In a press conference ahead of Army Day on January 15, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Indian Army, highlighted India’s comprehensive readiness amid challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. He also addressed modernization, gender inclusivity, and the Army’s counter-terrorism efforts, painting a picture of determination and progress.
LAC Status and Buffer Zones
General Dwivedi stated that while the situation along the LAC is stable, it remains sensitive, requiring ongoing vigilance. Recent talks, including the December 5 Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meeting and December 18 Special Representative-level dialogue, saw progress in areas like Depsang and Demchok. However, the Army Chief acknowledged that building trust with China remains critical.
“The terrain has been altered by both sides. Temporary moratoriums in buffer zones are being maintained, but further dialogue is needed for long-term resolution,” he said. The Army continues robust winter deployments along the LAC, with troop levels to be reassessed in summer.
Modernization and New Systems
Highlighting advances in military technology, General Dwivedi discussed the success of the Zorawar light tank trials for high-altitude warfare, with plans for 354 tanks in the pipeline. Additionally, the Army is set to sign an ₹8,000-crore contract for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) this year, further bolstering its artillery capabilities.
Gender Neutrality and Inclusivity
In a landmark move, the Army plans to amend Section 12 of the Army Act to allow more women in other ranks, signaling a shift toward gender neutrality. Currently, 8,000 women serve as officers, with 1,700 undergoing training. General Dwivedi praised the contributions of women commanders and emphasized their unique capabilities.
“We need to be gender-neutral while recognizing the value women bring to the table,” he added.
Recruitment and Agniveer Program
The Agniveer program has seen the recruitment of 1,23,000 personnel so far, with positive feedback. However, the Army awaits Nepal’s decision on recruiting Gorkha Agniveers, which has been delayed due to political issues in Nepal.
Counter-Terrorism Success in Jammu & Kashmir
The Army’s counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir have made significant headway, with 73 terrorists neutralized recently. General Dwivedi pointed out that Pakistan’s efforts to fuel violence persist, but the deployment of 15,000 additional troops has curbed terror activity.
Regional Cooperation with Bangladesh
Touching on India’s ties with Bangladesh, the Army Chief reaffirmed the importance of strong military relations. Despite the cancellation of a joint exercise due to internal developments in Bangladesh, General Dwivedi emphasized ongoing cooperation. Regular communication with the Bangladeshi Army Chief and mutual efforts to combat border vulnerabilities remain a priority.
Strategic Focus Areas
• Manipur: Challenges persist, but seamless coordination between the Army and Assam Rifles offers hope for stability.
• Doklam & Yangtse: The Army maintains strong positions in these critical sectors, with improved coordination to address China-related concerns.
• Indian Navy Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation in Pangong Tso and the Indian Ocean Region includes plans for expanding amphibious task forces in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Border Area Development and Tourism
To boost awareness and tourism, the Army will launch the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website on January 15, enabling visits to forward areas. “Developing border regions is a priority, and we are working with the tourism department to make forward locations accessible,” General Dwivedi said.
Addressing Bureaucratic Challenges
The Army Chief candidly discussed delays in infrastructure projects, revealing that ₹900 crores allocated to the Army had to be returned due to approval delays from the Ministry of Environment. He urged faster clearances for projects critical to national security.
With a strong focus on modernization, operational readiness, and inclusivity, General Dwivedi delivered a message of resilience and determination: “Our mission is to ensure full-spectrum preparedness to safeguard national security.”
As India celebrates Army Day, the message is clear — the Indian Army stands ready to meet current and future challenges with strength and unity.
Comments
Post a Comment