Monthly Archives: August 2018

Jaipur, December 22, 2024 – Lieutenant Colonel Tripti Arya, a decorated officer of the Indian Army’s Army Service Corps, was honored with the “Best Security Leadership Award” at the ForeverBusiness Awards, Season 6. The prestigious event took place at Zee Studios, Jaipur, Rajasthan, recognizing individuals making extraordinary contributions in their fields. Former Bollywood actor and model mr. Rahul Dev presented the awards, adding a touch of stardom to the evening.

A Career Defined by Leadership and Service
Lt Col Tripti Arya’s illustrious 14-year career in the Indian Army exemplifies courage, dedication, and excellence. As an officer in the Army Service Corps, she has led critical logistical missions, including aerial deliveries, casualty evacuations, and counter-insurgency operations in high-risk areas such as the Line of Control in Kashmir and the Indo-China Border.

Her exceptional leadership skills were recognized in 2021 when she was awarded the “General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation, Northern Command” for her outstanding service.

Educational Excellence and Expertise
A graduate of the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, Lt Col Tripti is an expert in advanced shooting, close-quarter combat, high-altitude warfare, and aerial operations. She further enhanced her skills by pursuing studies in Supply Chain Management at IIM Indore and IIM Mumbai, specializing in operations management. Her strategic insights have set benchmarks for logistical excellence in the Indian Army.

A Trailblazer in Empowerment and Mental Well-Being
Lt Col Tripti Arya is also a certified counseling psychologist, supporting the mental health of soldiers and their families with compassion and professionalism. Beyond her military duties, she is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality in the armed forces. She has actively participated in UN Women Welfare programs and mentors young officers, fostering leadership and inclusivity.

Words of Gratitude
Accepting the award, Lt Col Tripti said, “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective dedication of the armed forces. I am grateful for the support of my family, colleagues, and mentors who have shaped my journey. I hope to inspire others to lead with courage, empathy, and resilience.”

Celebrating Excellence in Leadership
The Forever Business Awards 2024, Season 6, celebrated trailblazers from diverse industries, with Lt Col Tripti Arya’s recognition shining a light on the critical contributions of security and leadership professionals. Dr. Rahul Dev, who presented the award, praised the winners, remarking, “Leaders like Lt Col Tripti Arya remind us of the importance of dedication, strength, and vision in safeguarding our nation.”

Lt Col Tripti Arya’s remarkable career and unwavering commitment to service continue to inspire future generations, making her a beacon of excellence in security and leadership.

The Indian Army has introduced a significant change in its promotion policy for Lieutenant Generals, shifting to a merit-based system. This new policy will be implemented on March 31, 2025, and aims to enhance the selection process for top positions in tri-service theatre commands through a quantified assessment system.

Quantified Assessment System

Under this system, Lieutenant Generals will be evaluated based on their performance using revised Annual Confidential Report (ACR) forms. They will be graded on various attributes on a scale from 1 to 9, marking a departure from the previous seniority-based promotions. This change aligns the Army’s promotion practices with those already in place in the Navy and Air Force, which have utilized similar merit-based evaluations for their equivalent ranks.

Exclusions From the New Policy

The new merit-based promotion system will not apply to the Vice Chief and the commanders-in-chief of the Army’s six operational commands and one training command. These positions are still subject to traditional seniority rules.

Concerns Among Officers

Some officers have expressed reservations regarding this new policy. They argue that very few officers reach the rank of Lieutenant General after being assessed solely on merit throughout their careers. There are fears that introducing merit at this stage could lead to potential interference, whether political or otherwise, in the promotion process.

This policy shift occurs as India prepares to establish integrated theatre commands aimed at addressing operational challenges posed by neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan. The new promotion framework is seen as essential for creating a unified command structure within the armed forces.

(Maj Gen Harvijay Singh, SM)
US President-elect Donald Trump is “strong and unpredictable”, and those qualities can be a decisive factor in his policy approach to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 3 Jan 2025. Battlefield Ukraine remained fairly active though 2024 with both sides achieving satisficing results – finding a balance between the ‘ideal’ and the ‘practical’.

• Ukraine seized a part of Russian province of Kursk in August; Ukraine was bold, Russia was surprised.
• Russia pushed steadily westward in Donbas; reaching a target that was a significant focus since 2014.
• NATO permitted Ukraine to use long range weapons to strike Russia. Russian retaliation was fast &
  furious deploying even ICBMs with multiple warheads – this show of force quietened Ukraine; a stark
  reminder of the high stakes involved.
• The battlefield situation is likely to remain mostly static in 2025, the path to peace still uncertain.
  Come 2025, President-elect Donald Trump will want to start his tenure with an end to the War.
• Trump may offer either Zelenski or Putin, or, both an offer they cannot refuse. Sounds incredibly
  intriguing but the world is desperate for a trick or two for a ‘Global Reset’ – Trump Scarecrows are a hot sell already.
• He may abandon Ukraine and withdraw Military Aid as suggested by him during his election campaign … alternatively, that may have been just an ‘Elections Jumla’ …… Politics can be quite the rollercoaster.
• Any ‘Reset’ in the philosophy on Ukraine is likely to have weighty geopolitical consequences too. Some
  immediate ones could be:
  o Embolden Putin to go after other former Soviet neighbours.
  o Encourage Xi Jinping to settle the Taiwan issue by force.
  In recent weeks Trump’s aides have pushed for a truce – contingent on Kyiv delaying its membership to the NATO alliance by 20 years, in exchange for continued arms supply and the deployment of European peacekeepers. Ukraine once bitten twice shy would like rock solid assurances this time: In the 1994 Budapest
  Memorandum – Ukraine had agreed to hand all its nuclear weapons (1900 nuclear warheads) to Russia in exchange of security assurances from Russia, USA, Britain and France; these concessions are hardly remembered today.
  To keep his impactful persona intact, Trump likes to negotiate from a position of strength – Ukraine’s occupation of territory in Kursk provides that strength. Going forward:
• Russia is likely to accept conditions put forth to end the war, if it does not infringe on its territorial gains.
• Ukraine is likely to agree temporarily to the continued Russian occupation of its territory with a right to
  regain the territories diplomatically later.
  Like Trump (the new factor), the war cannot end without Putin’s participation (the existing factor) …. the ‘sly fox’.
  Putin has been waiting patiently for the Trump factor to recalculate his position in Ukraine. He would like Russia to appear as the victor and could demand limits on Ukraine’s military size and weaponry, giving the Russian language co-official status, and other constitutional changes designed to permanently undermine Ukrainian
  sovereignty and democracy.
  He would however be regretting losing territory in Kursk; problem with loosing territory is – it seeds the ambitions of others – Putin does lose a fair bit byte bite of bargaining power if Kursk is on the negotiation table.
  The U.S. has given Kyiv nearly $61.4 billion in military assistance and pledged another $2.5 billion – likely the last steps taken by Biden administration in that direction. With Trump in the driver’s seat, Europe will have to pitch in with material and human resources. Trump is not willing to provide security guarantees e gratis.
  Has Geo Trumpology arrived?

THE Indian Army’s performance in the 1971 war was unparalleled. The iconic photo of Pakistan’s Lt Gen AAK Niazi signing the Instrument of Surrender in the presence of Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora is an indelible part of our proud…

THE Indian Army’s performance in the 1971 war was unparalleled. The iconic photo of Pakistan’s Lt Gen AAK Niazi signing the Instrument of Surrender in the presence of Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora is an indelible part of our proud history.

December 16, which marked the end of the war, is befittingly celebrated in India and Bangladesh. A team of Indian veterans who took part in the war visits the neighbouring country every year. In 2019, I led a delegation of 52 members, including officers and their spouses.

The four-day visit was planned and hosted by the Bangladesh army with immaculate care. On arrival, we were treated to refreshments in the airport VIP lounge while the immigration formalities were completed. The stay was in the best hotel in Dhaka. Military officers were deputed to micromanage the schedule. This included women officers for the spouses. They made us feel truly welcome.

On the evening of December 15, we were hosted by the erstwhile Mukti Bahini, some of whose members we had fought alongside during the war. December 16 started with a wreath-laying ceremony at their national war memorial by the Bangladesh Prime Minister. We also laid a wreath on behalf of our Army. During the ceremonial parade and march-past that followed, special seating arrangement was made for us. In the afternoon, we attended the President’s ‘At Home’ where, as the delegation leader, I interacted with the Bangladesh President and PM and exchanged greetings and mementoes. Their hospitality reflected a dignified gratitude to the role played by India in their nation’s freedom struggle.

Foreign affairs and defence ministers were also among our dinner hosts. These events were held during rush hour and the police had to halt traffic to let us pass. One did not notice a single person angry at the disruption. There was only a friendly wave of the hands.

A visit was also scheduled to Tangail, where our paratroopers had made a spectacular landing. Unfortunately, the weather played spoilsport and the helicopters could not land. However, the hosts immediately put their standby plan into action.

We made official calls separately on the three service chiefs and their chief of defence staff. A formal dinner hosted by the army chief was attended by a large number of their officers. I addressed the gathering on all these occasions. Special care was taken to underscore the contribution of Mukti Bahini. Being professionals, they would know that their efforts per se would not have sufficed in defeating a large regular army, more so since the latter had the backing of some powerful Western countries.

The unfortunate developments in Bangladesh over the last six months have cast a shadow on those happy memories. The student leaders who spearheaded a nationwide anti-discrimination movement and are now a part of the interim government were not witness to the trauma of 1971. And word-of-mouth history can never be an effective substitute. One hopes the prevailing anti-India sentiment is only transitory. We wish our neighbour well.

ndia and Pakistan have continued their annual tradition of exchanging lists of prisoners in each other’s custody, despite ongoing tensions over Kashmir. This exchange, which occurred on January 1, 2025, is part of a broader framework aimed at maintaining communication and mitigating risks between the two nuclear-armed nations.

Prisoner Lists: India requested the expedited release of 183 Indian nationals who have completed their prison sentences and sought immediate consular access to 18 more individuals believed to be Indian prisoners in Pakistan. In return, Pakistan shared the names of 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen it holds, while urging India to release 52 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 56 fishermen whose sentences have also been completed.

Nuclear Installations: Alongside the prisoner exchange, both countries also exchanged lists of their nuclear installations. This practice has been in place since a bilateral agreement was signed on December 31, 1988, which prohibits attacks on each other’s nuclear facilities. The exchange of these lists is intended to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict.

Despite this gesture of goodwill, relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, particularly due to ongoing issues surrounding Kashmir. The region has been a flashpoint for conflict since both countries gained independence in 1947. Recent escalations include military confrontations and accusations of terrorism, which complicate diplomatic efforts.

The annual exchange of prisoner lists and nuclear facility information reflects a commitment to dialogue and humanitarian considerations amidst a backdrop of significant geopolitical tension. Both nations appear to recognize the importance of maintaining some level of communication to prevent further deterioration of relations, even as they navigate complex security challenges related to Kashmir and beyond.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host an Industry Outreach Event (IOE) 2025 aimed at enhancing self-reliance in defence through collaboration with the private sector. This initiative is part of India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign, which seeks to reduce dependence on foreign defence systems and promote indigenous capabilities.

Phase One: An online session scheduled for January 13, 2025.

Phase Two: An onsite event at Air Force Station Guwahati on January 15, 2025. This phase will facilitate direct engagement between IAF personnel and industry stakeholders, allowing for in-depth discussions on defence needs and technological innovations.

Objectives of IOE 2025

Enhancing Collaboration: The event aims to create a platform for collaboration between the IAF, start-ups, and established defence industry players. This partnership is essential for fostering innovation and addressing specific operational challenges faced by the IAF.

Showcasing Opportunities: Participants will gain insights into the IAF’s operational environment and explore how their technologies can contribute to strengthening India’s defence capabilities.

Promoting Indigenous Development: The IAF is committed to achieving full domestic production of its inventory by 2047, emphasizing the need for rapid decision-making and innovation in response to evolving security threats.

Importance of Private Sector Involvement

The IAF recognizes the critical role of the private sector in advancing India’s defence capabilities. By engaging with innovators and startups, the IAF aims to leverage their agility and technological expertise to enhance its operational readiness. This outreach program is seen as a vital step toward building a robust domestic defence ecosystem that can meet both current and future challenges.

The IOE 2025 underscores the IAF’s commitment to indigenization and self-reliance, aligning with national security objectives while fostering economic growth through increased private sector participation in defence manufacturing.

India has formally protested against China’s recent establishment of two new counties, He’an and Hekang, in the Hotan Prefecture, which New Delhi claims overlaps with its territory in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that India “has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation” of this area, which includes parts of Aksai Chin—a region under Chinese control but claimed by India.

In a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the creation of these counties will not alter India’s longstanding position regarding its sovereignty over the territory. He asserted that such actions by China do not lend legitimacy to its “illegal and forcible occupation” of Indian territory. This protest marks a significant moment as it is one of the first public disputes between India and China since they began normalizing relations after a prolonged military standoff along their disputed border in eastern Ladakh.

The announcement from China came shortly after high-level talks aimed at easing tensions between the two nations, which had escalated significantly following violent clashes in 2020. Despite recent diplomatic efforts, including discussions about military patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India’s response indicates ongoing concerns regarding China’s territorial claims and infrastructure projects in contested regions.

In addition to the protest over the new counties, India has also raised concerns about China’s plans to construct a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River, urging Beijing to consider the impact on downstream states like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to monitoring developments closely and taking necessary measures to protect its interests.

The relationship between India and China has historically oscillated between cooperation and conflict, particularly influenced by territorial disputes and military confrontations. Recent developments indicate a significant thaw in relations, particularly following the completion of military disengagement along their disputed border in late 2024. This shift is characterized by renewed diplomatic engagement and a focus on economic collaboration.

Key Developments Leading To Thawing Relations

1. Military Disengagement: In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement to disengage along their contested border, creating buffer zones and establishing new patrolling arrangements. This marked a crucial step in breaking a four-year impasse that had severely strained relations.

2. High-Level Meetings: The first formal meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since 2019 occurred at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. This meeting underscored both leaders’ commitment to stabilizing bilateral ties.

3. Resumption of Diplomatic Talks: December 2024 saw the resumption of Special Representative talks on the territorial dispute, which had not convened for five years. Discussions reportedly included revisiting a landmark 2005 agreement aimed at resolving the dispute.

4. Economic Considerations: Both nations recognize the economic interdependence that has developed over the years. India’s electronics manufacturing sector relies heavily on Chinese components, while China views India as a vital market amid its own economic challenges. This mutual dependency has spurred calls from the Indian business community for improved ties with China.

The thaw in relations comes against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition, particularly with the United States. The ongoing China-U.S. rivalry has prompted both nations to reassess their strategies, with India seeking to maintain its strategic autonomy while balancing its partnership with the U.S..

Challenges Ahead

Despite these positive developments, several uncertainties could impede progress:

U.S.-China Relations: The potential for a more aggressive U.S. stance under a second Trump administration poses risks for India-China relations, as Delhi navigates its partnerships with both Washington and Beijing.

Border Tensions: Continued tensions in South Asia, particularly regarding Bhutan and other regional hotspots, may complicate diplomatic efforts.

India’s Conditions For Engagement: India has emphasized that further improvements in relations are contingent upon concrete progress on border issues, reflecting a cautious approach to re-engagement with China.

The calibrated approach towards fostering India-China bilateral ties reflects a pragmatic recognition of mutual interests amid historical tensions. The ongoing diplomatic engagements and economic considerations provide a foundation for potential growth in relations. However, both nations must navigate external pressures and internal conditions carefully to ensure that this thaw translates into lasting improvements in their bilateral relationship.

Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) flows from Tibet into India and then to Bangladesh before joining Bay of Bengal

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

China has claimed the project to have a dam across the Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river in its own territory would have no ‘negative impact’ in the lower reaches – that is India and Bangladesh.

The Tsangpo flows from Tibet into India and then to Bangladesh before joining the Bay of Bengal.

Yu Jing, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, put a post on X on Saturday, saying, “The project has no negative impact on the lower reaches”.

The spokesperson added China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels, and step up cooperation on disaster prevention and relief for the benefit of the people by the river.

China’s response has come after New Delhi on Friday expressed ‘concern’ over the upcoming mega dam across the Tsangpo in Tibet.

 Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said India is a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river. “We have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory,” Jaiswal said.

India has urged China to ensure that interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas.

The Chinese Embassy spokesperson has responded, saying, “China has always been responsible for the development of cross-border rivers. China’s hydropower development in the lower reaches of the (Tsangpo) river aims to speed up developing clean energy, and respond to climate change and extreme hydrological disasters.”

“The hydropower development there has been studied in an in-depth way for decades, and safeguard measures have been taken for the security of the project and ecological environment protection,” Yu Jing added.

Mishap occurred near SK Payen in the north Kashmir district

Four Army personnel died and another was injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Saturday, the second such tragedy in less than two weeks.

The accident occurred near SK Payen in the north Kashmir district where the soldiers were on duty, officials said.

The region had received snow on Thursday and there were foggy conditions on Saturday.

The Army said that “while performing duty in Bandipora district, a vehicle of the Indian Army skid and fell into the gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility conditions”.

“Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with assistance from Kashmiri locals, for which we express gratitude towards the citizens in providing immediate succour,” the army’s Chinar Corps said in a post on X.