Indian Military Largest Armed Forces

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Ministry of Defence

03 -January, 2018 03:57IST


Largest Armed Forces

India has adequate number of armed forces personnel to safeguard its borders.Procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.

Capital procurement of defence equipment is carried out as per the extant defence procurement procedure. During the last three years and current year (upto 30.11.2017), 119 contracts involving Rs.1,16,522.89 crore have been signed with Indian vendors and 68 contracts involving Rs.1,24,291.33 crore have been signed with foreign vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces. The expenditure on purchase of defence equipment from Indian and foreign vendors is incurred from allocated Capital Budget. The Budget allocation and the expenditure on capital acquisition during last three years are given below:

(Rs. in Crore)

Year
Revised Estimate
Expenditure(Capital Acquisition)

2014-15
66151.73
65862.38

2015-16
65400.00
62235.54

2016-17
62619.36
68252.87

Government is pursuing initiatives to achieve higher levels of indigenisation and self-reliance in the defence sector by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector industries in the country. These measures include according priority and preference to procurement from Indian vendors and liberalized licensing regime.

Government has also promulgated the policy on Strategic Partnership in the defence Sector which is intended to institutionalise a transparent and objective mechanism to encourage broader participation of the private sector in manufacture of major defence platforms and equipment.


This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to ShriDibyenduAdhikariin Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

New Delhi, January 05, 2018 21:57 IST
Updated: January 05, 2018 22:00 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ivil-parity/article22378450.ece?homepage=true

The Defence Ministry has with immediate effect withdrawn its contentious letter of 2016 which lowered the functional equivalence of armed forces personnel with respect to their civilian counterparts in the Armed Forces Headquarters. The orders were issued on Friday by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The letter had caused severe disgruntlement among the services and prompted the government to appoint a committee to give recommendations on the issue.

“The Ministry of Defence letter dated October 18, 2016 on the issue of equivalence between Armed Forces Officers and Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (AFHQ CS) Officers is withdrawn,” the Ministry said in a statement.

In the letter, the Defence Ministry had defined the rank equation between a civilian officer and serving military officer based on duties and functional responsibilities.

As per that a Principal Director is equivalent to a Major General, a Director is equivalent to a Brigadier and a Joint Director is equivalent to a Colonel. This effectively lowered the ranks by one notch as earlier a Colonel was considered equivalent to a Director.

Following protests from the armed forces, the Defence Ministry had constituted a three-member committee to look into the issue but the report was never submitted to the Ministry. The issue then went up to the Defence Minister for a resolution.

“So far as the channel of reporting/rendition of Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) is concerned, status quo ante is hereby restored, i.e., the position which existed prior to the issue of MoD letter dated October 18, 2016 shall prevail,” the statement noted.

The government has recently approved cadre review of AFHQ and this would be implemented and designations to be created as a result of the additional posts sanctioned by the Union Cabinet for the civilian cadre will be done in “consultation with Service Headquarters (HQ).”

“Local designations assigned to both service and civilian officers in service headquarters/ Inter Service Organisations (ISOs) is hereby withdrawn. Both service and civilian officers will use their respective cadre designations only,” the statement added.

 

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...er-security/story-xGgVRF7YNfx8MJFP7G5DgP.html
While underlining the need for modern technological means, the standing committee on external affairs expressed its concern over poor roads in border areas.
india Updated: Jan 06, 2018 13:02 IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi

A parliamentary panel has asked the government to establish an institutionalised mechanism for better security coordination, particularly along the Pakistan border.

In its latest report to Parliament, the standing committee on external affairs pitched for an institutionalised mechanism for coordination in maritime security to counter sea borne threats.

It also wants a new mechanism between the different wings of the military.

“In order to bolster comprehensive security of our border with all neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, the government should establish a joint coordination mechanism of all the three services — the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and the security forces guarding the borders,” said the report.

The panel headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor wants the Centre to “take tangible steps to strengthen and modernise border security”.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is an MP from Amethi, is also a member of the committee.

India has suffered a number of terror attacks in the recent past, including the one on a BSF camp in Pulwama and the attack on an airbase in Pathankot.

While experts have argued in favour of resumption of dialogue at the top level, they have also called for strengthening the security mechanism.

While underlining the need for modern technological means, including sophisticated electronic sensors and powerful satellites, the panel expressed its concern over poor road conditions in border areas.

It asked the government “to ensure proper and all-weather connectivity roads along the border in order to strengthen border security”.

 

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...for-general-rank-officers/article22391663.ece

Faced with long delays in the promotion of General rank officers — Major Generals and Lieutenant Generals — the Army has approved a revised promotion policy. While capping annual vacancies at 75% for the next four years, the new policy will also allow Lieutenant Generals with just 18 months of residual service to be considered for posting as Army Commanders instead of the existing 24 months.

“The new promotion policy approved in the last week of December was promulgated based on the recommendations from an expert committee and Army’s own consultations which have been approved by the Defence Ministry. The policy aims to reduce the ages of senior commanders, enhance transparency and stability in the higher ranks and appointments,” an official source told The Hindu.

Over the past several years, the Army has been facing a unique situation where many crucial staff positions have been vacant as eligible officers had not completed their command tenures due to increased officer pool at the mid-level and delays in holding subsequent promotion boards. This had increased the overall age of the officers compared to their counterparts in the Navy and Air Force.

Expert panel advice
To address the issue, the Defence Ministry constituted a two member committee of retired officers mandated to interact with all stakeholders and give their recommendations on revising the promotion policy.

The key measures in the revised policy include a clearly defined roadmap of conducting Selection Boards in a shorter timeframe for a brief period and calculation of vacancies based on actual exits in a year.

“To take care of the immediate situation, a cap of 75% of the annual vacancies will be implemented for a brief period of four years to achieve a reduction of average age bracket by one year,” the source stated.

Other features include consideration of all affected officers as per common yardstick and promotion of different streams as per common seniority. Officials said that the measure reducing the qualifying residual service for Army Commanders from 24 months to 18 months will “provide a larger pool of competent officers.”

Brushing aside speculation that this was done to benefit two officers, several officers said the measures had been recommended in the past by the MoD and Service Chiefs as well. “This was one of the recommendations of the expert committee,” one officer noted.

Officials also clarified that while there would be a slight reduction in vacancies in the short term, it was essential for organisational efficiency and the situation “would stabilise within four years.”

The new policy comes into immediate effect and all selection boards to be held from now on would be as per provisions of the new policy.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
14-January, 2018 17:47 IST
Message of The COAS on Army Day 2018

On the occasion of the Army Day 2018, I extend my felicitations and best wishes to all Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and Other ranks of the Army, the Civilian employees, our Veer Naris, Veterans and families.

On this occasion, we remain committed as a force capable of meeting the challenges, that may confront us, with each soldier dedicated to uphold the dignity of our Service. I wish to also pay homage to our brave martyrs, whose courage and sacrifice, in the line of duty shall continue to inspire us to rededicate ourselves with renewed fervour.

As we introspect and reflect on the year gone by, take stock of the security situation and plan for the challenges that lie ahead; 2017 has seen the Indian Army actively involved in operations both on the borders and in the hinterland. Our soldiers have given a befitting response to the adversary along the borders. Our conduct in Counter Terrorist operations has been professional, whilst at the same time, upholding the values associated with Human Rights. The improved security situation in J&K and the North East is result of continued selfless commitment of our rank and file in difficult and challenging situations. Our response in providing succour to our countrymen has been prompt, resulting in saving valuable lives. I can say with conviction that the Nation is proud of their Army and have always encouraged us in accomplishing our objectives with honour and pride.

While operational effectiveness to meet future challenges will remain our primary focus, contribution to nation building initiatives remains an abiding theme. Indian Army’s bilateral engagements with other armies of the world are increasing and so is military diplomacy gaining ground. Our contribution to international peace in UN missions continues to earn international appreciation.

The future challenges continue to demand greater commitment from the Indian Army. While we focus towards infusion of technology for better capabilities in our weapon systems, we should continue to upgrade the required training benchmarks for optimal exploitation of these systems. Jointmanship and integration of available resources would remain to be the fundamentals for success on the battlefield.

The Indian Army prides itself in upholding core national values and ethos. I am confident that we shall live up to the trust reposed in us and continue to meet the aspirations of an emerging India.

As worthy soldiers of this Great Nation, let us rededicate ourselves and strengthen our resolve in the service of our nation.

JAI HIND



Col Aman Anand



*********

The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt. Gen. Satish Dua along with the veterans from the Army, Navy and the Air Force paying homage to the martyrs, on the occasion of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi on January 14, 2018.

Ministry of Defence
14-January, 2018 15:35 IST


Dr Bhamre assures Armed Forces Veterans the nation stands with them

Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is being celebrated by the Armed Forces across the country today, as a mark of respect and commitment towards the veterans. Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhambre inaugurated the main event at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. This Day is commemorated in the memory of first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal K M Cariappa becoming a veteran in 1953.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Bhamre said, “Nation is proud of your selfless devotion to duty and the sacrifices made by each one of you. I can say it with conviction that it is only due to our formidable Armed Forces, each and every citizen of ‘INDIA’, today is brimming with unstinted faith and confidence to face the world with pride.” The RRM assured the veterans the whole country appreciate their sacrifices towards the Nation and said, “I can assure you all that your sacrifice in service to the motherland though is un-parallel and cannot be compensated at any cost, but we shall strive to put in our best to ensure that we stand with you at all times.”

Earlier, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt Gen Satish Dua laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti along with veterans from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. Rallies have been held at eight stations, namely New Delhi, Allahabad, Mumbai, Port Blair, Pune, Lucknow, Jalandhar and Jaipur to mark the occasion.

A large number of agencies involved in veterans’ affairs such as Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Veterans’ Directorates of the three Services as well as pension sanctioning and pension disbursing agencies had set up stalls to redress problems being faced by the veterans’ and their families. In addition to that nationalised banks had also put up stalls to help the veterans.

A new and improved version of the ECHS Card was released by the RRM on the occasion. Secretary, Ex Servicemen Welfare Smt Sanjeevanee Kutty spoke to the gathering about the new initiatives being undertaken to ameliorate problems being faced by Ex-Servicemen.

The function was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and senior officials of the Armed Forces & Ministry of Defence.



NAo/NM/DK/Rajib

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebration, in New Delhi on January 14, 2018. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa and the Secretary, Ex. Servicemen Welfare, Smt. Sanjeevanee Kutty are also seen.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre releasing the New and Improved Version of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, ECHS Card, at the inauguration of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebration, in New Delhi on January 14, 2018. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt. Gen. Satish Dua and the Secretary, Ex. Servicemen Welfare, Smt. Sanjeevanee Kutty are also seen.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebration, in New Delhi on January 14, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Army Day celebrations | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

PTI
New Delhi, January 15, 2018 11:55 IST
Updated: January 15, 2018 11:55 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-pm-greet-troops-on-army-day/article22441890.ece


Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Field Marshal K M Cariappa’s taking over as the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the officers and troops of the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day.

“On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to families of those who have worn the uniform. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant #PresidentKovind,” the official Twitter handle of the President of India read.

Mr. Modi saluted the Army personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation and said every citizen of the country has “unwavering trust and pride” in the Indian Army.

“On Army Day, I convey greetings to the soldiers, veterans and their families. Every citizen of India has unwavering trust and pride in our Army, which protects the nation and is also at the forefront of humanitarian efforts during times of natural disasters and other accidents,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

“Our Army always puts the nation first. I salute all those great individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. India will never forget our valiant heroes,” the PM added.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark Field Marshal K M Cariappa’s taking over as the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher in 1949.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...reas-to-get-daily-rations/article22499768.ece

Jawans stand guard near the LoC in Machil sector, 200 km north of Srinagar. File photo



Army officers posted in peace stations in Counter Insurgency (CI) areas will now get daily rations. The latest order reverses the Seventh Pay Commission (SPC) orders for cash instead of rations for some officers.

“It is clarified that units deployed in Peace (CI) will be treated at par with units deployed in forward areas. Therefore, officers can draw entitled rations as hither-to-fore…” the Quartermaster General’s branch in the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) said in a letter dated January 08, 2018.

This means that officers posted in places like Srinagar will get daily rations as it is a peacetime CI location, one officer explained.

This letter is a clarification to an earlier letter issued on November 29, 2017 which said that “post implementation of SPC report officer’s rations in peace stations in kind has been discontinued.” Instead an allowance per fixed was fixed to paid in the monthly salary.

An exception to continue rations in peace stations was made for officer patients in military hospitals, special rations issued to air crew and personnel performing duties with the Air Force and officer cadets undergoing training at various training academies of the three services. Officer messes were also allowed to draw rations on payment for officers during exercises and training. However, the November 2017 had specifically stated that officers rations “in peace stations in CI and remote areas has been discontinued.”

“However, if required, Command Headquarters are requested to identify such areas and forward a case for change of status of such areas from peace stations to forward with Adjutant General’s (AG) branch,” the letter had stated.

One official said that it was widely felt a blanket exemption was required as there were to many such cases.