Congress’ Jairam Ramesh says in his book a tussle between Defence Minister V.K. Krishna Menon & Army chief K.S. Thimayya in the 1950s prevented creation of CDS post.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his faith in General Bipin Rawat, who took charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff, and said the post will help in facing challenges of modern warfare.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
The sole aim of CDS Gen Rawat seems to be to some how and single mindedly reduce defence budget in general and pension budget in particular. This is certainly appreciable as far as financial management is concerned and as such acceptable to that extent. However, this must not be done at the cost of national security, dilution of professional capabilities of our forces and lowering defence preparedness. The CDS may also consider – after analyzing the threat perception- approaching the Government and seek increase in the defence budget to overcome pension liabilities.
The good general nails it as usual. The problem with Gen Rawat as CDS was always going to be that his lack of cerebral competencies – needed for the first step of crafting a national military strategy – was going to come in the way of the second step, the political negotiations between the services to agree to an implementation of that strategy in terms of structure and size of turf, which given his considerable political skills Rawat should have done well at.
Ironically, screwing up on the first step might just work wonders for the military reform process. If the CDS, Army and IAF are going to shaft the Navy both with this ridiculous Peninsular Command idea as well as depriving it of the 3rd carrier, the Navy will have no option but to come out swinging and expose the illogical way we are going about things, just to keep up an appearance of reform.
It’s better things get messy now than during a war.
The sole aim of CDS Gen Rawat seems to be to some how and single mindedly reduce defence budget in general and pension budget in particular. This is certainly appreciable as far as financial management is concerned and as such acceptable to that extent. However, this must not be done at the cost of national security, dilution of professional capabilities of our forces and lowering defence preparedness. The CDS may also consider – after analyzing the threat perception- approaching the Government and seek increase in the defence budget to overcome pension liabilities.
Sir..absolutely apt..Thanks for airing your thoroughly professional views on this subject …Reg.
The good general nails it as usual. The problem with Gen Rawat as CDS was always going to be that his lack of cerebral competencies – needed for the first step of crafting a national military strategy – was going to come in the way of the second step, the political negotiations between the services to agree to an implementation of that strategy in terms of structure and size of turf, which given his considerable political skills Rawat should have done well at.
Ironically, screwing up on the first step might just work wonders for the military reform process. If the CDS, Army and IAF are going to shaft the Navy both with this ridiculous Peninsular Command idea as well as depriving it of the 3rd carrier, the Navy will have no option but to come out swinging and expose the illogical way we are going about things, just to keep up an appearance of reform.
It’s better things get messy now than during a war.
Mr. Bipin Rawat should learn from Israeli generals. This gentleman too often opens his mouth which he should not. He must learn how to keep quiet.