Lt Gen (Dr) Prakash Menon, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) Writes :The fragile defence industrial base has been unable to deliver and for ever the two sides, supply and demand, have been blaming each other for the existing reality that India, on the global stage has been for several decades, the second largest arms importer.
IS THE TOUR OF DUTY A VIABLE OPTION?
Lt Gen Shakti Gurung, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Writes: The Army has revealed that it intends to start a three year “Tour of Duty” (TOD) scheme for graduates from colleges and universities to enable them to gain an experience of Army life. This was announced by the Army Chief recently who clarified that it would not be the same as conscription and was not meant to be a career option either.
TOWARDS AN ATMA NIRBHAR DEFENCE INDUSTRY: AN ANALYSIS
Maj Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd) Writes :The Make in India initiative in 2014 saw defence industry as one of its major pillars, aiming for self-reliance. The buzz around it raised the hopes of many industry players ranging from existing giants to start ups and MSMEs. However, while some achievements may undoubtedly be made much of, the overall picture has been disappointing, with governmental agencies driving themselves into a flurry of activity with seminars and conferences, and private players pointing out there has been no real progress on ground.
PROPOSED DEFENCE REFORMS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE FORWARD
Brig Narender Kumar, SM, VSM (Retd) Writes :The proposed defence reforms announced by Finance Minister on May 16, 2020 should objectively improve military capabilities and capacities. There is a need to maintain balance between procurements ex-import and from Indian defence industry. It will primarily ensure self-reliance with quality and state of the art weapons and platforms to enhance operational efficiency of the Indian Armed Forces.
TABULA RASA[i]: THE US TALIBAN DEAL THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE REALISM AND LIBERALISM
Varija Maini Writes : The peace agreement was reached after an 18 months long on-and-off negotiations that began in late 2018 and finally terminated in end Feb 2020. There are several reasons for the delay of this agreement.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: FUTURE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN AFGHANISTAN
Ms Naireen Khan writes: Even with the U.S government and the Taliban signing a troop withdrawal agreement to pave the way to end a 19-year-old war, peace remains elusive for the Afghan people.