Last year around this time, everyone in India was wondering if the Chinese would recommence their offensives this summer. The summer has come and gone. There has been no indication of any Chinese offensive intent. However, with the news filtering out that the Chinese have changed their Commander of WTC for the fourth time and that they are carrying out a large number of exercises, there is speculation in the air. The question is that whether the Chinese will take advantage of the situation in Afghanistan to once again attempt an incursion along the LAC to settle issues in their favour. In this context Aadi and I had a great discussion to examine whether China will undertake an offensive in the midst of the evolving situation in Afghanistan. The complexities involved are huge and the risks of success and failure are equally great. The question is will China take the risk to do so ?
As per reports the government is set to finalise the ‘Agnipath’ nee ‘Tour of Duty’ recruitment scheme, under which youth can enlist in the Army for three /five years and be known as ‘Agnivirs’. It is being envisaged that 25% of them would serve for three years and 25% for five years, the remaining 50% would serve for the full term till they reach the retirement age. This major reform is expected to significantly reduce the age profile of the Armed forces. This reform will also result in significant reduction of pensions. It will curb the ballooning salary and pension bills that are adversely impacting military modernization. Under this arrangement, after completing 3 or 5 years of service, the Army will help the soldier/officer to be recruited in other services. The soldiers would be given a pay-out along with priority in recruitment to certain government jobs, including the central armed police forces. An effort is also on to nudge corporate India into hiring such ...
A good analysis.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
2023-2024 is a good time to destabilise India. By then international memory on Covid would have receded.
Political game in Gilgit Pakistan is needed.