Background of the Operation Kaveri

Sudan has been plagued by conflicts and instability for decades, with two civil wars between the central government and the southern regions, a continuing conflict in the western region of Darfur, and several military coups and protests. In 2019, a popular uprising led by the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) toppled the long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir and paved the way for a power-sharing agreement between the military and civilian forces. The agreement established a transitional government headed by General al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, with a mandate to hold democratic elections by 2024.

However, on 15 April 2023, the RSF, a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemeti), launched a surprise attack on multiple Sudanese Army bases across the country, including in the capital Khartoum. The RSF claimed to have captured key strategic locations such as Khartoum International Airport, Merowe Airport, El Obeid Airport, and a base in Soba. Clashes between RSF and Army forces erupted at the Presidential Palace and at the residence of General al-Burhan, with both sides claiming control over the two sites. The RSF accused the transitional government of corruption, mismanagement, and betrayal of the revolution, while the Army denounced the RSF as traitors and coup plotters.

The violence and chaos triggered a humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions of people were trapped without access to basic services such as food, water, electricity, health care, and communication. The United Nations estimated that more than 1.5 million people were displaced and more than 2,000 people were killed or injured due to the conflict. The international community condemned the coup attempt and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to civilian rule.

Role of Indian Air Force in Operation Kaveri

India has close historical and cultural ties with Sudan, where more than 4,000 Indians live and work, mainly in Khartoum. India also has significant economic interests in Sudan, where it has invested in oil exploration, infrastructure development, agriculture, education, health care, and capacity building. India has also contributed to peacekeeping missions in Sudan under the UN umbrella.

As soon as the conflict erupted in Sudan, India expressed its deep concern over the situation and urged all parties to exercise restraint and respect the democratic transition process. India also activated its contingency plan to evacuate its citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan as soon as possible. India named its evacuation operation as Operation Kaveri, after the river that flows through southern India.

The IAF played a crucial role in Operation Kaveri by providing airlift support for the evacuees from Sudan to Saudi Arabia and India. The IAF deployed two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on standby in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as part of preparations for evacuation. The C-130J is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that can carry up to 92 passengers or 64 paratroopers. It can operate from short and unprepared runways and can perform various missions such as airlift, airdrop, air-to-air refueling, special operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief,
and medical evacuation.

The IAF also coordinated with other friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey to facilitate its evacuation operations. On 25 April 2023, Saudi Arabia safely evacuated 91 foreign nationals from Port Sudan by sea, out of which 66 were from friendly countries including India. The evacuees were transported by an Indian Navy ship INS Sumedha to Jeddah. On 27 April 2023, Turkey allowed an IAF C-130J aircraft to land at Wadi Seidna Air Base near Khartoum to evacuate 121 Indian nationals. The flight was dangerous, as fighting was going on in the area and a Turkish plane had come under fire there earlier. The IAF pilots used their onboard electro-optical and infrared sensors to ensure that the runway was free of obstructions and no hostile forces were in the vicinity.

The IAF continued its evacuation operations till 6 May 2023, when it brought the final batch of 47 passengers home by a C-130J flight from Jeddah. The IAF successfully evacuated a total of 3,862 people from Sudan, out of which 3,741 were Indian nationals and 121 were foreign nationals from 18 countries. The IAF also transported essential supplies such as food, water, medicines, and blankets to the evacuees in Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

The IAF played a vital role in Operation Kaveri by providing airlift support for the evacuees from Sudan to Saudi Arabia and India. The IAF displayed its professionalism, courage, and humanitarian spirit by conducting the evacuation operations in a timely, efficient, and safe manner. The IAF also demonstrated its operational readiness, strategic reach, and interoperability with other friendly forces by operating from different locations and platforms. The IAF earned the gratitude and appreciation of the Indian government, the evacuees, and the international community for its role in Operation Kaveri.

Origins and Evolution of Dog-Fighting

The first recorded instance of plane-on-plane combat occurred during the Mexican Revolution in 1913, between two American mercenaries fighting for opposing sides. However, neither pilot wanted to harm the other, so they exchanged pistol fire without hitting each other². The first true dog-fights took place during World War I, when aircraft were initially used for reconnaissance and observation. As the war progressed, pilots began to arm their planes with machine guns and engage in aerial duels with enemy planes. The term dog-fight was coined by British pilots who compared the chaotic and fast-paced nature of these battles to a melee between dogs³.

During World War I, some of the most famous dog-fighters were Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron), Eddie Rickenbacker, René Fonck, and Billy Bishop. They developed and refined various tactics and maneuvers to gain an advantage over their opponents, such as the Immelmann turn, the split-S, the barrel roll, and the scissors⁴. These maneuvers involved changing the direction, speed, altitude, and angle of attack of the aircraft to achieve a better position for firing or evading. The main factors that determined the outcome of a dog-fight were the pilot’s skill, situational awareness, and aircraft performance.

Dog-fighting continued to be a dominant form of air combat during World War II, despite the introduction of more advanced technologies such as radar, radio communication, and jet engines. Some of the most famous dog-fights of this era were the Battle of Britain, the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of Kursk. Some of the most renowned dog-fighters of this era were Erich Hartmann (the Black Devil), Richard Bong (the Ace of Aces), Saburo Sakai (the Samurai), and Chuck Yeager (the first man to break the sound barrier). They used various tactics and maneuvers to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of their aircraft and their enemies’, such as the boom-and-zoom, the energy trap, the high yo-yo, and the low yo-yo. These maneuvers involved managing the energy state of the aircraft, which is a combination of its speed and altitude, to maintain an advantage over the opponent.

Dog-fighting declined in importance and frequency after World War II, as air combat shifted to longer ranges and higher altitudes with the development of BVR missiles, radar-guided guns, and electronic warfare systems. Some of the few instances of dog-fighting that occurred during this period were the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Arab-Israeli conflicts, and the Indo-Pakistani wars. Some of the most notable dog-fighters of this period were James Jabara (the first jet ace), Giora Epstein (the ace of aces among jet pilots), Randy Cunningham (the only American ace of Vietnam), and Abhinandan Varthaman (the hero of Balakot). They used various tactics and maneuvers to counter or evade enemy missiles and radars, such as chaffs, flares, jammers, notching, beaming, and crank. These tactics involved deceiving or avoiding enemy sensors and weapons systems to survive or engage.

Current Status and Future Prospects of Dog-Fighting

Dog-fighting is largely considered obsolete in modern air combat operations due to the dominance of BVR missiles and stealth technology. Most air forces rely on these capabilities to achieve air superiority and strike targets without engaging in close-range combat. However, some scenarios may still require dog-fighting skills, such as when BVR missiles fail or are depleted, when the rules of engagement prohibit firing at long ranges, when the enemy has similar or superior technology, or when the mission involves air policing or air show. Therefore, some air forces still train and practice dog-fighting as a contingency plan or a demonstration of flying proficiency.

The future of dog-fighting may depend on the development of new technologies and doctrines that may change the nature and dynamics of air combat. Some of these technologies include hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, swarm drones, and laser weapons. Some of these doctrines include network-centric warfare, multi-domain operations, and distributed lethality. These technologies and doctrines may create new challenges and opportunities for dog-fighting, such as faster and more agile targets, autonomous and cooperative adversaries, and more diverse and dispersed threats. Therefore, dog-fighting may not be completely irrelevant in the future, but may require new skills and strategies to adapt to the changing environment.

Dog-fighting is a form of aerial combat between fighter aircraft at close range. It originated during World War I and evolved through World War II and the Cold War. It declined in importance and frequency after World War II due to the development of BVR missiles and stealth technology. However, it is still taught and practiced by some air forces as a last resort option or a demonstration of flying proficiency. The future of dog-fighting may depend on the development of new technologies and doctrines that may change the nature and dynamics of air combat.

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The IAF has undergone several modernization and expansion programs to enhance its capabilities and meet the challenges of the changing security environment. The IAF operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transporters, helicopters, trainers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The IAF also has a range of air defence systems, including missiles, radars, and electronic warfare systems. In this note, we will highlight some of the advanced capabilities of the IAF that make it one of the most formidable air forces in the world.

Fighter Aircraft

The IAF operates a mix of indigenous and imported fighter aircraft that can perform various roles such as air superiority, ground attack, interception, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Some of the advanced fighter aircraft in the IAF inventory are:

Rafale: The Rafale is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by France’s Dassault Aviation. It is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a high degree of agility and stealth. The Rafale can carry a variety of weapons, including MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile². The IAF has ordered 36 Rafales from France and received the first batch of six aircraft in July 2020. The Rafale will enhance the IAF’s strike capability and provide an edge over its adversaries.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI: The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, super-maneuverable fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and customized for India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is one of the most advanced variants of the Su-30 family and can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a high degree of accuracy and survivability. The Su-30MKI can carry a variety of weapons, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra BVR air-to-air missile. The IAF has around 270 Su-30MKIs in service and plans to upgrade them with new avionics and weapons. The Su-30MKI is the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet and provides a strategic deterrence against China and Pakistan.

Tejas: The Tejas is a single-engine, light combat aircraft developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL. It is the first indigenous fighter aircraft to be inducted into the IAF and can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a high degree of agility and versatility. The Tejas can carry a variety of weapons, including Derby BVR air-to-air missile and Spice precision-guided bomb⁴. The IAF has ordered 123 Tejas aircraft in two variants: Mk1 and Mk1A. The Tejas will replace the aging MiG-21s in the IAF’s inventory and boost its combat potential.

Air Defence Systems

The IAF operates a range of air defence systems that can detect, track, intercept, and destroy hostile aerial targets such as aircraft, missiles, drones, and rockets. Some of the advanced air defence systems in the IAF inventory are:

S-400 Triumf: The S-400 Triumf is a long-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey. It is considered one of the most advanced and capable air defence systems in the world and can engage multiple targets simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. The S-400 can fire four types of missiles, with a maximum range of 400 km and a maximum altitude of 30 km. The IAF has ordered five S-400 systems from Russia and expects to receive the first batch by the end of 2021. The S-400 will provide a robust and layered air defence cover for the IAF and enhance its strategic deterrence.

Akash: The Akash is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It is an indigenously designed and produced system that can engage multiple targets simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and mobility. The Akash can fire a single-stage, solid-fuelled missile, with a maximum range of 30 km and a maximum altitude of 18 km. The IAF has inducted several squadrons of Akash systems and plans to upgrade them with new seekers and radars. The Akash will provide a reliable and cost-effective air defence solution for the IAF.

Astra: The Astra is a BVR air-to-air missile developed by DRDO and HAL. It is the first indigenous BVR missile to be inducted into the IAF and can engage hostile aircraft with a high degree of agility and stealth. The Astra can fire a single-stage, solid-fuelled missile, with a maximum range of 110 km and a maximum speed of Mach 4.5. The IAF has integrated the Astra on its Su-30MKI and Tejas aircraft and plans to integrate it on other platforms as well. The Astra will enhance the IAF’s air-to-air combat capability and provide an edge over its adversaries.

Future Plans

The IAF has ambitious plans to further modernize and expand its capabilities in the coming years. Some of the future plans of the IAF are:

Induction of new aircraft: The IAF plans to induct new aircraft such as Rafale, Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), etc. These aircraft will provide the IAF with advanced features such as stealth, supercruise, super-maneuverability, network-centricity, etc.

Upgradation of existing aircraft: The IAF plans to upgrade its existing aircraft such as Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, etc. These upgrades will include new avionics, weapons, radars, engines, etc. These upgrades will enhance the performance, reliability, survivability, and interoperability of these aircraft.

Development of new weapons: The IAF plans to develop new weapons such as Rudram anti-radiation missile, Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile, BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, SFDR ramjet missile, etc. These weapons will provide the IAF with enhanced range, speed, precision, and lethality.

Acquisition of new systems: The IAF plans to acquire new systems such as S-400 Triumf air defence system, AWACS aircraft, UAVs, UCAVs, swarm drones, etc. These systems will provide the IAF with enhanced situational awareness, surveillance, reconnaissance, strike, and defence capabilities.

The IAF is one of the most advanced and capable air forces in the world. It operates a diverse fleet of aircraft and systems that can perform various roles and missions. It has undergone several modernization and expansion programs to enhance its capabilities and meet the challenges of the changing security environment. It has also developed indigenous technologies and products that have boosted its self-reliance and innovation. The IAF is constantly striving to achieve its motto: “Touch the sky with glory”.

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Recently there has been news about Indian Army considering a new scheme for recruitment of Officers and Soldiers known as Tour of Duty. Usually, the recruitment in Army is done in two categories – Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC). In SSC, the officers are initially recruited for 10 years extendable to 14 years. In permanent commission the officers serve until the retirement age till the attainment of the retirement age of the last rank served (unless boarded out for any reason medical/disciplinary etc). Such recruitments are done through various Defence Entrance exams like NDA, CDS etc. conducted by UPSC of India.

The proposal of Tour of Duty is another entry scheme, where after the process of initial selection and pre-commissioning training, the candidate will be recruited for no more than 3 years. The engagement will neither be under SSC nor PC but is proposed to be like an internship with the army. The officers or PBORS (Personnel below officers rank) will the pay and allowances equivalent to the regular cadre officers and PBORs however, there will be no severance package or retirement benefits after the engagement of three years is over. There will be no restrictions on the employment of ToD inductees across various arms and services or in front-line fighting units or other units elsewhere.

Many countries like Israel have compulsory military conscription. In such countries every able person has to undergo military training and serve from 2- 3 years. Unlike military conscription, Tour of Duty proposed by Ministry of Defence India is completely voluntary military service. And most likely, all the candidates will have to go through rigorous selection process.

Ministry of Defence sees financial advantage in this proposal since they can reduce their pension bill over long term and free money for modernization of Indian Military. On the other side, a man or a woman who has undergone the Tour of Duty, will turn out to be a huge asset for the nation. The nation and corporates that hire men/women who have completed their Tour of Duty are likely to benefit from a trained, disciplined, confident, diligent and committed young men/women; qualities inculcated in the candidates during their stint in military.

Some experts have challenged the proposal siting reasons like 3 years is too short a time to train a soldier and it may affect the operational preparedness of Indian army in long term.

The idea of Tour of Duty is still at a proposal stage. While the jury is out to determine all pros and cons of the model, experts are trying to plan and answer all the questions. Even though, the proposal has support from various quarters, no one can tell when the detailed will be ready and implemented.

Operation Meghdoot was the code name given to the military operation carried out Indian Armed Forces to take control of Siachen Glacier in Kashmir Region. The operation was launched on April 13, 1984.

Siachen is 20,000 ft above sea level, in the icy Himalayas where temperatures are known to plunge up to 50 degrees below 0°C. It is located to the north of Ladakh and stretches about 2,600 sq km. It is considered world’s highest battleground. More soldiers are killed here because of the inhospitable terrain and weather than gun fire.

Genesis of Siachen Conflict between India and Pakistan

The origin of Siachin Conflict lies in the Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir after the partition of India in 1947. At the end of the UN-brokered ceasefire in 1949, India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire line (CFL) in undivided Kashmir as per the Karachi Agreement of 1949. The eastern most stretch of the ceasefire line was not demarcated beyond a point called NJ9842 since it was inhospitable and uninhabited. It simply said that from NJ9842, the line would run “thence North to the glaciers” — the Siachen glacier, the Rimo and the Baltoro.

After 1962 war, Pakistan began making certain cartographic changes to the ceasefire line by depicting the ceasefire line as extending from NJ9842 to a point just west of the Karakoram Pass, not northwards as the Karachi Agreement said. Pakistan, also, used this change in perception to start permitting foreign expeditions in the area of the Siachen glacier to reinforce its claim on the area.

In 1978, a German mountaineering map caused grave concern to Indian authorities, as the whole of the Siachen glacier and almost 4,000 sq km of territory around it was shown to be in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Colonel Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar, one of India’s foremost mountaineers, expedition to Siachen in the summer of 1978 and recommended that to ensure the Pakistanis do not intrude into Siachen, India should establish a post in the area which could be manned during the summer. The Army Headquarters examined the proposal and felt that due to severe weather, inhospitable climatic conditions, and the high altitude, it would be impractical to establish a post in such a hostile environment.

In 1982, when Lt General Chibber was the northern army commander, he was shown a protest note from the Pakistan army, warning India to keep out of Siachen. It had become obvious to the Indian side that Pakistan army was getting ready to physically move into the Siachen glacier. India then decided to act swiftly in order to prevent Pakistan from occupying the Siachen glacier. The military action resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen Glacier.

Operation Meghdoot

The Indian Army planned an operation to control the glacier by 13 April 1984, to preempt the Pakistani Army. Operation Meghdoot was led by Lieutenant General Prem Nath Hoon. Brigadier Vijay Channa was tasked to occupy Saltro ridge.

Indian Air force air dropped the soldiers along with their provisions to the un-scaled peaks.  The first unit to establish position on the heights of the glacier was led by Major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) R. S. Sandhu. The next unit led by Captain Sanjay Kulkarni secured Bilafond La. The remaining forward deployment units then marched and climbed for four days under the command of Captain P. V. Yadav to secure the remaining heights of the Saltoro Ridge.

Paksitanis soon discovered that Indians had occupied the passes. An attempt was made to take control but was thwarted by Indian soldiers. The situation at Siachen has been at an impasse since. Both India and Pakistan maintain a permanent military presence on the glacier.

Timely action and surprise were two attributes which won Siachen for India.

Relevance of Siachen Today

Operation Meghdoot was a major victory for the Indian military even though some people viewed it as a futile capture of non-strategic land. However, others believe Siachen plays a key role in India’s forward defense. It “serves as a wedge” between Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and the Shaksgam Valley that Pakistan illegally ceded to China; India’s control of the glacier prevents China and Pakistan from “militarily linking up”.

Also, control of Saltoro gives India the “tactical advantage of dominating height.” Sitting at much lower altitudes, Pakistani soldiers are completely “shut off from a view of the Siachen Glacier” and are thus at a “severe tactical disadvantage”

Today, India controls the 70-km-long stretch of glacier, and reportedly spends about Rs 3 crore-Rs 5 crore on it daily. The amount goes towards the upkeep and health of the seven battalions stationed there. This adds up to about Rs 1,500 crore a year.

Chief of Defence Staff is the head of Indian Armed forces and a uniformed military advisor to Government of India. General Bipin Rawat, former Chief of Army Staff is the first CDS of India.

Kargil Review Committee recommended the creation of position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 1999 which was officially proposed by Group of Ministers (GoM) in 2001.  However, due to several reasons including the turf war between different arms of defence forces and between civil bureaucracy the post of CDS was not formalized for nearly 20 years. Finally in his independence day speech Prime Minister Narender Modi announced the creation of the post and setup a committee to formalize the position.

In the notification dated December 30, 2019 the Government of India carved out a new department “Department of Military Affairs” which will be headed by the new CDS. Four important elements were removed from the direct ambit of Defence Secretary and put under direct control of CDS. Responsibilities of CDS now include all works relating to three armed services, their headquarters and territorial army; non-capital purchases for defence forces, promotion of jointness in procurement, training and operations of the three armed services.

How does creation of CDS help India’s Defence Mechanism?

This was long overdue and almost a necessity in the time of short-term, intense but technology-driven and multi-pronged warfare. With CDS in place there will be a single point-of-contact in coordinating with the three armed services to synergise functioning, training, logistics, planning and procurements among the forces and evolve a unified and targeted crisis response module. This will enable better utilisation of existing limited resources, better harvesting of intelligence for a unified approach to preparedness and build a robust expert advisory that can guide the political executive of the day on swift and decisive action, given the worsening nature of conflicts worldwide.

With creation of the DMA, headed by CDS, the military will, for the first time, be admitted into the central edifice of the GoI and become a participant in policy-making. Designation of the CDS as Principal Military Adviser (PMA) to Defence Minister will enable unhindered access to MoD, accelerating the process of decision-making and accord of approvals.

CDS will also be the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee from now on. he will be able to devote undivided attention to the administration of tri-service organisations and take measures to engender “jointness” amongst three services. In the approaching era of dwindling defence budgets, a crucial function of CDS will be “prioritising” the capital acquisition proposals (or “wish-lists”) of individual services. He will have to ensure that the “defence rupee” is spent judiciously; on warfare-capabilities considered vital for national military power.

CDS will also administer the Strategic Force Command and will be the key functionary in nuclear command chain as Principal Military Advisor to Prime Minister. This measure will go a long way in enhancing the credibility of our nuclear deterrent.

The post of Chief of Defence Staff is part of a ”momentous and comprehensive defence reform”, which will help the country face the ever-changing challenges of modern warfare.

The objective of the Naxalites is to wage an armed revolution, modelled on the lines of the Chinese Revolution, which they call New Democratic Revolution (NDR), and usher in their own form of government. As it began in 1967, LWE was limited to the three police station areas namely Naxalbari, Khoribari and Phansidewa of Darjeeling district in West Bengal. However, in recent years, the movement has assumed alarming proportions, threatening peace and security over a vast stretch of land spreading across 10 states, described as the ‘Red Corridor’. The history of LWE movement, which dates back across 50 years, has survived on some basic issues like poverty, disparity, and discontent among the masses.

Most of the LWE affected areas are rich in mineral resources which are vital for the Indian economy. 75 percent of power generation in the country comes from thermal based coal-fired power plants and five of the LWE affected states provide 85 percent of country’s coal. Apart from coal, the region is also important due to ample availability of other critical resources like copper, nickel, bauxite, manganese, iron, etc. But presence of LWE in the region adversely impacts commercial viability of any major investments in the mining sector. Naxals either obstruct inflow of developmental investments in the region or try to extort money from the companies.

The Government of India has adopted a holistic approach to address the LWE insurgency. This approach is built around simultaneous implementation of a security agenda, developmental activities and promotion of good governance. The National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE problem, formulated by the MHA in 2014, essentially incorporates four elements – an integrated multi-pronged strategy comprising security related measures; development related initiatives, ensuring rights and entitlement related measures, and management of public perception. Under the plan, the Central Government has been implementing various flagship developmental schemes which include ‘Integrated Action Plan’ (IAP) or ‘Additional Central Assistance’ (ACA) for LWE affected districts for creating public infrastructures and services in affected areas; ‘Road Requirement Plan–I’ (RRP– I) for improving road connectivity in 34 LWE affected districts; skill Development in 34 Districts of LWE under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ (PMKVY); ‘Fortified Police Stations’ by construction and strengthening of 400 police stations in 10 LWE affected states; and installation of mobile towers in the affected states for better communication connectivity. In coordination with the developmental outreach of the government, the Security Forces (SF) have continued to strengthen their position in the fight against LWE.

new strategy is called Samadhan, which is a compilation of short term and long term policies formulated at different levels. The meaning was well defined by the Home Minister as:

• S- Smart Leadership
• Aggressive Strategy
• M- Motivation and Training
• Actionable Intelligence
• D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas)
• H- Harnessing Technology
• Action plan for each Theatre
• N- No access to Financing

Though the number of incidents of LWE violence has come down in the recent past, continued efforts and focus are needed in eliminating such groups. States play a vital role in maintaining law and order. So, emphasis should be laid on the capacity-building and modernization of the local police forces. Local forces can efficiently and effectively neutralize the LWE organizations. Also, holistic last-mile development of “New India”, it is necessary to get rid of the menace of such radicalized groups, & the synergized efforts of the Centre and the States are crucial in achieving the same.

Priya Jhingan was one of the first 25 women inducted as commissioned officers in Indian Army in 1993. Women joined Indian air force as pilots in support role in 1994. Gunjan Saxena was the first women to fly support sorties in a combat zone during Kargil war. Even though women are not yet allowed s combatant in the combat specialist forces, such as Ghatak Force, Garud Commando Force, MARCOS, para commandos, etc. but they can join paratroopers wings of their respective arms like para EME, para signals, para ASC, etc.

In February 2016, President Pranab Mukherjee announced that women will finally be allowed to take up combat roles in all sections of the Indian armed forces, signalling a radical move towards gender parity in one of the world’s most male-dominated professions. Soon women will be seen in combat roles in all streams of Indian Armed Forces like fighter pilots. In 2019, Opening up a new avenue for females, the Indian Army on Thursday kicked off the process of inducting women as jawans by starting their online registration for recruitment in the corps of military police. This is being seen as a major breakthrough for women in armed forces as so far, they were being inducted only as officers and this is the first time they would be taken in as soldiers.

During his 72nd Independence Day address, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi announced that women officers with SSCs in the Indian Armed Forces would be eligible for PCs through a transparent selection process. As a result, women now also have the option of taking up PCs in all the 10 branches of the Indian Army where they are already being inducted as officers under SSC.

Recruitment of women into Indian armed forces is similar to that of men. Women have to qualify defence entrance exams like CDS, AFCAT and CAPF followed by SSB interview. Age and educational requirements for different arms of the Indian Armed Forces can be found at their respective websites.

Despite several reforms in last three decades, there are still several challenges before they are completely accepted and assimilated in Indian armed forces. These challenges include:

1. India is largely a patriarchal society with a traditional mind-set. Thus, the men might not be very comfortable being commanded by women in the field.
2. It is a biological fact that on average women are weaker than men. In combat units, which are necessarily intensely physical, any perceived weakness would lead to loss of respect of the subordinates. Which would make the task of women officers that much harder.
3. The risk of getting captured as Prisoners of War (PoW’s) is highest for combat units. A women PoW could be a psychological blow.
4. Due to biological differences, women need long mid-career breaks as maternity leave. Not only does this disrupt training, but also puts restrictions on the type of physical work that they can do before and after the leave. This would be a major challenge for combat roles.

Women have overcome several obstacles; several more are yet to be overcome.

Operation Vijay (1999)

In May 1999, Indian Army came across some reports of infiltration in Kargil sector along the Line of Control (LOC). Initially these infiltrators were thought to be Kashmiri separatists and army patrols were sent out to monitor and clear the area. When an Indian Army Patrol, led by Saurabh Kalia went missing and soon their mutilated bodies were recovered, India realized that the infiltrators were actually guerilla fighters sent by Pakistani army. Soon after, a full fledged operation was launched by Indian army to dislodge and recapture the posts occupied by these infiltrators. The military operation was called Operation Vijay.

Kargil heights are one of the most treacherous terrains in the world. Kargil is a District town 205 kms away from Srinagar. During winters temperature often drops there down to – 50 degree C. NH 1D connects Srinagar to Leh. It cuts across Kargil. 180 Kms stretch along the Highway, from Dras to Batalik, was occupied by Pak intruders. The posts on these ridges were between 16000 to 18000 ft which used to be held during the summers and vacated during winters. Pak elite SSG and Seven Northern Light Infantry Battalions backed by Kashmiri insurgents and Afghan mercenaries occupied the vacated heights. The battle which was fought over these mountains, to recapture these posts, which lasted almost 3 months is known to be a battle fought at the highest terrain in the world till now.

High peaks with strongly fortified defences gave the intruders an advantage of a fortress. They also heavily mined their positions. Army’s first priority was to recapture dominating posts closer to NH1D. Hence Tololing and Tiger Hill were captured first. Their capture, tilted the combat in India’s favour. It necessitated large mobilisation of Indian Army from outside J&K. Indian Air Force also got involved in this operation in a big way.

Army mounted direct frontal attacks on many posts as high as 18000 ft. As per military tactics, frontal attacks are better avoided. Army could have gone behind, cut off Pak lines of communication, blocked supply routes and virtually created a siege. Such manoeuvres would have involved crossing the LOC which would have led to expansion of theatre of war and reduced international support for its cause.

Army launched its final assaults in the last weeks of July after Dras sector was cleared of Pak intruders. Fighting came to an end on 26 July 1999 and Army declared the war won. The day has since been marked as ‘Kargil Vijay Divas’. 527 brave Officers and Men laid down their lives. 1,363 were disabled / wounded. July 26 has been since celebrated every year as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’

Ironically the Kargil episode happened soon after Indian Premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee had travelled to Lahore by bus in February 1999 to sign ‘Lahore Declaration’ to promote peace. This ‘big peace initiative’ was clear indication of India’s willingness to resolve simmering issues. Follow up Kargil war was ‘a big betrayal’.

What is Cold Start Doctrine?

India introduced Cold Start doctrine in the wake of Kargil conflict and its failure to subdue Pakistan in 2001-2002 military standoff after the attack on its Parliament. India was unable to achieve its objectives because of international pressure and threat of nuclear escalation. The assumption behind the doctrine is that there is adequate space for conventional military operations between the sub-conventional and nuclear war. Cold Start doctrine aims to exploit this by fighting short and limited war under a nuclear shadow. The main objective of the Cold Start Doctrine is to launch a retaliatory conventional strike against Pakistan inflicting significant harm on the Pakistan Army before any international community could intercede, but not in way Pakistan would be provoked to make a nuclear attack.

Cold Start is expected to achieve three goals:

1. inflict significant attrition on enemy forces;
2. retain Pakistani territory for use as a postcolonial bargaining chip; and,
3. by limiting the depth of Indian incursions, avoid triggering a Pakistani nuclear response

Under this doctrine, Indian Army would carry out swift, quick and offensive joint operations with the support of its Air Force and air elements of Navy while giving no time to Pakistan to respond.

Indian military’s Cold Start doctrine requires reformation of Indian Army’s offensive power in into smaller division sized Integrated Battle Groups that would have mechanized infantry, artillery and armour. The IBGs would be self-contained units and highly-mobile, with tanks at their core, adequately backed by air cover and artillery fire assaults, for rapid thrusts into Pakistan within 48 hours. Network Centric Warfare (NCW) and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of the Indian Army and air force with robust command and control at its core would be employed to maximum effect. Synergy and integration between the Indian forces would be essential elements of the Cold Start Doctrine (CSD). Joint operations of three forces are key element of this doctrine.

Indian Military‟s Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) places major emphasis on the speed of both deployment and operations. By moving forces into unpredictable locations at high speed and opening up eight different fronts would put Pakistan Army in quandary. It would be difficult for Pakistan Army to respond and fight on multiple different fronts.
Relevance of Cold Start Doctrine

Relevance of Cold Start Doctrine

Cold Start Doctrine is relevant in several ways. First, it indicates a shift for Indian Armed forces from defensive to offensive stance. At the same time it challenges Pakistan’s projected low nuclear threshold as well as lowers India’s own threshold against sub conventional attacks by Pakistan through proxies. The doctrine has been developed to exploit India’s conventional prowess and inflicting punitive damage to Pakistan in case of a major sub conventional attack on Indian soil without escalating it to a nuclear level. Though, the Cold Start Doctrine aims to exploit the space between India’s threshold for sub conventional offensive and Pakistan’s nuclear threshold, many experts believe this may escalate into a full-fledged nuclear war.