Monthly Archives: August 2018

Aditi Tandon

The Indian Air Force chief Amar Preet Singh on Thursday joined the nagar kirtan at gurdwara Moti Bagh from where the holy footwear of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur will travel to Takth Patna Sahib.

The family of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, custodians of the sacred belongings for 300 years, have handed over their care and custody to the Sikh Sangat.The relics were given to Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee on Wednesday and placed at the gurdwara for devotees to pray.

Hardeep Puri himself carried the Jore Sahib to the gurdwara.

The relics would travel in a nagar kirtan to various cities covering 1,500 km from Delhi to Patna.

These would be enshrined at Takht Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.

A special committee of Sikh influencers formed earlier to determine the final resting place for the relics had unanimously voted for Patna Sahib gurdwara as the home for the footwear which Puri’s ancestors had been given by the 10th Guru in recognition of their services.

After launching the Agniveer scheme to infuse new blood into the armed forces, the Govern ment of India is now thinking of ways and means to make it more attractive to the public at large. One of the proposals under consideration is to raise the Agniveer retention rate from the current 25 per cent to up to 75 per cent. This is among the proposals being discussed by the Army Commanders Conference at Jaisalmer. Other proposals include measures to enhance joint ness among the three services and review the implementation of Mission Sudarshan Chakra. The first batch of Agniveers will complete their four-year tenure next year and, there fore, their retention is on the agenda. This is the first Army Commanders Conference since Operation Sindoor in May.

The conference serves as a platform for the Army’s senior leadership to review the overall security situa tion and deliberate on key operational priori ties to address emerging challenges. responders with the nec essary knowledge and skills for the timely and effective management of chemical incidents. The modules, which are a step to wards enhanced preparedness, were launched by Punya Salila Srivastava, the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, along with key senior offi cials from various line ministries at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi. “Chemical emergencies pose a significant and evolving threat to public health, environmental safety, and societal stability, underscoring the need for strengthened national preparedness and response mecha nisms,” said the Ministry of Health. “In the present fast-growing in dustrial economy, updating and keeping oneself prepared for any such emergencies is of paramount importance,” it added. The specialised training modules, divided into three parts, were de veloped by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Mo HFW), in collaboration with NDMA (National Disaster Management Au thority) and with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO India).

Module 1 includes preparedness, surveillance, and response for pub lic health management of chemical emergencies. Module 2 elaborates pre-hospital management of chemical emergen cies, including the identification and assessment of chemical hazards, pa tient triage and decontamination, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Module 3 details medical manage emergencies have a profound impact ment of chemical emergencies. It is designed to cover a wide range of topics related to the medical management of chemical emergen cies, including in-hospital patient triage, hospital decontamination, the initial assessment and man agement, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. As India is rapidly emerging as a major global hub for industrial and technological development, it is increasing the risk of exposure to chemical hazards. Uncontrolled releases of such sub stances can have serious implications for public health and the environ ment, potentially resulting in chemi cal emergencies.

These chemical on human health, often resulting in casualties, long-term consequences, and damage to property and the en vironment. In such a scenario, “these modules aim to equip public health profes sionals, healthcare workers, emer gency responders, and policymakers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and operational tools for timely and effective management of chemical incidents,” the Ministry said. Strengthening chemical emergency management also supports core ca pacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), contributing to both national and global health security, the Ministry said. IANS Similarly, with the increasing strength of veterans, options to gainfully use their experi ence and expertise are being considered. At present, veterans are engaged in limited roles such as those under the Army Welfare Educa tion Society and the Ex-Servicemen Contribu tory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinics, but broader participation across formations is be ing considered. Personnel and welfare-related issues of serving troops are also expected to feature in the discussions.

Measures under discussion to improve integration include the standardisation of equipment, common supply chains for logis tics and procurement, combined training at all levels, more cross-postings and exposure across services, and greater social interaction among personnel – all steps aimed at paving the way for the creation of theatre commands. Some of these initiatives were also discussed at the Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata last month, which was attended by the Prime Minister. At that meeting, the gov ernment announced the formation of three joint military stations and the merger of the education branches of the Army, Navy, and Air Force into a single Tri-Services Education Corps – key steps towards deeper integration. This is the first conference of Army Com manders since Operation Sindoor in May. It serves as a platform for the Army’s senior leadership to review the overall security situ ation and deliberate on key operational pri orities to address emerging challenges. The Combined Commanders’ Conference took place in Kolkata last month. It will also re view operational preparedness, including the repair and replacement of damaged equip ment, emergency procurement of critical stores, and ammunition stocking for various weapon systems. The implementation of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which involves coordination with other services and multiple stakeholders, will also be discussed.The Jaisalmer meeting marks the second phase of the second Army Commanders Conference this year; the first phase was held in Delhi earlier this month. SPIRITUA

The Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman concluded the 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi from 22 to 23 October 2025, underscoring a renewed vigour in bilateral defence collaboration. The talks represented a key advance in the evolving strategic partnership between the two nations.

According to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI), the discussions focused on broadening cooperation through enhanced joint exercises, expert exchanges in specialised domains, and intensified training collaboration. Both sides also identified new avenues for partnership under the forthcoming Defence Cooperation Plan 2026.

The deliberations emphasised joint capability development, professional military education, and institutional frameworks to deepen interoperability. These initiatives build upon the strong foundation established by previous engagements, notably the 5th edition of the India–Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah, which successfully concluded in September 2024 at the Rabkoot Training Area in Oman.

The event was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Amit Narang, India’s Ambassador to Oman, and Captain Harish Srinivasan, Defence Attaché to Oman. The Omani delegation was led by Brigadier General Abdulkadhim Bin Ibrahim Al-Ajmi, Commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Masood Mubarak Al-Ghafri, Commanding Officer of the Frontier Force.

A joint live-fire demonstration followed the staff talks, showcasing operational synergy between the two armies. Approximately sixty soldiers from both nations participated in tactical exercises mirroring United Nations peacekeeping scenarios. The drills simulated village isolation and clearance operations in a desert terrain, with combined armoured personnel carrier detachments undertaking coordinated room interventions and hostage rescue missions.

Snipers from both armies demonstrated precision engagement capabilities, reinforcing the benefits of combined marksmanship training. The demonstration also incorporated advanced Indian-made equipment, such as surveillance drones for real-time reconnaissance and ballistic shields for urban intervention and protection tasks, highlighting India’s growing self-reliant defence technology base.

The event concluded with a ceremonial flag display, an exhibition of military equipment, and an exchange of mementoes between contingents. Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining global peace, regional security, and mutual military preparedness through sustained cooperation.

The successful conclusion of the 3rd AAST thus marks another milestone in the robust defence partnership between India and Oman, laying the groundwork for a stronger and more institutionalised framework of collaboration under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026.

Based On ANI Report

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently participating in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, a large-scale multinational air combat drill hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base in Spain. The exercise is being conducted from 20 to 31 October 2025, with several friendly nations taking part.

According to an IAF post on X, the primary objective of the exercise is to foster mutual learning and interoperability, enhance air combat proficiency, and strengthen defence cooperation among participating nations. The event provides a valuable opportunity for IAF pilots and personnel to train alongside their international counterparts in a complex and dynamic operational environment.

This development follows the IAF’s recent enhancement of its airlift and operational capabilities through the induction of 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft. Indian Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, along with senior IAF officials, had received the final aircraft at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Seville on 3 August 2025.

The Indian Embassy in Spain confirmed that the delivery was completed two months ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence modernisation efforts.

The Airbus C-295 is a versatile and robust tactical transport aircraft designed to perform a wide range of missions. Its operational roles include troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance, signals intelligence, and medical evacuation, among others.

The aircraft is also capable of armed support, VIP transport, and aerial firefighting operations. With over 300 units contracted worldwide, the C-295 has established a global reputation for reliability and multi-role performance.

India’s procurement of 56 C-295 aircraft under a USD 2.5 billion agreement with Airbus Spain represents a landmark initiative in bilateral defence cooperation. Notably, 40 of these aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems, marking the first ‘Make in India’ project in the defence aviation sector.

The first C-295 was formally handed over to the Government of India in September 2023, during a ceremony presided over by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari at Seville, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The successful completion of deliveries within schedule underscores the growing synergy between India and Spain in advanced defence manufacturing and aerospace technology.

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has successfully delivered Mahe, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy, marking a major stride in India’s indigenous shipbuilding drive under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The 78-metre-long warship, Mahe, represents a significant technological milestone as the largest Indian Naval vessel powered by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. This advanced propulsion system ensures superior manoeuvrability and reduced acoustic signature, crucial in anti-submarine operations carried out in littoral waters.

Designed for a wide range of coastal defence missions, Mahe is equipped for underwater surveillance, search and rescue duties, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and complex mine-laying tasks. Its compact design and high agility make it ideal for operations in shallow waters where conventional destroyers and frigates face navigational constraints.

Constructed under the stringent Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the vessel meets international standards in performance, safety, and reliability. The ship’s design reflects extensive indigenous input, with over 90 percent of components sourced domestically—a major achievement in India’s self-reliance and technological maturity in naval construction.

The formal vessel acceptance was completed by Dr S. Harikrishnan, Director (Operations), Cochin Shipyard Limited, and Commander Amit Chandra Choubey, Commanding Officer (Designate) of Mahe. The ceremony was attended by senior naval officials including Rear Admiral R. Adhisrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Western Naval Command, and Commodore Anup Menon, Warship Production Superintendent at Kochi.

Cochin Shipyard’s spokesperson emphasised that the induction of the ASW SWC series will “significantly strengthen the Navy’s shallow water Anti-Submarine Warfare capability,” further enhancing coastal security and operational readiness. The accomplishment underscores India’s growing competence in designing and building advanced warships domestically.

India’s fighter Jet TEJAS MK-1A completed its maiden flight in HAL-Nashik on 17th Oct, 2025

In a candid discussion on Bharat Shakti Dialogues, former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (Retd) RKS Bhadauria with Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, outlined a clear, bold vision for accelerating India’s indigenous fighter aircraft development programmes, focusing on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). He strongly encouraged doubling down on indigenous efforts rather than relying on foreign imports.

AMCA: India’s Ambitious Fifth-Generation Fighter Project

Bhadauria praised AMCA as the most ambitious leap India has made in combat aviation—a stealth-capable, multi-role fifth-generation fighter with super-cruise capability and sophisticated avionics.

He described it as a national endeavour involving the Ministry of Defence, DRDO labs, DPSUs, and private sector players working together. Emphasising private sector participation, Bhadauria called AMCA a “top-end project” with significant strategic importance, dismissing any need to import fifth-generation fighters given the government’s firm commitment to indigenous development.

“This is an opportunity for the private sector to come up and demonstrate their ability to deliver. The AMCA has to be treated as a national project. The government, DRDO labs, DPSUs and private players must work hand-in-hand. It’s now up to the private sector to rise to the occasion,” he stressed.

TEJAS: The Foundation of Indigenous Air Power

Reaffirming the TEJAS program as the “fundamental bedrock of indigenous technology,” Bhadauria highlighted his role in securing the landmark contract for 83 MK-1 jets, which greatly strengthened the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet.

The IAF is expected to operate over 350 TEJASs across MK-1, MK-1, and MK-2 variants. The Ministry of Defence has tendered for 97 more MK-1 aircraft, valued over ₹65,000 crore, but Bhadauria suggested this order be reconsidered.

Call To Shift Orders From MK-1 To MK-2

He proposed shifting the new 97-aircraft order from the MK-1 to the MK-2 variant, which offers superior payload capacity, endurance, and compatibility with modern weaponry. He believes early placement of MK-2 orders and concurrent production would significantly improve timelines and operational capabilities.

For Bhadauria, the MK-2 is a vital stepping stone, building upon three decades of TEJAS development experience and poised to form the tactical backbone alongside AMCA.

Emphasis On Fast-Tracking Indigenous Production

Bhadauria urged innovative measures and “fast-tracking at every stage” to avoid past delays and to ensure timely induction of these fighters. He framed TEJAS and AMCA not as isolated projects but as complementary pillars within India’s broader aviation roadmap, both crucial for maintaining and elevating India’s air combat edge.

A Clear Message: Faith In Indigenous Ecosystem

The former Air Chief’s central message was unequivocal: India’s future in fighter aircraft depends on trusting and empowering its indigenous defence ecosystem. The TEJAS provides a solid, proven base, while AMCA represents the next quantum leap. Together, they mark a decisive break from dependence on foreign fifth-generation platforms and signal a confident stride toward self-reliance in combat aviation.​

Based On Bharat Shakti Report

The Defence Ministry of India has sanctioned a major military modernisation plan worth around ₹79,000 crore, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost self-reliance in defence production.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The meeting, held at South Block in New Delhi, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for key procurements across all three services.

For the Indian Army, approvals included the procurement of the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS). The NAMIS will strengthen the Army’s capability to neutralise enemy tanks, bunkers and field fortifications, while the GBMES will provide continuous electronic intelligence on enemy emitters. The new HMVs will enhance logistics and mobility across challenging terrains.

The Ground-Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) will provide continuous electronic intelligence on enemy signals, while High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with Material Handling Cranes will improve logistics and mobility across difficult terrains.

In the Navy, AoN was granted for Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) to bolster amphibious operation capabilities and humanitarian missions in coordination with the Army and Air Force. The 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs) will enhance the Navy and Coast Guard’s capacity for low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy roles.

The indigenously designed Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWTs), developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, can target conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines. Additionally, Electro-Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems and smart ammunition for the 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount were approved.

The induction of ALWT, which is indigenously developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, DRDO, is capable of targeting conventional, nuclear and midget submarines. The procurement of 30mm NSG will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy roles.

The Indian Air Force received clearance for the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS), which features autonomous take-off, landing, navigation, and payload delivery for precision strike capabilities over long distances.

The Defence Ministry emphasised that these approvals reflect the government’s sustained commitment to modernise the armed forces through indigenously developed technologies, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

This modernisation plan marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s military readiness and operational effectiveness across all three services with a strong emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing.

Maj Gen BS Grewal retd

SIXTY years ago, Pakistan was emboldened by India’s debacle in the 1962 war against China and presumed that the time was ripe to launch a decisive offensive to annex Kashmir. The Pakistan Army was greatly strengthened by the supply of state-of-the-art military equipment from the West, whereas the Indian Army had comparatively lower-grade technology.

During the 1965 war, the centrepiece of the Pakistan Army was the famous Patton tank. The best tank in the Indian Army at that time was the Centurion Mk 7, which was good but in no way comparable to the Patton.

The US-origin Patton was named after the legendary Gen George S Patton. It was lighter than the Centurion and had a more powerful engine. The Patton also boasted of a stereoscopic range finder to enable the tank gunner to get a high first-round hit probability. Centurions relied on a simple shooting technique which was based on three rounds being fired in quick succession at varying ranges and at least one was assured to hit the target. The Patton had a 90-mm gun firing high-velocity armour-piercing ammunition, whereas the Centurion gun was a 20-pounder (83.4 mm). Pattons also had infra-red capability for drivers, whereas our tank gunners were rendered ‘blind’ at night.

Pakistan also enjoyed a numerical advantage over us in terms of tank regiments. How then did the Centurions succeed against the mighty Pattons is an interesting case study. The first and foremost factor was training. Our tank crews were extremely well-trained. In contrast, the Pakistanis were handling high-technology equipment which had only been recently received.

A major factor in tank-versus-tank engagements is survivability and the ability to take a hit. Here the Centurion scored well over the Patton. Some Centurions took as many as five Patton hits and lived to tell the tale. The Patton armour was more brittle and tended to shatter when struck, causing casualties among the crew. Pakistani crews tended to evacuate the tank speedily on being hit to avoid being burnt alive.

In the Battle of Asal Uttar, Pattons were bogged down in the freshly inundated fields and were quickly abandoned by Pakistani crews. This battle dealt a crushing blow to Pakistan and shattered the myth of the Patton’s invincibility. No wonder Asal Uttar became renowned as the graveyard of Pattons.

The Centurion also proved to be a reliable and rugged tank in the Battle of Phillora. Our crews were able to use this formidable fighting vehicle to defeat a qualitatively and quantitatively superior enemy.

Julio Ribeiro

Suicide by two Haryana police officials shows that the rot runs quite deep

WHICH is the greater evil in a democracy — communalism or corruption? That was the question which concerned Indians asked themselves when they wended their way to polling booths during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Is casteism worse than these two? That question needs to be added.

The Haryana government is at its wits’ end over two cases of suicide by policemen — Inspector General (IG) Y Puran Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sandeep Kumar.

Puran Kumar, an IPS officer, was a Dalit. His wife, an IAS officer, gave her consent for a post-mortem examination only after receiving an assurance that a fair probe would be conducted and action taken against ‘erring’ officials. In his ‘final note’, Puran Kumar accused eight fellow officers of caste-based discrimination, mental harassment and public humiliation. His grouse was that he was tormented by his ‘big boss’ (state DGP) and a junior officer, besides others, because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste (SC).

Just a week after this incident, ASI Sandeep Kumar shot himself in Rohtak. In a note and a video that he left behind, he levelled corruption allegations against Puran Kumar, who had served in Rohtak district. He also alleged that during Puran Kumar’s tenure, the transfers of employees posted at the IG’s office were made keeping caste into consideration. Even as both cases are being probed, any seasoned cop will conclude that corruption and casteism are intertwined in the police force.

It is true that Jats and Dalits have always had a troubled relationship in Haryana. The relations between Marathas and Dalits in Maharashtra are also strained, though not as starkly as in Haryana and other Hindi-speaking states. (This perception is based on talks with friends in the IPS).

My own experience with SC officers who served with me in Maharashtra and Punjab has been that they are no different from those from privileged castes. There are good, bad and ‘indifferent’ officers belonging to every caste. Also, there are honest and dishonest officers of every caste. The police chief has to get the best out of each of them.

A ganglord named Varadarajan Mudaliar called the shots in the bootlegging trade in Mumbai (then known as Bombay) in the late 1970s and early 1980s. When I took charge as the Commissioner of Police in 1982, I asked for an officer named YC Pawar to be posted there from the Railways. He was an SC officer, but that was certainly not the reason for my request. It was his ability and his willingness to use that ability to deal with those who ruled the underworld that influenced my decision.

Pawar did not disappoint me. He performed a Herculean task with precision and in his own inimitable way. He had a loud voice and he used it to his advantage. Some of his glory rubbed off on me and I was pleased as punch for making a correct choice.

A perennial problem that dogs the armed branch of the police is alcoholism and lack of parental control over cops’ children. Kids living in the Police Lines tend to become school dropouts because their fathers are on prolonged spells of guard duty. The pressure from the political bosses for round-the-clock protection has become so acute that personnel on duty are often not relieved for days together, leading to an extended absence of the head of the family.

I chose a young IPS officer to head the armed branch, which was considered as a “punishment posting” (I learnt later that he belonged to a Scheduled Caste). The imperative of looking after the welfare and morale of these men who felt neglected was of prime importance to me, and I explained to the officer why I had chosen him for this assignment. Again, my choice was spot-on.

The 12.5 per cent reservation (later raised to 15 per cent) for SCs in government jobs and admissions was a “mea culpa” response to centuries of injustice to which those excluded from the Varna system were subjected.

However, the extension of reservation to vacancies in the higher ranks led to widespread dissatisfaction in the police force. When young sub-inspectors trained by inspectors were promoted to the rank of inspector and further as assistant commissioner to meet the quota requirement, experienced and competent inspectors refrained from greeting their new bosses, as demanded by discipline and protocol. Much of the corruption and indiscipline can be attributed to populist measures which were not properly thought through.

Money and greed are the reigning deities in government departments of various states. Narendra Modi rode to power in 2014 on the promise of eradicating the menace of corruption. However, he has been so busy trying to win every election in this vast country that corruption remains prevalent at the cutting edge of governance. And since it is the common citizen who bears the brunt of deep-rooted graft, the remedy is the one most easily available at hand — distribute freebies from depleted coffers just before elections are announced to win over the disgruntled poor people.

Dealing with age-old societal wrongs is a burden our political leaders must learn to bear. The two suicides in Haryana will severely test the mettle of the state leadership.

Officials discuss various issues like mobile signal spillover, future roadmap for integrated checkposts, maintenance of boundary pillars and cross-border movement

The India-Bhutan border management and security meeting was held in Thimphu last week after a period of six years. The officials discussed various issues like mobile signal spillover, future roadmap for integrated checkposts, maintenance of boundary pillars and cross-border movement.

The discussions on October 16 and 17 also covered the capacity-building programme for the Bhutan’s police, said sources. The last such meeting was held in 2019.

The Indian delegation was led by Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management in the Ministry of Home Affairs. It also included officials from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Land Ports Authority of India, Department of Telecommunications, Narcotics Control Bureau, Survey of India, Customs and representatives from Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Bhutanese side was headed by Sonam Wangyel, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. Both delegations expressed satisfaction at the constructive discussions and reiterated their resolve to work together towards ensuring a safe, secure and prosperous border region, a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Reaffirming their strong friendship, India and Bhutan committed to deepening cooperation across traditional and emerging areas.