Army Chief General Manoj Pande is set to embark on a significant visit to the United States aimed at further solidifying the bilateral strategic partnership and fostering enhanced military collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

Scheduled from February 13 to 16, General Pande’s visit coincides with discussions on the joint production of Stryker armoured fighting vehicles, marking a significant stride in expanding defence-industrial cooperation between the two nations.

During his visit, General Pande is slated to engage in comprehensive discussions with US Army Chief General Randy George and other senior officials on a wide array of issues. These discussions will encompass military transformation, co-production initiatives, and strategic challenges such as China’s expansionist behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

Additionally, General Pande will visit several esteemed military establishments, including the Army Geospatial Centre at Fort Belvoir, the National Defence University at Fort McNair, and frontline Stryker and Special Forces units.

The joint manufacture of the eight-wheeled Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles emerged as a focal point of discussions during the two-plus-two ministerial dialogue held on November 10.

The plan involves co-producing Stryker vehicles, leveraging existing Indian capabilities to enhance firepower and rapid mobility on the battlefield.

Furthermore, final commercial negotiations for the co-production of GE-F414 jet engines for Tejas Mark-II fighters, with a significant transfer of technology, are already underway, with a contract between Hindustan Aeronautics and General Electric expected to be signed imminently.

Moreover, India’s proposed acquisition of 31 MQ-98 high-altitude, long-endurance drones, including 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and 8 Sky Guardians each for the Army and the IAF, has gained momentum. The Biden administration’s formal notification to the US Congress about the $3.9 billion procurement on February 1 underscores the advancing collaboration between the two countries.

Under the bilateral defence-industrial cooperation roadmap finalized last June, priority areas such as air combat and support, ISR systems, ground mobility systems, undersea domain awareness, and smart munitions have been identified for technology collaboration and co-production.

Additionally, efforts are underway to finalize the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), a crucial element in integrating defence-industrial ecosystems and strengthening supply chain resilience.

Similarly, a Reciprocal Defence Procurement agreement is also in the pipeline, signalling a deepening of defence ties between India and the US. While progress is evident, further negotiations and discussions are anticipated to materialize these agreements in the near future, underscoring the commitment of both nations to fostering robust defence cooperation and ensuring regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The Indian Army has embarked on a comprehensive study aimed at refining the selection process for senior officers holding the ranks of colonels, brigadiers, major generals, and lieutenant generals.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the initiative focuses on scrutinizing the existing policy governing the selection of officers for these esteemed ranks and exploring potential enhancements to optimize the process.

The study, initiated approximately two years ago, remains a work in progress, underscoring the Army’s commitment to modernizing its recruitment and promotion strategies in line with evolving military roles and technological advancements.

With a workforce numbering 1.2 million, the Indian Army stands as the largest and most manpower-intensive service in the country.

At the heart of the endeavour lies the imperative to strike a balance between the growing demand for specialized skills and expertise and the traditional military roles fulfilled by officers at various hierarchical levels.

The selection process commences at the colonel level, with subsequent selection boards convened for higher ranks of major general and lieutenant general.

However, the competition for these coveted positions intensifies due to a fixed number of vacancies at each rank. Presently, there are approximately 7,200 vacancies across these ranks, encompassing around 90 positions of lieutenant generals, 300 of major generals, 1,200 of brigadiers, and 5,600 of colonels.

This fierce competition is juxtaposed against the overall strength of officers, spanning from the entry level of lieutenant to general, which stands at around 43,000.

The current selection system, instituted in December 2008 with revisions implemented in 2011, is under review after a five-year interval to ensure its relevance and efficacy. The assessment framework employs a quantified approach, with a total of 100 marks allocated for evaluation.

Notably, 95 marks are assigned based on confidential reports, courses undertaken, and gallantry awards received. The remaining five marks are subject to assessment by board members, who consider the officers’ overall profiles, including unquantified attributes.

Confidential reports hold paramount importance in the evaluation process, with their significance escalating from lower selection boards (lieutenant colonel to colonel), where they contribute to 89 marks, to higher echelons such as SB2 (colonel to brigadier), SB1 (brigadier to major general), and special SB (major general to lieutenant general), where they account for 93.5 marks.

This concerted effort underscores the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to fostering a meritocratic and efficient selection process that ensures the appointment of capable and competent leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of modern warfare and uphold the nation’s defence interests with utmost proficiency and dedication.

In a solemn yet prestigious ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu graced the ceremonial change-over of the Army Guard Battalion stationed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday.

Amidst the backdrop of tradition and honour, the 6th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment concluded its tenure as the ceremonial Army Guard Battalion, symbolically transferring the mantle to the 1st Battalion of the 5th Gorkha Rifles.

Rotating infantry units of the Army assume the role of the ceremonial Army Guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan, embodying the essence of duty and allegiance.

These battalions stand at the forefront during significant national events, including the Guard of Honour for dignitaries, the Republic Day parade, the Independence Day parade, and the Beating the Retreat Ceremony, in addition to safeguarding the Rashtrapati Bhavan through ceremonial guard duties.

In her address, President Murmu extended her heartfelt appreciation to the officers and soldiers of the 6th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment. She lauded their unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of military traditions and acknowledged their dedicated service at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming the 1st Battalion of the 5th Gorkha Rifles, President Murmu expressed her confidence in their ability to uphold the esteemed legacy of the Army Guard Battalion. She emphasized their pivotal role in setting a new benchmark during their tenure, drawing upon their illustrious history spanning 166 years.

The incoming 1st Battalion of the 5th Gorkha Rifles traces its origins back to May 22, 1858.

Throughout its distinguished history, the unit has participated valiantly in both World Wars, earning numerous accolades for acts of bravery and exemplary service to the nation.

The ceremonial transition not only marks the continuity of duty but also signifies the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice embodied by the Indian Armed Forces.

As the 1st Battalion of the 5th Gorkha Rifles assumes its responsibilities at Rashtrapati Bhavan, it carries forward a legacy of honour, courage, and dedication, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s highest seat of power with utmost vigilance and pride.

In a concerted effort aimed at fostering the development of villages nestled along India’s northern borders, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has issued directives to local Army formations to assist in the rehabilitation of Nelang and Jadhang villages in Uttarakhand, situated near the border with China.

These villages, once inhabited until the outbreak of the 1962 war with China, saw their residents relocating to areas in Uttarkashi and neighbouring regions.

However, in recent years, a focused initiative to fortify the border villages has been underway, spurred by the Vibrant Villages program initiated by the Narendra Modi government. Under this program, villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) spanning Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are being developed.

“Operation Sadbhavna has also been extended to these areas, empowering Army formations to engage in activities supporting village welfare. The CDS has specifically instructed local Army units to contribute to the rehabilitation efforts in Nelang and Jadhang villages,” disclosed defense officials to ANL.

These directives were conveyed during the CDS’s recent visit to border areas in Uttarakhand, recognized as the central sector along the LAC.

The task of village development, now being referred to as the primary villages of the nation on the border, has been entrusted to a core team comprising central and state agencies alongside local Army units, ITBP battalions, and civilian entities.

However, challenges abound in this endeavor. Identifying the original inhabitants of these villages, vacated during the 1962 exodus, poses a significant hurdle.

“The first issue is about identification of original citizens of these villages as the natives moved out in 1962, and now it is a tough task to identify the rest inheritors of the land vacated by them. Many of the owners have died since then,” highlighted officials.

Moreover, the revival of commercial activities is imperative to enable villagers to sustain themselves locally. The Army aims to bolster tourism prospects by enhancing infrastructure and promoting activities like stargazing, leveraging the region’s pristine skies and high altitude.

Efforts are also underway to revitalize cultural festivals such as the Jadh festival in Jadhang village, with plans to support the construction of local temples and facilitate community events.

With improved road connectivity and the shift of Army units to forward areas, the stage is set for the economic rejuvenation of these villages, unlocking their tourism potential.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 11,000 feet, Nelang and Jadhang villages stand as picturesque gems in Uttarakhand, poised for a transformation that could redefine their futures and elevate their significance in the region’s landscape.