welfare point platforms like submarines and fighter Awareness of matters pertaining to of view, the longstanding demand of jets in India in partnership with foreign defence both by the law makers and One Rank One Pension (OROP), was entities, and we will be seeing a great those in India’s bureaucracy manning finally implemented, not in full deal of forward movement in the the defence ministry leaves much to be measure but to a large extent. coming years. Hopefully, the process desired. It was thus a breath of fresh air Considering that previous governments would be irreversible. which blew in the dusty corridors of since 1971 had dawdled over the issue In terms of defence procurement, South Block when Mr Manohar Parrikar and not a file had moved in this the red tape culture, which was the took over as the Raksha Mantri. For the direction in the ministry of defence till hallmark of our procurement policy has first time after a decade of sloth, the Parrikar took over, this by itself is a been revamped. Certain procurements files in the ministry actually started commendable achievement. have been placed on the fast track, such moving and within the couple of years Operationally, a more muscular policy as the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter plus that Parrikar remained in office, towards Pakistan has had an aircraft from France, to make up for the focussed attention was paid to reducing invigorating impact on the morale of depleting fighter squadrons in the the shortages which the Armed Forces the Armed Forces, who are now better Indian air Force, as also the purchase of were plagued with, which had placed to handle Pakistani perfidy with 145 M-777 ultra-light howitzers and 22 prompted an earlier Service Chief to an appropriate response. The fact that Apache attack and 15 Chinook heavy- write his apprehensions to the Prime the Army has also been given a freer lift helicopters in direct government to Minister in 2012, wherein he stated that hand to deal with terrorists in Kashmir government purchase from the US. The the Army is grappling with tanks is also having a positive impact on the USD 7.87 billion deal to purchase 36 running out of ammunition, obsolete ground, with the terrorists finding it Rafale fighters in September, 2016 was air defence systems and lack of increasingly difficult to operate with the the first fighter aircraft deal since the adequate weaponry for infantry and freedom they hitherto enjoyed. On the purchase of Sukhois from Russia in the special forces battalions, and thereafter question of probity, the defence late 1990s. Similarly, the Rs 5,000-crore asking the then Prime Minister, Shri ministry has been scam free, a welcome deal with the US for 145 M777 ultra- Manmohan Singh to "pass suitable departure from the Antony days, who light howitzers in November last year directions to enhance the Army's though by reputation was personally finally broke the Bofors jinx, ending a preparedness”. honest, did not or could not prevent three-decade wait for the Indian Army We have indeed come a long way scams from occurring in his ministry. to induct long-range artillery guns after since that March 12 , 2012, letter was A lot of emphasis has been laid by the Bofors scandal. The ultra-light written. But years of neglect cannot be the Government on the Make in India howitzers (ULH) with a calibre of 155 rectified in a short span of three years. programme, to enhance defence mm, will be mostly deployed along the There has been a decisive shift from the preparedness. While such efforts are yet borders with China and should prove status quo era under the risk averse to see the actualisation of projects, it useful in case of a threat developing on Antony’s stint as defence minister. must be remembered that the gestation our Northern borders. While 25 guns Reported to be an honest person, his period for the same is large and will will come to India in a fly-away lack of decision making capability led to bear fruit only after a long period of condition, the rest will be assembled in a paralysis in the defence ministry, time. The much-awaited strategic India by the BAE Systems in partnership which saw the acquisition process partnership model was finally approved with Mahindra Defence. ground to a standstill. on 20 May. The new initiative will boost In a major move to ramp up naval So what has been the upside in the the private sector’s role in defence strength, the Defence Ministry gave three years under the Modi production. Now, select private firms approval for the construction of four

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amphibious assault ships, also called the government deserves praise. defence-industrial base, the ‘radical the Landing Platform Docks (LPD), in While all this certainly speaks of a systemic changes’ promised by the 2014 the private sector at a cost of over Rs heightened sense of well being in BJP manifesto are still to be 20,000 crore. According to experts, it relation to the country’s defence effort, implemented. will be the largest ever naval project much work remains to be done. Of There is also a need to enhance the involving the private sector and the critical importance are reforms in the defence budget, which has remained ships will be the biggest to be built in Ministry of Defence, which are being static for many years. The 2017-18 India after the under-construction resisted by the bureaucracy which is defence outlay of Rs 2.74 lakh crore aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. According loathe to lose its turf. It is a sobering works out to just 1.63% of the projected to sources, PM Modi took personal thought that India’s MoD unlike other GDP, the lowest since the 1962 war with interest to ensure that such projects are countries has no defence personnel China. Another critical area of reform is done to strengthen the Navy. within its structure. Modern militaries the proposed National Maritime The crippling deficiencies in the like that of the US and Britain have at Authority, which as of now is not visible Army have also been made up to some least half of the personnel in the on the radar. The depleting fighter extent and the situation is not as critical ministry from a defence background, squadrons make it next to impossible to now as it was in 2014, in terms of but the Indian system has resisted such address security concerns emanating ammunition and equipment holdings. a move on the specious plea that a coup from both China and Pakistan While the new Defence Procurement could be planned and executed. Such simultaneously. Till then, it would be Policy is still a work in being, it is a fear mongering is unwarranted and it incumbent on the part of the nations marked improvement over the earlier flows not from any perceived national diplomacy to see that we avoid a two policy and is more user friendly and interest but from fear of losing ones front war situation. would provide the necessary impetus to turf. Similarly, the time is ripe to Finally, considering the threats and the Make in India programme. A great change in the MoD pertains to decision making, which has led to A LOT OF EMPHASIS HAS BEEN LAID BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE procurements taking place at a much MAKE IN INDIA PROGRAMME, TO ENHANCE DEFENCE faster pace. Over four lakh crore worth PREPAREDNESS. WHILE SUCH EFFORTS ARE YET TO SEE THE of capital projects have been approved since the government came to power, ACTUALISATION OF PROJECTS, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT with approvals being accorded to THE GESTATION PERIOD FOR THE SAME IS LARGE AND WILL BEAR around 140 capital procurement FRUIT ONLY AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE MUCH-AWAITED projects, with 96 of them worth over Rs STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP MODEL WAS FINALLY APPROVED ON 20 2.5 lakh crore involving domestic production. About 150 contracts worth MAY. THE NEW INITIATIVE WILL BOOST THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S over Rs 2 lakh crore have been inked. ROLE IN DEFENCE PRODUCTION. NOW, SELECT PRIVATE FIRMS These include around 80 capital WILL BE ROPED IN TO BUILD MILITARY PLATFORMS LIKE procurement contracts worth Rs 1.50 SUBMARINES AND FIGHTER JETS IN INDIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH lakh crore inked with foreign vendors. In an interaction with Mr Parrikar when FOREIGN ENTITIES, AND WE WILL BE SEEING A GREAT DEAL OF he was Raksha Mantri, Mr Parrikar FORWARD MOVEMENT IN THE COMING YEARS. HOPEFULLY, THE stated that his ministry could have PROCESS WOULD BE IRREVERSIBLE. inked many more contracts, which had been pending for years — a tribute to the fast pace of decision making in appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), challenges India faces, it does the Government. However, it would have in line with modern militaries to give country no good to have a part time been impossible to finance the lot, single point advice to the Prime defence Minister. It is hoped that this considering the huge backlog that had Minister and to the Defence Minister. lacuna at least is addressed shortly. The developed over the years. Allied to this The longer such a decision is delayed, country needs a full-time Defence was also the capacity to utilise the funds the slower will be the pace of military Minister. In sum however, the last three in a restricted time frame. In any case, modernisation. From the crucial post of years have seen a new and resurgent the back log being so huge, it would be CDS to the tri-Service commands to India. We are no longer perceived as a unfair to expect resolution of all issues handle space, cyberspace and special push over. That by itself is a huge gain in a short span of three years. But the operations, to bold measures required and something the nation needs to be road map has been created for which to invigorate India's moribund proud of.

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INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS THE GUWAHATI DECLARATION

The eighth round of the India- and designing innovative market Bangladesh Friendship Dialogue was solutions for securitising the power and held in Guwahati from 2-4 July 2017. energy sector; de-signing sustainable Amongst the political functionaries who and forward looking mechanisms in joint attended were the Governors of Assam finance and marketing of both in- and Tripura, the CM of Assam, the novative and high-end value-added Ministers of State, External Affairs, of the products and services; and jointly Govt of India and the Govt of Bangladesh, developing shared interests in the innovative and high-end value-added and Law makers from both the countries. preservation, augmentation and products and services and has also The other delegates were subject experts, management of the natural resources suggested a security and economic Think Tanks and civil servants. After a and improving security in the Indian vision of South Asia for 2030 – which is fruitful discussion, the Guwahati Ocean Region. built on a platform of innovation and Declaration was released, which is The Eighth Dialogue is now convinced entrepreneurship. placed below. that visionary progress made by the two Preparing a Vision Document and countries over last seven years – and in Research Report on “NE India and THE GUWAHATI DECLARATION particular with the visit of Prime Minister Bangladesh: Borders as Prosperity Bangladesh and India share a special Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in 2015 Zones” and organising an India- bond, which is generic, granular and and the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Bangladesh Business Summit have been unbroken, by sovereign boundaries of Hasina to India in 2017 – ought to suggested in the Eighth Session. Post-Westphalian Republics. The bond is continue in stronger strides and deserves With an aim to ensure sustainable civilisational and is sanctified by the stronger institutional attention from the political goodwill and trust, economic blood of those martyrs who fought relevant Ministries and Agencies of the growth and shared pros-perity of the together for the glorious independence two Governments. peoples of India and Bangladesh, the of Bangladesh in 1971. The Eighth Session of the Friendship Eighth iteration declares its conviction The Sixth Session of the Bangladesh- Dialogue has carefully assessed the that ensuring greater people-to-people India Friendship Dialogue, held in New impact of the changing world order on and business-to-business contacts Delhi on 25 May 2015 defined the peace, stability and prosperity of South between the Northeastern Region of stakeholders, trends, peripherals, and Asia, in particular, of India and India and Bangladesh is crucial. optics which shape the politico- Bangladesh. It has re-assessed and Particularly matters related to economic interface between the two measured progress in the areas discussed innovation, entrepreneurship, countries. It also drew forth a road map in the sixth and seventh rounds, par- healthcare, education, tourism, human to lift all such interactions, par-ticularly ticularly in managing peaceful and resource development, technology, in matters related to security, border prosperous international borders and finance, industrial production, management, combating transboundary security; water security and Joint Basin manufacturing, agro-processing, freights crimes, infra-structure development, Management; energy security and cross and shipping, power generation and physical connectivity, people-to-people border generation and trade in power; energy security are of strategic import for relations, basin-wide management of connec-tivity and Integrated Multimodal both Delhi and Dhaka. To delay a closer transboundary waters, and securing Communication - with special emphasis economic integration in such areas as uninterrupted supply of energy, to an on utilising inland water-ways; Sub- mentioned above would thus optimal level at the shortest possible Regional and Regional development and tantamount to contravening the strategic time. It was built upon in the Seventh utilisation of mega-architectures such as interests of the two Governments at their Session of the Dialogue in Dhaka on 05 Re-gional and Continental Highways, respective Capitals. Finally, the greatest March 2016, which chalked out a time- Rail Networks, Sea Ports and Coastal impetus was given to, people-to-people bound guide map for enhancing Shipping; and investment, production, contact and celebrating civilisational ties connectivity and integrated multimodal manufacturing and service sector The Dialogue will reconvene in Cox communication (with special emphasis complementarity. The Eighth iteration Bazar, Bangladesh, towards the on sub-regionally utilising inland has also as-sessed the possibilities and beginning of 2018 for its Ninth Round. waterways, rail networks, sea ports and modalities for designing sustainable and The Dialogue hereby concludes its coastal shipping); upgrading generation, forward-looking mechanisms in joint Eighth Iteration on the 4th Day of July grid and trading in power and energy, finance and promotion of both 2017, in Guwahati, India.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPERSIZE NUTRITION THROUGH SUPERFOODS

Prof Ram Rajasekharan

The operational efficacy of police ameliorated by adequate omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are personnel and professionals in the known for their cardio protective effects. armed forces depends on both Omega-3 fats are rich in fish and a few plant produce. It is physical and mental fitness and the not easy to have access to seafood in field scale rations and ability to adapt to situations. often even in peace scale rations of the forces. Chia seeds; a Physical fitness comes with Superfood is the richest source of omega-3 fats from a regimental exercise and a balanced vegetarian source. Dating back to the era of Aztec Indians, diet. Mental fitness is also Chia seeds have been a core part of the Aztec warrior rations. augmented by diet. Operational Yore has it that Aztec soldiers consumed Chia and had the efficacy demands good eye hand endurance to run across mountains and had incredible coordination, perfect spatial stamina in battle. The crop was obliterated from traditional orientation and immediate response to stimuli. Often the South American diets due to the vagaries of war; Chia challenges faced by those who are protecting us are however got new interest over the recent years with large circumstances where they need to avoid collateral damage production fields in Mexico. and swiftly counter situations that threaten our security. CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute Mostly low intensity conflict environments challenge our (CFTRI), Mysuru has developed agrotechnology for Chia to warriors physically and mentally due to constant need to grow in Indian conditions. CFTRI has developed adapt and perform in excellence. Optimum endurance and agrotechnology for blue flower, white seed chia lines which cognition means the difference between life and death on the blend seamlessly into foods, which have a better market battle ground. globally. Chia seeds do not require post-harvest processing Good cognitive performance comes and can be directly consumed after from healthy brain chemistry. Omega-3 harvesting and cleaning. It is highly fats is key in developing good brain versatile, neutral in taste and can easily function and protect one from depression blend into our daily foods. Chia upon and other conditions induced due to adding to water becomes a gel that is easy mental stress. Omega-3 fats are building to drink. A solider on the move can simply blocks for the large number of neurons in add about 2 teaspoons Chia to a bottle of our brain and helps in protecting neurons water, shake the bottle briefly and in about from the physiological responses to stress. 10 minutes the seeds form a transparent Precursors to omega-3 fats viz. gel that can be easily consumed. On an Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and average, an adult needs about 1-1.6 gram eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are critical in of omega-3 fat daily (www.nutri-facts.org). our diets. DHA and EPA help protect our Chia seeds have 30% fat content, out of neurons from oxidative damages etc. which ~60% is Alpha Linolenic Acid that Adequate EPA and DHA in our diet helps converts into EPA and DHA in our system. reduce cellular sensitivity to stress. Up to 15 grams of Chia can be consumed daily. Physical endurance is built by regular exercise and CFTRI has shared Chia seeds and agrotechnology for its scientific diets. Endurance activities have a strong demand on production free of cost with farmers from across the nation. our muscular wellness and strength. Omega-3 fats along with Chia can be easily grown in most agroclimatic conditions dietary proteins have a beneficial effect on function and across India. Presently Chia which was prohibitively quality of lean body mass. It also helps improve enzyme expensive when imported is becoming more affordable to the activity and muscle regeneration when consumed with common man due to its production in India. adequate proteins and other nutrients. Having a diet rich in Prof Ram Rajasekharan is the Director of CSIR-Central omega-3 fats also helps reduce exercise induced muscle Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore. He is a world damage and muscle soreness after exhaustive physical renowned Lipid Scientist and has developed avant-garde demands. Being on the field during operations may not give food products with advanced nutrition value suitable for all personnel opportunities to replenish their nutrient needs and from paediatrics to geriatrics, sports personnel and those often results in exercise induced stress which can be with special needs.

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POINT-COUNTERPOINT THE DANGERS OF INTEGRATED COMMANDS

Abhijit Iyer-Mitra

of intelligent men who have been will be from the Army, due to its sheer defence ministers like A K Antony, size and centrality to Indian military Manohar Parrikar and now Arun Jaitley, planning despite the fact that modern have not and probably will not act to set warfare has moved on to air and naval- up a unified military command despite centric combat and domination differences in ideology and work patterns. culture. Let us assume for a minute that this The latest paper from CENJOWS is not the case—that the navy and air titled "Reforming and Restructuring: force chiefs will on occasion become Higher Defence Organisation of India" CDS. The problem doesn’t change is a stock standard example of why our because each will bring their inherent bureaucrats and politicians do not and air or naval bias and a lack of thorough should not take military advice. There knowledge of the other services or what are of course the usual rants about how they can achieve to the table. In effect, Why is it that a string of intelligent financial advisors become financial the consequences of such a CDS men who have been defence ministers controllers and deal blockers, without despite its appeal on paper would be have not and probably will not act to even an iota of introspection into why much like a having a mad rotational set up a unified military command the blocking takes place. government system where the left despite differences in ideology and Evidently the need to rigorously nationalises and the right privatises all work culture? defend financial decisions within the national assets every alternate five system, where one loses some battles years. When the Centre for Joint Warfare and wins some battles, is an onerous Perhaps, the most worrying aspect of Studies (CENJOWS) was set up in 2007, burden on the forces. One must not, the entire set of recommendations is its mission was to "Rise above sectoral however, diminish the problems the the blasé attitude it has towards the and departmental legacies, and military faces on this score. The way out politico-bureaucratic fear of a coup. examine joint warfare and synergy of this, of course, is not simply Apparently, the belief in the "integrity of issues in their entirety". Yet, it would subjugating civilian authority to the senior officers towards the greater seem that the recommendations for military but rather education and a interests of the nation" should be reforming and restructuring the higher decision taking framework. The enough to allay civilian fears. For good security management of the country problem is to this day, not one Indian measure, it is added that all countries coming out of CENJOWS do not fulfil university teaches defence economics, tend to be army-centric and everyone any of the missions it was tasked with. and yet this does not seem to be a should just get used to it. If any greater This begs the question, how is a priority for the military. proof were needed of the military's government meant to act on advice that This deeply sectional view—where disconnect from civilian decision is blatantly promoting sectional all problems are externalised, becomes making, then these two lines should be interests under the guise of jointness? far worse when we get to military clinching evidence. One is yet to hear of Indeed, should we be criticising recommendations. Apparently, the any general who carried out a coup, ministers and bureaucrats for "ignoring Navy and Air Force Chiefs are simply to claim that his coup was "against military advice" or thanking them for be logistics, equipment and training national interest". Far from it, each and turning a deaf ear to obviously bad providers—to supply the Chief of every coupster claims that they do what advice? Ultimately we need to sit down Defence Staff (CDS) on demand. The they do in the greater interests of the and ask ourselves why is it that a string problem with this is the CDS invariably country. More importantly, we should

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understand that coups are not carried Command effectively hollowed out or course is the clearest proof-of-concept out at sea or in the air but on land, steamrollered by the army will only of why despite the best of intentions, which is why coups are carried out by exacerbate this pathology rather than the office of the CDS will be a armies—not by air forces or navies. ameliorate it. dangerously dysfunctional and Historically, naval powers are much To sum up, rather than piling on incoherent office that will do more less prone to coups than continental ministers and babus for indecision and harm than good. powers. Take the great rivalries of the blocking and blaming the Navy and Air 19th and 20th centuries: Germany, Chiefs for petulance, we should be France and the USSR were much more collectively thanking them. The former Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a Senior Fellow prone to coups—something set has blocked this dangerous idea of a at the Institute of Peace & Conflict unthinkable in their adversaries— CDS for political considerations, the Studies. This article first appeared in primarily naval powers—the UK and latter for their sectional considerations Swarajya Magazine on 24 Mar 2017 and USA. This is precisely why continuing within the military. Yet, all of them in is also available at army-centrism is the single biggest their own way have had national https:/ / swarajyamag.com/ block in evolving greater trust between interest at the core of their opposition defence/ the-dangers-of-integrated- civilians and the military and a Joint to the integrated commands—which of commands

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POINT-COUNTERPOINT INDIA NEEDS A CDS Lt Gen Prakash Katoch, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SC

New chapters in the 'great game' have Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), which unfolded from time to time, with some was to be an integral part of the MoD. resulting in minor tinkering. To say that However, it came up as a separate HQ the present hype is more than just a (just like another Service HQ) and when political statement, with policy makers Fernandes expressed views to the taking defence seriously, doesn’t gel well contrary and tried to push for other after the second successive negative reforms, the ‘deep state’ (elucidated in Defence Budget announced on 1 the NN Vohra Committee Report of February — which meets vital criticality 1993) implicated him in the ‘coffin of operational components only scam,’ forcing his resignation — a charge fractionally, not the dearth of of which he was exonerated years after ammunition. No amount of paid news or his demise. articles inserted by former defence Take the present instance where, accounts employees can convince that instead of appointing a Deputy National the current budget allocation is a right Security Advisor (NSA) from the military, mix for the economy and national the sole two star military post in the The media is yet again in hyperdrive over security, as they apparently have little national security advisory board (NSAB) the possibility of a military restructuring idea of the rising security threats to the has been eliminated. The 'deep state' in the country: With ongoing talks of country and about how hollow the would reason that the NSA can summon appointing a single-point military military has been made over the past Service Chiefs for advice, as done during adviser, tri-service commands, years. the Pathankot IAF base terror attack. It integrated theatre commands, China- In the mid-1980s, symbolic cross sure helps cover up ground realities even style commands being formed, synergy services postings amongst the three if smoke from fires is wafting out. Both being brought into the military; all Services Headquarters were affected; the Kargil Review Committee and the signalling that the greatest ever one-two officers posted in directorates follow up Group of Ministers, headed by restructuring of the Indian military is in dealing with operations, perspective the then deputy prime minister and the works.But somehow, we fail to planning etc. Subsequently, the Services home minister LK Advani, had strongly remember that similar hype over the Headquarters were renamed as recommended appointing a chief of restructuring is created periodically; Integrated Headquarters (IHQ) of the defence staff (CDS). But, 18 years after which may well be termed as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) the Kargil Conflict, where are we? bureaucratic “great game”. Reference to (army/navy/air force). That was the end The excuse of differences amongst political masters is irrelevant here of the ‘synergy,’ but the media became the army, navy and air force continues to because they depend on the used to announcing that the army, navy be played out, even though the Service bureaucracy; and as the bureaucracy and air force headquarters had fully Chiefs unanimously affirmed to the then says, “governments come and integrated with the MoD. Post the Kargil defence minister Pranab Mukherjee governments go, but we are there conflict, the then defence minister (now President) during a tri-services forever." George Fernandes established the HQ meeting on 8 September 2005 that not

THE EXCUSE OF DIFFERENCES AMONGST THE ARMY, NAVY AND AIR FORCE CONTINUES TO BE PLAYED OUT, EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE CHIEFS UNANIMOUSLY AFFIRMED TO THE THEN DEFENCE MINISTER PRANAB MUKHERJEE (NOW PRESIDENT) DURING A TRI-SERVICES MEETING ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2005 THAT NOT ONLY A CDS MUST BE APPOINTED IMMEDIATELY, HE MUST BE GIVEN “FULL OPERATIONAL POWERS.”

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only a CDS must be appointed military need to create beyond the restructured commands? If the so called immediately, he must be given “full existing capability. single-point military adviser is not a operational powers.” Twelve years after As to the tri-service/theatre CDS, with full operational powers, the the Kargil Conflict, the government commands, what are we really looking whole exercise will be a waste. appointed the Naresh Chandra at? A media report quotes a “South Block The CDS must actually be a “single- Committee in 2011 to review defence source” as saying that the government is point military adviser,” overruling what management. This committee, in its looking at: Integrated Commands the bureaucracy craftily scripted in the report submitted in 2012, recommended broadly based on the US military CDS note under which HQ IDS was appointing a permanent Chairman to command structure, with theatre raised, wherein it said that, “As and when the Chiefs of Staff Committee (PC COSC) commanders reporting to the defence a CDS is established, he will have equal instead of a CDS. In December 2013, minister and ultimately to the prime voting rights as the Service Chiefs and if media reports reflected that the minister; Western Command facing two Service Chiefs disagree, MoD (read government was planning to appoint a Pakistan likely stretching from babus) will arbitrate”. PC COSC “shortly”. Subsequently, Karakoram pass in Jammu & Kashmir to This line must be deleted because the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Kanyakumari, with complements of CDS can hardly be a single-point adviser stated during the India Today Conclave army, navy, air force integrated; with such slanderous provisions. As for in March 2015 that the CDS position was Northern Command likely responsible the MoD, we want to copy the US a must and hoped to propose a for Line of Actual Control (LAC) with structures only to the point where it suits mechanism for the creation of the post China and borders with Nepal and the bureaucracy. In China’s Central within the next three months. In July Bhutan; Eastern Command likely Military Commission, all members less, 2015, media reported that the proposal responsible for borders with Bangladesh the defence minister, are military. Even to create the new post of a PC COSC was and Myanmar; Strategic Command and Chairman of CMC (President Xi Jinping) in "an advanced stage of planning". Not Transport Command based on has donned a military uniform as surprisingly, a faux pas has emerged on functionality with pooled resources; and Commander-in-Chief of People's whether a CDS or a PC COSC will be the Indian Ocean Command likely Liberation Army. In our case, the grossly, appointed. A national daily mentions responsible for all seaboards and inadequately restructured MoD only “consensus” about having a PC COSC protecting Indian influence from Gulf of facilitates continuation of bureaucratic instead of a CDS—but consensus Aden to Malacca Straits. rule. amongst whom? Now here is the catch: With the This gives rise to two pertinent In 2005, news appeared that an CDS/PC COSC charged with only questions: Why, with all the importance Aerospace Command would be ‘acquisition and logistics’ and without of the Indian Ocean, is the MoD sitting established “soon,” till the issue was any operational powers, he will merely on Navy’s case for a Marine Brigade for killed because of a purported turf war play the role of an emoji for the MoD’s the past 20 years. And why is it that the between the navy and air force. Last year, bureaucracy; the vital necessity of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) there was much talkabout the merging HQ IDS with MoD has been has not been given adequate teeth, when government being very keen to establish cunningly deflected; reports about this group of islands is a natural aircraft the Special Operations Command, Cyber middle rung posts in MoD being carrier adjacent to the Straits of Malacca? Command and Aerospace Command, as identified for manning by MoD indicates The bottom-line is that if we are not proposed by the Naresh Chandra that bureaucracy will retain full control; going in for establishing a CDS with full Committee.But after the usual without a merger of HQ IDS with MoD, operational powers, merging the HQ IDS excitement, the issue was drowned induction of military professionals at the with MoD fully and then establishing among reports that the government senior level in MoD and an impotent integrated theatre commands and wants the military to first create such CDS/PC COSC, this so called “greatest integrated functional commands in a capabilities before raising these restructuring” will be largely regressive. cohesive manner, it would be a fruitless commands. In the case of Cyber and Now this raises some important exercise. But then, this requires a rare Aerospace Commands, it was reasoned questions: With all theatre commanders quality of political leadership that can that if the military could create the reporting to the defence minister stand up to the 'deep state’. required capabilities within the existing (through bureaucratic filters), will the structures, then why would they need Service Chiefs be left looking after these commands?In the case of special logistics and acquisitions only? Do we Lt Gen. Prakash C. Katoch, PVSM, operations, the policy makers' require a Naval Chief with the Indian UYSM, AVSM, SC is a Special Forces unwillingness to think beyond direct Ocean Theatre Commander directly veteran of the Indian Army. This article type of raids was reflected in their under the defence minister? What first appeared in First Post, Feb 19, argument that what capabilities does the muscle is being provided for these 2017.

[email protected] >> May - June 2017 >> SALUTE TO THE INDIAN SOLDIER 25 26-27-Anil Bhatt_14_19_ BEING A FLY GIRL.qxd 7/8/2017 7:11 PM Page 1

INDIA’S MISSILE PROGRAMME INDIA’S SUBSTANTIAL MISSILE PROGRAMME

Lt Col Anil Bhat, VSM

Agni-5, a nuclear test-firing has met all mission objectives. cylinder and the distance of the target. capable missile with The radars, electro-optical and telemetry The launchers could launch 5-10 rockets the longest range so systems at Chandipur tracked and in salvo mode. Each of Tipu Sultan’s 27 far, of 5,500 kms and monitored the vehicle all through the brigades had a company of rocket described by India as flight-path. specialists. With such a huge force, he a “weapon of Designing and producing Agni 1, 2, 3 defended the Mysore kingdom against p e a c e , ” w a s and 4 missile systems, supersonic cruise the British until his death in successfully test fired missiles like BrahMos and some other Srirangapatnamin 1799. Two of the from Kalam Island missiles already in India’s arsenal is no rockets, captured by the British at off the Odisha coast, mean achievement. It is relevant to ‘trace Srirangapatnam, are displayed in on 26 December 2016, by the Defence the trajectory,’ so to speak, of India’s London’s Royal Artillery Museum.Even Research and Development missile programme. Marathas used rockets in the 1761 Battle Organisation (DRDO). The latest in The first missile of the series, Agni-I of Panipat. India's “Agni” family of medium to was developed under the Integrated Indian rocketry, which ended after intercontinental range missiles, capable Guided Missile Development Program Tipu Sultan’s death, was revived in the of carrying an approximately 1000 kg and tested in 1989. The ranges of missiles 1970s by Dr Vikram Sarabhai and Dr A.P.J. warhead, with new technology for in the series are Agni1- up to1250km, Abdul Kalam, among others. Defence navigation and guidance, it provides Agni 2- 2,000 km, Agni 3- 3500 km and Science Organisation, formed in 1956 for India the strategic depth needed to Agni 4- 4,000 km.The launch of Agni 4 on initiating studies and development of contain Pakistan and China. It is also a 11 November 2011, placed India on a trail futuristic weapon systems, was headed fire-and-forget system that cannot be of new generation missiles. The by Dr BN Singh who formed the special easily detected as it follows a ballistic comparatively light in weight Agni 4 with weapon development team (SWDT) for trajectory. two stages of solid propulsion and a study and development of guided This was the first test launch of Agni-5 payload with re-entry heat shield, was missiles at Metcalfe House, Delhi. He missile after India became a member of the first to be used with composite rocket worked on the first generation of anti- the Missile Technology Control Regime motor technology, which greatly tank missiles for gaining developmental (MTCR), a 35-nation group to check the enhanced its performance. Equipped experience. SWDT later became the spread of unmanned delivery systems for with modern and compact avionics with Defence Research and Development nuclear weapons. Congratulating the redundancy to provide high level of Laboratory (DRDL) at old Ahmed Manzil, team of scientists behind the successful reliability, the indigenous ring laser Hyderabad in June 1962 under Gp Capt V. launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gyros-based high-accuracy INS (Rins) Ganesan as its director. said, “Successful test firing of Agni V and micro navigation system (Mings) A project formulated at DRDL in 1964 makes every Indian very proud. It will complementing each other in redundant was supported by the Army after the 1965 add tremendous strength to our strategic mode, were successfully flown in Indo-Pak war and was later converted to defence.” guidance mode also for the first time. a “staff project,” which tested an On 12 January 2017, the Pinaka Rocket The use of rockets and missiles in indigenously developed anti-tank missile Mark-II, which evolved from Pinaka India dates back to the 18th century, in 1970. It was considered as a major Mark-I and equipped with a navigation, during the period of Hyder Ali and Tipu achievement by the DRDL, which later guidance and control kit was Sultan. They used rocket artillery moved to the Defence Research Complex transformed to a guided projectile with brigades against infantry formations for at Kanchanbagh, on the periphery of considerably enhanced range and mass attacks. Men were trained to launch Hyderabad’s Old City. Later, some accuracy, was successfully test-fired from rockets from a launch angle which was scientists in collaboration with the Army, Launch Complex-III, at Chandipur.The calculated from the diameter of the Navy and the Air Force officers developed

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the Devil missile. The last major missile developed Russians successfully carried out the All the preliminary understanding under the programme was Agni-III first test firing of a hyper sonic version of and development of electronics sub- intermediate-range ballistic missile BrahMos missile in Russia on last systems of the Devil missile, including its which was successfully tested on July 9, Thursday. Russian sources indicated airframe and aerodynamics were carried 2007. After the third test of Agni-3 on May that the test was successful and the out at Ahmed Manzil laboratory. Leading 7, 2008, the DRDO announced the missile flew at the speed of Mach 6. scientists like Burman, JC Bhattacharya, closure of the IGMDP since most of the However, they didn’t mention about the Admiral Mohan and Surya Kantha Rao missiles in the programme have been range and the mode of flight. While one gave thrust to electronics, navigation, developed and inducted into Indian version is that the Zircon will be used to guidance and control as well as telemetry armed forces. These were the Akash, Nag, develop the BrahMos II missile, another and instrumentation areas. Dr Ranga Prithvi, Trishul and Agni (as re-entry version is that the Zircon missile itself is Rao, Dr Rama Rao, Dr Bala Krishnan, technology demonstrator). According to the BrahMos II. DEFENCEUPDATE Krishnan and Dr Achyuthan gave priority General Knowledge Today the following further informed that Russia planned to to airframe, structures, aerodynamics missiles were developed under IGMDP: replace its existing P 800 and Kalibr and system-related areas. This was Trishul, Akash, Nag, Prithvi Missile missiles from Russian naval ships and further strengthened by the techno- Series, Agni missile series, K Missile submarines with Zicron missiles and managerial leadership of Lt Gen. Dr VJ Series, Shaurya, BrahMos, BrahMos II, that BrahMos is also developing mini Sundaram, Lt Gen. R. Swaminathan and Nirbhay, Prahaar, Astra, Barak-8, Anti- hypersonic versions of BrahMos II for Sqn Ldr Shah in the area of airframe Radiation Missile, Anti-Satellite Missile, offshore patrol vehicles and fighter controls and integration. Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program, aircraft. Rocket Test House (RTH), near Prithvi Air Defence and Advanced Air Undoubtedly, BrahMos has emerged Kanchanbagh, was used for carrying out Defence. as an accomplished joint venture under propulsion-related design and tests. The According to a statement to the media the Make in India category and with liquid and solid propulsion areas were by Dr S. Prahlada, former director DRDL countries lining up to purchase its continuing with vibrant leadership of Dr and CC, R&D (services interaction and products.Reportedly, three BrahMos Gopal Swamy and Wg Cdr Sen.Re-entry aeronautics) and later vice-chancellor missile regiments raised so far have technology and ballistic missile Defence Institute of Advanced been deployed in the western sector to programmes were spearheaded by RN Technology, Pune, new missile and counter threat from Pakistan and in the Agarwal. The state-of-the-gyro test weapon systems would be developed in second phase of military expansion facility was initiated by P. Banerjee within new five-year programmes and to along the China front, the government the campus. However, the whole facility involve both Indian private industries as reportedly gave the go-ahead for of Ahmed Manzil was shifted near well as foreign partners to reduce costs. deployment of BrahMos cruise missiles Kanchanbagh in 1975. Full-scale missile Independently continuing further in Arunachal Pradesh. The fourth laboratory (DRDL) was built from then development of Nag missile, the DRDO is regiment of cruise missiles, with a 290- onwards. also developing a laser-based weapon km range, will improve India’s military The Integrated Guided Missile system as part of its ballistic missile reach into the Tibet Autonomous Development Programme (IGMDP) defence programme to intercept and Region and counter China’s elaborate under India’s defence ministry, began in destroy missiles soon after they are missile deployment along the Sino- early 1980s for the development of a launched towards the Indian territory. Indian Line of Actual Control. comprehensive range of missiles, In 1998, the government of India The Agni-6 is reported to be in early including the intermediate range Agni signed an agreement with Russia to stages of development and the latest missile (surface-to-surface), and short- design, develop, manufacture and and most advanced version, is expected range missiles such as the Prithvi ballistic market BrahMos (Brahmaputra-Moscow to be capable of being launched from missile (surface-to-surface), Sagarika, rivers), a supersonic cruise missile submarines as well as from land, with a the naval version of the Prithvi, Akash system that can be launched from strike-range of 8,000-10,000 km. missile (surface-to-air), Astra missile (air- submarines, ships, aircraft or land. The Considering the problems India faced to-air), Trishul missile (surface-to-air), mission was successfully accomplished for decades in modernising/ Nag missile (anti-tank) and also an inter- by 2006.At speeds of Mach 2.5 to 2.8, it is replenishing its conventional weapons continental-ballistic-missile named the world’s fastest cruise missile, about arsenal, thanks to politico-bureaucratic Surya, with a range of 8,000-12,000 kms. three-and-a-half times faster than the apathy and the sanctions/obstacles Managed by DRDO in partnership with American subsonic Harpoon cruise faced in reaching the MTCR status, its other Indian government laboratories missile. BrahMos has been reportedly achievements in the field of missile and and research centres, one of the most attempting a hypersonic Mach 8 version satellite technology are commendable. prominent chief engineers on the of the missile, BrahMos II, the first ever However, that must not make the project, Dr Abdul Kalam went on to hypersonic cruise missile. According to national security decision makers become the President of India. DEFENCEUPDATE, 19 March 2016, the complacent.

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MOTIVATION A HILL CALLED MELROSE

Dr Yashwantrao Shankarrao Patil Thorat

William Slim. He opened the together. The High Command was newspaper. We travelled in silence. overhauled; Wavell was replaced by After a while he asked “Are you a Mountbatten and operational control professor of Military History?” “No” I was given to General William Slim, a replied- “just interested. My father was brilliant officer. Slim imbued his men in Burma during the war”. “Mine too” he with a new spirit, rebuilt morale and said. forged the famous 14th Army, an In December 1941, Japan invaded efficient combat force made up of Burma and opened the longest land British, Indians and Africans. The campaign of the entire war for Britain. Japanese, aware that the defenders There were two reasons for the were gathering strength, resolved to Japanese invasion. First, cutting the end the campaign with a bold thrust overland supply route to China via the into India and a simultaneous attack in Burma Road would deprive Chiang Kai- the Arakan in Burma. shek’s Nationalist Chinese armies of In the ebb and flow of these large military equipment and pave the way events chronicled in Military History, for the conquest of China. Second, my father, a soldier, played a part — first "May I have a light?" I looked up to see possession of Burma would position in Kohima in clearing the Japanese from a Japanese – more or less my age – with them at the doorway to India, where the Naga Hills, then in Imphal and an unlit cigarette in his hand. I reached they believed a general insurrection finally in the deeply forested mountains for my lighter. He lit up. We were on a would be triggered against the British of Arakan. Destiny took him there. In train travelling from Berne to Geneva in once their troops established the blinding rain of the monsoons in the autumn of 1980. “Indian?” he asked. themselves within reach of Calcutta. 1943, the Supreme Allied Commander’s “Yes” I replied. We got talking. He was Entering Burma from Thailand, the plane landed at Maugdow where the an official in the UN and was returning Japanese quickly captured Rangoon in All-India Brigade of which his regiment to home and headquarters at Geneva. I 1942, cut off the Burma Road at source was a part was headquartered. was scheduled to lecture at the and deprived the Chinese of their only Mountbatten was accompanied by his university. We chit-chatted for a while; convenient supply base and port of Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Browning, he gave me some useful tips on what to entry. Winning battle after battle, they who had been my father’s Adjutant at see and where to eat in the city. Then, forced theallied forces to retreat into the Royal Military College in Sandhurst. having exhausted the store of ‘safely India. The situation was bleak. The He and the two other Indian tradable information’, we fell silent. I British were heavily committed to the commanders—Thimayya and Sen— retrieved my book – ‘Defeat into war in Europe and lacked the resources were introduced to Mountbatten who Victory’, an account of the Second and organisation to recapture Burma. made casual but searching enquiries World War in Burma by Field Marshal However, by1943 they got their act regarding their war experience.

IN DECEMBER 1941, JAPAN INVADED BURMA AND OPENED THE LONGEST LAND CAMPAIGN OF THE ENTIRE WAR FOR BRITAIN. THERE WERE TWO REA- SONS FOR THE JAPANESE INVASION. FIRST, CUTTING THE OVERLAND SUPPLY ROUTE TO CHINA VIA THE BURMA ROAD WOULD DEPRIVE CHIANG KAI-SHEK’S NATIONALIST CHINESE ARMIES OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT AND PAVE THE WAY FOR THE CONQUEST OF CHINA.

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MOTIVATION

Thereafter he was closeted in the if the withdrawal had to be cut, the hills was the moment of truth — to fight or ‘conference tent’ with the senior would have to be captured irrespective flee? As he saw his men being mowed commanders for a long time. As they of the numerical disadvantage. He took down by machine gun fire a rage came out he turned to Reggie Hutton, the call. The first attack by the erupted within him. Throwing caution the Brigade commander and said, “All Hyderabadis under Thimayya mauled to the winds he ran forward to be with right Reggie let your All-Indian Brigade the enemy but did not achieve the them. The scales ‘tipped’. The troops do it. But, by God, it is going to be objective. The second by the Baluchis rallied, ‘fixed bayonets’ and charged tough”. Then, turning to the three of under Sen met a similar fate. It was then into the Japanese with obscenities and them he said, “Gentlemen, the Japanese that ‘Reggie’ asked the Punjabis to make primeval war cries. A fierce hand to are pulling out of upper Burma. You a final effort. Artillery and air support hand combat ensued. Neither side took have been selected to intercept their was coordinated. The zero hour for the or gave a quarter. The Japanese fought withdrawal from there into the South. attack was set at 0700 hours on 29 like tigers at bay. The conflict went on You will concentrate at Akyab, proceed January 1945. At dawn, as the leading unabated through the night. The to Myebon by sea, capture Kangaw, companies moved forward, the Japanese counter-attacked in wave penetrate Japanese-held territory after wave but the Indian line held and convert the Japanese retreat firm. Then the last bullet was fired into a rout. Is that clear?” It was. and there was silence. My Japanese friend who had Many years later Mountbatten been listening intently leaned would describe what took place as forward and asked “Did you say “The bloodiest battle of the your father was in the All India Arakan” and correctly so. The price Brigade?” “Yes”, I replied. Our of victory was two thousand conversation paused for a while as Japanese and eight hundred the waiter served coffee and Indians dead in the course of a croissants. Later, picking up the single encounter. Fifty officers and threads he persisted “Was he a men would win awards for junior officer at the time?” “Not gallantry. The battalion really” I replied. “He was a battalion commander would be decorated commander”. He digested the with the DSO for ‘unflinching information and said “Which devotion to duty and personal regiment?” “The Punjab Regiment” bravery’. But all that was to happen I replied. His face turned colour. in the future. Maybe it was a play of light and At that particular moment, on shade or maybe it was just my the field of battle, the commander imagination but I thought he was was looking at the Japanese going to be ill. “Are you okay?” I soldiers who had been taken queried? He nodded. “Please carry prisoners of war. They had on”. assembled as soldiers do, neatly After marching through hostile and in order. On seeing the Indian territory, the brigade finally landed at Japanese opened machine gun fire. The Colonel, their commander called his Myebon. Their dis-embarkation was artillery provided cover and laid out a men to attention, stepped forward, not opposed.They proceeded to smoke screen. The Punjabis began to saluted, unbuckled his sword, held it in Kangaw, little knowing that forty-eight climb the hill. Safe from amongst well both hands and bowed. The Indian was hours later they would be locked in a dug bunkers the Japanese rained fire on surprised to see that his face was battle which was to last for a fortnight them. The Indian casualties mounted streaked with tears. He understood the and claim the lives of three thousand as men began to drop. The air cover pain of defeat but why the tears? After men. which was a key part of the plan failed all, this was war. One or the other side Mountbatten had been right. The to materialise - bad weather and bad had to lose. How could the Japanese withdrawal route of the Japanese was luck. Taking a calculated risk, the explain to the Indian that the tears were dominated by ‘Hill Feature 170; commander pushed on. They were not of grief but of shame? How could he Melrose. It was firmly held by the hardly a hundred yards from the top make him understand what it meant to Japanese and gave them the enormous when the Japanese threw everything be a Samurai? Given a choice he himself advantage of having the ‘commanding they had at them. In the face of such would have preferred the nobler course heights’. Worse, intelligence reported unrestrained fierceness, the advance of Hara Keri than surrender. But fate that they had two brigades. The Indians faltered hovering uncertainly on the had willed otherwise. The ancestral had one. Brigadier Hutton realised that edge of stopping. For the commander, it sword in his hands had been carried

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MOTIVATION

with pride by his forefathers. Now he Indians ‘had it in them’ to lead men in “Certainly not. The sword already rests was shaming them by handing it over. war. There had been sceptics who felt in the house of a Samurai”. All this was unknown — unknowable — that his faith was misplaced. He looked That was the last I saw of him. to the Indian commander. He came at Melrose and smiled. Its capture had Usha tells me that the probability of from a different culture and had no vindicated his faith. our meeting defies statistics. She should knowledge of what was going on in the I looked out of the window lost in my know. She studied economics and mind of his adversary. Yet there was thoughts. Suddenly I heard a sob to find statistics. There was a World war going something in the manner and bearing that my Japanese friend had broken on. Good. My father was in the Indian of the officer in front of him which down. He swayed from side to side. His army; his father was in the Japanese touched him deeply. He found himself eyes were closed and it was clear that he army; perfectly okay. They fought in the moved. Without being told he somehow was in the grip of an emotion more same theatre of war—Burma; intuited that the moment on hand was powerful than himself. He kept saying understandable. They fought in the not merely solemn but same battle; difficult but personal and deeply sacred. He believable. The war finished, accepted the sword and then they went back to their families; inexplicably, impelled by an plausible. But that their sons emotion which perhaps only a grew up in two different lands, soldier can feel for a worthy happened to go to Berne at the opponent, bent forward and same time, board the same said clearly and loudly in the train, get into the same hearing of all “Colonel I accept compartment, share coffee and the surrender but I receive your cigarettes, have a conversation sword not as a token of defeat on something that had but as a gift from one soldier to happened four decades ago, another”. The Japanese least discover their fathers had expecting this response looked fought on opposite sides in the up startled. The light bouncing same battle — that from the tears on his cheeks, undoubtedly is insane. reflected an unspoken Personally, I do not believe gratitude for the Indian’s that there are outcomes in life remark. Coming as it did from which are necessarily bound to the heart, it had touched his happen?Yet, sometimes I am men and redeemed their—and not so sure. You can never his—honour. The Punjabis— connect events by looking into Hindus and Muslims—who the future; you can only had gathered around also nodded in ‘karma, karma’ and talking to himself in connect them by looking at the past. appreciation. Battle was battle. When it his own language. After a while he Maybe, it is comforting to believe that was on, they had fought each other with looked up with eyes full of tears and because the dots connect backward, all their strength. And now that it was holding both my hands said in a voice they will connect forward also. I don’t over there was no personal or national choked with emotion, “It was my father know. Perhaps in the end, you have to animosity. Maybe, the Gods who look who gave battle to yours on Melrose. It trust in something. The sword has a after soldiers are different from those was he who surrendered. Had your pride of place in our home. Whenever I who look after other mortals for they father not understood the depth of his see it, my mind goes back to the jungles bind them in strange webs of feelings, he would have come back and of Arakan where in the midst of the understanding and common codes of died of shame. But in accepting our madness of war, two soldiers were able honour no matter which flags they fly. ancestral sword in the manner that he to touch each other and their The moment passed. He looked at did, he restored honour to our family compatriots with lasting humanity. the Signal Officer and nodded. The and my father to me. That makes us success signal was fired. Far away in the brothers — you and I. jungles below, Brigadier Reggie Hutton The train pulled into Geneva station. Dr YSP Thorat was Fellow, Lincoln looked at the three red lights in the sky We got down. What had to be said had College, Oxford; Executive Director, and smiled. His faith in his already been spoken. He bowed. RBI; Chairman NABARD; Chairman, commanders had been vindicated. He Goodbye I said. Keep in touch. Agriculture Mission, Government of would later explain that at stake that Incidentally, would you like me to Maharashtra. Presently, Director, Tata night was not only the battle objective restore the sword back to your family. Chemicals, Britannia etc. He is son of but the larger issue as to whether He smiled, looked at me and said Late General SPP Thorat.

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IN LIGHTER VEIN DUDE WANTS TO JOIN THE NAVY

Capt (IN) Anil Gonsalves

unknowingly wore different coloured deck, which had only two feet clearance socks and Sir Harold stuck his little from the hangar door while I was finger in my nose and while I was still wiping sweat beads on my brow”. squirming, explained to me that decent I knew where this was going, so I people always dressed decently. That replied “Don't worry dude, Naval pilots little lesson taught me never to put are trained to fly in bad weather and studs in my left ear lobe or tattoos on land with minimum clearance. In my my forearms. twenty-six years of service I witnessed My first impression of this skinny only one accident in bad weather when boy was that if he were to join the Navy the tail rotor hit the deck, but all the they would have to hold him down with occupants were safe.” mooring ropes to keep him attached to “See, that's exactly my point,” he the deck. Little did I know that he had a pointed out. “My chopper could have mouth big enough to take on the might gone overboard and the propellers of the whole Navy. would have left four-inch blobs of my He greeted me with a cheery “Hi Cap, body in the sea!” He continued to yap. A few days ago I was standing in the How’s life?” and raised his hand in a “Then when I went to the pantry to help Bridge Wing, lost in esoteric thoughts of highfive salute. I applied the restraint of myself to a glass of water, I saw a Omar Khayyam Mukhtar, which went a saint and in return gave him a glare muntjac staring at me from behind the something like this “And do you think that should have shaken the pipelines.” that unto such as you, a maggot- seismograph needles in the Pune “What's a muntjac?” I asked, minded, starved, fanatic crew, God gave Meteorological Centre. I didn't like the intrigued. a secret, and denied it me? Well, well — idea of this dude calling me 'Cap’ and it “It's a huge rat,” he replied. what matters it? Believe that, too!” instantly crossed my mind to despatch “Oh!” I said dismissing him and not Just then, a port official came him on the same boat to the nearest believing half a word of what he said. onboard and made a rather strange mangroves where he could beat himself “You'll always find rats on a ship. They request. “My colleagues,” he said,“told with the twigs. There was still time for keep sniffing around to see if they can me that you are an ex-naval officer and lunch so I told the Chief Officer that I join the Navy too.” I said. But the effect my nephew can't make up his mind would take him to my cabin and chat was lost on him. whether to join the Navy or not. So with him. He continued to moan. “Then there could I send him to you?” I let him speak his mind. He sat on was total lack of privacy, even when I A few hours later a boat came my sofa. “You know Cap,” he said, “my went to the bogs. Plastic curtains alongside and deposited a barnacle on uncle is a big shot in the Port and separate the tiny spaces. How am I my deck in the form of a twenty- during the last International Fleet supposed to bathe and crap with just something dude in jeans that were Review he sent me onboard a naval ship five minutes of water in the tap?” He falling off his waist and exposing the with some journalists. We were flown in asked, without expecting an elastic of his underwear and part of his a whirly machine from Vizag airport to a answer.“Added to that, the machinery is rear cleavage. It also seemed to me that warship at sea. The bird had only one very noisy and it would be difficult to the last time he visited a barber, he engine and I was wondering what sleep at night. The living spaces were must've taken a photograph of an IL76 would have happened to me if the like pigeonholes without windows.” aircraft and told him “I want my hair to gearbox suddenly failed. Luckily, the “Portholes” I said. “Windows you look like that!” In school I once pilot managed to land on the rolling find in a computer, portholes you find

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IN LIGHTER VEIN

on a ship. At least get your terminology silence him. It was obvious to me that unlikely you have respect for even your right.” this youngster was attempting to shock own parents. So my advice to you is to He pretended he hadn't heard me. In me out of my wits so he could have a give the Navy a wide berth and instead a Sukhoi-30 Fighter your helmet is good laugh. I just knew that I was apply for a job in a hotel, where the continuously filled with warnings of dealing with a boy who’d probably slept management will probably put you on a missile lock, excess G, imminent stall, with more women than me. If only he desk close to the corridor lift, and you etc. I was having the same visions here had shown a little interest and courtesy, could use the telephone in the lift to as he continued his natter. I would have taken him on a grand tour find out whether he'll permit you to “Also somebody kept whistling on of the Navy and talked to him about the have free sex with the front desk lady. the PA system to stand easy and dog- magnificence of a battleship, Now get the hell out of my ship before I watch keepers to close up. You see Cap, resplendent with its array of armament, have you thrown overboard.” I wanted to go from the pantry, which the silent and efficient service of the Back in the Officer's Mess room the was at 3CPO2 to the Bridge which was smart men in white uniforms, the pride Chief Officer asked me “Sir, will he be at 1AB2, as per the Layout displayed in and joy of leading a bunch of joining us for lunch?” the passageway, but I had to encounter disciplined sailors. I would've explained I replied “I don't think so. I've tied eight decks, 36 ladders, 2 booby to him why the smell of a ship and the him to a chair on the Quarterdeck with hatches, 1 catwalk, 45 watertight doors sea is ambrosia to a sailor and then I a bar soap in his mouth to chew on. The (where I banged my head thrice), 55 would've told him “Dude, you've got it Navy would never have taken him in the miles of cables and 1500 CFL bulbs all wrong.” first place, ever.” before I reached my destination. But But it was now my turn to churn his the worst was that there were no open stomach. spaces to chill and we were not allowed I said, “Most youngsters join the —Captain Anil Gonsalves, IN, (Retd) to have sex with the only two women on Navy for the same reason they don't joined NDA in 1975 and passed out in board.” “Hahaha” he laughed. know what an ‘arugula’ is. But they 1978. He commanded Coast Guard I damn nearly fell off my chair. “What respect the Forces and are willing to ship Rajshree and INS Mahish in the the hell did you just say, you piece of accept the many challenges that they Navy among his varied appointments. donkey-shit?” I asked quite shocked. are forced to put up with, with a smile. He took premature retirement in 2005 “I was only joking Cap. Where's your The Navy is a fighting force and is more and presently is working in the sense of humour?” He asked, looking a professional than any other profession Offshore Division of the Shipping little frightened. in ‘civvy'street. If you don't respect the Corporation of India as Master in their At this point I held up my hand to Armed Forces of your country, then it's Platform Support Vessels.

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DEFENCE NEWS

A 15-day long joint military training exercise between the Indian and Thai army, called exercise Maitri is being held in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh in the first half of July. This is an annual event, which will have approximately 50 troops from Royal Thailand Army and an equal number of Indian soldiers from the Northern Command. The aim is to build and promote bilateral Army-to-Army relations and enhance inter-operability between the two armies. As part of the exercise the two armies will jointly plan and execute a series of drills for the neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in counter terrorism environment.

INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES A meeting of the three services chiefs was held in June under Chairman, Chiefs of Staffs Committee Admiral Sunil Lanba. During the meeting, modalities for implementation of the recommendations of the Shekatkar committee for increasing jointness among the three forces were discussed. The recommendations of the Shekatkar Committee were submitted to the defence ministry by Lt Gen. DB Shekatkar. A number of recommendations were cleared by the defence ministry, which thereafter gave them to the Services for their comments for further implementation. It has been informed that the three services are in agreement on the issues such as integrating the logistics and signals along with having a common training facility for intelligence gathering for the three services. As the recommendations of the Shekatkar committee were formed after its members held discussions with the three services, there is a general agreement on many of the issues before the services. As a fallout to the meeting, the Army’s Intelligence Training School could be converted into a joint training school for all the three Services, which would better help in streamlining intelligence gathering functions. There are also separate War Colleges for the three Services, for training middle-level officers. These could in the SCORPENE SUBMARINES future be combined. The Navy is planning to instal Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) While there does not appear to be any move to appoint a CDS, modules on all six Scorpene submarines to extend their the proposal to appoint a permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staffs endurance. This will be done when the submarines go for normal Committee for looking after the joint issues of the three services is refit which is six years after their induction. This is a long and perhaps under active consideration. expensive process, involving re-designing, as it entails opening up the hull of the submarine, then integrating the plug before resealing it.The first Scorpene submarine Kalvari is all set to join the Navy by EXERCISE MAITRI August and would go for its normal refit in 2023. The remaining five submarines are expected to be inducted at nine-month intervals. The AIP module is not part of the original Scorpene contract but the Navy has been keen on having them fitted on the last two of the six Scorpene submarines being manufactured by the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. An AIP module is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and was supposed to be installed on the last two submarines before they roll out of the production line. However, delay in the module’s development seems to have scuttled the plan.The module enables conventional submarines to remain underwater for longer duration, greatly increasing their stealth characteristics.

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DEFENCE NEWS SPIKE ANTI TANK MISSILE

India could be getting the Israeli fourth generation anti- tank guided missile Spike, developed and designed by Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.India is Israel’s biggest arms market, buying 41 per cent of its export between 2012 and 2016, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent global arms research institute. Spike is a fifth generation missile manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. According to a statement released by the company, the Spike LR II “is an advanced multi-purpose missile, and can be launched from any Spike launcher”. As of now, DRDO has developed the Nag anti tank missile, which incorporates many advanced technologies, including the imaging infra-red radar seeker with integrated avionics, a capability that is possessed by few nations in the world. It is likely that both Nag and Spike could find a place in India’s defence inventory.

India’s indigenously developed quick reaction surface-to-air short QRSAM SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED range missile (QRSAM) was successfully test-fired from a test range along the Odisha coast on 3 July 2017. Developed by the DRDO, the sophisticated missile has a range of 25 to 30 km. It was test fired from a truck-mounted canister launcher from launch complex-3 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. It was the second developmental trial of the state-of-the-art missile with an aerial target. Capable of engaging multiple targets, the QRSAM is an all-weather weapon system capable of tracking and firing. Reports indicated that the test met all the objectives, to include functioning of radars, electro optical systems, telemetry systems and the like. This was the second developmental trial of the state- of-the-art missile with an aerial target, the earlier test taking place a month earlier, on 4 June 2017.

EYE IN THE SKY With the successful launch of “eye in the sky” Cartosat- 2E+satellite with surveillance capabilities,India now has a total of 13 satellites being used for military purposes. These satellites have been placed in the geo orbit as also in the sun-synchronous polar orbit (about 200-1,200 km above the Earth’s surface) for better scanning of the earth. The 13 satellites used by the military for surveillance include Cartosat 1 and 2 series and Risat-1 and Risat-2. The Navy also uses Gsat-7 for real-time communication among its warships, submarines, aircraft and land systems.The recently launched 712-kg Cartosat-2 series spacecraft is an advanced remote sensing satellite capable of providing scene- specific spot imagery. It can accurately spot objects within a square of 0.6 metre by 0.6 metres.

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DEFENCE NEWS

naval variants of the unarmed surveillance aircraft, becoming the first non NATO country to do so. To be used in reconnaissance missions only, the Guardian drone can remain air borne for over 27 hours and can fly at an altitude of 50000 feet. They can hunt targets and scan terrain by using multiple sensors that are equipped with thermographic cameras. Once the Drones come into operation, the Navy’s Boeing P-81 aircraft can be freed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW)—a critical requirement in the IOR given heightened Chinese naval presence in the area. The Guardian drones being exported to India are the unarmed version, which is why India will be purchasing armed drones—the Heron TP—from Israel. India currently manufactures the Nishant drones for surveillance and intelligence-gathering. tonne helicopter carrier Izumo and another With the availability of armed drones, India MALABAR EXERCISE warship for the intensive 10-day combat India, the US and Japan have all deployed will have the option of using the same in its manoeuvres on the high seas off Chennai. their largest warships for the trilateral anti-terrorism effort on its Western border. The Japanese warship, which can carry Malabar exercise to be held in the Bay of Future conflict will see a greater role nine helicopters, is primarily meant for anti- Bengal from July 10. The exercise will have being played by drones, both armed and submarine warfare, which indicates one of around 15 warships, two submarines and unarmed. The need to evolve war fighting the thrust areas for the exercise being anti scores of fighter jets, surveillance aircraft doctrine in sync with changes in technology submarine warfare. and helicopters taking part. The Malabar is now vital if the full utility of such exercise is thus to be viewed in the platforms is to be extracted. While India backdrop of heightened Chinese naval GUARDIAN DRONES FOR does not as of now manufacture armed activity, over the last couple of months, in INDIA drones, it is believed that a stealth the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with an India will be getting 22 Guardian drones unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is unusual surge in the number of Chinese manufactured by General Atomics, through under development by the Aeronautical warships and submarines entering the IOR, the US foreign military sales programme, Development Agency and the Defence which is indicative of increased muscle which will enhance the country’s maritime Research and Development Organisation in flexing by China in this region after achieving surveillance capabilities and will boost a project named ‘project Ghatak.’ The near dominance in the South China Sea. battlespace awareness and target successful completion of this project would The forthcoming Malabar exercise will acquisition ability. The Predatory Guardian enhance India’s defence capability as UAVs showcase from India, six to seven frontline drones became operational on 1 May 2007 can play a major role in combat through warships and a Kilo-class submarine, along and were inducted as part of the US Navy’s intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and with the 44,570-tonne aircraft carrier INS Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) surveillance, and also through the delivery Vikramaditya. This will be the first time the programme. India will be purchasing 22 of precision ordnance on specific targets. country’s solitary carrier, with its MiG-29Ks, will take part in a fully fledged combat exercise with foreign countries since it was commissioned in November 2013. The US is likely to field its over 100,000tonne USS Nimitz, a nuclearpowered super-carrier with its full complement of FA-18 fighters. The `carrier strike group’ will include a Ticonderoga-class missile cruiser, a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine and three to four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.Japan is fielding its 27,000-

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RAISINA HILL PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI’S HISTORIC VISIT TO ISRAEL Lt Col Anil Bhat for setting up of USD 40 million worth India-Israel Industrial Research and Development (R&D) and Technical Innovation Fund. Mr. Modi said, "we are of one view that together our “Aapka swagat hai, mere dost” (welcome, scientists and researchers would develop, build and implement my friend), said Israeli Prime Minister mutually beneficial solutions in the field". Benjamin Netanyahu, to his Indian Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre is reported to counterpart Narendra Modi. Breaking have stated that over the past two years, contracts signed by protocol, he personally received the first India for the procurement of weapons and military platforms Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel at Tel with Israel, make it India’s second largest source for weapons Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, an honour after the United States. Israel has signed several major previously accorded only to the US agreements with India in recent months itself, including a President and the Pope and that too with whopping USD 1.6 billion deal with Israel Aerospace Industries Israel’s entire Cabinet present at the (IAI) for the Indian Army. airport. Having begun diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, India’s “It is truly a historic visit,” said Netanyahu, who termed the first defence attaché, former Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief friendship between their two countries as "natural". Soon after, Marshal N.A.K. Browne disclosed during a recent seminar at he announced that a USD 40 million innovation fund was being Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses that missile pods set up for cooperation between India and Israel. In his timely provided by Israel were of great help in capturing Tiger comments, Prime Minister Modi said India counts Israel as an Hill from Pak army in the 1999 heightened confrontation in area important partner in its path to development and a strong Kargil.Personnel of Indian Army’s regiments equipped with resilient partnership with it will be his focus. Centurion tanks, deeply regretted India turning down Israel’s "You said when it comes to India-Israel relationship, sky is generous offer of refurbishing them in 1973 or so. By 1974, all the limit. But actually my friend, the sky isn't the limit because Centurion equipped regiments, which had destroyed today our space programmes are working towards reaching disproportionately large number of Pakistan Army’s then even greater heights," Mr. Netanyahu said with a smile Israeli comparatively newer Patton tanks in the 1965 and 1971 Indo- Prime Minister said. "The tie between our talented, innovative Pak wars, were replaced with a new indigenous tank, which people is natural. It is so natural that we can ask what took so hardly saw any battle and was eventually replaced. long for them to blossom... We love India… We have been Inviting Israeli youth to visit India in large numbers, PM waiting for the last 70 years for a visit by an Indian Prime Modi announced that Delhi-Mumbai-Tel Aviv flights will start Minister,” said Mr Netanyahu and hailed Mr. Modi as “a great soon. To the Indian diaspora in Israel, he informed that India leader of India and a great world leader”. will soon open an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel and assured The significance of these statements is borne by the fact that that Indians in Israel will never face difficulty in obtaining OCI the Jewish people, often persecuted in history, found India a and PIO cards, clarifying that even those who have completed friendly country to be in and the many synagogues they built compulsory service in Israeli Army will not face any trouble in stand as a testament to the Indian spirit of inclusiveness. obtaining an OCI card. Maharashtra has sixteen synagogues, including six in Mumbai The combo of PM Modi’s visits to the US and Israel one after itself. Gujarat has one in Ahmedabad. Pune has two, New Delhi the other has caused severe indigestion to both China and has one and Kerala has at least five in three of its districts. The Pakistan. earliest synagogue in Kerala dates back to as early as 1130, while all others were built in 1800s to early 1900s. Following in-depth talks between PMs Modi and Netanyahu, India and Israel signed seven agreements to step-up cooperation in key sectors like space, agriculture and water conservation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Department of Science and Technology and Israel's National Technological Innovation Authority

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VETERANS ALERT SPONSORSHIPS, PENSION AND HRA NEWS

Hony Capt Baldev Singh

Sponsorships Recording of PPO Number in the Passbook of Pensioners/Family Pensioners DGR has a MoU/understanding with few ministries to afford This is to alleviate the difficulties reported by dedicated resettlement schemes to ESM. One such avenue is pensioners/family pensioners to get duplicate Pension offered by Ministry of P&NG through all the Oil Marketing Payment Orders (PPO) in case of missing of original PPO, Companies wherein company owned company operated transfer of pension account from one bank/branch to another (COCO) retail outlets of the oil marketing companies like bank/branch, commencement of family pension to spouse or IOCL, HPCL and BPCL are offered to defence candidates on a dependent children after the death of pensioner, etc. contract basis for a period of three years for the permanent Necessary instructions have already been issued to all COCO outlets and one year for the authorised banks by CPA and Principal temporary COCO outlets with provision of Controller of Defence Accounts vide their extending the contract period further by Circular No. 185 dated November 28, 2016. one more year (i.e. two years maximum All agency banks are advised to record the put together). PPO number on the passbook of pensioners/family pensioners. Until 2016, this scheme was open to only ESM officers and the names were House Rent Allowance sponsored only by DGR.However, with the new guidelines issued by oil marketing 7th CPC had also recommended that HRA companies in 2017, the JCO's of the three rate will be revised upwards in two phases Armed Forces have also become eligible to 27%,18% and 9% when DA crosses 50% for this scheme and the names can be and to 30%, 20% and 10% when DA sponsored by ZSB/RSB also. Thus, there is crosses 100%.In view of the current a requirement of involving the ZSB and inflation trends, the Government has RSB, KSB to ensure pan India registration decided that these rates will be revised of JCO's and ensure timely submission of upwards when DA crosses 25% and 50% names to oil companies. JCOs should be respectively. This will benefit all below 60 years of age, minimum 10th pass, employees who do not reside in have not availed any other benefit from Government accommodation and get DGR/RSB/ZSB. Havildar’s (Hony Naib HRA. Subedar) & equivalent ranks will not be eligible for the said scheme in terms of New Email IDs of Directorate of Para 17g(b) of Defence Services Air Veterans(DAV) for IAF Regulations, Vol-1. DGR letter No. Pensioners 1422/DGR/SE-2/COCO/Gen dated 03 DAV has created separate email IDs for May 2017 refers. veteran officers, airmen and NCs(E) for expeditious disposal of their pension Disbursement of Central Government pension through related issues. The new email IDs are: Public Sector Banks-Issue of Pension Slips to Defence • Officers: [email protected] Pensioners: (Ref. DGBA.GAD. H-17663/45.05.031/ 2006-07 • Airmen: [email protected] dated June 12, 2007). It has been decided in consultation with • NCs (E): [email protected] the Office of Chief Controller of Defence Accounts and the These new email IDs will be functional wef 01 Jul 2017. All air Department of Ex-Servicemen welfare, Ministry of Defence to veterans are requested to use the above mentioned email IDs issue pension slip to Armed Forces Personnel/Defence for their queries in their specific category i.e. officers, airmen Civilian pensioners including family pensioners on par with or NCs(E) respectively. The erstwhile e-mail id [email protected] the existing system as applicable to Central Government will only be used for handling queries/information of general Pensioners (Civil). nature.

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BOOK REVIEW A HERO REMEMBERED

Deeksha Goel

A Tale of Two Victoria Karamjeet however was commissioned in 4th Battalion of 15 Crosses is a tribute paid Punjab Regiment — and thus was closer to his dream of by the author, Lt Gen winning a Victoria Cross. Gen. Baljit Singh deftly weaves the Baljit Singh, to a hero of story of Karamjeet’s gallant action in winning the Victoria the Indian Army, who Cross posthumously, by juxtaposing it with the equally gallant won a posthumous action of Lt John Smyth, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross in the Victoria Cross 30 years earlier. Told with extreme sensitivity, Second World War in the book gives an account of Smyth’s heroic action which won Burma — Lt Karamjeet him the coveted VC, and then of the action by Karamjeet, Singh, VC. three decades later, which won him the VC too, though this Set in the pre-world time the award was posthumous. In the author’s words, the war II era, the story of two actions, though separated in time by 30 years,were identical in their valour and dedication Karamjeet is indeed one from which to serve the nation,as if they were fairy tales are woven. As a young biological, zygotic twins. strapping lad, going for a stroll with his Why is Karamjeet not accorded his elder brother, the duo chance to stand rightful place in the list of the heroes of beneath a poster exhorting young the Indian Army, who by their supreme Indians to join the British Indian Army acts of valour, made the nation and the and serve the nation in the war against Army proud? The answer is simple and the Axis Powers. The poster was lies in the fact that post partition, the adorned with an image of Lt John 4th Battalion, 15 Punjab Regiment Smyth of the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs went to Pakistan, and in that act of proudly wearing his Victoria Cross displacement, an aberration in medal, the sight of which made young celebratory remembrance at the Karamjeet exclaim to his older brother, institutional, regimental and personal Ajit Singh, “Chalo aapaan wi ik ik levels took place, which as the author lelaekay iyea, prah Ji” (let us go and get so rightly states is sacrilegious to the a VC each, brother). It was not a casual universally prevalent martial customs, statement made in jest, but was borne traditions and heritage of the Indian out of conviction, though little would Army. young Karamjeet have known at that A slim book which can be read in time, the insurmountable odds of one sitting, it is a tale of heroism and getting this most prized military valour beyond compare. This is a ‘must decoration for valour. So the brothers read’ book, both for those in uniform set out on their quest, both joining the as also for the civilian fraternity, for it Army, opting for the “Y Cadets’ route— brings out values which are most a scheme aimed at encouraging cherished by the forces — values which educated youth from affluent families need to be inculcated by people in all to enrol in the ranks for a start and a A TALE OF TWO VICTORIA CROSSES walks of life. year later, seek nomination to join an LT GEN. BALJIT SINGH Officer Training School and ultimately Deeksha Goel is currently working become a commissioned officer. PENTAGON PRESS as a Senior Research Fellow at India Ajit was allotted the Regiment of PAGES: 82 IN HARD COVER Foundation. Her areas of interest Artillery though he had opted for PRICE: Rs. 495/- include legislative research, and enrolment in 45 Rattrays Sikhs. geopolitics of Indian Ocean Region.

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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE JAI MATA DI Sqn Ldr Siddharth Kharbanda

Considered to be the place to escape to Bhaironath. As the room. A convenient shuttle is provided one of the holiest Mata left the place, Shridhar, in grief, by the guest house for pick up and drop pilgrimages in gave up food and started to fervently for the pilgrims. Prior booking is the world, Sri pray for Mata Vaishno Devi to recommended for the guest rooms. The Mata Vaishno reappear.The Mata came in his dreams, November month provides a pleasant Devi Mandir is told him to break his fast and to search weather and a climb commenced early located in a three for Her in the caves located in the morning assures a timely descent by p e a k e d Trikoot Mountains. Every time he dusk. mountain cave seemed to lose the way, the vision of his Army’s ticket counter-cum-waiting known as the dreams reappeared before his eyes and hall facility issues passes for authorised Trikoot. It is said, it is difficult to tread finally led to the discovery of the caves. personnel for entry through Gate 5 at the route without the ‘calling’. So we Shridhar found the three head atop a the bhawan. Gate 2 is meant for VIPs. ventured to the pious calling of this holy rock, which are now known as the holy Every year, a large number of people place to seek the blessings amidst a Pindies. from various walks hailing from spiritual belief, lingering with vibrancy. As per the spiritual traditions of the different parts of the country visit Katra One gets bound to an implicit faith of an righteous, the objectives of human life for the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Mata Vaishno unknown connotation adored by the being Dharma—Arth, Kaam and Moksh Devi. The faith revered in the belief rests divine love. As they say, ‘a mother herself can be achieved by paying a visit to in an unspoken connect that pilgrims calls’. It is a matter of experience by Vaishno Devi once in a lifetime. refer to once they commence the ascent. pilgrims who take this epic journey to Notwithstanding, a visit to this place Thousands of devotees, some old visit the holy shrine upon this ‘call’. It is becomes obligatory simply because of enough to be taken on horses, said that a person needs to take just one its natural beauty. The enchanting palanquins, and on porter carried step and leave the rest to Her, and the journey enthrals the pilgrims to a arrangements in a holy trek highly journey would be fruitful with Her memorable fulfilment of a lifetime wish. believed in. Some pilgrims visit the divine blessings. We reached Katra at dawn covering a place each year to implore blessings for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is distance of approximately 650 km a health cure. They walk about 12 km maintained by the Sri Mata Vaishno overnight by train from Delhi. The uphill to reach the little caves of Shakti Devi Shrine Board. In manifestation of Jammu-Katra section is purely majestic, Peetha. Vaishno Devi is a manifestation the Mother Goddess, it is also known as passing through the quaint valley of of Durga Mata, the Mother Goddess Vaishnavi or Mata Rani. The shrine is a Jammu and the town of Udhampur via according to Hindu scriptures. beacon of faith and fulfilment to sections of high raised infrastructural Throughout the trek, hymns and songs millions of devotees from all over the marvels in vast escapes of panoramic devoted in praise of Mata Vaishnavi country. The exhilarating and surroundings. The atmosphere of a train gives a shot in the arm. Such fascinating pilgrimage to the shrine bound for Katra has its own religious undoubting belief in the Mata makes holds great significance to the visitors. ambience becoming a sanctum the climb feel effortless. It is with Though the formal pilgrimage starts sanctorum in its own way. The travellers feelings of joy that one witness the from the threshold of autumn dwell in tranquility with an aura pious in devotion and enthusiasm of the ‘Navratras’ and remains in swing for the nature. There is of course the mood of pilgrims while they climb. Those on the next three months, the devotees the people that is positive and the decent cheer their counterparts on the however visit the shrine throughout the feelings that are pure. De-boarding at uphill. The holy chant, 'Jai Mata Di,’is on year in great numbers. Katra gives an exclusive vigour to head all lips and is a great inspiration and According to history, the shrine of on withfervour for the holy trek. strength for the strenuous trek. This Mata Vaishno Devi was discovered Situated on the first floor of the Katra chanting gives a fillip to one spirit and about seven hundred years ago by railway station is a unique buffet cuisine inspireseven the lame and crippled to Pandit Shridhar. As per the belief, Mata cum guest room provided by IRCTC, climb with ease. Sights of extreme once helped in organising a ‘Bhandara’ blending hospitality and transit for devotion are also commonly seen where at Shridhar's abode. But she had to leave devotees with spacious facility of a cloak some pilgrims prostrate themselves on

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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE

the floorafter every step of the journey. A basic checklist for the holy itinerary includes a light trek gear, comfortable but durable light weight shoes, a walking stick, and a changeover for a holy bathe before the ‘Darshan.’ Travel light, as all basic and essential facilities including dormitories, restaurants, medical aid and commuting facilities are adequately available throughout the route. If you plan to carry your infant child, baby carriers with a comfortable shoulder rear lift gives a steady backup which also provides for a power snooze. Make sure the straps are of exceptional quality with buckles that grips the child to a comfortable position. It is advisable not to carry extra items while walking up to the bhawan, barring the yatra parchi, prasad, cash, and walking stick with a bandana on the forehead without any bag or cell phone. The entire trek is an administrative marvel. Enroute, the pilgrims cross The entire route till Adkuwari can be The manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adkuwari treaded through the walking route and resides at one end of the cave. After and Sanji Chhat before one reaches the via steep steps which are shorter and worshipping the deity, the worshippers holy caves. Shacks for energy drinks, rejoin at every curve uphill. The bhawan proceed to the other end of the cave. fruits and eats, restaurants like can be approached through two routes One can continuously hear the chant of Bhojanalaya, CCD and Sagar Ratna, from Adkuwari. The first is meant for ‘Jai Mata Di’ by the pilgrims. The dormitories and rest rooms, waiting horses. The second is for walking, which Darshan of the Holy Goddess is done in rooms, benches, with a whole lot of has a gradual ramp and is decently quick time, the devotees paraying for information boards for pilgrims are in covered and caged to avoid the monkey Blessings from the Mother. Sight of the plenty. Ponies and palanquins help the menace. Route indicators to the bhawan holy ‘Pindies' gives an exclusive vigour first timers and those unable to trek the help in pacing the steps. The first half of of gratefulness and satisfaction. Beside trail on foot. Porters and palanquins the route till Adkuwari is a steep climb. the holy ‘Pindies' is the natural symbol escort up to Adkuwari, while electric Horses only ply for this part of the trek. of Lord Pashupati Nath. Cold water tempos ply from Adkuwari to the The gradual ascent from Adkuwari gushes out from the base of the Holy bhawan. Porters even carry infants and lessens till the bhawan giving a respite Pindies and flows out of the cave which luggage. The stretch is an epitome of to pilgrims who stop by to pay is known as Charan Ganga. Devotees cleanliness; with marked horse resting compliments at Adkuwari. Sudden drop collect this water in containers. The bays and stables which are clean and are in temperature is felt after sunset and same water is also channelised to the well managed. The ponies normally do short of the bhawan. bathing ghat where devotees take a dip three to four trips a day in a good season. The ‘Aarti’ of Vaishno Devi at the before their Darshan. Centralised Bose speakers add to a well bhawan is performed twice a day; The sight of Katra town on the way administered public announcement before sunrise and in the evening after down is purely marvellous. The entire system for commuters. The entire sunset. Darshan during this time is route is lit up with the constant hustle of stretch is decently paved with a number halted. Pilgrims must plan their the oncoming pilgrims. A day never of shops selling essential religious items, itinerary accordingly. The visit to the ends at Katra as devotees throng to the souvenirs, ‘prasad' and other sweets to bhavan typically starts with a holy sacred site by day as well as by night. offer during the ‘Darshan.’ Some shops shower and a change of clothes for the Truly an uplifting experience. give a breather to unwind and offer holy visit. The queues are so long that it masseuse to the weary calves and feet. normally takes hours before one makes The place offers a great combination, it to the bhawan. The queue is managed Sqn Ldr Siddharth Kharbanda is a inclined towards Hinduism and nature. through a maze to handle the crowd. serving Air Force officer based in Delhi.

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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE Roasted Red Pepper Soup: A Delicious Appetiser

Aditi Pathak ready. The idea is to roast them till they before you serve. Remember, soups are are slightly wilted and have developed best served hot but not straight off the slightly charred edges. heat. I serve this as an appetiser and only When the vegetables are done remove add a bit of butter and freshly ground from the oven and let them cool for some black pepper before serving. This soup is time. Once sufficiently cool, add all of the so delicious on its own that I don't even vegetables into a blender and add some add croutons as it seems to interfere with water to help the vegetables blend into a the rich smooth and creamy texture of fine thick consistency. roasted peppers. As you can see from the Now comes the final step. Take a pic, the colour too comes out so intense heavy bottomed deep pan and place it on that it visually draws you to this healthy the hob on low heat. Now strain the and tasty soup. Though as I always say, blended vegetables into this deep pan. feel free to customise any dish to your Straining will remove any remaining liking. If you like croutons add them! If Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a light blobs and give you a perfect soupy you want to garnish with some basil pureed soup which will surprise those smooth mix. Now add water slowly as leaves or even our household staple who didn't realise they were pepper you don't want to turn this soup too coriander then go ahead and do just that. lovers at heart. It's a simple soup, which runny. The best consistency is slightly Do try this Roasted Red Pepper Soup can be served with a dollop of sour thick. As the soup warms up slowly you sometime and enjoy the rich roasted cream, if desired. can adjust the taste by adding salt and fragrance, the deep reddish colour and pepper. Add more water if you like your the amazing hearty taste. Ingredients: soup slightly thinner but be careful with G Red Peppers 3 - 4 such experiments as once it becomes too G Onions 1 - 2 runny it will take a long time to heat and Ms Aditi Pathak is based in G Garlic pods 5 - 6 bring back to a thicker consistency. Singapore. Widely travelled and from a G Olive Oil 2 tablespoons Once you are happy with the taste you Services background, cooking is one of G Water 2 cups can leave this aside to cool down a bit her many passions. G Salt to taste G Pepper G Butter

Start by washing the peppers thoroughly. Then get your oven ready as you will be roasting your peppers in an oven. Let this heat at 180 degrees. To prepare the vegetables for roasting, cut the peppers and onions to about an inch thick and place in the oven tray. Peel the garlic and add this into the tray too. Now add the olive oil over the vegetables and mix well. By now your oven should be ready so place the oven tray with the vegetables into the oven to roast. This should take about 20 minutes but keep an eye on the vegetables to see their progress. You will hear the vegetables sizzling as they roast slowly to get a nice brownish tinge along the edges. The time given is only an estimate so use your judgment to see if the vegetables are

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MAROOF’S MUSINGS

After Mr. Modi’s recent trip to Washington in June this year — and despite the apprehensions — it appears that the Indo-US strategic partnership, particularly in the geo-political and military areas of cooperation is likely to continue forward uninterrupted, even as President Trump has otherwise been aggressively dismantling the legacies of President Obama. This would be addressed at three levels. First, at the geo strategic level, the US expects the Indian Navy to primarily be the cornerstone of America’s focus towards the Indo-Pacific region to counter the Chinese shadow in the Indian Ocean and possibly in the South China Sea. In the past, India has essentially viewed its security threats from a territorial perspective, largely focused on the China-Pak nexus on India’s borders and Pak sponsored terrorism. But the time has now come for New Delhi to look at the map of the sub- continent top down and view the entire expanse of the Indian Ocean, with the Gulf countries on its right and South East Asia on its left, as potentially the space where India could play a vital role (along with the Americans). This is truly a geo- strategic challenge because the sea lanes in this Ocean are vital for the maritime trade, that is in excess of USD 5 trillion and for the energy security of India, Maroof Raza Southeast Asia, China and Japan. No wonder, China is already making plans to dominate this region with its Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR). Secondly, at the regional level, with the US now keen to adopt a new strategy for Afghanistan, it could involve India, to Pakistan’s annoyance, in Afghanistan. INDO-US And while some in India would welcome this as an opportunity to put greater pressure on Pakistan, there are many questions that remain unanswered. For one, PARTNERSHIP : would this lead to an Indian troop deployment in the quagmire of Afghanistan, and if so at whose cost and under whose command? Moreover, this could bring India in confrontation not just with the Pakistani sponsored Taliban, but the LOOKING AHEAD Russians and Chinese who are keen to use Pakistan to dominate this resource rich but war torn land. And finally, how would this decision impact on India’s relations AT THE MILITARY with Iran, and Delhi’s initiative to build a corridor from Chabahar port via Afghanistan to Central Asia? More so, as the US is unwilling to abandon Pakistan even though it has — perhaps to please India — declared Syed Salahuddin as a DIMENSIONS terrorist. Thirdly, at a bilateral level, the Indo-US strategic partnerships in the coming years would see US technologies playing a greater role in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and in the inventory of India’s Armed Forces, since hi-end technologies would only be transferred to India if New Delhi keeps up its arms purchases from the US, which is very keen to provide India the F-16 aircraft platforms (though old and one that the PAF knows very well, but suitably upgraded with technologies) and US aircraft carrier technology for the subsequent variants of aircraft carriers in India. This could lead the US to dominate India’s naval hardware inventory, (with stuff like the Guardian drones), just like the Russians are still omnipresent across India’s land warfare capabilities. However, the window for India to acquire other non-US defence related technologies would not entirely be closed. While critics of the deepening of ties between the US and India, have often said that the US will never give us state of the art military technology; but that applies to all other countries that India does business with, as well. The issue for New Delhi is to either go completely into America’s fold or continue to play a hard to get country which has for too long being an aspiring power and cannot make it on to the high table of big powers entirely on its own. The question for India is, can it trust the US, if a military standoff with China turns into a conflict, under a Mr Trump, to stand up for India?

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

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RNI Registration: DELENG/2008/26923