Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is embarking on a significant four-day visit to Nepal, starting today. The primary aim of this trip is to strengthen military ties between the two neighboring countries amid rising concerns over China’s influence in the region. However, the shadow of India’s Agnipath recruitment scheme casts a long pall over the visit, particularly regarding the recruitment of Nepal’s ethnic Gorkha community into the Indian Armed Forces.

Historically, Gorkhas from Nepal have served in the Indian Army for decades, with a notable partnership formalized in a tripartite agreement between Nepal, India, and Britain in 1947. This pact allows recruitment from the Gorkha community, which has a storied legacy of bravery and resilience, with a tradition of service that includes participation in many of India’s military conflicts. Currently, about 35,000 Nepali citizens serve in seven Gorkha regiments within the Indian Army.

The recent Agnipath scheme, introduced in September 2022, has significantly altered the recruitment landscape. Under this scheme, soldiers are engaged for a brief four-year period without the traditional provisions of a pension or other benefits for veterans. Instead, top-performing recruits may be retained, while others are given a one-time cash payment at the conclusion of their service. This shift has raised alarms in Nepal, which has opted to cease Gorkha recruitment, fearing that short-term military training could leave former soldiers vulnerable to being recruited by insurgents or mercenary groups.

Nepal, long affected by internal conflicts, has voiced concerns about the potential implications of the Agnipath scheme. Prominent military figures, including military historian Prem Singh Basnyat, have highlighted the risks associated with training soldiers who may end up susceptible to extremist groups. The Gorkha community, which has a historical connection to the Indian military, has seen a substantial reduction in recruitment, with reports indicating that India’s Army faces a shortfall of about 12,000 Nepali Gorkhas.

The stalled recruitment process has broader socio-economic effects as well. Nepali suppliers of khukuri knives—traditional weapons associated with Gorkha soldiers—have experienced a steep decline in business, with reports of sales plummeting by up to 60% as the despondency surrounding Gorkha recruitment continues.

During General Dwivedi’s visit, expectations are high for progress in discussions about rekindling the recruitment of Gorkhas into the Indian Army. This is especially critical in light of the intensified efforts by China to cultivate its relationship with Nepal, a factor recognized by military analysts. The visit represents a pivotal moment for both nations, with hopes that diplomatic engagements can lead to a mutually acceptable resolution to the recruitment standoff, thereby reinforcing their historic ties and enhancing regional stability amidst growing geopolitical challenges.

In a remarkable display of military coordination and capabilities, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force conducted a comprehensive joint exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahar,’ spread over nine days. This significant undertaking showcased their warfighting skills within near-real combat scenarios, underscoring the effectiveness of their collaboration in various operational domains.

The exercise emphasized the critical importance of joint structures for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid mobilization. It highlighted how seamlessly the forces could deploy and redeploy, further enhancing operational logistics. The successful execution of these tasks during the exercise reaffirmed the Indian Armed Forces’ exceptional combat capabilities, particularly their precision strike capabilities using state-of-the-art equipment.

Notably, the exercise demonstrated a robust integration among the three armed services. With the evolving nature of civil-military fusion seen as vital for achieving operational success, the participation of high-ranking officials such as Lt Gen RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding in Chief of Eastern Command, and Air Marshal IS Walia, Senior Staff Administrative Officer from Eastern Air Command, added to the exercise’s significance. They observed offensive maneuvers conducted in challenging mountainous terrains, supported by cutting-edge weaponry.

The Army Commander commended the precision and synchronization demonstrated by the troops during the exercise, stressing the necessity of joint operations to enhance the synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. For the first time, integrated joint operations were executed on a large scale within the Eastern Theatre, showcasing the might of the Indian Armed Forces.

Throughout the exercise, various advanced weapon systems were deployed, including the M-777 Howitzer, the Navy’s P-8I Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft, swarm drones, First Person View (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions. The incorporation of the latest helicopters, such as the Chinook and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, further amplified operational effectiveness.

During ‘Poorvi Prahar,’ the Indian Armed Forces executed complex operations that encompassed air, land, and sea components. The integration of three-dimensional warfare was significantly enhanced by new generation equipment, proving the forces’ precision and efficiency in difficult terrains and within a dense Electronic Warfare environment. In addition, the exercise featured tri-services combat free fall operations conducted by special forces on designated objectives, demonstrating advanced tactical capabilities.

This exercise not only stands as a testament to India’s dedication to maintaining a strong defense posture but also reflects the importance of synergy and integration within its armed forces. The successful execution of ‘Poorvi Prahar’ reinforces the operational readiness of the Indian military and assures citizens that the country is well-prepared to address any future security challenges.

In a significant address to a conference attended by top commanders of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in enhancing the IAF’s capabilities and capacity. He praised the unwavering dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the IAF in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, expressing confidence in their ability to adapt to the evolving challenges faced by the country.

During the conference, the Defence Minister received a comprehensive briefing on the IAF’s operational capabilities. He urged the commanders and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence to streamline the process of augmenting military capabilities, ensuring that these efforts align with national objectives and aspirations.

The ongoing conference has been marked by extensive discussions addressing key operational, administrative, and strategic matters. Senior leadership from the IAF engaged in constructive dialogues with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi. This gathering serves as an essential platform for the IAF’s senior management to tackle contemporary challenges and strategize future actions aimed at achieving operational excellence and fostering self-reliance in defense capabilities.

Attendees of the conference included Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr. Samir V Kamat, and Secretary of Defence Production Sanjay Kumar. Upon his arrival at the Air Headquarters, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was warmly welcomed by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, reinforcing the collaborative atmosphere of the event.

Today marks a significant day in India as voting will take place for Assembly elections across Maharashtra and select constituencies of Jharkhand. Polling is set to commence at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, with votes expected to be counted on November 23. This event is significant as Maharashtra’s election encompasses 288 Assembly seats, while Jharkhand’s holds 81. The electoral contest in Maharashtra is particularly noteworthy, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena-NCP ‘Mahayuti’ alliance aims to retain its governing power against the opposing ‘Maha Vikas Aghadi’ coalition formed by the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Nationalist Congress Party. In Jharkhand, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) from the INDIA bloc seeks to secure a consecutive term in office.

In conjunction with the elections, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is set to begin a four-day visit to Nepal. This visit aims to enhance defense and strategic partnerships between the two nations while also reviewing the current regional security landscape. During his stay in Kathmandu, General Dwivedi is anticipated to receive the honorary title of “General of the Nepal Army” from President Ramchandra Paudel, a long-standing tradition reflecting the strong military ties between India and Nepal, a nation that holds strategic relevance for India.

Today will also see bypolls taking place in 14 Assembly constituencies spread across Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Initially scheduled for November 13, the elections were postponed following requests from various political parties, including the BJP and Congress, demanding a change in polling dates. The constituencies involved in today’s bypolls include Palakkad in Kerala, and several seats in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

In a separate development, labor unions in Greece have organized a general strike to protest against the rising cost of living, demanding higher wages and better employment conditions. Both public and private sectors will participate, leading to significant disruptions in public transport and planned rallies across major cities, including central Athens. The strike underscores the public’s concerns over economic pressures and critical shortages in healthcare, with hospital doctors also joining the protests.

On the technological front, SpaceX is preparing for the sixth launch of its Starship rocket system today, marking another step in its ambitious space exploration plans. Scheduled to take place at 3:30 AM IST from SpaceX’s Starbase in South Texas, the mission aims to replicate the successful mid-air recovery of the Super Heavy booster accomplished in the previous test flight.

As events unfold throughout the day, it is clear that November 20 holds substantial importance, with key elections in India, international military cooperation, labor movements in Greece, and advancements in space technology taking center stage.

In a remarkable display of responsiveness and dedication, a diving team from the Indian Navy successfully rescued a seriously injured woman following a collision involving a speedboat in the Mahanadi River. The incident occurred near the Bali Yatra maritime trade fair ground in Odisha, where the Navy team was conducting reconnaissance as part of preparations for the upcoming Bali Yatra 2024.

According to officials from the Eastern Naval Command, the diving team witnessed the accident and quickly took action. The injured woman was retrieved from the river and, employing the ‘buddy carry’ technique, was transported over a distance of more than a kilometer to the nearest police help center. The ‘buddy carry’ technique, commonly utilized by armed forces, involves one personnel carrying another on their back, enabling swift movement in emergency situations.

Given the absence of an ambulance at the scene, the Navy team took the additional step of securing an autorickshaw to ensure the woman reached SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as swiftly as possible. Their decisive actions not only saved her life but also underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to public service and welfare, reflecting their readiness to respond to emergencies beyond their primary military duties.

The incident took place against the backdrop of the Bali Yatra Festival, which was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Moham Manjhi on November 15 and runs until November 22. This annual event, celebrating the maritime trade history of Odisha, highlights the significant maritime traditions of the region.

The Indian Navy’s prompt and effective response has been widely praised, showcasing their role not just as a defense force but as a vital part of the community’s safety and well-being.

In a recent address at the Indian Air Force (IAF) commanders’ conference in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the necessity for the IAF to adapt continually to the evolving challenges in the defense landscape. He underscored the importance of enhancing the processes of capability and capacity-building within the IAF, advocating for increased efficiency and effectiveness in these efforts.

Singh called upon the armed forces to put a stronger focus on executing projects in a timely manner. This approach aims to address both immediate operational challenges and contribute to long-term strategic planning aligned with national goals and aspirations. A key theme of his address was the efficient utilization of resources through enhanced ‘jointness’ and synergy among the Army, Navy, and IAF, especially in light of the forthcoming establishment of tri-Service theatre commands. This integration is seen as essential for creating a more cost-effective and coordinated approach to war-fighting.

During the conference, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and his commanders briefed the minister on the operational readiness and capabilities of the IAF. The IAF remains strategically positioned along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control with China, with comprehensive deployments that include aircraft, helicopters, surface-to-air missile systems, and radar systems.

Looking ahead, Singh is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, during the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Vientiane from November 20 to 22. This meeting follows the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops at the remaining face-off sites of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, which has allowed for the resumption of coordinated patrolling in these areas.

Despite these developments, a significant challenge remains. India’s request for the de-escalation and withdrawal of over 50,000 People’s Liberation Army troops currently stationed in eastern Ladakh, along with an additional 90,000 deployed across Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, is still pending acceptance by China.

In a show of readiness, the Indian armed forces have recently conducted the ‘Poorvi Prahar’ exercise in the eastern theatre. This extensive drill involved a variety of assets, including fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, weaponized Rudra helicopters, M-777 ultra-light howitzers, as well as Special Forces and infantry troops, highlighting India’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture in the region.