The CASA webinar on the US Presidential elections and its implications for India was interesting. The discussion with Lt Gen Gautam Moorthy, Ambassador Gurjit Singh and Prof Michael Rubin was frank and free. It emerges that the 'unknown' Harris could sandpaper the India US strategic partnership with human rights issues and centerstage fringe activism on Khalistan and Kashmir while the 'known' Trump will rub us hard on trade and a higher level of cooperation. India's handling of Trump 1.0 will stand it in good stead going ahead. One issue we need to remember - Kamala 'Chitti' is not an Indian candidate for the US presidency. Her Indian ancestry will make her behave more 'American' than normal Americans. India has the band width to deal with either and is already putting in place the blocks on which to steer the listing India US strategic partnership back to safe shores.
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 ...
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