Indian Army
| Indian Army | |
|---|---|
 Ensign of the Indian Army | |
| Founded | 26 January 1950 (as current service)
1 April 1895 (as Indian Army) |
| Country |  India |
| Type | Army |
| Role | Land warfare |
| Size |
|
| Part of |  Indian Armed Forces |
| Headquarters | Integrated Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi |
| Motto(s) | Sevā Paramo Dharmaḥ (ISO) transl. "Service Before Self" |
| Colours | Gold, red and black |
| March |
|
| Anniversaries | Army Day: 15 January |
| Engagements | |
| Website | indianarmy.nic.in |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief | President Droupadi Murmu |
| Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) |  General Anil Chauhan |
| Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) |  General Manoj Pande |
| Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) |  Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar |
| Notable commanders | |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack helicopter | HAL Rudra, HAL Prachand |
| Utility helicopter | HAL Dhruv, HAL Chetak, HAL Cheetah |
The Indian Army is the land-based branch and largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army,[3] and its professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The Indian Army was established on 1 April 1895 alongside the long established presidency armies of the East India Company, which too were absorbed into it in 1903. Some princely states maintained their own armies which formed the Imperial Service Troops which, along with the Indian Army formed the land component of the Armed Forces of the Crown of India, responsible for the defence of the Indian Empire.[4][5] The Imperial Service Troops were merged into the Indian Army after independence. The units and regiments of the Indian Army have diverse histories and have participated in several battles and campaigns around the world, earning many battle and theatre honours before and after Independence.[6]
The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security and national unity, to defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and to maintain peace and security within its borders. It conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances, such as Operation Surya Hope, and can also be requisitioned by the government to cope with internal threats. It is a major component of national power, alongside the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.[7] The army has been involved in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan, one with China and one with Afghanistan. Other major operations undertaken by the army include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, and Operation Cactus. The army has conducted large peacetime exercises such as Operation Brasstacks and Exercise Shoorveer, and it has also been an active participant in numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions. The Indian Army was a major force in the First and Second World Wars, particularly in the Western Front and the Middle Eastern theatre during World War I, and the South-East Asian Theatre and the East African and North African campaigns during World War II.
The Indian Army is operationally and geographically divided into seven commands, with the basic field formation being a division. Below the division level are permanent regiments that are responsible for their own recruiting and training. The army is an all-volunteer force and comprises more than 80% of the country's active defence personnel. It is the largest standing army in the world,[8] with 1,237,117[9][10] active troops and 960,000 reserve troops.[11][12] The army has embarked on an infantry modernisation program known as Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS), and is also upgrading and acquiring new assets for its armoured, artillery, and aviation branches.[13][14][15]
History
Until the independence of India, the "Indian Army" was a British-commanded force defined as "the force recruited locally and permanently based in India, together with its expatriate British officers";[16] the "British Army in India" referred to British Army units posted to India for a tour of duty. The "Army of India" meant the combined Indian Army and the British Army in India.
Background
In 1776, a Military Department was created within the government of the East India Company at Calcutta. Its main function was to record orders that were issued to the army by various departments of the East India Company for the territories under its control.[17]
With the Charter Act of 1833, the Secretariat of the government of the East India Company was reorganised into four departments, including a Military Department. The army in the presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras functioned as respective Presidency Armies until 1 April 1895, when they were unified into a single force known as the Indian Army.[18][19][20][21] For administrative convenience, it was divided into four commands, namely Punjab (including the North West Frontier), Bengal, Madras (including Burma), and Bombay (including Sind, Quetta and Aden).[22]
The Indian Army was a critical force for maintaining the primacy of the British Empire, both in India and throughout the world. Besides maintaining the internal security of the Indian Empire,[23] the Army fought in many other theatres: Third Anglo-Afghan war; the Boxer Rebellion in China; in Abyssinia and in the First and Second World Wars.
World wars
The Kitchener Reforms brought the British Army to a new century.[24] In the 20th century, the Indian Army was a crucial adjunct to the forces of the British Empire in both world wars. 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in World War I (1914–1918) with the Allies, in which 74,187 Indian troops were killed or missing in action.[25] In 1915 there was a mutiny by Indian soldiers in Singapore. The United Kingdom made promises of self-governance to the Indian National Congress in return for its support but reneged on them after the war, following which the Indian Independence movement gained strength.
The "Indianisation" of the Indian Army began with the formation of the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College at Dehradun, in March 1912, to provide education to the scions of aristocratic and well-to-do Indian families and to prepare selected Indian boys for admission into the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Cadets were given a King's commission, after passing out, and were posted to one of the eight units selected for Indianisation. Because of the slow pace of Indianisation, with just 69 officers being commissioned between 1918 and 1932, political pressure was applied, leading to the formation of the Indian Military Academy in 1932 and greater numbers of officers of Indian origin being commissioned.[26] On the eve of World War II, the officer corps consisted of roughly 500 Indians holding regular commissions against approximately 3,000 British officers.[27]
In World War II Indian soldiers fought alongside the Allies. In 1939, British officials had no plan for expansion and training of Indian forces, which comprised about 130,000 men (in addition there were 44,000 men in British units in India in 1939), whose mission was internal security and defence against a possible Soviet threat through Afghanistan. As the war progressed, the size and role of the Indian Army expanded dramatically, and troops were sent to battlefronts as soon as possible. The most serious problem was the lack of equipment.[28] Indian units served in Burma, wherein 1944–45, five Indian divisions were engaged along with one British and three African divisions. Even larger numbers operated in the Middle East. Some 87,000 Indian soldiers died in the war. By the end of the war, it had become the largest volunteer army in history, rising to over 2.5 million men in August 1945.[29][30]
In the African and Middle East campaigns, captured Indian troops were given a choice to join the German Army, to eventually "liberate" India from Britain, instead of being sent to POW camps. These men, along with Indian students who were in Germany when the war broke out, made up what was called the Free India Legion. They were originally intended as pathfinders for German forces in Asia but were soon sent to help guard the Atlantic Wall. Few who were part of the Free India Legion ever saw any combat, and very few were ever stationed outside Europe. At its height, the Free India Legion had over 3,000 troops in its ranks.[31]
Indian POWs also joined the Indian National Army, which was allied with the Empire of Japan. It was raised by a former colonel of the Indian Army, General Mohan Singh, but was later led by Subhas Chandra Bose and Rash Bihari Bose. With the fall of Singapore in 1942, about 40,000 Indian soldiers were captured. When given the choice, over 30,000 joined the Indian National Army. Those who refused became POWs and were mostly shipped to New Guinea.[32] After initial success, this army was defeated, along with the Japanese; but it had a huge impact on the Indian independence movement.
Indian independence
Upon the Partition of India and Indian independence in 1947, four of the ten Gurkha regiments were transferred to the British Army. The rest of the Indian Army was divided between the newly created Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. The Punjab Boundary Force, which had been formed to help police Punjab during the partition period, was disbanded.[33] Headquarters Delhi and the East Punjab Command were formed to administer the area.
The departure of virtually all senior British officers following independence, and their replacement by Indian officers, meant many of the latter held acting ranks several ranks above their substantive ones. For instance, S. M. Shrinagesh, the ground-forces commander of Indian forces during the first Indo-Pak War of 1947–49 (and the future third COAS), was first an acting major-general and then an acting lieutenant-general during the conflict while holding the substantive rank of major, and only received a substantive promotion to lieutenant-colonel in August 1949.[34] Gopal Gurunath Bewoor, the future ninth COAS, was an acting colonel at his promotion to substantive major from substantive captain in 1949, while future Lieutenant General K. P. Candeth was an acting brigadier (substantive captain) at the same time.[35] In April 1948, the former Viceroy's Commissioned Officers (VCO) were re-designated Junior Commissioned Officers, while the former King's Commissioned Indian Officers (KCIO) and Indian Commissioned Officers (ICO), along with the former Indian Other Ranks (IOR), were respectively re-designated as Officers and Other Ranks.[36]
Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa's taking over as the first "Indian" Chief of the Army Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army from General Sir Roy Bucher, on 15 January 1949. With effect from 26 January 1950, the date India became a republic, all active-duty Indian Army officers formerly holding the King's Commission were recommissioned and confirmed in their substantive ranks.[37]
Conflicts and operations
First Kashmir War (1947)
Immediately after independence, tensions between India and Pakistan erupted into the first of three full-scale wars between the two nations over the then princely state of Kashmir. The Maharaja of Kashmir wanted to have a standstill position. Since Kashmir was a Muslim majority state, Pakistan wanted to make Kashmir a Pakistani territory. As a result, Pakistan invaded Kashmir on 22 October 1947, causing Maharaja Hari Singh to look to India, specifically to Lord Mountbatten of Burma, the governor-general, for help. He signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947. Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar from dawn on 27 October.[38] This contingent included General Thimayya who distinguished himself in the operation and in the years that followed became a Chief of the Indian Army. An intense war was waged across the state and former comrades found themselves fighting each other. Pakistan suffered significant losses. Its forces were stopped on the line formed which is now called the Line of Control (LOC).[citation needed]
An uneasy peace, sponsored by the UN, returned by the end of 1948, with Indian and Pakistani soldiers facing each other across the Line of Control, which has since divided Indian-held Kashmir from that part held by Pakistan. Several UN Security Council resolutions were passed, with Resolution 47 calling for a plebiscite to be held in Kashmir to determine accession to India or Pakistan, only after Pakistan withdrew its army from Kashmir.[39] A precondition to the resolution was for Pakistan and India to return to a state of "as was" before the conflict. Pakistan would withdraw all tribesmen and Pakistani nationals brought in to fight in Kashmir. Pakistan refused to pull back, and there could be no further dialogue on fulfilling the UN resolution.[40][39] Tensions between India and Pakistan, largely over Kashmir, have never been eliminated.
Annexation of Hyderabad (1948)
After the partition of India, Hyderabad State, a princely state under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad, chose to remain independent. The ensuing stand-off between the Government of India and the Nizam ended on 12 September 1948, when India's then Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ordered Indian troops to secure Hyderabad State. During five days of fighting, the Indian Army, backed by an Indian Air Force squadron of Hawker Tempest aircraft, routed the Hyderabad State forces. Five Indian Army infantry battalions and one armoured squadron were engaged in the operation. The following day, Hyderabad was proclaimed part of India. Major General Joyanto Nath Chaudhuri, who led the operation, and accepted the surrender of the Nizam's forces on 18 September 1948, was appointed the military governor of Hyderabad, to restore law and order, and served until 1949.
Assistance during the Korean War (1950–1953)
During the Korean War, although deciding against sending combat forces, India sent its 60th Parachute Field Ambulance unit to aid the UN troops fighting against the North Korean invasion of South Korea, as part of the 1st Commonwealth Division. In the aftermath of the war, an Indian infantry brigade formed the Custodian Force of India, some of whose soldiers were also part of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, which assisted in the exchange of prisoners of war and was headed by Lieutenant General K. S. Thimayya.[citation needed]
Annexation of Goa, Daman and Diu (1961)
Even though the British and French vacated all their colonial possessions in the Indian subcontinent, Portugal refused to relinquish control of its colonies of Goa, Daman, and Diu. After repeated attempts by India to negotiate were spurned by Portuguese prime minister and dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar, on 12 December 1961 India launched Operation Vijay to capture the Portuguese colonies, which was accomplished by small contingents of Indian troops. After a brief conflict that lasted twenty-six hours—during which 31 Portuguese soldiers were killed, the Portuguese Navy frigate NRP Afonso de Albuquerque was destroyed, and over 3,000 Portuguese were captured—Portuguese General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva surrendered to Major General Kunhiraman Palat Kandoth of the Indian Army. Goa, Daman, and Diu became a part of the Republic of India.
Sino-Indian War (1962)
The cause of this war was a dispute over the sovereignty of the widely separated Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh border regions. Aksai Chin, claimed by India as part of Kashmir, and by China as part of Xinjiang, contains an important road link that connects the Chinese regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. China's construction of this road was one of the triggers of the conflict.
Small-scale clashes between Indian and Chinese forces broke out as India insisted on the disputed McMahon Line being regarded as the international border between the two countries. Chinese troops claimed not to have retaliated to the cross-border firing by Indian troops, despite sustaining losses.[41] China's suspicion of India's involvement in Tibet created more rifts between the two countries.[42]
In 1962, the Indian Army was ordered to move to the Thag La ridge, located near the border between Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh and about 5 kilometres (3 miles) north of the disputed McMahon Line. Meanwhile, Chinese troops had also made incursions into Indian-held territory, and tensions between the two reached a new high when Indian forces discovered the road constructed by China in Aksai Chin. After a series of failed negotiations, the People's Liberation Army attacked Indian Army positions on the Thag La ridge. This move by China caught India by surprise, and on 12 October Nehru gave orders for the Chinese to be expelled from Aksai Chin. However, poor coordination among various divisions of the Indian Army, and the late decision to mobilise the Indian Air Force in vast numbers, gave China a crucial tactical and strategic advantage over India. On 20 October, Chinese soldiers attacked India from both the northwest and northeast; and captured large portions of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.
As the fighting moved beyond disputed territories, China called on the Indian government to negotiate; however, India remained determined to regain lost territory. With no agreement in sight, China unilaterally withdrew its forces from Arunachal Pradesh. The reasons for the withdrawal are disputed, with India claiming various logistical problems for China and diplomatic support from the United States, while China stated that it still held territory it had staked a claim on. The dividing line between the Indian and Chinese forces was named the Line of Actual Control.
The poor decisions made by India's military commanders, and the political leadership, raised several questions. The Henderson-Brooks and Bhagat committee was soon set up by the government of India to determine the causes of the poor performance of the Indian Army. Its report criticised the decision not to allow the Indian Air Force to target Chinese transport lines, out of fear of a Chinese aerial counter-attack on Indian civilian areas. Much of the blame was placed on the then–defence minister, Krishna Menon, who resigned from his post soon after the war ended. Despite frequent calls for its release, the Henderson-Brooks report remains classified.[43] Neville Maxwell has written an account of the war.[44]
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
A second confrontation with Pakistan took place in 1965. Although the war is described as inconclusive, India had the better of the war and was the clear winner in tactical and strategic terms.[45][46][47] Pakistani president Ayub Khan launched Operation Gibraltar in August 1965, during which Pakistani paramilitary troops infiltrated into Indian-administered Kashmir and attempted to ignite anti-India agitation in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani leaders believed that India, which was still recovering from the Sino-Indian War, would be unable to deal with a military thrust and a Kashmiri rebellion. India reacted swiftly and launched a counter-offensive against Pakistan. In reply, on 1 September Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam, invading India's Chamb-Jaurian sector. In retaliation, the Indian Army launched a major offensive all along its border with Pakistan, with Lahore as its prime target.
Initially, the Indian Army met with considerable success in the northern sector. After launching prolonged artillery barrages against Pakistan, India was able to capture three important mountain positions in Kashmir. By 9 September, the Indian Army had made considerable inroads into Pakistan. India had its largest haul of Pakistani tanks when an offensive by Pakistan's 1st Armoured Division was blunted at the Battle of Asal Uttar, which took place on 10 September near Khemkaran.[48] The biggest tank battle of the war was the Battle of Chawinda, the largest tank battle in history after World War II. Pakistan's defeat at the Battle of Asal Uttar hastened the end of the conflict.[48]
At the time of the ceasefire declaration, India reported casualties of about 3,000. On the other hand, it was estimated that more than 3,800 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the conflict.[49][50][51] About 200–300 Pakistani tanks were either destroyed or captured by India. India lost a total of 150-190 tanks during the conflict.[48][52] The decision to return to pre-war positions, following the Tashkent Declaration, caused an outcry in New Delhi. It was widely believed that India's decision to accept the ceasefire was due to political factors, not military, since it was facing considerable pressure from the United States and the United Nations to cease hostilities.[53]
1967 Sino-Indian conflict
The 1967 Sino-Indian skirmish, also known as the Cho La incident, was a military conflict between Indian troops and members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army who, on 1 October 1967, invaded Sikkim, which was then a protectorate of India. On 10 October, both sides clashed again. Defence minister Sardar Swaran Singh assured the Indian people that the government was taking care of developments along the border. Indian losses were 88 killed, and 163 wounded, while Chinese casualties were 300 killed and 450 wounded in Nathula, and 40 in Chola.[54] The Chinese Army left Sikkim after this defeat.[55][56][57]
Operation against the Naxalites during 1971
Under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, during the president's rule in 1971, the Indian Army and the Indian police launched Operation Steeplechase, a gigantic "counter-insurgency" operation against the Naxalites, which resulted in the death of hundreds of Naxalites and the imprisonment of more than 20,000 suspects and cadres, including senior leaders.[58] The army was also assisted by a brigade of para commandos and the Indian paramilitary. The operation was organised in October 1969, and Lieutenant General J.F.R. Jacob was enjoined by Govind Narain, the Home Secretary, that "there should be no publicity and no records". Jacob's request to be presented with written orders was also refused by Sam Manekshaw.[59]
Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971
An independence movement broke out in East Pakistan which was crushed by Pakistani forces. Due to large-scale atrocities committed against them, thousands of Bengalis took refuge in neighbouring India causing a major refugee crisis there. In early 1971, India declared its full support for the Bengali freedom fighters, known as Mukti Bahini, and Indian agents were extensively involved in covert operations to aid them.[citation needed]
On 20 November 1971, the Indian Army moved 14 Punjab Battalion, of the 45th Cavalry regiment, into Garibpur, a strategically important town in East Pakistan, near India's border, and successfully captured it. The following day, more clashes took place between Indian and Pakistani forces. Wary of India's growing involvement in the Bengali rebellion, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched a preemptive strike on 10 Indian air bases—at Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Agra, Adampur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Uttarlai, and Sirsa—at 17:45 hours on 3 December. However, this aerial offensive failed to accomplish its objectives and gave India an excuse to declare a full-scale war against Pakistan the same day. By midnight, the Indian Army, accompanied by the Indian Air Force, launched a major three-pronged assault into East Pakistan. The Indian Army won several battles on the eastern front including the decisive Battle of Hilli. The operation also included a battalion-level airborne operation on Tangail, which resulted in the capitulation of all resistance within five days.[60] India's massive early gains were attributed largely to the speed and flexibility with which Indian armoured divisions moved across East Pakistan.[61]
Pakistan launched a counterattack against India on the western front. On 4 December 1971, A Company of the 23rd Battalion of India's Punjab Regiment intercepted the Pakistani 51st Infantry Brigade near Ramgarh, Rajasthan. The Battle of Longewala ensued, during which A Company, though outnumbered, thwarted the Pakistani advance until the Indian Air Force directed its fighters to engage the Pakistani tanks. By the time the battle had ended, 38 Pakistani tanks and 100 armoured vehicles were either destroyed or abandoned. About 200 Pakistani troops were killed in action, while only two Indian soldiers died. Pakistan suffered another major defeat on the western front at the Battle of Basantar, which was fought from 4 to 16 December. During the battle, about 66 Pakistani tanks were destroyed and 40 more were captured. Pakistani forces destroyed only 11 Indian tanks.[62] By 16 December, Pakistan had lost sizeable territory on both the eastern and western fronts.
On 16 December 1971, under the command of Lt. General J. S. Arora, elements of the three corps of the Indian Army that had invaded East Pakistan entered Dhaka as a part of the Indo-Bangladesh allied force and forced Pakistani forces to surrender, one day after the conclusion of the Battle of Basantar. After Pakistan's Lt General A. A. K. Niazi signed the Instrument of Surrender, India, as a part of the allied forces, took more than 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. By the time of the signing, 11,000 Pakistani soldiers had been killed in action, while India suffered 3,500 battle-related deaths.[50] In addition, Pakistan lost 220 tanks during the battle compared to India's 69.[63]
In 1972, the Simla Agreement was signed between the two countries, although subsequent incidences of heightened tensions have resulted in continued military vigilance on both sides.
Siachen conflict (1984)
The Siachen Glacier, although a part of the Kashmir region, was not demarcated on maps prepared and exchanged between the two sides in 1947. In consequence, before the 1980s neither India nor Pakistan maintained a permanent military presence in the region. However, beginning in the 1950s, Pakistan began sending mountaineering expeditions to the glacier. By the early 1980s, the Government of Pakistan was granting special expedition permits to mountaineers and United States Army maps showed Siachen as a part of Pakistan.[64] This practice gave rise to the term oropolitics.
India, possibly irked by these developments, launched Operation Meghdoot in April 1984. An entire battalion of the Kumaon Regiment was airlifted to the glacier. Pakistani forces responded quickly, and clashes between the two followed. The Indian Army secured the strategic Sia La and Bilafond La mountain passes, and by 1985 more than 2,600 km2 (1,000 sq mi) of territory claimed by Pakistan was under Indian control.[65] The Indian Army continues to control all of the Siachen Glacier and its tributary glaciers. Pakistan has made several unsuccessful attempts to regain control over Siachen. In late 1987, Pakistan mobilised about 8,000 troops and garrisoned them near Khapalu, aiming to capture Bilafond La.[66] However, they were repulsed by Indian Army personnel guarding Bilafond. During the battle, about 23 Indian soldiers lost their lives, while more than 150 Pakistani troops perished.[67] Further unsuccessful attempts to reclaim positions were launched by Pakistan in 1990, 1995, 1996, and 1999, most notably in Kargil in the latter year.
India continues to maintain a strong military presence in the region, despite inhospitable conditions. The conflict over Siachen is regularly cited as an example of mountain warfare.[68][69] The highest peak in the Siachen Glacier region, Saltoro Kangri, could be viewed as strategically important for India because of its height, which would enable Indian forces to monitor Pakistani or Chinese movements in the area.[70] Maintaining control over Siachen poses several logistical challenges for the Indian Army. Several infrastructure projects were constructed in the region, including a helipad at an elevation of 6,400 m (21,000 ft).[71] In 2004, the Indian Army was spending an estimated US$2 million a month to support its personnel stationed in the region.[72]
Counter-insurgency activities
The Indian Army has played a crucial role in fighting insurgents and terrorists within the nation. The army launched Operation Blue Star and Operation Woodrose in the 1980s to combat Sikh insurgents. The army, along with some paramilitary forces, has the prime responsibility of maintaining law and order in the troubled Jammu and Kashmir region, under Northern Command. The Indian Army sent a contingent to Sri Lanka in 1987 as a part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force.[73][74][75] The Indian Army also successfully conducted Operation Golden Bird in 1995, as a counter-insurgency operation in northeast India.[76]
Kargil war (1999)
In 1998, India carried out nuclear tests; and a few days later, Pakistan responded with nuclear tests of its own, giving both countries nuclear deterrence capability, although India had tested a hydrogen bomb, which Pakistan lacked. Diplomatic tensions eased after the Lahore Summit was held in 1999. However, the sense of optimism was short-lived. In mid-1999, Pakistani paramilitary forces and Kashmiri insurgents captured the deserted, but strategic, Himalayan heights in the Kargil district of India. These had been vacated by the Indian Army during the onset of the inhospitable winter and were to be reoccupied in spring. The troops that took control of these areas received important support, of both arms and supplies, from Pakistan. Some of the heights under their control, which also included the Tiger Hill, overlooked the vital Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH 1A), Batalik, and Dras.
Once the scale of the Pakistani incursion was realised, the Indian Army quickly mobilised about 200,000 troops, and Operation Vijay was launched. However, since the heights were under Pakistani control, India was at a clear strategic disadvantage. From their observation posts, the Pakistani forces had a clear line-of-sight to lay down indirect artillery fire on NH 1A, inflicting heavy casualties on the Indians.[77] This was a serious problem for the Indian Army as the highway was its main supply route.[78] Thus, the Indian Army's priority was to recapture peaks near NH 1A. This resulted in Indian troops first targeting the Tiger Hill and Tololing complex in Dras.[79] This was soon followed by more attacks on the Batalik–Turtok sub-sector, which provided access to Siachen Glacier. Point 4590, which had the nearest view of the NH 1A, was successfully recaptured by Indian forces on 14 June.[80]
Though most of the posts in the vicinity of the highway were cleared of the enemy by mid-June, some posts near Dras endured sporadic shelling until the end of the war. Once the NH 1A area was cleared, the Indian Army turned to drive the invading force back across the Line of Control. The Battle of Tololing, among others, slowly tilted the war in India's favour. Nevertheless, some Pakistani posts put up a stiff resistance, including Tiger Hill (Point 5140), which fell only later in the war. As the operation was fully underway, about 250 artillery guns were brought in to clear the infiltrators in posts that were in the line-of-sight. At many vital points, neither artillery nor air power could dislodge the Pakistan soldiers, who were out of visible range. The Indian Army mounted some direct frontal ground assaults, which were slow and took a heavy toll, given the steep ascents that had to be made on peaks as high as 5,500 m (18,000 ft). Two months into the conflict, Indian troops had slowly retaken most of the ridges they had lost.[81][82] According to official accounts, an estimated 75%–80% of the enemy-occupied area, and nearly all the high ground, was back under Indian control.
Following the Washington Accord of 4 July, where Sharif agreed to withdraw Pakistani troops, most of the fighting came to a gradual halt; but some Pakistani forces remained in positions on the Indian side of the LOC. In addition, the United Jihad Council (an umbrella group for all extremists) rejected Pakistan's plan for a draw-down, deciding instead to fight on.[83] The Indian Army launched its final attacks in the last week of July. As soon as the Dras sub-sector had been cleared of Pakistani forces, the fighting ceased on 26 July, which has since been celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas (Kargil Victory Day) in India. By the end of the war, India had resumed control of all the territory south and east of the Line of Control, as was established in July 1972 per the Shimla Accord. By the time all hostilities had ended, the number of Indian soldiers killed during the conflict stood at 527,[84] while more than 700 regular members of the Pakistani Army had been killed.[85] The number of Islamist fighters, also known as Mujahideen, killed by Indian armed forces during the conflict stood at about 3,000.[citation needed]
2016 Surgical Strikes on Kashmir and the 2016–2018 India-Pakistan conflict
On 18 September 2016, a fedayeen attack was made by four armed militants on an army base near the town of Uri. Nineteen Indian Army soldiers were killed. India accused Jaish-e-Muhammad, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.[86] On 29 September 2016, the India Army announced that it conducted "surgical strikes" against militant launch pads across the Line of Control, in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and inflicted "significant casualties".[87] Indian media reported the casualty figures variously from 35 to 70 killed.[88][89] Partial footage of the strikes was released to the Indian media on 27 June 2018 as proof of the strike.[90][91][verification needed] The incident triggered the 2016–2018 India-Pakistan border conflict, which ended on 16 June 2018 with both India and Pakistan agreeing on a ceasefire.[92][93]
United Nations peacekeeping missions
.jpg)
India has been the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions since its inception. So far, India has taken part in 43 Peacekeeping missions, with a total contribution exceeding 160,000 troops and a significant number of police personnel having been deployed. In 2014, India was the third largest troop contributor (TCC), with 7,860 personnel deployed, of which 995 were police personnel, including the first UN Female Formed Police Unit, serving with ten UN peacekeeping missions.[94][95] As of 30 June 2014[update], 157 Indians have been killed during such missions.[96] The Indian army has also provided paramedical units to facilitate the withdrawal of the sick and wounded.
Indo-China Doklam issue
Major exercises
Operation Brasstacks
Operation Brasstacks was launched by the Indian Army in November 1986 to simulate a full-scale war on India's western border. The exercise was the largest ever conducted in India; it included nine infantry, three mechanised, three armoured divisions, and one air assault division, as well as three independent armoured brigades. Amphibious assault exercises were also conducted with the Indian Navy. Brasstacks also allegedly incorporated nuclear attack drills. It led to tensions with Pakistan and a subsequent rapprochement in mid-1987.[97]
Exercise Nomadic Elephant
Since 2004, and every year since, the Indian Army has been conducting training exercises with the Mongolian Army. In 2012, the exercise took place in Belgaum; in June 2013, it was held in Mongolia. The aim of the exercises is to enhance counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, and to train in conducting peacekeeping operations under the mandate of the United Nations.[98][99]
Exercise Ashwamedha
Indian Army tested its network-centric warfare capabilities in the Ashwamedha exercise. The exercise was held in the Thar desert, and over 300,000 troops participated.[100] Asymmetric warfare capability was also tested by the Indian Army during the exercise.[101]
Exercise Yudh Abhyas
The Yudh Abhyas exercise is an ongoing series, since 2005, of joint exercises between the Indian and United States armies, agreed upon under the New Framework of the India-US Defence Relationship. Commencing at the platoon level, the exercise has graduated to a command post (CPX) and field training exercise (FTX).
The seventh edition of Yudh Abhyas began on 5 March 2012, in two locations under the South Western Command. The US Army contingent is from the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), part of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM). The command post exercise has an engineer brigade headquarters, with its planners drawn from both countries, while the field training exercise comprises troops of the United States' 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, from the 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii, along with a Stryker platoon, and a similarly sized Indian Army contingent of mechanised infantry. Several key surveillance, communications, and IED detection and neutralisation technologies, available to both sides, were fielded in the exercise.[citation needed]
The eighth edition of Yudh Abhyas was conducted from 3 to 17 May 2013 as a U.S.-Army-Pacific-sponsored bilateral training exercise with the Indian Army, an exercise that focused on the two countries' cultures, weapons training, and tactics. Units from the United States included the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fort Bragg, N.C., and the 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment. Units from India were the Indian Army's 99th Mountain Brigade; the 2nd Battalion, 5th Gurka Rifles; the 50th Independent Parachute Brigade; and the 54th Engineers Regiment.[102][103][104][105]
Exercise Shakti
The Shakti exercise is an ongoing series, since 2011, of joint exercises between the Indian and French armies. The exercise is conducted to practice and validate anti-terrorist operations in snowbound and mountainous areas. The first joint exercise was held in India in October 2011 and the second one in September 2013. The theme of the exercise is to conduct joint platoon-level counter-insurgency operations in high-altitude mountainous terrain under the UN Charter, thus emphasising the shared concerns of both countries regarding global terrorism. An added aim of the exercise is to qualitatively enhance knowledge of each other's military procedures, thus increasing the scope for interoperability and the ability to respond to a common threat. The twelve-day exercise with the French Army is scheduled to be conducted in multiple modules in order to achieve complete integration between the two contingents at every stage.[106][107]
Exercise Shoorveer
From the first week of April to the first week of May 2012, the Indian Army launched a massive summer exercise in the Rajasthan desert, involving over 50,000 troops and several hundred artillery pieces and infantry combat vehicles, as part of its efforts to shore up its battle worthiness on the western front, the border with Pakistan. The exercise, code-named "Shoorveer", was being conducted by the Jaipur-based South Western Command. This was the largest ever exercise conducted by the Indian army since 1947. The collective training started with the honing of basic battle procedures and tactical drills.
Several field firings were carried out to check the accuracy and lethality of weapon systems. Many innovations, adopted by units and formations to enhance combat power, were tested in the field. The troops built on the training momentum gradually, with increasing combat tempo, to set the stage for a major joint army–air force exercise in the latter part of the exercise.[108]
Exercise Rudra Akrosh
In May 2012, the Indian Army conducted several war games aimed (according to officials) at validating "the operational and transformational effectiveness of various formations under the Western Army Command".[109] The exercise involved approximately 20,000 troops and support from the Indian Air Force.
Exercise Shatrujeet
In April 2016, the Indian Army conducted a major exercise called Shatrujeet, with the elite Mathura-based Strike Corps in the desert area of the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, whose object was to evaluate the capability to strike deep into enemy territory, to deliver a quick, lethal strike against the enemy in an integrated air-land battle environment, with co-ordination among all the forces in a nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare scenario.[110][111][112]
Mission and doctrine
Initially, the army's main objective was to defend the nation's frontiers. However, over the years, the army has also taken up the responsibility of providing internal security, especially against insurgencies in Kashmir and Northeast India. Currently, the army is also looking at enhancing its special forces capabilities. With India's increasing international role, and the requirement to protect its interests in far-off countries becoming important, the Indian Army and the Indian Navy are jointly planning to set up a marine brigade.[113][114]
The current combat doctrine of the Indian Army is based on effectively utilising holding formations and strike formations. In the case of an attack, the holding formations would contain the enemy and strike formations would counter-attack to neutralise enemy forces. In the case of an Indian attack, the holding formations would pin enemy forces down, whilst the strike formations would attack at a point of India's choosing. The Indian Army is large enough to devote several corps to the strike role.
Organisation
Leadership
| Post | Current Holder |
|---|---|
| Chief of the Army Staff | General Manoj Pandey, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC |
| Vice Chief of Army Staff | Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar, AVSM, YSM&bar, VSM |
| Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance) | Lieutenant General JB Chaudhary, SM, VSM |
| Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination) | Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, VSM |
| Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) | Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, AVSM |
| Adjutant General | Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa, PVSM, AVSM, VSM |
| Military Secretary | Lieutenant General P. Gopalakrishna Menon, UYSM, AVSM |
| Quartermaster General | Lieutenant General Rajinder Dewan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM |
| Engineer-in-Chief | Lieutenant General Arvind Walia |
The troops are organized into 40 Divisions in 14 Corps.[citation needed] Army headquarters is located in the Indian capital, New Delhi, and it is under the overall command of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Command structure
The army operates six operational commands and one training command.[115] Each command is headed by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief with the rank of Lieutenant General. Each command directly reports to Army HQ in New Delhi. These commands are given below in order of creation, with location (city) and commanders listed. There is also the Army Training Command abbreviated ARTRAC. Besides these, army officers may head tri-service commands such as the Strategic Forces Command and Andaman and Nicobar Command, as well as institutions such as the Integrated Defence Staff.
Note: ** = Currently being raised
Combat Arms
.jpg)
Not to be confused with the field corps listed above, the corps mentioned below are divisions entrusted with specific pan-Army tasks.
The Indian Territorial Army has battalions affiliated with different infantry regiments and some department units that are from the Corps of Engineers, Army Medical Corps, or the Army Service Corps. They serve as a part-time reserve. On 4 June 2017, the chief of staff announced that the Army was planning to open combat positions to women, who would first be appointed to positions in the military police.[citation needed]
| Name | Director General | Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Armoured Corps | Lieutenant General Vivek Kashyap[125] | The Armoured Corps Centre and School, Ahmednagar |
| Regiment of Artillery | Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar[126] | The School of Artillery, Devlali near Nasik |
| Corps of Army Air Defence | Lieutenant General Sunil Puri Goswami[127] | Gopalpur, Odisha. |
| Army Aviation Corps | Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Suri[128] | Combat Army Aviation Training School, Nasik. |
| Corps of Engineers | Lieutenant General Arvind Walia[129] | College of Military Engineering, Pune Madras Engineer Group, Bangalore Bengal Engineer Group, Roorkee Bombay Engineer Group, Khadki near Pune |
| Corps of Signals | Lieutenant General Rajeev Sabheral, AVSM, VSM[130] | Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow Two Signal Training Centres at Jabalpur and Goa. |
| Mechanised Infantry | Lieutenant General R K Jagga | Ahmednagar |
| Infantry | Lieutenant General A K Samantara[131] | Multiple centres |
There are 65 armoured regiments in the Indian Army. These include the President's Bodyguard and the 61st Cavalry as well as the following historic regiments dating back to the nineteenth century or earlier: 1st (Skinner's) Horse, the 2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse), the 3rd Cavalry, the 4th (Hodson's) Horse, the 7th Light Cavalry, the 8th Light Cavalry, the 9th (Deccan) Horse, the 14th (Scinde) Horse, the 17th (Poona) Horse, the 15th Lancers, the 16th Light Cavalry, the 18th Cavalry, the 20th Lancers and the 21st (Central India) Horse. A substantial number of additional units designated as either "Cavalry" or "Armoured" Regiments have been raised since Independence.
The Mechanised Infantry is the newest combat arm of the Indian Army. Often referred to as "tomorrow's arm in today's army", it is formed of two regiments—The Brigade of the Guards and Mechanised Infantry Regiment—and comprises 48 Mechanised Infantry battalions in all. It is the brainchild of General Krishnaswamy Sundarji (28 April 1930 – 8 February 1999), who was the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 1986 to 1988. During the late 70s, as part of Indian Army modernisation, there was an urgent need to re-calibrate the Indian Mechanised Forces, which led to the forming of Mechanised Infantry units to further the shock-action, fire-power, flexibility, and mobility of armoured formations by including ground-holding ability. The Mechanised Infantry regiments were first created with carefully selected existing Infantry battalions, based on their operational performance. As the need for more mechanised battalions grew, the elite Brigade of The Guards was also converted to the mechanised profile. The two regiments along with the Armoured Corps form part of the Indian Army's elite "Mechanised Forces".
Upon its inception, the Indian Army inherited the British Army's organisational structure, which is still maintained today. Therefore, like its predecessor, an Indian infantry regiment's responsibility is not to undertake field operations but to provide battalions and well-trained personnel to the field formations. As such, it is common to find battalions of the same regiment spread across several brigades, divisions, corps, commands, and even theatres. Like its British and Commonwealth counterparts, troops enlisted within the regiment are immensely loyal, take great pride in the regiment to which they are assigned, and generally spend their entire career within the regiment.
Most Indian Army infantry regiments recruit based on certain selection criteria, such as region (for example, the Assam Regiment), caste/community (Jat Regiment), or religion (Sikh Regiment). Most regiments continue the heritage of regiments raised under the British Raj, but some have been raised after independence, some of which have specialised in border defence, in particular the Ladakh Scouts, the Arunachal Scouts, and the Sikkim Scouts.
Over the years there have been fears that troops' allegiance lay more with their regiments and the regions/castes/communities/religions from which they were recruited, as opposed to the Indian union as a whole. Thus some "all India" or "all class" regiments have been created, which recruit troops from all over India, regardless of region, caste, community, or religion: such as the Brigade of the Guards (which later converted to the Mechanised Infantry profile) and the Parachute Regiment.
Artillery
The Regiment of Artillery is the second-largest arm of the Indian Army, constituting nearly one-sixth of the Army's total strength. Originally raised in 1935 as part of the Royal Indian Artillery of the British Indian Army, the Regiment is now tasked with providing the Army's towed and self-propelled field artillery, including guns, howitzers, heavy mortars, rockets, and missiles.
As an integral part of nearly all combat operations conducted by the Indian Army, the Regiment of Artillery has a history of being a major contributor to its military success. During the Kargil War, it was the Indian Artillery that inflicted the most damage.[133] Over the years, five artillery officers have gone on to the Army's highest post as Chief of Army Staff.
For some time, the Regiment of Artillery commanded a significantly larger share of the Army's personnel than it does now, as it was also responsible for air defence artillery and some aviation assets. The 1990s saw the formation of the Corps of Army Air Defence and the coalescing of all aviation assets into the Army Aviation Corps. The arm is now focused on field artillery and supplies regiments and batteries to each of the operational commands. The home of the Regiment is in Nashik, Maharashtra, where their headquarters is located, along with the service's museum. The School of Artillery of the Indian Army is located nearby, in Devlali.
After suffering consistent failure to import or produce modern artillery for three decades,[134][135] the Regiment of Artillery is finally going ahead with procurement of brand new 130-mm and 155-mm guns.[136][137][138] The Army is also putting large numbers of rocket launchers into service, with 22 regiments to be equipped with the indigenously developed Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher by the end of the next decade.[139]
Corps of Engineers
The Indian Army Corps of Engineers has a long history dating back to the mid-18th century. The earliest existing subunit of the Corps (18 Field Company) dates back to 1777, while the Corps officially recognises its birth as 1780, when the senior-most group of the Corps, the Madras Sappers, were raised. The Corps consists of three groups of combat engineers, namely the Madras Sappers, the Bengal Sappers, and the Bombay Sappers. A group is roughly analogous to a regiment of the Indian infantry, each group consisting of several engineer regiments. The engineer regiment is the basic combat-engineer unit, analogous to an infantry battalion.
Corps of Signals
Indian Army Corps of Signals is a corps and the arm of the Indian Army which handles its military communications. It was formed on 15 February 1911 as a separate entity under Lieutenant Colonel S. H. Powell and went on to make important contributions during World War I and World War II.[140] On 15 February 2011, the corps celebrated the 100th anniversary of its raising.[141]
Army Aviation Corps
The Army Aviation Corps, formed on 1 November 1986, is the aviation arm of the Indian Army. It is headed by a Director-General with the rank of Lieutenant General at Army HQ in New Delhi.
Corps of Army Air Defence
The Corps of Army Air Defence (abbreviated AAD) is an active corps of the Indian Army, and a major combat formation tasked with the air defences of the country from foreign threats. The Corps is responsible for the protection of Indian air space from enemy aircraft and missiles, especially those below 5,000 feet.[142]
The history of the AAD dates back to 1939, during the times of the British Raj in India. The corps actively took part in the Second World War, fighting on behalf of the British Empire. Post-independence, the corps has participated in all the wars involving India, starting with the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War, up to the 1999 Kargil conflict. The corps enjoyed autonomous status from 1994, after the bifurcation of the Corps of Air Defence Artillery from the Army's artillery regiment. A separate training school, the Army Air Defence College (AADC), was established to train its personnel.
Services
Recruitment and Training
Pre-commission training of Gentlemen Cadets is carried out at the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun and the Officers Training Academy at Chennai. There are also specialised training institutions such as the Army War College, at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh; the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), at Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir; the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJW), in Vairengte, Mizoram; and the College of Military Engineering (CME), in Pune.
The Army Training Command (ARTRAC), at Shimla, supervises training of personnel.
In 2020 a 'Tour of Duty' scheme was proposed for voluntary recruitment into the forces for civilians, to enable them to join for three years of short service.[155] The scheme is on a trial basis and will start with a test group of 100 officers and 1000 jawans.[156]
Agnipath Scheme is a new scheme introduced by the Government of India on 14 June 2022, for recruitment of soldiers below the rank of commissioned officers into the three services of the armed forces.[157][158]
All recruits will be hired only for a four year period. Personnel recruited under this system are to be called Agniveers (transl. Fire-Warriors), which will be a new military rank.[159][158] The introduction of the scheme has been criticised for lack of consultation and public debate.[158]
This scheme will bypass many things including long tenures, pension and other benefits which were there in old system.[160] Opposition parties in India have criticised and expressed concerns about the consequences of the new scheme. They have asked the scheme to be put on hold and that the scheme be discussed in the Parliament.[161]
Background
Prior to the introduction of the scheme, soldiers were recruited into the armed forces on a 15+ year tenure with lifelong pension.[162] From 2019, no recruitment in the armed forces was done for three years. The Indian Government cited COVID-19 pandemic in India for this. Meanwhile 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers continued to retire annually, leading to a personnel shortage that had begun to affect the operational capabilities of the armed forces.[163][164]
| Year | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 71,804 |
| 2016–17 | 52,447 |
| 2017–18 | 50,026 |
| 2018–19 | 53,431 |
| 2019–20 | 80,572 |
| 2020–21 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | 13,000 |
In 2020 a 'Tour of duty' scheme was proposed for voluntary recruitment into the forces for civilians to enable them to join for three years of short service.[166] The proposed scheme was on a trial basis and was planned to start with a test group of 100 officers and 1000 soldiers.[167]
The scheme has been taken to be named after Agnipath, a Hindi poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan and a popular 1990 film of the same name based on the poem.[168]
Overview
The Agnipath scheme was approved by the Indian Government in June 2022 to be implemented from September 2022. The announcement was done on 14 June 2022.[169] The scheme is for both male and female aspirants of age group 17.5 to 21 years. In the midst of widespread protests against the scheme, the Central Government raised the upper limit from 21 to 23, but only for recruitment in the year 2022.[170][171] The recruitment through this scheme is to be twice a year for the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The posts available are below the officer cadre.[172][157][173]
The recruits named Agniveers serve for a tenure of four years that include training for six months followed by 3.5 years deployment.[173] After retirement from the service, they will have the opportunity to apply to continue in the armed forces. Not more than 25 percent of the total strength of the retiring batch will be selected for the permanent cadre.[174] Personnel who retire after 4 years of service will not be eligible for pension, but will receive a lump sum amount of approximately ₹11.71 lakh at the end of tenure.[175][162][176] The Indian government plans to recruit 45,000 to 50,000 new personnel every year through this scheme.[177] In September 2022, 46,000 youngsters are planned to be recruited through the scheme.[162]
Reservation and welfare benefits
On 17 July 2022, Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced a 10% reservation in Jammu and Kashmir Police service for those who retire after serving in the military under the Agnipath scheme.[178]
On 12 July 2024, Central Industrial Security Force, Border Security Force and Railway Protection Force announced 10% reservation and age relaxation for former Agniveer soldiers.[179] The reservation is also applicable within Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles.[180]
On 17 July 2024, Government of Haryana announced 10% reservation in the police force of Haryana Police, mining guards and forest guards. The state government also announced incentives for private sector for hiring agniveers. Age relaxation for government jobs in Group B and C categories was also announced along with a 5% reservation in Group C jobs. The state government has also interest benefits for businesses set up by retired military under the Agnipath scheme. The chief minister also promised priority in government departments, boards and corporation jobs.[181][182]
On 26 July 2024, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced 10% reservation and a 5-year age relaxation for Agniveers in the state's uniformed services.[183]
Criticism
The scheme will not include long tenures, pensions, or other benefits that existed in the old system.[160] Individuals aspiring to join Armed Forces were disappointed with the rules of the new scheme. The main causes of concern were the short length of service, no pension provisions for those released early, and the 17.5 to 21-year age restriction. Many of the current aspirants were rendered ineligible to serve in the Indian armed forces under these new rules.[184]
Before the introduction of the new scheme for recruitment, Indian government did not produce any white papers. The scheme was neither debated in the parliament nor in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. No information about the scheme was given to the public prior to its announcement.[158]
By political parties and activists
The Hindu in its editorial, asked the scheme to be put on hold and stated, "If a soldier's job is now turned into contractual employment, it might not motivate aspirants who hope for job security, pension, and honour. The argument that defence should not be treated as an employment guarantee scheme is rhetorically impressive, but the fact is that from the manufacturing of arms to the employment of soldiers, the sector plays a critical role in the economy. For a country like India, where unemployment remains a major policy challenge, the concerns cannot be dismissed easily. The Government also faces the very credible charge that this is nothing more than a cost-cutting plan."[162]
- Opposition parties in India have asked the scheme to be put on hold and that the scheme be discussed in the Parliament.[185]
- The Congress party, criticizing the new recruitment plan 'Agnipath' in the army as unjust towards the youth, stated that if it comes to power, it will scrap this scheme and reinstate the old recruitment process. This was stated by the party's president, Mallikarjun Kharge.[186]
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) stated that it strongly disapproved of "the 'Agnipath' scheme that does disservice to India's national interests. Professional armed forces cannot be raised by recruiting 'soldiers on contract' for a period of four years. This scheme, to save pension money, severely compromises the quality and efficiency of our professional armed forces."[187]
- The Indian National Congress called the scheme neither in the interest of the country nor its security, and has asked for a rollback of the scheme.[188]
- Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram took a dig at Agnipath scheme and said, "If you wish to be trained as a driver, washerman, or barber, become an Agniveer If you wish to be trained as a chowkidar, become an Agniveer If you wish to learn to fry pakoras, become an Agniveer If you wish to become a soldier, do not apply."[189]
- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, "When India faces threats on two fronts, the uncalled for Agnipath Scheme reduces the operational effectiveness of our armed forces. The BJP government must stop compromising the dignity, traditions, valour, and discipline of our forces."[190] On 27 June, he said "They used to talk of 'One Rank, One Pension, now they have come up with 'no rank, no pension'." He further said that the Chinese army (People's Liberation Army) is 'sitting on our land' and asserted that the army should be strengthened. "When there is a war results of this will be evident...they are weakening the army, it will harm the country and they call themselves nationalists. Just like the farm laws were repealed, the government will have to roll back the Agnipath scheme also."[191]
- Congress leader and Territorial Army Captain Sachin Pilot appealed to the central government not to show "stubbornness" and immediately withdraw the new army recruitment scheme 'Agnipath' for wider deliberation to avoid recurrence of the agriculture law episode. He said the country has been placed in a "permanent turmoil" over the past few years, and the "rejection of the Agnipath scheme", unemployment, and economic and agrarian distress have led to "fierce resentment" of the youth. Pilot said the government should stop blaming the opposition for the "genuine" grievances of the youth and avoid the blame game played by it during the agriculture law movement.[192]
- Former Chief Minister of Punjab and a veteran of Sino-Indian and Indo-Pak wars, Captain Amarinder Singh suggested the Centre to review the 'Agnipath' policy of recruitment in defence forces. "It will dilute the long existing distinct ethos of regiments," He said in a statement, while remarking, "four year service is too short for a soldier".[193]
- Haryana leader of the opposition, Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated, "It has far-reaching consequences, and these have not been fully considered while preparing this scheme. In the long run, the policy would have a detrimental impact on our national security," he alleged, "It seems the government is compromising with the security of the country with the intention of saving money on salary, pension, gratuity and halving the strength of the armed forces."[164]
- Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP-led central government, alleging that the saffron camp was trying to create its own 'armed' cadre base through the new defence recruitment programme. Terming the scheme as an insult to the armed forces, Banerjee also wondered whether the BJP plans to hire Agniveer soldiers as "watchmen" at its party offices after their four-year service period. "The BJP is trying to create its own armed cadre base through this scheme. What will they do after four years? The party wants to give arms into the hands of the youth", she said in the assembly. She also said the BJP is trying to fool the masses ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election by announcing such schemes.[194][195]
- Samajwadi Party president and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav called the scheme, "negligent" and potentially "fatal" for the country's future.[196]
- Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief said that the people returning after four years of service would cause gang wars in the country.[197]
- After the media briefing by the tri-service chiefs, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, "For the first time in 75 years, service chiefs are being fronted to defend a policy decision by the government."[195]
- Cabinet Minister Tej Pratap Yadav, said "the Prime Minister diverted the attention from the "sena" (army) to Shiv Sena." referring to the defection of a few MLA's from Shiv Sena.[198]
- Trade unions and farmers also pledge their support for nationwide protests against the Agnipath Scheme. Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, said the Narendra Modi government's string of policy decisions over the last eight years had caused great suffering to ordinary people.[199]
- Rakesh Tikait, National President of Bharatiya Kisan Union said "Agnipath Scheme is a political issue, Army Chief should not do politics. Wherever the army has done politics, there have been coups. Don't put that wrong tradition."[200]
By retired defence personnel
- Param Vir Chakra Captain Bana Singh spoke out against the scheme saying "There should have been more debate and discussion before bringing in the scheme. It makes little sense to bring such sweeping changes without engaging all stakeholders. However, now we must wait and watch how the scheme takes effect."[201][202] His tweet was later deleted with some sources pointing towards pressure from the Indian government.[203][201]
- Admiral Arun Prakash, former Chief of the Naval Staff, said that the scheme will be difficult to implement in unison for the tri-services. He further said, "in its present form, is suitable only for the army, whose large infantry component is not excessively burdened with technology. In case of the navy and air force, it must be recognised that at least 5-6 years are required before a new entrant can acquire enough hands-on experience to be entrusted with the operation or maintenance of lethal weapon systems and complex machinery and electronics".[201]
- Lieutenant general Raj Kadyan, former Vice Chief of the Army Staff, had already raised his opposition against the move when he was in service, saying this kind of scheme is fit for a low-risk organisation. "We are trying it out in the defence forces, where the risk is very high…. I only hope and pray there is no war. If there's [going to be a] war, you don't expect a man who is already looking beyond four years to be committed to the extent that he can lay down his life," he said.[204][205]
- Lieutenant general D S Hooda, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command who oversaw the 'surgical strike' in September 2016 noted during an interview. "... It takes a lot of time – in my experience, at least 4-5 years for people to be trusted to work on the systems in their own individual capacity. For 4-5 years, you are actually under the tutelage of a senior person. No airmen, no air warrior signs for history in the clearance home for an aircraft going for a fight. It is similar for riders, anti-aircraft missile systems, and so on. I'm sure a similar thing goes for the Naval systems too. So, at the right time of four years, when they are ready to be exploited for their full potential, you are asking 75% of the people to go. And then you get a new lot coming in, and you have to start from scratch."[206]
- Lieutenant general Vinod Bhatia, Paratrooper and former Director General Military Operations (DGMO), spoke to the media and also made his opposition to the move clear: "On ToD [Tour of Duty], pray & hope that Agneepath succeeds, for the sake of the nation, armed forces and the Agniveers. The government will need to take the ownership and ensure it succeeds as the process is irreversible and high risk." Later he said, "I am a paratrooper, I take risks, but this is not a risk I would've taken; the Fauj(Army) ethos may change."[207]
- Major general G. D. Bakshi came down heavily against the proposal, stating that he was "flabbergasted by the Agniveer scheme. "I thought initially it was a trial being done on a pilot basis. This is an across-the-board change to convert the Indian armed forces to a short-tenure quasi-conscript force like the Chinese (referring to the Chinese People's Liberation Army). For God Sake Please Don't do it," he said. Appealing to the Centre not to destroy institutions, he continued: "Let us not destroy our institutions in a time of great threats from China & Pakistan. Just for saving money let us not destroy what we have. Armed forces need a mixture of youth and experience. Four-year tenure forces could be risk averse. Learn from Russia (sic)." "Switching to a 4-year virtual tour of duty model overnight would be a highly disruptive change," the vocal retired Army officer said.[208][204][209]
- Major general Sheonan Singh, who was the Second-in-command of 10 Para Commandos, was deployed in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force, said: "It's a foolish move, one that could affect the efficiency of the security forces." He further stated, "Saving money is good, but it should not be done at the cost of defence forces. If you go to war with an experienced soldier, will a person with four years of training be able to replace him on his death? These things don't work like this."[210]
- Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur has argued that the scheme is a radical departure from the methodologies used by the Indian Army for over two centuries and decades by the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Any change, he suggests, should have been done in incremental steps and stages.[201]
- Brigadier V. Mahalingam, former Commander of a Mountain Brigade and former Force Commander of the NSG (Black Cat Commandos) said "It will degrade the Army's ability to win wars. Unfortunately, the decision makers have not fought a war or know what it means to exercise command & control when the bullets are flying or when you have to assault a well prepared position."[209]
- Wing commander Anubha Jain from the Indian Air Force said "the spineless Generals are falling over each other to appease the government."[211]
- Ex-Army Jawans also slammed the scheme quoting, "Don't experiment with Army, what if they join gangsters after four years?". District President of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Union in Faridkot Havildar Premjit Singh Brar said, "This is a wrong move. No one will be interested in joining the Army on these terms and conditions. It is like raising a private army. If someone dies on the border, they say they will only give him fixed compensation and that his family will not get any pension or any benefit. Why should anyone be willing to die under these circumstances?".[212]
By state governments
On 30 June Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution recommending the state government that it urges the Union Government of India to immediately roll back the scheme. The resolution was opposed by BJP members of the assembly who were in minority. Punjab was the only state to pass such a resolution.[213]
Data on employment of veterans
Data from Director General Resettlement, Government of India - the nodal body responsible for rehabilitating retired military personnel, shows that states, Central public sector units, including defence PSUs, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have failed to recruit against the vacancies reserved for veterans.[9]
According to a Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) provision, 10 per cent of vacancies in Central government jobs in Group C and 20 per cent in Group D are reserved for veterans.[9]
For public sector banks, Central public sector units, and CAPF, the reservation is 14.5 and 24.5 per cent, respectively. But, as of June last year,[clarification needed] ex-servicemen constituted only 1.15% of the Group C strength and 0.3% of the Group D strength in 94 of the 170 CPSUs.[9]
The picture is more dismal if Central ministries are taken into consideration. Between 32 Central ministries, only 1.60 per cent of the 22,168 positions reserved for veterans have been filled. For instance, the Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers, could only fill 1.4 per cent (16,264 out of the 1.15 million) positions reserved for retired personnel of the armed forces. For the ten defence PSUs, where the Centre has announced a 10 per cent reservation for the Agnipath scheme, veterans constituted only 3.45 per cent and 2.71 per cent of Group C and Group D posts, respectively. Even the paramilitary forces haven't shown much interest in hiring veterans.[9]
As of June 2021, only 0.62 per cent of positions reserved for veterans have been filled by the five wings of the paramilitary forces - Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).[9]
| Organisation | Central public sector units | Public sector banks | Departments of central government | Central Armed Police Forces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | 0.30 | 21.34 | 2.66 | 0 |
| Ex-servicemen in group D | 404 | 22,839 | 8,642 | 0 |
| Total strength in group D | 134,733 | 1,07,009 | 3,25,265 | 0 |
| Percentage | 1.15 | 9.10 | 1.29 | 0.47 |
| Ex-servicemen in group C | 3,138 | 24,733 | 13,976 | 4,146 |
| Total strength in group C | 272,848 | 2,71,741 | 10,84,705 | 88,1397 |
The states have also been unable to find jobs for military returns. For instance, by the end of 2020, Bihar, UP, Punjab and Haryana, which cumulatively account for 80 per cent of the Indian armed forces, have given jobs to only 1.5 per cent out of the 200,000 veterans who had registered for a job.[9]
| State | Number of ex-servicemen registered for employment |
Total jobs given | Percentage % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | 53,373 | 1,415 | 2.6 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 86,192 | 1,616 | 1.8 |
| Punjab | 60,772 | 1,150 | 1.8 |
| Haryana | 29,275 | 534 | 1.8 |
| Bihar | 43,845 | 6 | 0.01 |
Protests
On 14 June 2022, soon after the announcement of the scheme, violent protests erupted in several states in India where the army aspirants angry with the new scheme called for its rollback and damaged public property including buses and trains.[184] This scheme evoked mixed reactions from army veterans mostly negative.[214][215]
On 15 June 2022, the news of the protest was first reported from the state of Bihar where National highways and railway tracks were blocked by the protesters.[216]
On 16 June 2022, violence was reported at Chhapra, Jehanabad, Munger and Nawada in Bihar.[217] Army aspirants burnt down trains and buses. They set fire to train bogies in Kaimur and Chhapra districts, blocking train traffic in Siwan, Ara, Jehanabad, Nawada, Saharsha, Chhapra, and road traffic in some places.[218] Later the protests along with violent incidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and other states.[217] More than 200 trains were affected by the protests, 35 trains have been cancelled and 13 trains were terminated short of their destination.[184]
On 17 June, protesters attacked the house of the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Renu Devi.[219][220] The mobs of young protesters went on a rampage and set fire to trains and other property after which Bihar government ordered internet shutdowns in 18 districts. More than 325 people were arrested in Bihar and 250 in Uttar Pradesh.[221] 12 trains were set on fire, and the movement of 300 trains were affected. 214 trains were cancelled, 11 trains were diverted and 90 were terminated short of their destination.[196] At least 1 person was killed in the protests.[222]
A 19 year old protester was shot dead in Telangana.[223] Internet was shut down in 12 districts of Bihar.[224] In the BJP-ruled Haryana massive protest occurred in which the angry protesters threw stones at vehicles in Ballabhgarh, squatted on railway tracks to stop train movement in Jind and burnt tyres in Rohtak. In Uttar Pradesh hundreds of angry young protesters carried bamboo sticks and stones and stormed railway premises in several cities, blocked highways and targeted private vehicles.[221]
On 18 June, protesters in Bihar called for a strike against the scheme. They clashed with the police and set fire to several vehicles since morning in Bihar.[221] Train services were stopped in Bihar till 8 pm on 18 June. They will be stopped again from 4 am onwards on 19 June. More than 350 trains were cancelled across India as the violence continued in several states.[225]
Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot leading the State Council of Ministers passed a unanimous resolution calling for the withdrawal of the scheme.[226] In Kerala a large protest march was held in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, against the scheme.[225] The protesters said their strikes would continue till the Centre rolls back its decision and ensured justice.[221]
Among the states, the worst incidents of violence occurred in Bihar, where the protesters set trains on fire, vandalised railway stations, and attacked BJP leaders' offices, homes, and cars. Two BJP MPs and eight BJP legislators (including two Deputy Chief Ministers) were given the third-highest level 'Y' Category security by the central government after approval by Narendra Modi.[227]
Student organization like Students' Federation of India (SFI) organised took massive rallies and protests in several parts of country against the alleged anti youth scheme. There were protests in Delhi, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and other parts of the country. SFI along with Democratic Youth Federation of India have called for a protests at Jantar mantar on 19 June.[228][229]
On 19 June, Virendra Kumar, Chief Public relations officer, East Central Railway, told media that estimates of the damage to property are still being made, but approximately upwards of Rs 700 crore property has been damaged. He also said that five trains, 60 coaches and 11 engines have been burnt, railway is preparing a full report for the damage caused to property.[230] In Karnataka, Police lathi-charged Agnipath protesters in Karnataka's Dharwad. Anti-'Agnipath' protests were also reported from other parts of Karnataka, such as Gokak and Belgaum districts.[231] Patna District magistrate said 23 FIRs were registered and 147 arrests were made. He alleged the involvement of 3 coaching centres in the protests.[232] Ludhiana Police termed the protests "planned conspiracy" as the Ludhiana Railway station was vandalised.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar called the new military recruitment scheme, "a scam" but added that the protests against it should be peaceful.[233]
Bharat Bandh (All India Strike)
On 20 June, a country wide strike named Bharat Bandh was called by the protesting organisations demanding a roll back of the scheme. The call was made on social media without naming any organisation.[195] More than 600 trains were cancelled due to the strike. The Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway saw heavy traffic jams following a call for Bharat Bandh against the recruitment scheme. In Faridabad and Noida, prohibitory orders had been imposed that prohibit the assembly of four or more persons. Massive jams was seen on the expressway near the Sarhaul border as Delhi Police checked vehicles. Internet services were shut down in more than 20 districts of Bihar[234][235]
In Jharkhand, all schools were closed and heavy security was deployment in state on calls for a bandh.[236] In Karnataka, holiday was announced for 75 educational institutions on the wake Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state. Some attributed it to security concerns due to the ongoing protests and calls for a bandh.[237][238] Section 144 was imposed in some parts of the state of Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.[239][240] In Jammu and Kashmir, Aam Aadmi Party leader Mehraj Malik put under house arrest.[241] Government of Bihar suspended Internet in 20 districts amid protests. Meanwhile, it enhanced the securities of BJP offices in 11 districts. The Bihar Police deployed Sashastra Seema Bal personnel at the offices of BJP to prevent any untoward incidents.[242]
21 June onwards
21 June onwards several protest marches were held in multiple cities. Samyukt Kisan Morcha has supported the protests and planned protest meetings between 7–14 August.[243][244][245][246][247]
Response by the Government
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is India's "misfortune" that good intentions get trapped in politics.[248] On 20 June, he said "Several decisions look unfair at present. In time, those decisions will help in building the nation."[249][250]
- Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh speaking at a conclave, said, "It is bringing revolutionary changes in the recruitment process in the armed forces. Some people are spreading misunderstanding about it. Maybe, there could be some confusion among the people as it is a new scheme."[251]
- Chief of the Army Staff Manoj Pande reacted to the protests saying "Army aspirants' angst was the result of improper information."[252]
- Chief of the Naval Staff R. Hari Kumar speaking on protests, said, "I didn't anticipate any protests like this. I think the protests are happening due to misinformation and misunderstanding of the scheme."[253]
- Chief of the Air Staff Vivek Ram Chaudhari condemned the violence and stated, "The last step [of the recruitment process] is police verification: if anyone is involved, they won't get a clearance from police."[254]
- Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs, Lieutenant general Anil Puri reacting to the growing agitation said "Aspirants need to prove they were not part of protests".[255] He further said "Coming to the rollback of the scheme, no. Why should it be rolled back? It is the only progressive step to making the country young."[256]
- National General Secretary of BJP Kailash Vijayvargiya said that the Agniveer can get jobs as security guards at BJP offices. The video of the remark went viral, and several opposition parties condemned his statement Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responded that the "country's youth work hard day and night to pass the physical test and exam because they want to serve the country for their whole life by joining the military and not because they want to join as guards for the BJP office."[257]
- Minister of Tourism G Kishan Reddy explaining the training process at a press conference, stated that people selected as Agniveers would be given training for the "skills of drivers, washermen, barbers, electricians and other professionals". The video clip of the remark became viral. Reddy said that there would be drivers, electricians, barbers and thousands other posts and people selected under this scheme, would be helpful in those jobs. A reporter noted that Skill Development Corporations was already established to train youth with different skills, Reddy answered that such skills would be imparted in Agnipath scheme as well.[258]
- Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said that after retirement from service, Agniveers will be considered for appointment as physical education teachers in schools.[259]
- BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur termed those protesting against the Agnipath scheme "Jihadis". He said, "They have nothing to do with patriotism. Those protesting against the Agnipath scheme are jihadis, or they are those with vested interest. Those who want to serve the nation are very happy with the scheme. This is not a job but a service to the nation. People have to sacrifice their lives for it."[260]
- National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval on 21 June 2022 said "the scheme will not be rolled back."[261]
Plea in the Supreme Court against the scheme
3 pleas were filed in the Supreme Court of India in June by Advocates M. L. Sharma, Vishal Tiwari and Harsh Ajay Singh against the Agnipath scheme.[262] Sharma alleged that the government has quashed the century-old selection process for the Armed forces which is contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having parliamentary approval.
A plea, filed in the apex court by Advocate M. L. Sharma, has sought to quash the 14 June notification/press note claiming it to be illegal and unconstitutional.[10][263] M. L. Sharma alleged that on 14 June 2022, contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having approval in parliament and without any gazette notification, the Centre tinkered with the century-old Army selection process and imposed the scheme for recruitment in all three Armed forces divisions.[10] The plea also referred to the protest all over the country against the scheme.[10] The plea has also sought directions to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments to submit a status report on the violent protests.[10] It has sought a direction to set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to examine the scheme and its impact on national security and Army.[10][264]
On 6 July, a fresh plea was filed in the Supreme Court by ex-servicemen Ravindra Singh Shekhawat. He has sought quashing of notification issued by the Ministry of Defence, contending it as illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires to the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. He said, "The recently launched scheme has received skepticism nationwide from the armed forces aspirants and has left several questions unanswered. Some of the concerns are related to the aspirants who were in the middle/final stages of their recruitment process.This abrupt change in the recruitment process has evoked several unforeseeable circumstances for the aspirants and has put their futures at stake/in the dark. The scheme fails to accommodate the individuals who have been preparing for the armed forces for the last many years and have not been able to participate in the recruitment process due to lack of vacancies due to COVID-19," the plea said. Plea also sought direction to initiate a 'Pilot project', to study the cause and effect of the scheme, and the impact of the newly introduced training process on combat effectiveness, operational readiness, and defence preparedness.[265]
On the same day, a petition was also moved before the Delhi High Court by various candidates shortlisted as Airmen in Indian Air Force seeking issuance of enrolment list and completion of previous recruitment as per a 2019 notification, without being affected by Centre's new Agnipath recruitment scheme for armed forces. A division bench consisting of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Saurabh Banarjee deferred the petition for two weeks in view of the pendency of a similar matter before the Supreme Court. Filed through Advocate Prashant Bhushan, the plea has been moved by 20 candidates awaiting their enrolment as Airmen in Indian Air Force in Group "X" trades (except education instructor trade) and Group "Y" trades (except automobile technician), Indian Air Force (Security), Indian Air Force (Police) and musician trades.[266]
First Agniveer batch (2023)
One of the oldest and the largest training centers of Indian Army, the Nashik Road-based Artillery Centre is one of the venues approved by army for training the youths recruited as Agniveers. The first batch consisting of 5000 Agniveers will undergo 31-week rigorous training at the Artiliery Centre, of which first 10 weeks will be for basic military training, whereas the balance 21 weeks will be for advanced training programmes. The Agniveers will be divided in to four disciplines- drivers, gunners, radio operators and technical assistants, on the basis of their aptitude and skill.[267]
The state of the art Agniveer Training Facility located at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry(JAKLI) Regiment Center, Dhansal of Udhampur district was visited by General Officer Commanding-in- Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, to review the preparedness and arrangement for the first batch.[268]
Indian Armed Forces will recruit 46,000 Agniveers in 2023 including 40,000 in the Indian Army.[269] The remaining 3,000 Agniveers each will be inducted into Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.[270] About 19,000 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers of the Indian Army started training at nearly 40 centres across India from January 2023, while second batch 21,000 Agniveers will start training in March 2023.[271] 25% of Agniveers will be retained by the Indian Army at the end of a four-year tour of duty (ToD) to serve out their full tenure of 17 more years, while the remaining will be relieved.[272]
As of May 2024, two batches of 40,000 have completed training under the Army and 20,000 more are being trained since November 2023. Further, three batches of 7,385 Agniveer Navy and two batches of 4,955 Agniveer Vayu (Air Force) have completed training.[273][274]
On 1 June 2024, another batch of 2,614 Agniveer Vayu (Air Force) trainees completed their training from Airmen Training School.[275] In June 2024, third batch of 2,500 Agniveers (914 from Madras Regimental Centre, 560 from Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, 624 from Punjab Regimental Centre, 402 from Ladakh Scouts) completed their 31-week training and joined the Army.[276][277][278][279]
In July 2024, reports suggested that around one lakh Agniveers are recruited in the army and about 70,000 were deployed. A vacancy of 50,000 Agniveers were reported for 2024-25 and recruitment procedure is on.[280]
By August 2024, three batches of around 2,500 Agniveer Navy sailors graduated from INS Chilika training facility. The fourth batch of 1,429 sailors graduated from the same on 10 August 2024.[281]
Hyderabad
On 1 January 2023, a 31-week systemised training for first batch of 2,264 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers commenced at the Golconda Artillery Centre in Hyderabad.[282][283] The training for second batch of about 3,000 start on 3 March 2023.[284]
Nashik
In January 2023, the training for the first batch of 2,640 Agniveers started in Nashik Road-based Artillery centre.[285][286] The training for the second batch will start in March 2023. These Agniveers will get the opportunity to serve as Gunners (Topchi), Technical Assistants, Radio Operators and Motor Drivers in Indian Army.[287]
Ranikhet
In January 2023, the training for 796 Agniveers started in Ranikhet, regimental headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment, at the Somnath Sharma Parade ground.[288]
Amendment in recruitment procedure
Army recruitment procedure of Agniveers is set to change. Army has decided to conduct online Common Entrance Exam (CEE) before the physical recruitment. Approximately 200 centers across the country have been identified for the conduct of first online CEE. Online applications for registration will be available for one month from mid February 2023 for the exam scheduled in April 2023. The amended recruitment process aims at cognitive aspect and reduction of large crowds during recruitment rallies resulting in better management and easier conduct.[289]
In May 2024, reports emerged about a survey that was conducted by Indian Army. It was reported that some changes in the scheme may be proposed to the government that will be formed after 2024 Indian general election. The survey consisted 10 questions has been sent to the 'stakeholders' concerned. By the end of May, each group's responses to the particular questions will be compiled and evaluated further. According to the report, recruiters will also be required to reply to inquiries regarding the scheme's overall effect on Army recruiting following its implementation. The training staff at regimental centres, unit and sub-unit commanders of the Agniveers were also surveyed. The recruiters shall be asked about the impact of the scheme after int implementation. Along with observations on the Agniveers' training and general educational standards, the Army's training personnel at the regiment centres is expected to offer details on the Agniveers' physical standards. It is also expected of the staff to respond to different aspects of training and the influence of competition for permanent absorption in the Army on the overall mindset of the Agniveers.[273][274]
See also
References
- ^ Singh Rana, Uday (27 December 2017). "20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant In Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament". News18. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ The Military Balance 2017. Routledge. 2017. ISBN 978-1-85743-900-7.
- ^ "About – The President of India". Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ Bhargava, R. P. The Chamber of Prince. p. 206.
Liability with regard to Defence
This point was examined at length and it was put forward that with due regard to the obligations undertaken by the Crown to protect the States against internal commotion and external aggression, the States could not be asked to contribute the cost of the armed forces of the Crown of India. In the case of several States the price of protection was settled by the Crown and paid by the States. - ^ Sikhs Across Borders. p. 37.
In 1914, the Indian Army consisted of 39 cavalry regiments, 118 battalions of Indian infantry, and 20 battalions of Gurkha Rifles. The army contained 159,134 Indian soldiers, and 2,333 British officers (plus reserves). Together with the 70,000 troops of the British garrison of India these forces made up the "Army in India." This army had three principal functions: first, the maintenance of internal security; second, the defence of the Indian Empire's frontiers; and third (if necessary) the provision of a force for imperial purposes outside India.
- ^ Singh, Sarbans (1993). Battle Honours of the Indian Army 1757–1971. New Delhi: Vision Books. ISBN 978-8170941156.
- ^ "Indian Army Doctrine". Headquarters Army Training Command. October 2004. Archived from the original on 1 December 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2007.
- ^ "Indian Army now world's largest ground force as China halves strength on modernisation push". ThePrint. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant In Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament". News18. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017. Cite error: The named reference ":0" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c d e f "Armed forces facing shortage of nearly 60,000 personnel: Government". The Economic Times. 27 December 2017. Archived from the original on 28 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017. Cite error: The named reference ":1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (3 February 2014). The Military Balance 2014. London: Routledge. pp. 241–246. ISBN 978-1-85743-722-5.
- ^ The Military Balance 2017. Routledge, Chapman & Hall, Incorporated. 14 February 2017. ISBN 978-1-85743-900-7.
- ^ The Military Balance 2010. Oxfordshire: Routledge. 2010. pp. 351, 359–364. ISBN 978-1-85743-557-3.
- ^ "Indian Army Modernisation Needs a Major Push". India Strategic. February 2010. Archived from the original on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
- ^ "India's Military Modernisation Up To 2027 Gets Approval". Defence Now. 2 April 2012. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
- ^ Oxford History of the British Army
- ^ "About The Ministry". Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
- ^ Editorial Team. "10 Facts Which Prove Indian Army Living Up To Its Motto – "Service Before Self"". SSB Interview Tips & Coaching – SSBCrack. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016.
- ^ "Indian army official Facebook page wiki-facts, official website, motto". GuidingHawk. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- ^ richreynolds74 (6 February 2015). "The British Indian Army During the First World War". 20th Century Battles. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses"Direction of Higher Defence: II". Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- ^ Harold E. Raugh, The Victorians at war, 1815–1914: an encyclopaedia of British military history (2004) pp 173–79
- ^ Sikhs Across Borders. p. 37.
In 1914, the Indian Army consisted of 39 cavalry regiments, 118 battalions of Indian infantry, and 20 battalions of Gurkha Rifles. The army contained 159,134 Indian soldiers, and 2,333 British officers (plus reserves). Together with the 70,000 troops of the British garrison of India these forces made up the "Army in India." This army had three principal functions: first, the maintenance of internal security; second, the defence of the Indian Empire's frontiers; and third (if necessary) the provision of a force for imperial purposes outside India.
- ^ Lydgate, John (June 1965). Quezon, Kitchener and the Problem of Indian Army Administration, 1899–1909 (PDF). SOAS Research Online (PhD thesis). University of London. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ Urlanis, Boris (1971). Wars and Population. Moscow. p. 85.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Khanduri, Chandra B. (2006). Thimayya: an amazing life. New Delhi: Knowledge World. p. 394. ISBN 978-81-87966-36-4. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
- ^ "Nationalisation of Officer Ranks of the Indian Army" (PDF). Press Information Bureau of India – Archive. 7 February 1947. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
- ^ Kaushik Roy, "Expansion And Deployment of the Indian Army during World War II: 1939–45,"Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Autumn 2010, Vol. 88 Issue 355, pp 248–268
- ^ Sumner, p.25
- ^ "Commonwealth War Graves Commission Report on India 2007–2008" (PDF). Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 June 2010. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
- ^ Martin Bamber and Aad Neeven (26 August 1942). "The Free Indian Legion – Infantry Regiment 950 (Ind)". Freeindianlegion.info. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ Peter Stanley, "Great in adversity": Indian prisoners of war in New Guinea," Journal of the Australian War Memorial (October 2002) No. 37 online Archived 8 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ For the Punjab Boundary Force, see Daniel P. Marston, "The Indian Army, Partition, and the Punjab Boundary Force, 1945–47", War in History November 2009, vol. 16 no. 4 469–505
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 24 September 1949. p. 1375.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 29 October 1949. p. 1520.
- ^ "Press Note" (PDF). Press Information Bureau of India – Archive. 6 April 1948. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 11 February 1950. p. 227.
- ^ Cooper, Tom (29 October 2003). "Indo-Pakistani War, 1947–1949". ACIG Journal. Archived from the original on 13 June 2006. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ a b "Kashmir in the United Nations". Kashmiri Overseas Association of Canada. 28 January 1998. Archived from the original on 28 January 1998. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "47 (1948). Resolution of 21 April 1948 [S/726]". United Nations. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
- ^ Bruce Bueno de Mesquita & David Lalman. War and Reason: Domestic and International Imperatives. Yale University Press (1994), p. 201 Archived 9 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine ISBN 978-0-300-05922-9
- ^ Alastair I. Johnston & Robert S. Ross. New Directions in the Study of China's Foreign Policy. Stanford University Press (2006), p. 99 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine ISBN 978-0-8047-5363-0
- ^ Claude Arpi. India and her neighbourhood: a French observer's views. Har-Anand Publications (2005), p. 186 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-81-241-1097-3.
- ^ CenturyChina, www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/1962war.htm
- ^ Dennis Kux's India and the United States: estranged democracies, 1941–1991, ISBN 1-4289-8189-6, DIANE Publishing, Pg 238
- ^ Dijkink, Gertjan. National identity and geopolitical visions: maps of pride and pain. Routledge, 1996. ISBN 0-415-13934-1.
- ^ Praagh, David. The greater game: India's race with destiny and China. McGill-Queen's Press – MQUP, 2003. ISBN 0-7735-2639-0.
- ^ a b c R.D. Pradhan & Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan (2007). 1965 War, the Inside Story: Defence Minister Y.B. Chavan's Diary of India-Pakistan War. Atlantic Publishers & Distributors. p. 47. ISBN 978-81-269-0762-5. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016.
- ^ Sumit Ganguly. "Pakistan". In India: A Country Study Archived 1 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine (James Heitzman and Robert L. Worden, editors). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (September 1995).
- ^ a b Ganguly, Sumit (2009). "Indo-Pakistan Wars". Microsoft Encarta. Archived from the original on 8 May 2009. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ Thomas M. Leonard (2006). Encyclopedia of the developing world, Volume 2. Taylor & Francis, 2006. ISBN 978-0-415-97663-3.
- ^ Spencer Tucker. Tanks: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO (2004), p. 172 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-1-57607-995-9.
- ^ Sumit Ganguly. Conflict unending: India-Pakistan tensions since 1947. Columbia University Press (2002), p. 45 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-0-231-12369-3.
- ^ Mishra, Keshav (2004). Rapprochement Across the Himalayas: Emerging India-China Relations Post Cold War Period (1947–2003). Gyan Publishing House. p. 40. ISBN 9788178352947. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
- ^ Hoontrakul, Pongsak (2014). The Global Rise of Asian Transformation: Trends and Developments in Economic Growth Dynamics (illustrated ed.). Palgrave Macmillan. p. 37. ISBN 978-1-137-41235-5. Archived from the original on 18 May 2016.
- ^ "50 years after Sino-Indian war". Millennium Post. 16 May 1975. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
- ^ "Kirantis' khukris flash at Chola in 1967". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
- ^ Lawoti, Mahendra; Pahari, Anup Kumar (2009). "Part V: Military and state dimension". The Maoist Insurgency in Nepal: Revolution in the Twenty-first Century. London: Routledge. p. 208. ISBN 978-1-135-26168-9.
The second turning point came in the wake of the 1971 Bangladesh war of independence which India supported with armed troops. With large contingents of Indian Army troops amassed in the West Bengal border with what was then East Pakistan, the Government of Indira Gandhi used the opening provided by President's Rule to divert sections of the army to assist the police in decisive counter-insurgency drives across Naxal–impacted areas. "Operation Steeplechase," a police and army joint anti–Naxalite undertaking, was launched in July–August 1971. By the end of "Operation Steeplechase" over 20,000 suspected Naxalites were imprisoned and including senior leaders and cadre, and hundreds had been killed in police encounters. It was a massive counter-insurgency undertaking by any standards.
- ^ Pandita, Rahul (2011). Hello, Bastar : The Untold Story of India's Maoist Movement. Chennai: Westland (Tranquebar Press). pp. 23–24. ISBN 978-93-80658-34-6. OCLC 754482226.
Meanwhile, the Congress government led by Indira Gandhi decided to send in the army and tackle the problem militarily. A combined operation called Operation Steeplechase was launched jointly by the military, paramilitary and state police forces in West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
In Kolkata, Lt General J.F.R. Jacob of the Indian Army's Eastern Command received two very important visitors in his office in October 1969. One was the army chief General Sam Manekshaw and the other was the home secretary Govind Narain. Jacob was told of the Centre's plan to send in the army to break the Naxal. More than 40 years later, Jacob would recall how he had asked for more troops, some of which he got along with a brigade of para commandos. When he asked his boss to give him something in writing, Manekshaw declined, saying, 'Nothing in writing.' while secretary Narain added that there should be no publicity and no records. - ^ Owen Bennett Jones. Pakistan: Eye of the Storm. Yale University Press (2003), p. 177 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-0-300-10147-8.
- ^ Eric H. Arnett. Military capacity and the risk of war: China, India, Pakistan, and Iran. Oxford University Press (1997), p. 134 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-0-19-829281-4.
- ^ S. Paul Kapur. Dangerous deterrent: nuclear weapons proliferation and conflict in South Asia. Stanford University Press (2007), p. 17 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-0-8047-5550-4.
- ^ Encyclopedia of the Developing World, p. 806 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ North, Andrew (12 April 2014). "Siachen dispute: India and Pakistan's glacial fight". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
- ^ Edward W. Desmond. "The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World" Archived 14 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Time (31 July 1989).
- ^ Vivek Chadha. Low Intensity Conflicts in India: An Analysis. SAGE (2005), p. 105 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-0-7619-3325-0.
- ^ Pradeep Barua. The State at War in South Asia. University of Nebraska Press (2005), p. 256 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-0-8032-1344-9.
- ^ Tim McGirk with Aravind Adiga. "War at the Top of the World". Time (4 May 2005).
- ^ Kamal Thakur (1 November 2014). "16 Things You Should Know About India's Soldiers Defending Siachen". Topyaps. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
- ^ Sanjay Dutt. War and Peace in Kargil Sector. APH Publishing (2000), p. 389-90 Archived 21 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine. ISBN 978-81-7648-151-9.
- ^ Nick Easen. Siachen: The world's highest cold war Archived 23 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine. CNN (17 September 2003).
- ^ Arun Bhattacharjee. "On Kashmir, hot air and trial balloons" Archived 28 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Asia Times (23 September 2004).
- ^ "Indian Army organizes a Symposium titled "North Technical-2014" – Scoop News Jammu Kashmir". Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ "e-Symposium – Northern Command". Official Website of Indian Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- ^ "e-Symposium – Northern Command: North Tech Symposium 2016". Official Website of Indian Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
- ^ Bhaumik, Subir (10 December 2009). Troubled Periphery: The Crisis of India's North East By Subir Bhaumik. SAGE Publications India. ISBN 9788132104797. Archived from the original on 6 January 2017.
- ^ Indian general praises Pakistani valour at Kargil 5 May 2003 Daily Times, Pakistan Archived 16 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Kashmir in the Shadow of War By Robert Wirsing Published by M.E. Sharpe, 2003 ISBN 0-7656-1090-6 pp36
- ^ Managing Armed Conflicts in the 21st Century By Adekeye Adebajo, Chandra Lekha Sriram Published by Routledge pp192,193
- ^ The State at War in South Asia By Pradeep Barua Published by U of Nebraska Press Page 261
- ^ "Tariq Ali · Bitter Chill of Winter: Kashmir · LRB 19 April 2001". London Review of Books. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ Colonel Ravi Nanda (1999). Kargil : A Wake Up Call. Vedams Books. ISBN 978-81-7095-074-5. Online summary of the Book Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Alastair Lawson. "Pakistan and the Kashmir militants" Archived 28 February 2003 at the Wayback Machine. BBC News (5 July 1999).
- ^ A.K. Chakraborty. "Kargil War brings into sharp focus India's commitment to peace" Archived 18 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Government of India Press Information Bureau (July 2000).
- ^ Michael Edward Brown. Offense, defence, and war. MIT Press (2004), p. 393 Archived 6 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Sameer Yasir (21 September 2016), "Uri attack carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, confirms Indian Army", Firstpost
- ^ "India's surgical strikes across LoC: Full statement by DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh". Hindustan Times. 29 September 2016. Archived from the original on 2 October 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
- ^ "Uri avenged: 35–40 terrorists, 9 Pakistani soldiers killed in Indian surgical strikes". 29 September 2016. Archived from the original on 2 October 2016.
- ^ "Surgical strikes in PoK: How Indian para commandos killed 50 terrorists, hit 7 camps". India Today. 29 September 2016. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ^ "Video footage provides proof of surgical strikes across LoC | News- Times of India Videos ►". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ "Surgical strikes video out, shows terror casualties, damage to bunkers". The Indian Express. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
- ^ Excelsior, Daily (4 June 2018). "BSF carries out 9 major strikes on Pak; 10 posts, bunkers decimated".
- ^ "Indian Army's 21-year-old Rifleman killed in ceasefire violation". The Economic Times. 16 June 2018.
- ^ [1] Archived 21 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Past peacekeeping operations". United Nations Peacekeeping. Archived from the original on 12 September 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
- ^ "United Nations peacekeeping – Fatalities By Year up to 30 June 2014" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 July 2017.
- ^ John Cherian (26 May – 8 June 2001). "An exercise in anticipation". Frontline. Vol. 18, no. 11. Archived from the original on 7 December 2004. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "India, Mongolia engage in joint military exercises". Business Standard. 11 June 2013. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
- ^ Exercise Nomadic Elephant, Indo Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Archived 18 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Facebook (24 June 2013). Retrieved 12 July 2013.
- ^ "Indian Army tests network-centric warfare capability in Ashwamedha war games". India-defence.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ "'Ashwamedha' reinforces importance of foot soldiers". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- ^ "Yudh Abhyas enhances U.S., Indian Army partnership". Hawaii Army Weekly. 22 May 2013. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
- ^ "Steele_August2013.pdf – Association of the United States Army" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 September 2013.
- ^ Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod (11 May 2013). "Yudh Abhyas 2013 Begins". Archived from the original on 2 October 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ "File:Sgt. Balkrishna Dave explains weapons-range safety procedures to Indian Army soldiers with the 99th Mountain Brigade before they fire American machine guns.jpg". 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 26 October 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ "Indo-French joint Army exercise Shakti 2013 begins today". Zeenews.india.com. 9 September 2013. Archived from the original on 6 July 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
- ^ "Indo-French Joint Army Exercise "Shakti 2016"". Facebook. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
- ^ "Indian Army gears up for war game in Rajasthan desert". FacenFacts. 25 April 2012. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ "Western Army Command conducts summer training exercises". Business Standard India. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
- ^ "Indian Army's firing exercise 'Shatrujeet' enters its last phase – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ "Indian Army Conducts Battle Exercise 'Shatrujeet' In Rajasthan". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ "Indian Army Test Its Operation Abilities". News Ghana. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ "Army and navy plan to set up a marine brigade". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 9 June 2010. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ "Peninsular command by next year end, theatre commands by 2022: Gen. Rawat". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
IndianArmyStructurewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Lt Gen Dimri Takes Over Army Central Command Chief | OTV News". 1 April 2021.
- ^ Kaushik, Krishn (31 January 2022). "China-facing Northern and Eastern Commands to get new commanders on Tuesday". Indian Express.
- ^ "Eye on China, India to raise second division for mountain corps". The Indian Express. 17 March 2017. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- ^ "The mountain is now a molehill". Archived from the original on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- ^ "Govt appoints new commanders for Army's Northern, Eastern commands". ANI. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
- ^ "Lt General Ajai Kumar Singh takes charge of Army Southern Command in Pune". The Indian Express. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
- ^ "Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Bhinder takes over as chief of South Western Command". The Economic Times. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ^ "Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar takes over as Western Command GOC-in-C". Hindustan Times. 2 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "Lt Gen SS Mahal assumes charge of Army Training Command, Shimla". ANI News. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
- ^ "DG Armoured Corps". Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ "Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar assumed appointment of the Director General of Artillery on 01 May 2023". 1 May 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari is Vice Chief of IAF, Lt Gen Sunil Puri Goswami is DG, Air Defence". 1 July 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Army Aviation Corps: Director General and Colonel Commandant". Official Website of Indian Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
- ^ "Lt Gen Arvind Walia appointed next Engineer-in-Chief of Indian Army". 26 December 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "The Corps of Signals SO-in-C". Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ "Government will ensure best of weapons and protective armours to our soldiers: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik". 6 January 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Infantry Regiments". Bharat Rakshak. 2008. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
- ^ "Indian artillery inflicted maximum damage to Pak during Kargil". Zee News. 19 November 2010. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ RAGHUVSNSHI, VIVEK (21 March 2014). "Upgraded Indian Howitzers Cleared for Summer Trials". defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
- ^ Swami, Praveen (29 March 2012). "Inside India's defence acquisition mess". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
- ^ "In 'Dhanush', Indian Army's Prayers Answered". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ "Defence ministry agrees to army's long pending demand of artillery guns". dna. Archived from the original on 24 November 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ "Indigenous Artillery Gun 'Dhanush' to be Ready This Year". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 22 November 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ "Indian Army to increase indigenous rocket regiments by 2022". Firstpost. 7 December 2016. Archived from the original on 8 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ^ Brett-James, Antony Report my Signals London Hennel Locke 1948 – personal account of a British officer attached to Indian Army in Egypt and Burma
- ^ "Corps Of Signals – Inaugural: Ceremony Centenary Year". Ministry of Defence. 15 February 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014.
- ^ Rishabh Mishra (24 June 2015). "21 Different Branches Of Indian Army That Make It Such An Efficient Defence Force". TopYaps. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
- ^ "Lt Gen MH Thakur". Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "Army Medical Corps: DGMS (Army) [Director General, Medical Services, Army]". Official Website of the Indian Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ "Army Dental Corps: Director General, Dental Services". Official Website of the Indian Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ "Director General Ordnance Services". Official Website of the Indian Army. Archived from the original on 23 March 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
- ^ "75th EME CORPS DAY – DAVP" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 December 2017.
- ^ "Remount and Veterinary Corps: Director General, Remount Veterinary Services". Official Website of the Indian Army. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ "Army Education Corps: General Information". Official Website of the Indian Army. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
- ^ "Heads of Service".
- ^ "Directors/ ADGs". Indian Army. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- ^ Snehesh Alex Philip (2 March 2020). "Territorial Army set for overhaul as voluntary force gets its first director general". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- ^ "Major General Joyce Gladys Roach takes over as ADG, MNS – India Strategic". Archived from the original on 3 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ Sagar, Pradip R (4 January 2021). "Indian Army appoints major general as 1st head of its Human Rights Cell". The Week. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ Som, Vishnu (16 May 2020). "Anand Mahindra May Recruit Those Who Served In Army's New 3-Year 'Tour Of Duty' Scheme". NDTV. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ "What is Tour of Duty in Indian Army – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ a b "Explained: The Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers – what is it, how will it work?". The Indian Express. 15 June 2022. Cite error: The named reference "IE explained" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c d Singh, Sushant (16 June 2022). "'Agnipath': What is India's new military recruitment system?". www.aljazeera.com. Cite error: The named reference "Sushant Singh" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Singh, Rahul (14 June 2022). "Recruitment model for soldiers to create an 'Agniveer' rank". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
- ^ a b "What is Agnipath scheme: Why Agniveer aspirants in Bihar protesting against it". Daily News & Analysis. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Put Agnipath on hold, take it up in Parliament: Opposition | India News". The Times of India. TNN. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Playing with fire: The Hindu Editorial on Agnipath". The Hindu. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ Singh, Mayank (24 March 2022). "No recruitment in two years has begun 'pinching' the Indian Army". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Government should reconsider Agnipath scheme: Hooda". PTI. 15 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ De, Abhishek (18 June 2022). "Why Is There So Much Anger Against Agnipath Scheme, Especially In North India?". news.abplive.com. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ Som, Vishnu (16 May 2020). "Anand Mahindra May Recruit Those Who Served In Army's New 3-Year 'Tour Of Duty' Scheme". NDTV. Archived from the original on 16 May 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ Sharma, Sanjay (14 May 2020). "What is Tour of Duty in Indian Army". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 May 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
- ^ "Agnipath Scheme : जानिए कहां से प्रेरणा मिली भारत सरकार को इस नाम की". DNA India (in Hindi). 17 June 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ Sharma, Neeta (18 June 2022). Nair, Arun (ed.). "As 'Agnipath' Protests Spread, Centre Announces More Concessions". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ Singh, Rahul (17 June 2022). "Govt grants age waiver for Agnipath amid stir". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ Singh, Vijaita (16 June 2022). "Upper age limit for Agnipath scheme hiring raised to 23 for 2022". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "What is Agnipath scheme, who all can apply? Check eligibility, salary and other details". The Economic Times. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Opinion: An Army Veteran's 5 Suggestions For Agnipath Scheme". NDTV.com. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Full details of Agnipath Yojana – MyGov.in" (PDF). MyGov.in. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ Panag, Harcharanjit Singh (16 June 2022). "Agnipath scheme is proof that Modi govt can bring change for good. But an open mind is key". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ Pandey, Devesh K.; Kumar, Anuj (16 June 2022). "Many veterans and politicians say Agnipath scheme may harm Army morale". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ Khare, Vineet (16 June 2022). "Agnipath: Violent protests in Bihar over Indian army's new hiring plan". BBC News. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "10% Reservation For Agniveers In Police, Announces LG Manoj Sinha". ABP Majha. 18 July 2022.
- ^ "Ex-Agniveers to get 10% reservation, age relaxations in CISF, BSF, RPF". Hindustan Times. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
- ^ "India responds to Agniveer flak, adds 10% reservation in CISF to existing 25% in military service - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (17 July 2024). "Haryana announces 10% reservation for Agniveers in constable, forest guard jobs". The Hindu.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Service, Express News (18 July 2024). "Haryana announces 10% Agniveer quota in recruitment for police, forest dept". The Indian Express.
- ^ "10% Quota, Age Relaxations For Agniveers In Odisha's Uninformed Services". NDTV.com. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "'Agnipath' Protests In 7 States, Mobs Burn Trains, Block Roads: 10 Points". NDTV.com. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Put Agnipath on hold, take it up in Parliament: Opposition". The Times of India. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Kharge called Agneepath scheme an injustice to the youth". Prabhat Khabar. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- ^ "Left parties demand scrapping of Agnipath scheme". The Times of India. PTI. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "PTI News". Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath protests Live: Traffic jams, heightened security amid call for Bharat Bandh; nearly 530 trains cancelled". The Indian Express. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Stop compromising dignity, valour of armed forces: Rahul Gandhi on Agnipath". The Hindu. 15 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Congress to hold 'Satyagraha' across country against Agnipath scheme on June 27: KC Venugopal". TimesNow. 22 June 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ "Young people are hurt; take back 'Agnipath' to avoid repeat of farm laws: Sachin Pilot to govt". The Economic Times. 19 June 2022. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Chauhan, Satender (16 June 2022). "4-year service too short for a soldier: Captain Amarinder suggests reviewing Agnipath scheme". India Today. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "BJP trying to create armed cadre base through Agnipath scheme: Mamata". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Bharat Bandh against Agnipath scheme disrupts road, rail traffic; Railways cancels over 600 trains". Tribuneindia News Service. Tribune News Service. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ a b Pandey, Alok; Kumar, Manish (17 June 2022). Nair, Arun (ed.). "12 Trains Burnt, Stations Vandalised In 'Agnipath' Protests: 10 Facts". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ Khan, Hamza (18 June 2022). "'Will lead to gang wars': RLP in Rajasthan protests against Agnipath defence recruitment scheme". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ Chitre, Manjiri Sachin (23 June 2022). Ghosh, Poulomi (ed.). "'From sena to Shiv Sena': Tej Pratap Yadav's remark against PM Modi over Agnipath, Maha crisis". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 23 June 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ Madhukar, Kritika (18 June 2022). "Trade Unions and Farmers Pledge Their Support for Nationwide Protests Against Agnipath Scheme". krishijagran.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ Dwivedi, Pankaj (22 June 2022). "Agnipath Scheme: पंजाब पहुंचे राकेश टिकैत बोले, अग्निपथ योजना एक सियासी मसला, सेना प्रमुख राजनीति न करें". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d Singh, Suchet Vir (22 June 2022). "'There should've been more debate before bringing in Agnipath', says Siachen hero Capt Bana Singh". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
- ^ Siddiqui, Imran Ahmed (23 June 2022). "Siachen hero slams Agnipath, wants it to be rolled back". Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
- ^ "Congress targets Modi govt. on freedom of speech". The Hindu. 23 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Army Veterans Slam Central Government's Agnipath Scheme". NewsClick. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath stir spreads to TN, Stalin asks Centre to roll it back". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Hooda, Narender (24 June 2022). "Modi govt tinkering with national security by steamrolling ahead with Agnipath scheme despite valid objections". National Herald. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
- ^ Radhakrishnan, R. K. (15 June 2022). "Army veterans point out flaws in Agnipath recruitment scheme". frontline.thehindu.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath scheme prompts sharp criticism from all sections of society". Telangana Today. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ a b "'Death knell for India's armed forces': Retired defence officers voice concern about Agnipath scheme". Scroll.in. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath: India strike over controversial army hiring plan". BBC News. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ Krishna, Radha (21 June 2022). "'Youth doesn't want political jumlas': An army veteran's detailed argument against Agnipath scheme – Part 2". Financial Express. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ Chhina, Man Aman Singh (16 June 2022). "Ex-jawans slam Agnipath: Don't experiment with Army, what if they join gangsters after four years?". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Amid opposition by BJP MLAs, Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes resolution against Agnipath scheme". Tribuneindia News Service. 30 June 2022. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
- ^ Sandhu, Kamaljit Kaur (14 June 2022). "Agnipath evokes mixed reactions from army veterans as Centre unveils armed forces recruitment Plan". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath: One dead in violent India protests over military hiring". BBC News. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Tewary, Amarnath (15 June 2022). "Protest in Bihar over Agnipath scheme to recruit soldiers". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Agneepath Scheme Protest: Highways blocked, rail traffic disrupted; Protests erupt against 'Agnipath' scheme in many states | Patna News". The Times of India. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ Tewary, Amarnath (16 June 2022). "Protests continue in Bihar over Central government's 'Agnipath' scheme". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Anti-Agnipath protests: Bihar Deputy CM Renu Devi's residence attacked". India Today. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Protests against 'Agnipath' turn violent in Bihar; houses of Deputy CM, state BJP chief attacked". Hindustan Times. 17 June 2022. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d Dwary, Anurag; Kumar, Manish (18 June 2022). "'Agnipath' Protests: Defence Minister Holds Meeting With Service Chiefs". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ Dash, Jatindra; Sharma, Saurabh (18 June 2022). "Protests intensify over India military recruitment plan". Reuters. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Video | 19-Year-Old Dead In Telangana In 'Agnipath' Violence; 3 Trains Burnt, archived from the original on 20 June 2022, retrieved 20 June 2022
- ^ a b "Bihar Stops Train Services As 'Agnipath' Rampage Continues: 10 Points". NDTV.com. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Rajasthan calls for immediate withdrawal of Agnipath scheme". The Hindu. 18 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ Kumar, Manish; Roy, Divyanshu Dutta (18 June 2022). "From BJP Over 'Agnipath', Stinker For Nitish Kumar, Security For Leaders". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath recruitment scheme: Protesters detained at ITO Metro station". The Indian Express. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Protest against Agnipath scheme". The Hindu. 18 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Jha, Sujeet (18 June 2022). "Agnipath protests: Railway property worth nearly Rs 700 crore damaged, 718 arrested in Bihar". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Police lathi-charge Agnipath protesters in Karnataka's Dharwad: Report". Hindustan Times. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Prakash, Aryan (19 June 2022). "Agnipath protest: 3 coaching centres involved, 147 held – Bihar govt official". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath scheme a scam, says Kanhaiya; appeals to aspirants to shun violence". The Federal. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Jams At Delhi Borders Amid Checks Over Bharat Bandh, Agnipath Protests". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ Gautam, Aditi, ed. (20 June 2022). "Over 600 Trains Cancelled Today Amid 'Agnipath' Protests: 10 Points". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath protest: 5000 security personnel deployed, schools closed in Jharkhand". Firstpost. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "PM Modi to visit Bengaluru: Holiday announced for 75 educational institutions". The News Minute. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Schools closed today: Schools in parts of Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar to be closed today, check list here". TimesNow. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Section 144 imposed in various parts of Rajasthan as protests against Agnipath scheme continue - Details". TimesNow. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath protests LIVE updates: States on alert amid Bharat Bandh name". Sky Wave News. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath Row: AAP Leader in J&K Put Under House Arrest Amid Bharat Bandh Call". The Chenab Times. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Bihar suspends Internet in 20 districts amid Agnipath protests". Deccan Herald. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ सिंह, शक्ति (3 July 2022). "अग्निपथ योजना के विरोध में उतरा संयुक्त किसान मोर्चा, 7 से 14 अगस्त तक करेगा सम्मेलन". abplive.com (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Cong expresses strong support to SKM for protests against govt 'betrayal'". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 5 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Congress, BJP workers clash in Telangana during protest against Agnipath scheme". The Indian Express. 1 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ खान, सरफराज (4 July 2022). "युवा पंचायत के तहत बिजनौर पहुंचे RLD प्रमुख जयंत चौधरी, BJP को बताया झूठ का पुलिंदा". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "AAP Sends Rs 420 To PM Modi In Protest Against Agnipath Scheme". Outlook India. 3 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "'Misfortune That Many Good Things...': PM Modi Amid 'Agnipath' Blowback". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath scheme: 'Several decisions look unfair but will help in nation-building,' says PM Modi". Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "PM Amid 'Agnipath' Row: "Some Decisions Look Unfair But..."". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Rajnath defends Agnipath, says protests politically motivated". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath scheme: What Army chief General Manoj Pande said on protests". DNA India. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "'Didn't Anticipate': Navy Chief On Violent Protests Over Agnipath Scheme". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Abhishek Bhalla (18 June 2022). "Those involved in Agnipath protests won't get police clearance, warns Air Chief Marshal". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ Joshi, Poorva (19 June 2022). "Agnipath: No rollback of scheme, aspirants need to prove they weren't part of 'protest or vandalism'". www.indiatvnews.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "BJP accuses Opposition of doing politics with national security after it opposes Agnipath". The Hindu. 19 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Kailash Vijayvargiya says Agniveers can get security jobs at BJP offices, Kejriwal, others hit back". Hindustan Times. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Kishan Reddy's remarks on Agniveers raise eyebrows". Telangana Today. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Agniveers can be potential physical education teachers: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur". Free Press Journal. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "BJP MLA compares Agnipath protesters to 'jihadis'". Telangana Today. 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Agnipath scheme: No question of rollback, violent protests won't be tolerated, says NSA Ajit Doval". The Indian Express. 21 June 2022. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Plea Against Agnipath Mentioned in SC; Union Govt Files Caveat Asking to Be Heard First". The Wire. 21 June 2022. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ Kakkar, Shruti (20 June 2022). "PIL In Supreme Court Challenges Agnipath Recruitment Scheme For Armed Forces". www.livelaw.in. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Plea filed in Supreme Court against Agnipath recruitment scheme, terms it 'illegal'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Fresh Plea In Supreme Court Challenges 'Agnipath' Scheme". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Thapliyal, Nupur (6 July 2022). "Agnipath Scheme: Shortlisted IAF Candidates Move Delhi High Court Seeking Enrolment As Per Previous Recruitment Scheme". www.livelaw.in. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Sonawane, Santosh. "1st Agniveer Batch Arrives At Nashik's Artillery Centre | Nashik News - Times of India". Times Nation. The Times of India. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ Khajuria, Sanjay (6 January 2023). "GOC-in-C Lt Gen Dwivedi reviews 1st batch of Agniveers training provisions at Dhansal - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "Army to hold 83 recruitment rallies to recruit around 40,000 'Agniveers'". www.business-standard.com. 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Indian Navy receives million applications for 3,000 Agniveer posts; 82,000 women". Hindustan Times. 3 August 2022.
- ^ "Army starts training its 1st batch of 19,000 Agniveers — hi-tech simulators, ethos crash course". 7 January 2023.
- ^ "Here's What Veterans Have to Say as Training for First Batch of 'Agniveers' Begins". The Wire.
- ^ a b "Army may come up with modifications to Agnipath scheme based on its survey on Agniveers". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Army conducts internal survey on Agnipath scheme, may propose tweaks: Report". Money Control. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "2614 Agniveervayu Trainees Graduate in Landmark Parade at Airmen Training School, Belagavi". 1 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
- ^ "3rd Batch of Agniveers Passes Out from Madras Regimental Centre". 4 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (4 June 2024). "Agniveers give an impressive attestation parade at MLIRC in Belagavi". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "624 Agniveers join Army". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
- ^ "Over 400 Agniveer Joins Ladakh Scouts Regiment at Passing Out Parade". News18. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
- ^ ""Approx 1 lakh Agniveers enrolled in Army, 70,000 already posted in units": AG Lt Gen CB Ponappa". Asian News International. 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ ""I See Great Hope In Them": Navy Chief As Over 1,400 Agniveers Graduate". NDTV.com. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ "First batch of Agniveers start training at Golconda Artillery in Hyderabad". The Times of India. 10 January 2023.
- ^ Singh, Siddharth Kumar (9 January 2023). "31-week training for Agniveers under way at Artillery Centre-Hyderabad". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "Agniveers's second batch begin training". The Times of India. 4 March 2023.
- ^ "Motivated agniveers arrive at Artillery Centre in Nashik for 31-week-long gruelling training". The Times of India. 11 January 2023.
- ^ "First Agniveer batch arrives at Nashik's Artillery Centre". The Times of India. 8 January 2023.
- ^ "Maharashtra: 2,600 Agniveers Join Training At Artillery Centre, Nashik".
- ^ Nair, Sobhana K. (14 January 2023). "Agniveers breathe fire in 'optimised' training". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (4 February 2023). "Army amends recruitment procedure for Agniveers, to hold online exam first". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
{{cite news}}:|last1=has generic name (help)
External links
- Official website of india– mygov.in
- Official website of india – Indian Airforce
Intelligence
The Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) is an intelligence-gathering arm of the Indian Army. The MI (as it is commonly referred to) was constituted in 1941. It was initially created to check corruption in the Army's ranks. With time, its role has evolved into cross-border intelligence, intelligence sharing with friendly nations, infiltrating insurgent groups, and counter-terrorism.
In the late 1970s, the MI was embroiled in the Samba spy scandal, wherein three Indian Army officers were falsely implicated as Pakistani spies. The organisation has since emerged from the scandal as a prime intelligence organisation of the Indian Army.
As of 2012[update], the MI has seen many of its roles taken away by the newly created National Technical Research Organisation and the Defence Intelligence Agency.[1] Since it was set up in 2004 as a premier scientific agency under the National Security Adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, it also includes the National Institute of Cryptology Research and Development (NICRD), which is the first of its kind in Asia.[2]
Field formations
Below are the basic field formations of the Indian Army:
- Command: Indian Army has six operational commands and one training command. Each one is headed by a general officer commanding-in-chief (GOC-in-C), known as the army commander, who is among the seniormost Lieutenant General officers in the army.
- Corps: A command generally consists of two or more corps. Indian Army has 14 Corps each one commanded by a general officer commanding (GOC), known as the corps commander, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General.[3] Each corps is composed of three or four divisions. There are three types of corps in the Indian Army: Strike, Holding and Mixed. The Corps HQ is the highest field formation in the army.[4]
- Division: Each division is headed by GOC (division commander) in the rank of major general.[3] It usually consists of three to four Brigades.[3] Currently, the Indian Army has 40 Divisions[citation needed] including four RAPIDs (Re-organised Army Plains Infantry Division), 18 Infantry Divisions, 12 Mountain Divisions, three Armoured Divisions and three Artillery Divisions.
- Brigade: A brigade generally consists of around 3,000 combat troops with supporting elements. An Infantry Brigade usually has three Infantry battalions along with various Support Elements.[3] It is commanded by a brigade commander who is a Brigadier,[3] equivalent to a brigadier general in some armies. In addition to the Brigades in various Army Divisions, the Indian Army also has five Independent Armoured Brigades, 15 Independent Artillery Brigades, seven Independent Infantry Brigades, one Independent Parachute Brigade, three Independent Air Defence Brigades, two Independent Air Defence Groups and four Independent Engineer Brigades. These Independent Brigades operate directly under the Corps Commander (GOC Corps).
- Battalion: Composed of four rifle companies.[3] Commanded by a battalion commander who is a Colonel[3] and is the Infantry's main fighting unit. Every infantry battalion also possesses one Ghatak Platoon.[5]
- Company: Composed of three platoons.[3] Commanded by a company commander who is a major or lieutenant-colonel.[3]
- Battery: Comprising either 3 or 4 sections, in artillery and air defence units. Every battery has two officers, the senior of which is the Battery Commander.
- Platoon: Composed of three sections.[3] Commanded by a platoon commander who is a JCO.[3]
- Section: Smallest military outfit, with a strength of 10 personnel. Commanded by a section commander of the rank of Havaldar.[3]
Indian Army forts
- Fort William, Kolkata: Garrison of Eastern Army Command
- Fort St George, Chennai: Garrison of ATNK&K Army Area
- OD Fort, Allahabad, Ordnance Depot
Personnel
The Indian Army is a voluntary service, and although a provision for military conscription exists in the Indian constitution, conscription has never been imposed. As of 1 July 2017[update], the Indian Army has a sanctioned strength of 49,932 officers (42,253 serving, being 7,679 under strength), and 1,215,049 enlisted personnel (1,194,864 serving, being 20,185 under strength).[7][8] Recently, it has been proposed to increase the strength of the army by more than 90,000, to counter the increasing presence of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control.[9][10] According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, in 2020 the army had a strength of 1,237,000 active personnel and 960,000 reserve personnel.[11] Of those in reserve, 300,000 are first-line reserves (within 5 years of active service), 500,000 are committed to return if called until the age of 50, and 160,000 were in the Indian Territorial Army, with 40,000 in regular establishment. This makes the Indian Army the world's largest standing volunteer army.[12][13]
Rank structure
The ranks of the Indian Army for the most part follow the British Army tradition.
Commissioned Officers Commissioned officers are the leaders of the army and command units from platoon/company to brigade, division, corps, and above.
Indian Army officers are continually put through different courses of training, and assessed on merit, for promotions and appointments. Substantive promotions up to lieutenant colonel, or equivalent, are based on time in service, whereas those for the colonel and above are based on selection, with promotion to colonel being also based on time served.
| Rank group | General / flag officers | Senior officers | Junior officers | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Indian Army[14] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
| Field marshal फील्ड मार्शल |
General जनरल |
Lieutenant general लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल |
Major general मेजर जनरल |
Brigadier ब्रिगेडियर |
Colonel कर्नल |
Lieutenant colonel लेफ्टिनेंट कर्नल |
Major मेजर |
Captain कैप्टन |
Lieutenant लेफ्टिनेंट | |||||||||||||||
| Honorary/ War time rank |
Held by the Chief of Defence Staff (with different insignia) and/or the Chief of the Army Staff | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Ranks
| Rank group | Junior commissioned officers | Non commissioned officer | Enlisted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Army[14] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
No insignia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subedar-major सूबेदार मेजर |
Subedar सूबेदार |
Naib subedar नायब सूबेदार |
Havildar हवलदार |
Naik नायक |
Lance naik लांस नायक |
Sepoy सिपाही | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Uniforms
To make themselves less of a target, the forces of the East India Company in India dyed their white summer tunics to neutral tones initially a tan called khaki (from the Hindi word for "dusty"). This was a temporary measure that became standard in the Indian service in the 1880s. Only during the Second Boer War in 1902, did the entire British Army standardise on dun for Service Dress. The Indian Army uniform standardises on dun for khaki.
The 2006 standard issued camouflage uniform of the Indian Army was the PC-DPM which consists of French Camouflage Europe Centrale featuring a forest camouflage pattern and is designed for use in woodland environments being printed on BDU. The Desert variant issued in 2006 was based on the French Camouflage Daguet printed on BDU, which features a desert camouflage pattern, is used by artillery and infantry posted in dusty, semi-desert, and desert areas of Rajasthan and its vicinity. Starting in 2022, a digital pixelated camouflage pattern uniform designed by NIFT has been adopted, while the uniform style is similar to the US Marine MMCUU uniform.[15][16]
The new camouflage pattern retains the mix of colours including olive green and earthen, and has been designed keeping in mind aspects like areas of deployment of the troops and climatic conditions they operate in. According to the officials, the fabric of the new material makes it lighter, sturdier, more breathable, and more suitable for the different terrains that the soldiers are posted in.[17]
The new uniform, unlike the old one, has a combat T-shirt worn underneath and a jacket over it. Also unlike the older uniform, the shirt will not be tucked in. The jacket has angular top pockets, lower pockets with vertical openings, knife pleats at the back, a pocket on the left sleeve & a pen holder on the left forearm, and improved-quality buttons. The trousers will be adjustable at the waist with elastic and buttons, and has a double layer at the groin. For the caps, the girth will be adjustable, and the logo of the Army will be of better quality than earlier.
The new uniforms would not be available in the open market. The uniforms will be barcoded and QR coded to maintain their uniqueness, and will be available only through the ordnance chain or military canteens.[18] To control random proliferation, they will come in over a dozen pre-stitched standard sizes. The new uniform will be made available in a phased manner to the nearly 1.2 million personnel of the Indian Army.
The modern Indian Army wears distinctive parade uniforms characterised by variegated turbans and waist-sashes in regimental colours. The Gurkha and Garhwal Rifles and the Assam, Kumaon, and Naga Regiments wear broad-brimmed hats of traditional style. Traditionally, all rifle regiments (the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, the Garhwal Rifles, all Gorkha Rifles, and the Rajputana Rifles), as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, wear rank badges, buttons, and wire-embroidered articles in black, instead of the usual brass (or gold) colour, as the original role of the rifle regiments was camouflage and concealment.
Medals and awards
The medals awarded by the President of India for gallantry displayed on the battlefield, in order of precedence, are Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
The medals awarded by the President for gallantry displayed away from the battlefield, in order of precedence, are Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
Many of the recipients of these awards have been Indian Army personnel.
Women
The role of women in the Indian Army began when the Indian Military Nursing Service was formed in 1888. Nurses served in World Wars I and II, where 350 Indian Army nurses either died, were taken prisoner of war, or declared missing in action; this includes nurses who died when SS Kuala was sunk by Japanese Bombers in 1942.[20] In 1992, the Indian Army began inducting women officers in non-medical roles.[21]
Equipment
Most of the army equipment is imported, but efforts are being made to manufacture indigenous equipment. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed a range of weapons for the Indian Army, including small arms, artillery, radars, and the Arjun tank. All Indian military small-arms are manufactured under the umbrella administration of the Ordnance Factories Board, with principal firearm manufacturing facilities in Ichhapore, Cossipore, Kanpur, Jabalpur, and Tiruchirapalli. The Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifle, which has been successfully deployed since 1997, is a product of Rifle Factory Ishapore, while ammunition is manufactured at Khadki, and possibly at Bolangir.[citation needed]
In 2014, Army chief General Bikram Singh said that if given sufficient budget support, the Indian Army might be able to acquire half the ammunition needed to fight in a major conflict by the next year.[22]
Aircraft
The Army Aviation Corps is the main body of the Indian Army for tactical air transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation, while the Indian Air Force's helicopter assets are responsible for assisting army troop transport and close air support. The Aviation Corps operates approximately 150 helicopters. The Indian army had projected a requirement for a helicopter that can carry loads of up to 750 kilograms (1,650 lb) to heights of 7,000 m (23,000 ft) on the Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir. Flying at these heights poses unique challenges due to the rarefied atmosphere. The Indian Army will induct the HAL Light Utility Helicopter to replace its ageing fleet of Chetaks and Cheetahs, some of which were deployed more than three decades ago.[23]
On 13 October 2012, the defence minister gave control of attack helicopters to the Indian Army, which had formerly rested the Indian Air force.[24]
Future developments
- F-INSAS is the Indian Army's principal infantry modernisation programme, which aims to modernise the army's 465 infantry and paramilitary battalions by 2020. The programme aims to upgrade the infantry to a multi-calibre rifle with an under-barrel grenade launcher, as well as bulletproof jackets and helmets. The helmet would include a visor, flashlight, thermal sensors, night vision devices, and a miniature computer with an audio headset. There would also be a new lightweight and waterproof uniform, which would help the soldier in carrying extra loads and fighting in an NBC environment.[25]
- India is currently re-organising its mechanised forces to achieve strategic mobility and high-volume firepower for rapid thrusts into enemy territory. India proposes to progressively deploy as many as 248 Arjun main battle tanks (MBT) and to develop and deploy the Arjun MK-II variant, as well as 1,657 Russian-made T-90S MBTs. The army is procuring 2,000 night vision devices for T-72 tanks, for Rs 10 billion; 1,200 for T-90 tanks, for Rs 9.60 billion; and 1,780 for infantry combat vehicles, for Rs 8.60 billion. It is also acquiring 700 TISAS (thermal imaging stand alone systems) and 418 TIFACS (thermal fire control systems) for its T-72 fleet, at a cost of around $230 million. 300 Israeli TISAS were installed as part of several T-72 upgrade phases, followed by 3,860 image intensifier-based night-vision devices. 310 Russian produced T-90S Main Battle Tanks were also fitted with French Catherine TI cameras.[26][27]
- In 2008, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved raising two new infantry mountain divisions (with around 15,000 combat soldiers each) and an artillery brigade. These divisions were likely to be armed with ultralight howitzers.[28] In July 2009, it was reported that the Army was advocating a new artillery division. The proposed artillery division, to be under the Kolkata-based Eastern Command, was to have three brigades – two armed with 155 mm howitzers and one with the Russian "Smerch" and indigenous "Pinaka" multiple-launch rocket systems.[29]
The major ongoing weapons programmes of the Indian Army are as follows:
- Tanks and Armoured vehicles
- Arjun MK-IA – main battle tank[30]
- Futuristic Battle Tank (FMBT) – The FMBT will be a lighter tank of 50 tons. At the conceptual stage.
- Abhay IFV – Future Infantry Combat Vehicle
- TATA Kestrel – A modern armoured personnel carrier (APC) developed by Tata Motors and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was developed to replace old Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicles (BMP) and APCs in service with the Indian army. It is expected to join the Indian Army by 2017.
- Aviation
- The procurement process for 197 light utility helicopters (LUH) has been scrapped; only 64 will be inducted in the Army Aviation to replace the Cheetak and Cheetah Helicopters.
- HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) – requirement for 384 helicopters for both the army and air force.
- HAL has obtained a firm order to deliver 114 HAL Light Combat Helicopters to the Indian Army.[31]
- Missiles
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
- Cruise Missiles
- Tactical Ballistic Missiles
- Prahaar (missile) – With a range of 150 km (90 mi).[32]
- Agni-II (missile) – It a ballistic missile with a range of 2000–3500 km with a speed of 3.5 km/s.
- Agni-III (missile) – It is the successor to the Agni-II missile with an effective range of 3500–5000 km with a speed of 5–6 km/s.
- Agni-IV – Also known as the Agni-II prime in the earlier times, it has an effective range of 4000 km and a cruise altitude of 900 km.
- Shaurya (missile) – It has a range of between 750 km (470 mi)-1,900 km (1,200 mi)
- Anti-Tank Guided Missiles
- Nag Anti-tank guided missile – ground and air-launched variant.
- The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks. It is a double-tiered system consisting of two interceptor missiles, namely the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception.[33][34]
- Artillery
- Under the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP) of 2010, the army plans to procure 3000 to 4000 pieces of artillery at the cost of ₹200 billion (US$2 billion). This includes purchasing 1580 towed, 814 mounted, 180 self-propelled wheeled, 100 self-propelled tracked, and 145 ultra-light 155 mm/39 calibre guns. The requirement for artillery guns would be met with indigenous development and production.[35] The FARP has resulted in a collaboration with Korea over the K-9 Vajra-T (an offshoot of the Korean K9 Thunder), some of which will be built domestically by Larsen & Toubro.[36] The K9 contract was signed in the midst of the failure of the Dhanush (howitzer) programme.[37] As well the fully indigenous towed artillery ATAGS howitzer had a successful field trials in spring 2022 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. It is produced by Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.[38]
- Small Arms
Earlier development efforts of the DRDO to meet the Indian Army's small arms requirements—namely the Excalibur rifle, which was meant to replace the INSAS rifle in service;[39] the Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS); and the Modern Sub Machine Carbine, a combined venture of ARDE & OFB to develop an assault carbine for the Indian Army based on a platform of experiences from the INSAS rifle—have been halted.
The Indian Army has chosen instead to procure 72,400 Sig Sauer SIG 716 G2 Patrol high-performance assault rifles for its frontline troops engaged in counter-militancy operations, and the Caracal CAR 816 to meet a requirement of 94,000 close quarter battle carbines.[40]
To meet the needs of the rest of its soldiers, the army has selected the Russian 7.62 mm AK-103/AK-203 assault rifle as a "Make in India" project to manufacture 650,000 rifles through a government-to-government agreement.[41]
- Vehicles
- Tata Motors offers a full range of 6×6, 8×8, and 12×12 multi-purpose high mobility carriers, designed especially for integrating specialist rocket and missile systems. The Tata 2038 6×6 vehicle platform has, after rigorous field-firing evaluation trials, been qualified by the Indian Army to carry the GRAD BM21 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) application.
- Mahindra Axe – Light utility vehicle to be purchased.
- The army needs 3,000 light support vehicles and 1600 heavy motor vehicles for mounting rockets and radar, and for reconnaissance and transportation, at a cost of Rs 15 billion.[42]
See also
- Centre for Land Warfare Studies
- List of serving generals of the Indian Army
- Paramilitary forces of India
- Army Day (India)
- Indian National Army
- Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions
- Army Red Football Club
- Army Green Football Club
References
- Citations
- ^ "How Indian Army's Military Intelligence Directorate works : Special Report – India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. 28 January 2012. Archived from the original on 31 October 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
- ^ "State govt allots land for NTRO in Borda village". IBNLive. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Know Your Army: Structure". Official Indian Army Web Portal. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
- ^ Richard Rinaldi; Ravi Rikhye (2010). Indian Army Order of Battle. General Data LLC. ISBN 978-0-9820541-7-8. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016.
- ^ "Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India". 10 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 October 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ "National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak)". nationalwarmemorial.gov.in. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
:1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "The mountain is now a molehill". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- ^ "More soldiers but weaker Army". dailypioneer.com. Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- ^ (Iiss), The International Institute of Strategic Studies (14 February 2020). The Military Balance 2020. Routledge, Chapman & Hall, Incorporated. ISBN 978-0-367-46639-8.
- ^ "General V K Singh takes over as new Indian Army chief". The Times of India. 31 March 2010. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2010.
- ^ Page, Jeremy. "Comic starts adventure to find war heroes" Archived 9 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. The Times (9 February 2008).
- ^ a b "Indian Army Rank Badges". indianarmy.nic.in. Indian Army. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "Army to adopt new combat fatigues next year". 15 January 2022.
- ^ "Indian Army Day 2022: Indian Army unveils new combat uniform with a digital disruptive pattern". Firstpost.com. 15 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ "Lighter fabric to unique pattern, here's how NIFT team created Indian Army's new combat uniform". The Indian Express. 18 January 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ "New Army Combat Uniforms for Troops Only Through Fixed Channels, Fabric Won't Be Sold in Open Market". News18. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ "Dr Seema Rao: India's First Female Combat Trainer, Fighting Stereotypes". Forbes India.
- ^ Indian Army must stop its discrimination against military nurses Archived 14 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine, Hindustan Times, 13 December 2017.
- ^ "Entry Schemes Women : Officers Selection – Join Indian Army". joinindianarmy.nic.in. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^ Pandit, Rajat (24 March 2014). "Army running low on ammunition". indiatimes.com. TNN. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
- ^ PTI. "HAL developing light choppers for high-altitude operations". The Hindu Business Line. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ^ Gautam Datt (13 October 2012). "Army to get attack helicopters: Defence Ministry". Mail Today (epaper). Archived from the original on 1 December 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
- ^ "DRDO's F-INSAS programme to be ready in two years". Defence News. 9 July 2013. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
- ^ "Night-vision devices for Indian Army approved". Zee News. 2 April 2013. Archived from the original on 8 June 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
- ^ "Army to get night vision devices worth over Rs 2,800 crore for its tanks and infantry combat vehicles". The Economic Times. 2 April 2013. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
- ^ Pandit, Rajat. "Army to raise 2 mountain units to counter Pak, China" Archived 28 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine. The Times of India, 7 February 2008. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
- ^ Rajat Pandit, Eye on China, is India adding muscle on East? Archived 28 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine 2 2009 July 0325hrs
- ^ "Arjun, Dhruv Get Thumbs Up From Indian Army Chief". Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ Shenoy, Ramnath. "India to test fly light combat helicopters shortly". Press Trust of India, 14 December 2009. Retrieved 4 January 2010. Archived 18 December 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Prahaar Missile to be test-fired on Sunday". Ibnlive.in.com. 17 July 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ The New GuardianIndia unveils an all new anti-ballistic missile expected to be the fore-runner of a sophisticated air defence system to thwart, among other threats, a Pakistani nuclear weapons attack
- ^ "India tests interceptor missile". 6 March 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
- ^ "155-mm gun contract: DRDO enters the fray". Business Standard India. Business-standard.com. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ Sharma, Aakriti (29 December 2020). "India Tightens Defense Ties With South Korea As Army Chief Looks To Fast-Tracks Defense Deals Amid China Tensions". The EurAsian Times.
- ^ "Indian Artillery Gun Dhanush Fails Trials Thirce In Three Months". defenseworld.net. 16 August 2017.
- ^ "Exclusive: Made in India rifles to replace INSAS". Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
- ^ Shiv Aroor (8 March 2020). "First Images Of Indian Army With Their New SIG716 Assault Rifles". Livefist Defence.com. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- ^ Shiv Aroor (1 November 2018). "Mega Made-In-India Kalashnikov Assault Rifle Deal Around The Corner". Livefist Defence.com. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- ^ "Indian Military News Headlines". Bharat-Rakshak.com. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
- Bibliography
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (2010). Hackett, James (ed.). The Military Balance 2010. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-85743-557-3.
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (7 March 2012). Hackett, James (ed.). The Military Balance 2012. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-85743-642-6.
- Praval, K.C. Praval Indian Army After Independence (3rd ed. 2013) excerpt and text search
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (3 February 2014). The Military Balance 2014. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-85743-722-5.
Further reading
- Wilkinson, Steven I. 2015. Army and Nation: The Military and Indian Democracy since Independence. Harvard University Press.
External links
| Leadership |
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organisation |
| ||||||||||||||
| Personnel | |||||||||||||||
| Operations | |||||||||||||||
| Equipment |
| ||||||||||||||
| Documents | |||||||||||||||
| Other topics | |||||||||||||||
| Leadership | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Components and Commands |
| ||||||||||
| Arms & Services |
| ||||||||||
| Military Academies |
| ||||||||||
| Other topics | |||||||||||
Arms and services of Indian Army | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat arms |
| | ||||
| Support services |
| |||||
| By commands |
| | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By number | ||||||||||||||
(*Currently assigned to Northern Command) | ||||||||||||||
| Education & training |
| ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tri Service | |||
| Indian Army | |||
| Indian Air Force | |||
| Indian Navy | |||
| Commandants | |||
| Examinations | |||
| Wartime | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peacetime | |||||||
| Distinguished service and gallantry |
| ||||||
| Service and campaign medals | |||||||
| Independence awards | |||||||
| Other awards | |||||||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
- 2022 in India
- 2022 in Indian politics
- 2023 in Indian politics
- September 2022 events in India
- Protests in India
- Controversies in India
- Political controversies in India
- Military of India
- Military education and training in India
- 1895 establishments in India
- Cantonments of India
- Defence agencies of India
- Military units and formations established in 1895
- Recipients of the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar