Standoff in Ladakh: Defining reality check
One year after the Ladakh stand-off, it is axiomatic to take stock, analyse shortcomings and options to chart the way forward. Unfortunately, major focus is skewed in favour of Galwan and Kailash, bordering largely on self-adulation. There is concurrent need to learn appropriate lessons and apply correctives. It will be fair to admit that the […]
Seeking clarity on Taliban 2.0 and Afghan-Pakistan situation
Great game is an addictive affliction, having engineered ignominious defeat of most external forces, except Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In Higher Command (2001-02), my dissertation was ‘Containment of Jihadi Fundamentalism in Afghanistan’. Prescriptive initiatives included forging strategic linkages with Iran and (central Asian regions) CAR, backed up with connectivities. Chabahar, rail/road links, air bases in CAR […]
We should aim for Sams and Sagats for top brass
Media reports indicated that government intends to adopt merit as the new criteria for selection of top leadership in armed forces. This assertion itself is baffling to say the least and likely motivation could be to generate signals to prospective candidates, to fall in step. But as we celebrate Golden Jubilee of 1971 war, it […]
Making sense of the many layers of fauji secularism
There has been an ongoing debate on perceived dilution of secular practices in Army. The catalyst has been video footage of attestation parade, later described as Shastra-Puja, where new religious practices and music were included. It is learnt that former chiefs raised this issue in Army chiefs’ conclave, which was underway, and they were assured […]
Lopsided public discourse in social media era
India has recorded phenomenal mushrooming of think tanks, with a 120% increase in their numbers in the last three years. According to global rating agency, India currently has 507 think tanks, narrowly surpassing China. USA with 1,871, tops the list. Notwithstanding the quantitative growth, we lag in qualitative terms, particularly regulatory frameworks for discussion and […]
Carrying forward legacy of India’s 1st CDS
In a devastating blow, nation lost our first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Bipin Rawat, Madhulika, his wife, Brig LS Lidder and 13 others in line of duty. Helicopter crash of reliable MI17-V5 is subject matter of tri-service enquiry. Having travelled on similar career path, for many, it was indeed personal loss. In his […]
Spooking manoeuvres and legacy of ‘Ghost Regiment’
Army units strive for ‘naam’ (recognition) and legacy. These come in the shape of Army Chief’s and Army Commander’s citations. The most coveted ones are Battle and Theatre Honours, awarded after campaigns. However, even more rare recognition is earning the enemy’s appreciation, albeit grudging one. Poona Horse earned the honorific of ‘Faqar-e-Hind’ given by Pak […]
Ukraine: Quagmire with no real winners
Conflict in Ukraine entered its second month and the offensive is bogged down in quagmire. The war has triggered grave humanitarian crisis and wanton destruction of civilian infrastructure. It has also become proxy war of sorts with western powers egging on and arming Ukrainian resistance against Russians. In David-Goliath analogy, information warfare has projected Zelenskyy […]
Reforms need deliberation and piloting
Veteran community is worried and venting angst on proposed major changes under the Tour of Duty (ToD) scheme, packaged as ‘Agnipath’ and ‘Agniveer’. They are also peeved at a modified pension disbursal system, with another catchy name of ‘Sparsh’. In keeping with the American proverb, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, reforms should be […]
New CDS at helm: Institutional reform with smart budgets is way forward
There has been flurry of reactions, on appointment of General Anil Chauhan as the second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The most notable aspect is that government has overcome inertia, determined detractors and queuing effect, to restore faith in this concept. In the intervening period of 10-odd months, speculation was rife. It was even rumoured […]