News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Army

  • Indian Army plans to beef up patrolling and surveillance in Sir Creek, Sundarbans

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army plans to strengthen its off coast operational capability along the Sir Creek area in Gujarat and Brahmaputra river basin including the Sundarbans.

    Sources said there are plans to procure eight Landing Craft Assaults (LCA) and six Fast Patrol Boats (FPB). As per the two separate Requests for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army on Monday, “The LCA are to be deployed for transportation of vehicle, material, random Boat Patrol and limited Search and Rescue in Sir Creek area, Brahmaputra river, Sunderban Delta of West Bengal and at extreme temperatures.”

    On the Fast Patrol Boat, the RFI says these “are to be deployed for surveillance, patrolling and interception at sea and over water bodies, including as akin to the Sir Creek area.” The maximum speed is expected to be more than 20 knots.  

    In an exclusive report in February, TNIE had written about tension between the Pakistan Marines and Border Security Force (BSF) in the strategically important Sir Creek area in Gujarat following the former’s aggressive posturing. In response, the BSF has deployed resources in commensurate strength.

    The creek is a 98 km long narrow strip of water between the two countries in the marshy areas of Rann of Kutch and opens up into the Arabian Sea. The area has inhospitable weather and terrain, while the marshes are home to poisonous snakes and scorpions.

    ALSO READ | Army top brass gathers in Delhi to discuss national security and operational preparedness

    The characteristics needed of LCA includes being “designed to drive in/out of water bodies without the need for any jetty. It should be operable in water at minimal draughts, in unknown/ varying terrain conditions and also at high speeds.”

    “It should be rugged and versatile, so as to facilitate seamless execution of operations such as patrolling, fast attack/ interception, etc across a varying matrix of terrain and operating conditions. The LCA should be designed to ensure safety of the operator, reduction of operator fatigue whilst achieving the standards for rugged military use,” the RFI says.

    It needs to have a carriage capacity of 35 personnel including crew along with personnel weapon and equipment (total payload 5255 kg).

    “The Fast Patrol Boat being procured for rugged military use shall be designed to drive in/ out of water bodies without the need for any jetty. It should be operable in water at minimal draughts, in unknown/ varying terrain conditions and also at high speeds. It should be rugged and versatile, so as to facilitate seamless execution of small team insertion, surveillance, reconnaissance and patrolling such as the operational role of small team task force or MOTF (Mission Orienting Task Force) etc across a varying matrix of terrain and operating conditions,” adds the RFI.

    The Army has also put a RFI for procurement of 118 Integrated Surveillance and Targeting Systems (ISAT-S) with a minimum of 60 percent indigenous content. The surveillance drone and loitering munitions should be capable of being launched from altitudes up to 4500 metres (14500 feet) mean sea level. It should be capable of functioning using major navigation systems and even in a denied environment. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army plans to strengthen its off coast operational capability along the Sir Creek area in Gujarat and Brahmaputra river basin including the Sundarbans.

    Sources said there are plans to procure eight Landing Craft Assaults (LCA) and six Fast Patrol Boats (FPB). As per the two separate Requests for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army on Monday, “The LCA are to be deployed for transportation of vehicle, material, random Boat Patrol and limited Search and Rescue in Sir Creek area, Brahmaputra river, Sunderban Delta of West Bengal and at extreme temperatures.”

    On the Fast Patrol Boat, the RFI says these “are to be deployed for surveillance, patrolling and interception at sea and over water bodies, including as akin to the Sir Creek area.” The maximum speed is expected to be more than 20 knots.  googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In an exclusive report in February, TNIE had written about tension between the Pakistan Marines and Border Security Force (BSF) in the strategically important Sir Creek area in Gujarat following the former’s aggressive posturing. In response, the BSF has deployed resources in commensurate strength.

    The creek is a 98 km long narrow strip of water between the two countries in the marshy areas of Rann of Kutch and opens up into the Arabian Sea. The area has inhospitable weather and terrain, while the marshes are home to poisonous snakes and scorpions.

    ALSO READ | Army top brass gathers in Delhi to discuss national security and operational preparedness

    The characteristics needed of LCA includes being “designed to drive in/out of water bodies without the need for any jetty. It should be operable in water at minimal draughts, in unknown/ varying terrain conditions and also at high speeds.”

    “It should be rugged and versatile, so as to facilitate seamless execution of operations such as patrolling, fast attack/ interception, etc across a varying matrix of terrain and operating conditions. The LCA should be designed to ensure safety of the operator, reduction of operator fatigue whilst achieving the standards for rugged military use,” the RFI says.

    It needs to have a carriage capacity of 35 personnel including crew along with personnel weapon and equipment (total payload 5255 kg).

    “The Fast Patrol Boat being procured for rugged military use shall be designed to drive in/ out of water bodies without the need for any jetty. It should be operable in water at minimal draughts, in unknown/ varying terrain conditions and also at high speeds. It should be rugged and versatile, so as to facilitate seamless execution of small team insertion, surveillance, reconnaissance and patrolling such as the operational role of small team task force or MOTF (Mission Orienting Task Force) etc across a varying matrix of terrain and operating conditions,” adds the RFI.

    The Army has also put a RFI for procurement of 118 Integrated Surveillance and Targeting Systems (ISAT-S) with a minimum of 60 percent indigenous content. The surveillance drone and loitering munitions should be capable of being launched from altitudes up to 4500 metres (14500 feet) mean sea level. It should be capable of functioning using major navigation systems and even in a denied environment. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • India has to factor China’s assertiveness in its overall strategic calculus: Chief of Defence Staff

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Thursday said China’s assertiveness is more evident now with its rise and India will have to take this aspect into account in its overall “strategic calculus”.

    Delivering the annual Gen KV Krishna Rao memorial lecture, India’s senior most military officer delved into various national security challenges and profound geopolitical changes. While the global geopolitical environment is under transition, India has transitioned from non-alignment to self-alignment, he pointed out and also referred to India’s “major dispute” along the northern borders with China.

    “Strategic autonomy may be relevant to exploit opportunities rather than to take care of threats. That’s where the future should lie. We should be thinking about opportunities more,” he said.

    “All that I said comes with a little bit of a caveat because of the northern neighbour. In this strategic calculus, India will have to take into account the emergence of China as a major power,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.

    “China’s assertiveness is more evident with its rise. India has a major dispute on its northern borders with China and will have to play the strategic autonomy card,” he added.

    Referring to the existing flux in the global geopolitical order, Gen Chauhan also underlined the need for India to continue maintaining “strategic autonomy” in its approach and highlighted how New Delhi was moving forward from its approach of “non-alignment” to an era of being a “Vishwa-mitra” — a friend to the world.

    The CDS cited India’s nuclear tests in 1998, its “neutral and a nuanced” stand on the Russia-Ukraine war and the decision to go ahead with procurement of S-400 missile systems from Moscow notwithstanding threats of sanctions as examples of the country exercising its “strategic autonomy”.

    ALSO READ | IAF to continue operations in eastern Ladakh as complete disengagement with China yet to take place

    “I believe that India has transited ahead from non-alignment of yesteryears to self-alignment as you said to maybe multi-alignment,” he noted.

    Gen Chauhan said, “If I were to summarize the journey of India from non-alignment to exercising of strategic autonomy, it can be based on what I can say is three S’s. First is securing India. Next is self-reliance. And lastly, shaping the environment to India’s advantage and benefit,” he said.

    He underlined the significance of economic aspects of global geopolitics and that the global balance of power can be shifted by economic alignment and even issues like morality, righteousness and convergence of global interests.

    “In India’s famous epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna shifted the balance of power towards the Pandavas. His military might went to the Kauravas but it was only his righteousness and sage advice which shifted the balance of power,” he said.

    “And ultimately the Pandavas emerged victorious in that particular war. We as a nation have utilised the G20 platform to leverage soft power to play a dominating role. So these are also important facts we must keep in mind when we take strategic decisions on how to get aligned in future,” he said.

    Gen Chauhan said the global geopolitical environment is currently in a state of flux and India must exercise its options looking at its national interests.

    “The world is transiting between two orders. The old order is withering away and no one knows the contours of this new order and how it will shape up in the long run,” he said.

    Gen Chauhan also cited the financial crisis, disruptions in the global supply chains due to COVID-19, food and fertilizer shortages due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the South China Sea as some of the manifestations of the geopolitical and geoeconomic flux.

    NEW DELHI: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Thursday said China’s assertiveness is more evident now with its rise and India will have to take this aspect into account in its overall “strategic calculus”.

    Delivering the annual Gen KV Krishna Rao memorial lecture, India’s senior most military officer delved into various national security challenges and profound geopolitical changes. While the global geopolitical environment is under transition, India has transitioned from non-alignment to self-alignment, he pointed out and also referred to India’s “major dispute” along the northern borders with China.

    “Strategic autonomy may be relevant to exploit opportunities rather than to take care of threats. That’s where the future should lie. We should be thinking about opportunities more,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “All that I said comes with a little bit of a caveat because of the northern neighbour. In this strategic calculus, India will have to take into account the emergence of China as a major power,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.

    “China’s assertiveness is more evident with its rise. India has a major dispute on its northern borders with China and will have to play the strategic autonomy card,” he added.

    Referring to the existing flux in the global geopolitical order, Gen Chauhan also underlined the need for India to continue maintaining “strategic autonomy” in its approach and highlighted how New Delhi was moving forward from its approach of “non-alignment” to an era of being a “Vishwa-mitra” — a friend to the world.

    The CDS cited India’s nuclear tests in 1998, its “neutral and a nuanced” stand on the Russia-Ukraine war and the decision to go ahead with procurement of S-400 missile systems from Moscow notwithstanding threats of sanctions as examples of the country exercising its “strategic autonomy”.

    ALSO READ | IAF to continue operations in eastern Ladakh as complete disengagement with China yet to take place

    “I believe that India has transited ahead from non-alignment of yesteryears to self-alignment as you said to maybe multi-alignment,” he noted.

    Gen Chauhan said, “If I were to summarize the journey of India from non-alignment to exercising of strategic autonomy, it can be based on what I can say is three S’s. First is securing India. Next is self-reliance. And lastly, shaping the environment to India’s advantage and benefit,” he said.

    He underlined the significance of economic aspects of global geopolitics and that the global balance of power can be shifted by economic alignment and even issues like morality, righteousness and convergence of global interests.

    “In India’s famous epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna shifted the balance of power towards the Pandavas. His military might went to the Kauravas but it was only his righteousness and sage advice which shifted the balance of power,” he said.

    “And ultimately the Pandavas emerged victorious in that particular war. We as a nation have utilised the G20 platform to leverage soft power to play a dominating role. So these are also important facts we must keep in mind when we take strategic decisions on how to get aligned in future,” he said.

    Gen Chauhan said the global geopolitical environment is currently in a state of flux and India must exercise its options looking at its national interests.

    “The world is transiting between two orders. The old order is withering away and no one knows the contours of this new order and how it will shape up in the long run,” he said.

    Gen Chauhan also cited the financial crisis, disruptions in the global supply chains due to COVID-19, food and fertilizer shortages due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the South China Sea as some of the manifestations of the geopolitical and geoeconomic flux.

  • India holds maiden Women Military Officers Course for ASEAN Nations

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In the pursuit towards strengthening military-diplomatic ties, the Indian Army is conducting a unique Women Military Officers Course for women military officers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and the Indian Army.

    The sources said, “The Course being conducted from 18 to 29 Sep at Delhi is themed on the United Nations framework and designed as an empowering and collaborative training programme”

    Photo credit: Special arrangement

    It underscores India and ASEAN’s shared commitment to foster greater international cooperation in support of enduring world peace while ensuring gender equality.

    The Event aligns with India’s broader commitment to the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus in fostering a stronger, more resilient and collaborative security fabric within the region under UN Charter.

    A lecture demonstration and Equipment display showcasing Nari Shakti and Atmanirbhar (Self-reliant) Bharat was organised for the participants on 25 September at the UN pre-deployment training area at New Delhi.

    The course is being organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence. It was in 2022 that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced initiatives by India for empowerment of women in the Armed Forces.

    ASEAN and India stand united and together for world peace. The ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of ten ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partner countries, viz., India, USA, Russia, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The year 2022 marked the 30th Anniversary of India-ASEAN relations.

    India became the dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992 and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to further the dialogue and cooperation amongst ASEAN and the Plus countries.

    India and ASEAN have elevated their relationship to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in November 2022.

    NEW DELHI: In the pursuit towards strengthening military-diplomatic ties, the Indian Army is conducting a unique Women Military Officers Course for women military officers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and the Indian Army.

    The sources said, “The Course being conducted from 18 to 29 Sep at Delhi is themed on the United Nations framework and designed as an empowering and collaborative training programme”

    Photo credit: Special arrangement

    It underscores India and ASEAN’s shared commitment to foster greater international cooperation in support of enduring world peace while ensuring gender equality.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    The Event aligns with India’s broader commitment to the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus in fostering a stronger, more resilient and collaborative security fabric within the region under UN Charter.

    A lecture demonstration and Equipment display showcasing Nari Shakti and Atmanirbhar (Self-reliant) Bharat was organised for the participants on 25 September at the UN pre-deployment training area at New Delhi.

    The course is being organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence. It was in 2022 that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced initiatives by India for empowerment of women in the Armed Forces.

    ASEAN and India stand united and together for world peace. The ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of ten ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partner countries, viz., India, USA, Russia, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The year 2022 marked the 30th Anniversary of India-ASEAN relations.

    India became the dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992 and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to further the dialogue and cooperation amongst ASEAN and the Plus countries.

    India and ASEAN have elevated their relationship to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in November 2022.

  • Long pending claims worth rupees 730 crores for JCOs and other ranks in Indian army

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a phase-wise joint drive, to enhance the satisfaction level amongst the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs), the Army Headquarters and the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), the office that heads the Defence Accounts Department have been able to clear claims worth Rs 730 crore including Rs 400 crore only in the month of September. The current Pan-India outreach Phase is Phase 1 of the drive. Phase 2 will be conducted in the first two weeks of October and balance grievances will be scrutinised.

    The drive is to clear long pending cases of claims of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (OR) of the Indian Army.

    The Indian Army was receiving lots of grievances from the JCOs and OR that the claims had not been passed due to various observations. The issue was raised with the CGDA and the Joint CGDA (Grievances) in an unprecedented move worked expeditiously in complete synergy with the Indian Army and analyzed all cases one by one through their PAOs.

    Measures were instituted to fast-track the passing of claims especially pertaining to Children’s Education Allowances, House Rent Allowances, Pay Fixation cases etc. 

    To execute the task, a War Room was established in the CGDA and cases were being monitored closely. This exercise has benefitted a large number of JCOs and ORs and it is going to continue in future too.

    The outreach commenced at the beginning of this month, spearheaded by Joint CGDA (Grievances) of the CGDA office in which camps were established in all 48 Pay and Account Offices. Similarly, the Indian Army activated its Records Offices to address all cases on priority.

    Records Offices (an Army setup) are responsible for checking the correctness of the claims while the vetted claims are finally passed/ paid by the Pay & Accounts Offices (set up under the CGDA – generally located near the Records Offices). There are a total of 48 Records and PAO offices across India, one for each Regiment, Arm or Service.

    NEW DELHI: In a phase-wise joint drive, to enhance the satisfaction level amongst the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs), the Army Headquarters and the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), the office that heads the Defence Accounts Department have been able to clear claims worth Rs 730 crore including Rs 400 crore only in the month of September. The current Pan-India outreach Phase is Phase 1 of the drive. Phase 2 will be conducted in the first two weeks of October and balance grievances will be scrutinised.

    The drive is to clear long pending cases of claims of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (OR) of the Indian Army.

    The Indian Army was receiving lots of grievances from the JCOs and OR that the claims had not been passed due to various observations. The issue was raised with the CGDA and the Joint CGDA (Grievances) in an unprecedented move worked expeditiously in complete synergy with the Indian Army and analyzed all cases one by one through their PAOs.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Measures were instituted to fast-track the passing of claims especially pertaining to Children’s Education Allowances, House Rent Allowances, Pay Fixation cases etc. 

    To execute the task, a War Room was established in the CGDA and cases were being monitored closely. This exercise has benefitted a large number of JCOs and ORs and it is going to continue in future too.

    The outreach commenced at the beginning of this month, spearheaded by Joint CGDA (Grievances) of the CGDA office in which camps were established in all 48 Pay and Account Offices. Similarly, the Indian Army activated its Records Offices to address all cases on priority.

    Records Offices (an Army setup) are responsible for checking the correctness of the claims while the vetted claims are finally passed/ paid by the Pay & Accounts Offices (set up under the CGDA – generally located near the Records Offices). There are a total of 48 Records and PAO offices across India, one for each Regiment, Arm or Service.

  • Indian Army division commander in Ladakh meets Chinese counterpart; talks focus on standoff areas

    Express News Service

    The division commander of the Indian Army in Ladakh on Friday met his Chinese counterpart to take forward the talks on the disengagement of troops from the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok.

    Defence sources confirmed the meeting at the level of the Major Generals, saying “It was to carry forward the discussions by the ground commanders as part of confidence-building measures.”

    This follows an elaborate 19th corps commander-level talks that continued for two days for the first time. In the process to resolve the issues Brigadier-level meetings continue to take place often, sources added. India maintains that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

    The 3 Division of the Indian Army looks after the 832-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. There has been no movement forward on standoffs in Depsang and Demchok.

    The standoff persists at Depsang Y-Junction and Demchok even before the May 2020 standoff began. Sources said the Depsang standoff has resulted in obstruction of Indian troop movement to the traditional Patrolling Points (PP) PP 10, PP11, PP 11A, PP12 and PP13, covering 952 sq km.

    A few tents have been pitched by the Chinese on the Indian side in Demchok and have refused to pull back. The Chinese side dominates around 150 sq km in this area.

    Technical term for corps commander-level talks is senior highest military commander level (SHMCL); so far there have been 19 rounds of talks. Matters have earlier been resolved at the higher commander level (Major General) meetings.

    There has been disengagement at Galwan, North and South banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra-Hot Springs with the corps commanders meetings in addition to the multiple diplomatic parlays between the two countries.

    As reported first by this newspaper, the Chinese moved in their troops after the clashes at Finger 4 area on the North Bank of Pangong Tso.

    Subsequently, the standoff spread to other areas. After 2020, India and China currently maintain a combined deployment of over 1 lakh soldiers along with a massive presence of tanks and artillery.

    In May the Indian Army put its foot down on the restoration of patrolling rights till traditional points in the remaining standoff points. The standoff at Depsang is of much significance where the Chinese troops have blocked access to PPs 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13.

    The sub-sector North, of which Depsang is a part, is strategically most relevant.

    The terrain here is such that large-scale armour operations are possible. China has multiple roads feeding this area while India has only the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulet Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road.

    By sitting at the Y Junction, China can obstruct India’s movement. Depsang is also a link towards Siachen and the DBO airfield. The Y Junction is about 20km from the strategic airfield Daulat Beg Oldi.

    The division commander of the Indian Army in Ladakh on Friday met his Chinese counterpart to take forward the talks on the disengagement of troops from the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok.

    Defence sources confirmed the meeting at the level of the Major Generals, saying “It was to carry forward the discussions by the ground commanders as part of confidence-building measures.”

    This follows an elaborate 19th corps commander-level talks that continued for two days for the first time. In the process to resolve the issues Brigadier-level meetings continue to take place often, sources added. India maintains that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The 3 Division of the Indian Army looks after the 832-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. There has been no movement forward on standoffs in Depsang and Demchok.

    The standoff persists at Depsang Y-Junction and Demchok even before the May 2020 standoff began. Sources said the Depsang standoff has resulted in obstruction of Indian troop movement to the traditional Patrolling Points (PP) PP 10, PP11, PP 11A, PP12 and PP13, covering 952 sq km.

    A few tents have been pitched by the Chinese on the Indian side in Demchok and have refused to pull back. The Chinese side dominates around 150 sq km in this area.

    Technical term for corps commander-level talks is senior highest military commander level (SHMCL); so far there have been 19 rounds of talks. Matters have earlier been resolved at the higher commander level (Major General) meetings.

    There has been disengagement at Galwan, North and South banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra-Hot Springs with the corps commanders meetings in addition to the multiple diplomatic parlays between the two countries.

    As reported first by this newspaper, the Chinese moved in their troops after the clashes at Finger 4 area on the North Bank of Pangong Tso.

    Subsequently, the standoff spread to other areas. After 2020, India and China currently maintain a combined deployment of over 1 lakh soldiers along with a massive presence of tanks and artillery.

    In May the Indian Army put its foot down on the restoration of patrolling rights till traditional points in the remaining standoff points. The standoff at Depsang is of much significance where the Chinese troops have blocked access to PPs 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13.

    The sub-sector North, of which Depsang is a part, is strategically most relevant.

    The terrain here is such that large-scale armour operations are possible. China has multiple roads feeding this area while India has only the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulet Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road.

    By sitting at the Y Junction, China can obstruct India’s movement. Depsang is also a link towards Siachen and the DBO airfield. The Y Junction is about 20km from the strategic airfield Daulat Beg Oldi.

  • ‘Discipline is hallmark of Armed Forces’: SC refuses relief to Army man who overstayed leave

    By Express News Service

    Highlighting that discipline is an ‘implicit hallmark’ of the Armed Forces and a ‘non-negotiable condition of service’, the Supreme Court refused to grant relief to an Army driver who had taken excess leave without notice.

    A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Rajesh Bindal observed that gross indiscipline by those serving in the forces cannot be tolerated while noting that the appellant, a former sepoy, appeared to be a habitual offender and had remained out of line for far too long by seeking condonation of his leave.

    The apex court noted that if accepted (the appeal), it would have sent a wrong signal to others in service.

    “Such gross indiscipline on the part of the appellant who was a member of the Armed Forces could not be countenanced. He remained out of line far too often for seeking condonation of his absence of leave, this time, for a prolonged period of 108 days which if accepted, would have sent a wrong signal to others in service,” the order read.

    “One must be mindful of the fact that discipline is the implicit hallmark of the Armed Forces and a non-negotiable condition of service,” it added.

    The Army driver was approaching the top court seeking relief in a February 2015 order passed by the Armed Forces Tribunal Lucknow Regional Bench dismissing him from service.

    The bench observed that the punishment given to him was not that serious compared to his conduct.

    “The punishment of dismissal from service on conviction by Court Martial has been treated as a lesser punishment vis-à-vis the punishment of imprisonment for any period below 14 years … sub-section (4) of Section 120 clearly states that a SCM can pass any sentence as contemplated under the Act,” it was noted.

    “The appellant had been taking too many liberties during his service and despite several punishments awarded to him earlier, ranging from imposition of fine to rigorous imprisonment, he did not mend his ways. This was his sixth infraction for the very same offence. Therefore, he did not deserve any leniency by infliction of a punishment lesser than that which has been awarded to him,” it was noted.

    Highlighting that discipline is an ‘implicit hallmark’ of the Armed Forces and a ‘non-negotiable condition of service’, the Supreme Court refused to grant relief to an Army driver who had taken excess leave without notice.

    A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Rajesh Bindal observed that gross indiscipline by those serving in the forces cannot be tolerated while noting that the appellant, a former sepoy, appeared to be a habitual offender and had remained out of line for far too long by seeking condonation of his leave.

    The apex court noted that if accepted (the appeal), it would have sent a wrong signal to others in service.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Such gross indiscipline on the part of the appellant who was a member of the Armed Forces could not be countenanced. He remained out of line far too often for seeking condonation of his absence of leave, this time, for a prolonged period of 108 days which if accepted, would have sent a wrong signal to others in service,” the order read.

    “One must be mindful of the fact that discipline is the implicit hallmark of the Armed Forces and a non-negotiable condition of service,” it added.

    The Army driver was approaching the top court seeking relief in a February 2015 order passed by the Armed Forces Tribunal Lucknow Regional Bench dismissing him from service.

    The bench observed that the punishment given to him was not that serious compared to his conduct.

    “The punishment of dismissal from service on conviction by Court Martial has been treated as a lesser punishment vis-à-vis the punishment of imprisonment for any period below 14 years … sub-section (4) of Section 120 clearly states that a SCM can pass any sentence as contemplated under the Act,” it was noted.

    “The appellant had been taking too many liberties during his service and despite several punishments awarded to him earlier, ranging from imposition of fine to rigorous imprisonment, he did not mend his ways. This was his sixth infraction for the very same offence. Therefore, he did not deserve any leniency by infliction of a punishment lesser than that which has been awarded to him,” it was noted.

  • Defence Bill in Parliament set to grant disciplinary, administrative powers to inter-services heads

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Aiming to devolve disciplinary and administrative powers to the head of inter-services Organisations (ISO), a parliamentary panel on defence has recommended that the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, be passed and enacted as a statute, without any amendments.

    “In summation, the committee, while agreeing with the provisions of the bill, in no uncertain words recommend that the bill without any amendments be passed, enacted as a statute and the committee’s observations/recommendation be considered,” the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report.

    The Panel’s Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the bill was presented to Lok Sabha on Friday and also laid in Rajya Sabha.

    The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence by the Speaker on April 24 for examination and report. It is a significant move as India has begun the process to re-organise and integrate its Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) into theatre commands.

    The restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.

    Currently, personnel of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific governing or regulatory Service Acts — the Army Act, 1950; the Navy Act, 1957; and the Air Force Act, 1950.

    “At the time of enactment of these respective Acts, most of the service organisations were largely comprised of personnel from a single service i.e. Either Army, Navy or Air Force. However, now there are numerous inter-services organisations such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Strategic Forces Command, Defence Space Agency etc. And joint training establishments like National Defence Academy and National Defence College, where personnel of the armed forces and other forces serve together,” the committee added.

    Currently, the commander-in-chief or officer-in-command of the inter-services organisations is not empowered to exercise disciplinary/administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services. Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under their respective Service Acts, the report said.

    “Accordingly, the officers serving in these organisations need to be reverted to their respective parent service units for exercising any disciplinary or administrative action,” it said.

    In view of the above, the Ministry of Defence has proposed to enact new legislation that is the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

    “The Bill seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to such organisations/establishments,” it said. 

    The members of the committee have been mandated to present their report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the ensuing Monsoon session. The session began on July 20 and is scheduled to end on August 11. 

    The committee found that “as per the Objects and Reasons of the Bill, the proposed bill will essentially be an enabling legislation, which will empower the heads of the inter-services organisations to exercise effective command, control and discipline on all personnel of regular Air Force, Army and Navy and to persons of other forces as notified by the central government, who are serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation, without amending the respective Acts.”

    Service personnel when serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation will “continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts”, it added.

    The panel prepared this report based on the background brief provided by the Ministry of Defence, the oral examination of the representatives of the ministry held on May 29 and post-evidence replies sought by the committee.

    NEW DELHI: Aiming to devolve disciplinary and administrative powers to the head of inter-services Organisations (ISO), a parliamentary panel on defence has recommended that the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, be passed and enacted as a statute, without any amendments.

    “In summation, the committee, while agreeing with the provisions of the bill, in no uncertain words recommend that the bill without any amendments be passed, enacted as a statute and the committee’s observations/recommendation be considered,” the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report.

    The Panel’s Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the bill was presented to Lok Sabha on Friday and also laid in Rajya Sabha.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence by the Speaker on April 24 for examination and report. It is a significant move as India has begun the process to re-organise and integrate its Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) into theatre commands.

    The restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.

    Currently, personnel of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific governing or regulatory Service Acts — the Army Act, 1950; the Navy Act, 1957; and the Air Force Act, 1950.

    “At the time of enactment of these respective Acts, most of the service organisations were largely comprised of personnel from a single service i.e. Either Army, Navy or Air Force. However, now there are numerous inter-services organisations such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Strategic Forces Command, Defence Space Agency etc. And joint training establishments like National Defence Academy and National Defence College, where personnel of the armed forces and other forces serve together,” the committee added.

    Currently, the commander-in-chief or officer-in-command of the inter-services organisations is not empowered to exercise disciplinary/administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services. Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under their respective Service Acts, the report said.

    “Accordingly, the officers serving in these organisations need to be reverted to their respective parent service units for exercising any disciplinary or administrative action,” it said.

    In view of the above, the Ministry of Defence has proposed to enact new legislation that is the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

    “The Bill seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to such organisations/establishments,” it said. 

    The members of the committee have been mandated to present their report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the ensuing Monsoon session. The session began on July 20 and is scheduled to end on August 11. 

    The committee found that “as per the Objects and Reasons of the Bill, the proposed bill will essentially be an enabling legislation, which will empower the heads of the inter-services organisations to exercise effective command, control and discipline on all personnel of regular Air Force, Army and Navy and to persons of other forces as notified by the central government, who are serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation, without amending the respective Acts.”

    Service personnel when serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation will “continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts”, it added.

    The panel prepared this report based on the background brief provided by the Ministry of Defence, the oral examination of the representatives of the ministry held on May 29 and post-evidence replies sought by the committee.

  • National security strategy must evolve in line with changes in geopolitical order: CDS Gen Chauhan

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday said the formulation of a National Security Strategy (NSS) should reflect the changes in international geopolitics.  

    General Anil Chauhan said, “International geopolitics is in a flux and the national security strategy should aim to absorb the changes in such a way that it meets the challenges and exploits the opportunities.”

    The CDS also noted that the Armed Forces are investing in technology, which will be key as India continues the process of reorganising its war fighting structure into theatres.

    The CDS was delivering the inaugural speech at the DRDO Directors’ Conclave, an annual event of DRDO, in New Delhi on Friday. General Chauhan stressed the need to perform, reform, transform, inform and conform to meet the emerging challenges.

    India does not have a National Security Strategy, which is an all-encompassing and overarching document for a nation, providing a direction to employ various instruments of national power – diplomatic, informational, military and economic – to advance and protect its national interests from external and internal threats.

    Referring to the technology requirements emerging from theaterisation, he said superiority in technology and tactics is the need of the hour and the Indian Armed Forces are investing in new technologies to win engagements.

    Highlighting the principles of jointness, integration and theaterisation, General Anil Chauhan said in the national security realm, the concept of theaterisation is a fundamental change that is on the anvil.

    ALSO READ | Indian armed forces likely to get their first Integrated Theatre Command in August

    “It is one of the most ambitious changes with far-reaching implications attempted post-independence. The start on this journey depends on the right steps being taken first towards jointness and integration. Theaterisation involves creation of tri service theatre specific structures for effective response along the entire spectrum of conflict,” said General Anil Chauhan.

    The CDS said that integration in the physical domain aims to achieve a multiplier effect as it combines the unique capabilities of the servicesthrough integrated processes and structures to increase the war fighting capability.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, in his inaugural address, highlighted the changes occurring in the nature of warfare and criticality involved in them. He stressed on the need to reform and transform the perspectives in tandem with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of Aatmanirbharta and Make in India.

    General Chauhan released the DRDO’s second list of systems and subsystems for the industry to design, develop and manufacture in line withAatmanirbhar Bharat. This second list of DRDO is in continuation of the list of 108 items released earlier.

    He also released the “DRDO Guidelines for Production Coordination”, which outline the mechanism for production coordination and resolution of issues associated with production of DRDO developed military equipment/platforms/systems.

    The guidelines bring out a two-tier mechanism to resolve issues related to production of these systems by involving designers, users, productionagencies, quality agencies and other stakeholders. The initiative will further pave the way for the Indian defence industry to develop defencetechnologies/systems towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

    The conclave will include deliberations on various issues in line with the theme “Redefining Role of DRDO in the Wake of New Government Policies and Emerging Scenarios” through six technical sessions each followed by a panel discussion.

    The two-day conclave is organised as a follow-up to the various Chintan Shivir (brainstorming session) meetings and reviews of their outcomes by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is being attended by top officials of DRDO including Directors General of various technology as well as corporate clusters, directors of DRDO laboratories, directors of DRDO headquarters and Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs).

    At the beginning of this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had presided over a day-long session of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It had followed separate brainstorming sessions, last month, of all the Departments of the MoD. The Department of Defence (DoD), Department of Defence Production (DDP), Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) had organised separate brainstorming sessions, during which they discussed critical issues & ways to enhance their productivity.

    NEW DELHI: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday said the formulation of a National Security Strategy (NSS) should reflect the changes in international geopolitics.  

    General Anil Chauhan said, “International geopolitics is in a flux and the national security strategy should aim to absorb the changes in such a way that it meets the challenges and exploits the opportunities.”

    The CDS also noted that the Armed Forces are investing in technology, which will be key as India continues the process of reorganising its war fighting structure into theatres.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    The CDS was delivering the inaugural speech at the DRDO Directors’ Conclave, an annual event of DRDO, in New Delhi on Friday. General Chauhan stressed the need to perform, reform, transform, inform and conform to meet the emerging challenges.

    India does not have a National Security Strategy, which is an all-encompassing and overarching document for a nation, providing a direction to employ various instruments of national power – diplomatic, informational, military and economic – to advance and protect its national interests from external and internal threats.

    Referring to the technology requirements emerging from theaterisation, he said superiority in technology and tactics is the need of the hour and the Indian Armed Forces are investing in new technologies to win engagements.

    Highlighting the principles of jointness, integration and theaterisation, General Anil Chauhan said in the national security realm, the concept of theaterisation is a fundamental change that is on the anvil.

    ALSO READ | Indian armed forces likely to get their first Integrated Theatre Command in August

    “It is one of the most ambitious changes with far-reaching implications attempted post-independence. The start on this journey depends on the right steps being taken first towards jointness and integration. Theaterisation involves creation of tri service theatre specific structures for effective response along the entire spectrum of conflict,” said General Anil Chauhan.

    The CDS said that integration in the physical domain aims to achieve a multiplier effect as it combines the unique capabilities of the services
    through integrated processes and structures to increase the war fighting capability.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, in his inaugural address, highlighted the changes occurring in the nature of warfare and criticality involved in them. He stressed on the need to reform and transform the perspectives in tandem with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of Aatmanirbharta and Make in India.

    General Chauhan released the DRDO’s second list of systems and subsystems for the industry to design, develop and manufacture in line with
    Aatmanirbhar Bharat. This second list of DRDO is in continuation of the list of 108 items released earlier.

    He also released the “DRDO Guidelines for Production Coordination”, which outline the mechanism for production coordination and resolution of issues associated with production of DRDO developed military equipment/platforms/systems.

    The guidelines bring out a two-tier mechanism to resolve issues related to production of these systems by involving designers, users, production
    agencies, quality agencies and other stakeholders. The initiative will further pave the way for the Indian defence industry to develop defence
    technologies/systems towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

    The conclave will include deliberations on various issues in line with the theme “Redefining Role of DRDO in the Wake of New Government Policies and Emerging Scenarios” through six technical sessions each followed by a panel discussion.

    The two-day conclave is organised as a follow-up to the various Chintan Shivir (brainstorming session) meetings and reviews of their outcomes by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is being attended by top officials of DRDO including Directors General of various technology as well as corporate clusters, directors of DRDO laboratories, directors of DRDO headquarters and Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs).

    At the beginning of this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had presided over a day-long session of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It had followed separate brainstorming sessions, last month, of all the Departments of the MoD. The Department of Defence (DoD), Department of Defence Production (DDP), Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) had organised separate brainstorming sessions, during which they discussed critical issues & ways to enhance their productivity.

  • Indian armed forces likely to get their first Integrated Theatre Command in August

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

  • Army aims to restore patrolling rights at Despang during Sino-India disengagement talks

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has put its foot down over the restoration of patrolling rights as the talks between India and China are underway for troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh both at the diplomatic and military levels.

    Sources said on Tuesday that the Indian stance on the standoff points has remained consistent, i.e. restoration of status quo ante as on April 2020. “This entails the restoration of patrolling rights to the traditional patrolling points,” said multiple sources.

    The 18th round of Senior Highest Military Commander Level (SHMCL) talks were conducted at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point, on the Chinese side, on April 23 this year.

    The “friction” caused by the standoff between the ground forces of the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains at two friction points — Depsang and Demchok.

    The technical term for the corps commander talks is interactions at the Senior Highest Military Commander Level (SHMCL). Talks at the SHMCL levels took place for the first time on June 6, 2020.

    The Indian side emphasized that the process of disengagement from Galwan, Gogra, Hotsprings and the north and south banks of Pangong Tso does not change India’s claim over the alignment of the LAC.

    “All disengagements carried out earlier also have been done on the basis of mutual security with no prejudice to LAC claims by either side,” said a source.

    But the standoff at Depsang is of much significance where the Chinese troops have blocked access to five patrolling points — 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. The area out of access, as per the sources, is around 952 sq km.

    The five patrolling points, which are located east of the strategic Sub-Sector North road, are close to the LAC, but not located right at the LAC but are located inside the line that marks the Indian territory.

    The Sub-Sector North, of which Depsang is a part, is strategically most important. The terrain is such that a large-scale armour operation is possible. China has multiple roads feeding this area while India has only the DSDBO Road.

    Depsang is also a link to Siachen and the Daulat beg Oldie (DBO) Airfield. The crucial Y Junction is about 20 km from the DBO. The Patrolling points are identified and marked on the LAC where regular patrolling is done to assert the claim about the LAC.

    Tension prevails along the LAC in eastern Ladakh with more than 50, 000 soldiers from each side amassed with heavy equipment like missiles, artillery, and tanks with air power being kept ready. 

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has put its foot down over the restoration of patrolling rights as the talks between India and China are underway for troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh both at the diplomatic and military levels.

    Sources said on Tuesday that the Indian stance on the standoff points has remained consistent, i.e. restoration of status quo ante as on April 2020. “This entails the restoration of patrolling rights to the traditional patrolling points,” said multiple sources.

    The 18th round of Senior Highest Military Commander Level (SHMCL) talks were conducted at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point, on the Chinese side, on April 23 this year.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The “friction” caused by the standoff between the ground forces of the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains at two friction points — Depsang and Demchok.

    The technical term for the corps commander talks is interactions at the Senior Highest Military Commander Level (SHMCL). Talks at the SHMCL levels took place for the first time on June 6, 2020.

    The Indian side emphasized that the process of disengagement from Galwan, Gogra, Hotsprings and the north and south banks of Pangong Tso does not change India’s claim over the alignment of the LAC.

    “All disengagements carried out earlier also have been done on the basis of mutual security with no prejudice to LAC claims by either side,” said a source.

    But the standoff at Depsang is of much significance where the Chinese troops have blocked access to five patrolling points — 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. The area out of access, as per the sources, is around 952 sq km.

    The five patrolling points, which are located east of the strategic Sub-Sector North road, are close to the LAC, but not located right at the LAC but are located inside the line that marks the Indian territory.

    The Sub-Sector North, of which Depsang is a part, is strategically most important. The terrain is such that a large-scale armour operation is possible. China has multiple roads feeding this area while India has only the DSDBO Road.

    Depsang is also a link to Siachen and the Daulat beg Oldie (DBO) Airfield. The crucial Y Junction is about 20 km from the DBO. The Patrolling points are identified and marked on the LAC where regular patrolling is done to assert the claim about the LAC.

    Tension prevails along the LAC in eastern Ladakh with more than 50, 000 soldiers from each side amassed with heavy equipment like missiles, artillery, and tanks with air power being kept ready.