The past decade has seen India shifting away from its largely Russian dependence for weapons and equipment. The US emerged as a key supplier, especially planes for the IAF and the Navy, besides specialised helicopters for the Air Force. The first US-made planes, the C-130J, started arriving in 2011. New Delhi has, so far, balanced its strategic ties between the US and Russia, warding off threats of sanctions for its military ties with Moscow.
Border standoffs with China in 2013, 2014 and 2015 marked sporadic tensions that peaked during the 73-day standoff at Doklam in 2017. A new Border Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2013 ironed out some wrinkles, but the settlement of the boundary question remains.
The announcement of the charter of the Chief of Defence staff is a major reform for the services.
The Army inducted the latest artillery guns like the imported M777 and also the locally-made Dhanush. Nuclear submarine INS Arihant made its sea debut and a new sea-borne aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, was added to the fleet. The Agni series of missiles progressed rapidly and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited emerged a major helicopter maker with its Advanced Light Helicopter powered by Safran-made engines.
The forces did face the brunt of the digital era. Leading the men to conflict in times of Facebook, Twitter and ‘fake’ information on WhatsApp is getting tough. Veterans have opinions critical of the service headquarters, matters once mentioned in hushed tones and without names are now discussed on Twitter or TV studios.
The decade saw acrimony as Army Chief Gen VK Singh went to court against the government, only to withdraw the case later. Accusations were levelled against seniormost officers, including a few retired Chiefs, who got flats allotted in the Adarsh housing society in upscale Colaba, south Mumbai. Land for the society was reserved for war widows; the CBI is probing it.
A case of alleged corruption in the purchase of helicopters saw former IAF Chief SP Tyagi facing a CBI case as an accused.
— Ajay Banerjee