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Hypothetical Scenario – What If India Declared A War On Pakistan?

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India-Pak War 2016

You think about it every time there is a terrorist attack, you wonder what would really happen if India and Pakistan went to war once again. Assuming there were no other geopolitical considerations and it is an isolated situation, then short answer – India would win eventually, lots of lives lost and areas ravaged – nuclear or otherwise.

But what would actually happen if India and Pakistan went to war just one more time? Here is some possible explanation to this hypothetical scenario considering other factors too:

Reasons why India would not attack Pakistan:

India-Pak War 2016

  • India doesn’t want war with any country for at least 2 decades. India is world’s fastest growing economy. War with any country will destabilize economy and it will have negative impact on foreign investment.
  • In this heavily armed part of the world any conventional war can easily escalate to nuclear destruction.
  • India has a non-aggressive, non-provocative defense policy, which holds it from attacking any country unless attacked first.
  • Lots of innocent human lives will be lost much.
  • India have nothing to gain from Pakistan Both Strategically and economically.
  • The only case where India would want to start a war with Pakistan is in response to a terrorist attack in India.

Aftermath if India eventually attacked Pakistan:

  • The attack would be a short and fast paced attack.
  • Pakistan would be attacked on multiple fronts, 4 or 5 from 8 integrated battle groups will launch offensive attacks on Pakistan territory in less than 48 hours of authorization of attack, to capture parts of enemy territory in shortest possible time and hold its position.
  • While all of the India’s defenses will be organized and more of defense forces will be deployed on the borders.
  • This all will be done in very short time of 4-5 days after authorization of the attack, and in this short time Pakistan will not be able to internationalize the issue. Due to fast pace of this attack, before Pakistan could justify use of nuclear weapons most of the war would be over for India and it will use enemy territories as bargaining chips for Pakistan to handover terrorists to India.
  • If war ever went beyond this point India can use any of below mentioned missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads to destroy or neutralize threats in Pakistan territory.
  • Some ETA of Indian missiles to top Pakistan cities.
  1. Katra to Islamabad(189 KM) in 3.5 minutes by BrahMos.
  2. Amritsar to Lahore 50 KM in 52 seconds by BrahMos.
  3. Jodhpur to Karachi 622 KM in 4 minutes by Shaurya.

What if Pakistan starts offensive strikes:

  • Missile defence systems in India are fully capable of handling any long range or short range missiles.
  • Ballistic missile defence program of India can protect any two Indian cities at a short notice. This system has accuracy of 99.8%. This system can destroy any incoming ballistic missiles launched from as far as 2500 km.
  • India has also purchased a squadron of Russian S300V missile defence system from Russia to protect against Cruise and Ballistic missiles.
  • Barack 8 missile defense system developed with Israel is in induction phase. It can effectively protect India from cruise missile threats and can also destroy enemy aircraft. The first 32 of these missiles are already fitted at stealth guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata. Testing of AAD (Advance Air Defense) missile is in progress these missiles will help India tackle threat of cruise missiles more effectively.

In the end, war will end very badly for Pakistan, but it will also be equally destructive for India on economic front. And loss of lives would be immense and both countries will never be able to recover from that.

What are your views on this? Share with us.

This post is inspired from this Quora thread.

10 Points About The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) – New Chopper In Armed Forces

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Light Utility Helicopter

Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) successfully completed the first test flight of its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) earlier this year in September. The LUH that was test flown was an indigenously developed prototype helicopter.

The test flight took place in Bengaluru and the helicopter hovered in the air for 15 minutes. HAL termed its first flight to be “flawless”.

Following are the 10 points to know about this latest advancement in India’s Armed Forces:

Light Utility Helicopter

  1. This test flight marks an important step for HAL and the Indian Air Force, which will be eventually acquiring the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) derivative.
  2. The LUH is expected to replace two types in service with the Indian military. These are the Cheetah, which is derived from the Aerospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters) SA 315B, and the Chetak, derived from the Aloutte III.
  3. This is the third indigenous helicopter coming out of HAL. Earlier, HAL successfully bought out HAL Druv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), utility helicopter and HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
  4. The chopper can apparently operate from sea level to places of high altitude, especially the Himalayas.
  5. After completing all the formalities, the LUH is expected to be introduced in both domestic as well as international markets, competing with the likes of AgustaWestland AW109, Aerospatiale SA 360 Dauphin, Eurocopter EC135, Eurocopter AS355, Sikorsky S-70 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, among others.
  6. The LUH has a maximum All-Up-Weight (AUW) of 3,150 kg.
  7. It boasts a Safran HE Ardiden-1U engine of 750 KW power and has a range of 350 km.
  8. It has a service ceiling of 6,500m and can carry 6 passengers and 2 flight crew.
  9. The helicopter is designed to carry out various utility roles such as reconnaissance, transport, cargo, and rescue operations. It can also operate from sea levels to the high altitudes of the Himalayas.
  10. The LUH program has been in the works since 2008, when the armed forces projected a requirement for a light chopper that could carry troops and supplies to border areas. More than 200 choppers are needed by the three armed forces.

The twin-engine Dhruv ALH, which is a five-tonne class helicopter, was initially sold by HAL to the military for about Rs 40 crore, but the current order is likely to be priced at Rs 65-70 crore ($10 million). By that yardstick, industry analysts estimate the smaller LUH would be delivered at about Rs 40 crore per piece; and the 200-helicopter order would be worth Rs 8,000 crore.

8 Key Points About The MICA Missiles – The Latest Ones In India’s Arsenal

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mica missile

Tigers – the first squadron of Indian Air Force, successfully fired the recently acquired long-range Beyond Visual Range (BAV) air-to-air MICA missile. The Mica missiles were newly acquired from France.

The IAF tested the Mica missile from a manoeuvring target released from the upgraded Mirage 2000 aircraft. The Mica missile directly hit the target that was not only flying at a lower altitude but also was smaller than the missile.

Here is what you should know about the MICA missiles:mica missile

  1. ‘MICA’ abbreviated to “Missile d’interception, de combat et d’autodéfense” in French meaning, “interception, combat and self-defence missile”.
  2. The Mica missiles are known to have a high level of tactical flexibility with multi-mission, multi-target Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability. It is also known to perform well in Enhanced Short Range (SR).
  3. Mica missiles are known to have an operational range of 50 km and measure 3.1 meters in length.
  4. India had finalised a deal with France to upgrade all of its Mirage 2000 aircraft to the most advanced variant of Mirage 2000, the Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2.
  5. The new Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 variant boasts new radar systems, a new weapon suite, missiles, electronic warfare system and modern electronic warfare.
  6. With successful demonstration of the missile’s launch envelope, the IAF has become one of the few Air Forces in the world with the capability of such long range beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
  7. India purchased 450 MICAs from European missile major MBDA as part of the Mirage 2000 upgrade deal from France in 2012 for $1.23 billion.
  8. The MICA will be mounted on the 36 Rafale combat jets that India is purchasing from France, the deal for which was inked on September 23.

The multi-mission air-to-air missile system is currently in service with the French Air Force and Navy and several foreign Forces.

 

5 Reasons Why You Should Thank a Soldier on This Diwali

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5 Reasons Why You Should Thank a Soldier on This Diwali
5 Reasons Why You Should Thank a Soldier on This Diwali

Entire nation is waiting for Diwali festival and preparing to celebrate this Diwali with lot more fun and enjoyment. But there are some people out there on the borders, who have to serve their duties, without a single breath of rest. They have to keep their eagles eyes across the borders to avert any danger or threat. A common man has never felt the requirement of any soldier. But if you look a bit deep into your life, a soldier somewhere affects the life of every citizen of India. Every soldier is special and performs some works that makes him responsible for our freedom.

  1. Ready To Fight For You – Whenever any bullet flies and comes in our territory, it has to face the soldier first, before any citizen. A soldier always stays ready to save the lives and secure the motherland. The entire nation is working peacefully just because the soldiers are there on the border to fight for them.
  2. Always On Duty – No Sundays, no holidays, even festivals means team for them, not the home or that fun at home. Their team is their family. What all they have to do is to defend their nations. Holidays are meant to other professions as a soldier is never off duty.
  3. An All-Rounder – Not just a task of defending the nation from external threats and internal conflicts, Indian Armed Forces also perform the role of saving people from disaster stuck areas. Evacuation, relief and other related tasks are also conducted by Indian Armed Forces. For example Hudhud cyclone in AndhraPradesh, floods in Kashmir or Assam or it may be Uttarakhand flood, Armed Forces took immediate action and saved several lives.
  4. Tough Life, Still Cheered – It is a fact that India is composed of various geographic terrains. Desert, Himalayan range, arid, coastal, and marshy and others. Still, they stays ready to perform all their duties irrespective of the weather conditions or terrain difficulties. The place where a common man can never expect to survive, becomes the habitat for a soldier.
  5. Performing Civil Duties Also – When the national respect was on the stakes before the Commonwealth Games in 2008, Indian Army was the one that made the top class bridge in Delhi in few days, which was not expected by any Governmental Authority ever. Not only this, Indian Army had completed many responsibilities that brought the national honor on the top.

Conclusion – Indian Armed Forces are currently going through a shortage of weapons and soldiers. But still, they never complained and handled every situation by making use of in whatever they had. The soldiers are only remembered on 26th January and 15th august or Vijay Diwas. But their contribution to the nation is above all who are working for the nation in economic or other governmental services. This Diwali, thank every soldier, who is serving in cold, hot and arid conditions, miles away from their families, so that we can enjoy the festival.

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FGFA Deal at the Climax

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FGFA Deal at the Climax
FGFA Deal at the Climax

India and Russia have once again come to strength up their relation in the defense arena by accelerating FGFA deals, which is at its climax and is expected to be sealed by the end of the year. Both the nations have been in defense ties from several decades, with deals and pacts signed in other social and economic ties also. As reported by the sources, India has committed $4 billion for tailor made version of the aircraft. The need of fifth generation aircraft has been felt by India, after the diverse efforts by developed nations to use stealth technology.The FGFA deal will be a dream project for India. The following sub points explain related topics.

FGFA

FGFA is a fifth generation aircraft that will be manufactured under the joint venture of India and Russia. It will be made over the prototype of the PAK FA of Russia and will serve in the Indian Air Force. The aircraft is the top interest of India and a step to bring the top notch technology in the Indian Air Force. Some basic features and specifications of FGFA are

  • It has a crew space of 2 pilots.
  • Maximum speed – Mach 2 +
  • Ceiling of 65,000 ft.
  • The aircraft has a maximum G-load of 9G
  • The finally manufactured aircraft will have Super cruise, Stealth, networking and combat avionics features in it.

Past Deals between India and Russia

It is not the only defense deal between India and Russia. Several past deals have been signed by both the nations that have been fruitful to India. The ambitious Brahmos and Sukhoi deals have framed the base of strong Armed Forces. While some of the future deals were also believed to be signed in a few years that will bolster the relations. The top deals in defense field are

  • Sukhoi
  • INS Vikramaditya
  • Brahmos
  • INS Chakra
  • S-400 (under negotiations)

How It Will Affect India

Currently Indian Air Force is going through a dearth of 9 squadrons. The necessary squadrons are 42, while IAF possess just 33 squadrons. The introduction of MMRCA Rafale is a positive sign for the IAF, but fifth generation aircraft with more capabilities are required to meet the warfare tactics of the modern era. India’s AMCA is also a distant by a long dream and our close neighbor,China, is expanding its armed forces technically, which is a point of concern for India.

Why in news?

Both the nations are seen dedicated toward signing the deal of FGFA by the end of the year. Russian authorities have commented on the progress of the deal and defense sources revealed that now India has to pay $7 billion instead of $6 billion for aircraft’s know how and 3 prototypes of the aircraft. The aircraft will be based on the latest technology of Russia and will be built by both India and Russia.

Conclusion – There were certain changes and delays in the project, but it is expected to come to the finalization soon. The deal will be a new bead in the relations between the two strong economies in the field of defense. Both the nations had military exercise with each other (INDRA) and technical deals had a long history. The old MIG series aircraft in the Indian Air Force have Russian roots. The FGFA deal will further initiate a new regime of highly capable aircraft in India and will be a sign of strength of India.

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China – Pakistan Bonding To New Heights

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China - Pakistan Bonding To New Heights
China - Pakistan Bonding To New Heights

Pakistan has been marked as a terror sponsoring nation and India’s tough steps toward the insurgency and terror strikes by Pakistan has raised several questions on Pakistan’s steps to avert terrorism. But another aspect that makes the issue more tangled is China’s deep support to Pakistan. China is termed as the all-weather ally of Pakistan. The recent close deals between China and Pakistan has stringed the ties to a new heights between the two nations. The deals are strong in military field and economic ties are also on the hike between both the nations.

China has recently confirmed the selling of 8 submarines to Pakistan. As per the reports, the deal will cost $ 4-5 billion. Four of the submarines will be manufactured in China, while remaining four will be manufactured in Karachi shipyard. Apart from this, Pakistan is also reported to be planning to come in a deal with China to buy RQ-9 Air Defense system, which matches the capabilities of Russian S-300 Air Defense System for countering ballistic missiles and other air threats. The reported range of RQ-9 is about 200 kms. Earlier, Pakistan has bought HQ-16 systems from China in 2014, which has a range of 40 kms.

Pakistan has got answer to its terror sponsorship by India’s surgical strike. The matter has been raised in a political manner. As a response of it, Indian army has reported a lot of hacking attempts in the last few weeks. The army has alerted all its branches to stay cautious about such activities. After Indian army’s cyber cell tracked the IP of the incoming commands, the IP was located in Germany, which was later reported as fake. China has also been found in such activities. China’s deep interest in Pakistan has raised many disputes with India. The issue of Karakorum highway, string of pearls surrounding India and Masood Azhar issue are some of them. These all issues had made a rift between India and the duo neighbors (Pakistan and China). Pakistan also preferred China’s Chengdu-J10B aircraft over U.S. Lockheed martin F-16 for Pakistan Air Force. Both the nations were seen to perform joint efforts in manufacturing JF-17 Thunder, K-8 advanced training aircraft and Al-Khalid tanks.

Moreover, the construction of Chabbahar pot as a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which aims at connecting Gwadar port with Kashgar in Xinxiang province, China, has brought both the nations closer. The economic relations become deeper when China and Pakistan agreed to start metro project in Lahore and deals in the energy sector has linked the nation in an unbreakable bond.

While the above points signify Pakistan’s efforts to get over the India’s level, China is also seen inclined toward Nepal and Bangladesh. Both the nations, Nepal and Bangladesh, act as a buffer area for India and China. China has recently committed to provide assistance for modernizing the Nepal’s Army and enhancing its disaster management capabilities. The trilateral meeting between India, China and Nepal has brought some signs of better future relations and peaceful relations.

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Fresh Thrust in India-Russia Defence Ties

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Fresh Thrust in India-Russia Defense Ties
Fresh Thrust in India-Russia Defense Ties

The defense field of India has found another reason to trust Russia, after both the nations got into 3 crucial deals during Russian PM’s visit to India. The Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between both the nations regarding some defense weapons. There are several past deals between both the nations and Russia is also seen getting closer to china for defense deals and pacts. The recent visit of Russian PM to India has relinked the relations between the nations. The deals, which are signed this time will bring more strength to the Armed Forces.

The most crucial of all is S-400 Defense System, which has a range of 400 kms and can avert any air born threat in its range. As per the reports, the system will be operated by the Indian Air Force and the deal will cost cr 39000 for 5 such systems. Another deal was related to the 4 stealth frigates. It will be Talwar Class Frigate and will cost about $ 3 billion to India. The agreement states that two of the 4 frigates will be built by Russia and 2 will be built in India with Russian assistance. The last deal was for the Kamov 226-T.  A MoU was signed between Rostec State Corporation of Russia and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for manufacturing of Kamov-226-T in a deal of $ 1 billion. The helicopters are efficient in working at high altitudes and will take over the duty in Mountainous and glacier area. They are expected to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of India.

Both the nations have been in a close defense relationship. India’s top aircraft, Su 30-MKI and upcoming FGFA have some Russian roots. While Brahmos was produced by a joint venture of both Indian and Russian defense companies. Not only this, India has got INS Chakra on a lease of 10 years from Russia for $900 million in 2012. Both the nations were found involved in military exercise Indra and Yudh Abhyas. Both the nations are also planning Indra Naval war-games at the end of this year. India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya was also procured from Russia. Apart from these, India has shown its reduced interest in Multirole Transport Aircraft due to low capacity in high altitude and cost viability. After this, Russia has offered India to build Nuclear Powered Aircraft carrier Storm.

The emerging need to boost up the defense field of India has two ways to meet the requirement either manufacturing or procuring. India seems to be involved keenly in both. China has also bought S-400 Air Defense Systems from Russia, last year. Moreover, Russia and China have other defense deals also. But the recent inclination of Russia to India shows the bilateral defense links of Russia and constant interest toward India. The deals will fill the voids in Indian Armed Forces and bring out a stronger force in the Asian territory.

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Fighter Aircraft at a Glance

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Fighter Aircraft at a Glance
Fighter Aircraft at a Glance

Fighter Aircraft are very important in air warfare and supporting role by penetrating deep into the enemy’s territories and striking down their weak and master operating points, fighting and destroying opponent aircraft. Fighter aircraft are made to secure airspace and deterring any air borne threat entering the borders. While Attack aircraft fly at lower altitudes and are mainly tasked to destroy close tanks and arms. Bombers on the other hand are used for bombing tasks and are less maneuverable. Talking about India, in 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Indian air force has shown best warfare performance in destroying the enemy weapons and arms.

The fighter aircraft are further classified on the basis of their specification and are segregated in generations. The latest is the fifth generation jets. Most of the nations are currently using 4th and 4+ generation jets in their Air Force. India’s FGFA (India- Russia project) and AMCA are the upcoming 5th generation jets. Latest 5th generation jets have many elite specifications like Stealth, Advance Avionic Features, Enhanced Airframes etc.

Now, talking about the fighter aircraft of Indian Air force, India currently possesses some of the best aircraft and are securing Indian skies in all possible ways. Some of them need replacement while new entrants are being inducted to raise the muscles of IAF. A gist of them is given below:-

  1. Sukhoi 30-MKI – It is an air superiority aircraft with multi-role capability. Indian currently has 272 Sukhoi 30MKI aircraft and are termed as deadliest aircraft in IAF. The aircraft has a Russian print and are manufactured in India.
  2. HAL Tejas – Tejas, the home-grown aircraft by HAL, is a Multirole Combat Aircraft. The main aim of developing this aircraft is to recover the number required aircraft in India and making India self-reliant.
  3. Dassault Mirage 2000 – It is a multi-role, single engine, 4th generation jet, which has been used by 9 nations. Its origin lies in France from Dassault Aviation (manufacturer of Rafale).
  4. Jaguar – This attack aircraft has a UK print and is under up-gradation. It is expected to be retired in 2030. The aircraft is also used for close air support and nuclear strike role.
  5. Mig-29 – Belonging to Mikoyan family from the USSR, it is a fighter jet and India has about 70 pieces of this aircraft.
  6. Mig-27 – Nick named as Bahadur, it is an attack aircraft. The aircraft will be replaced by India’s Tejas in upcoming years to raise the quality of fighting strategies.
  7. Mig-21 – Another entrant from Mikoyan, it is made to perform the fighter role. It will be replaced by India’s Tejas in future.

Rafale (Upcoming) – It is medium multi-role combat aircraft from France that will be inducted in IAF soon. The deal is at its climax and India will get 36 jets. Read More about Rafale Deal

Conclusion – All AFCAT aspirants, who are expecting their AFSB, especially those who have chance for flying branch, need to stay aware of the gist of fighter jets in India. The above information is an outline of the fighter jets that the candidates must know. Moreover, Rafale deal, and other upcoming arms and weapons in IAF should can also be asked in the personal interview. Stay aware of the field and branch, you are applying for.

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Reorganizing Army – An Option or Need for Indian Army?

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Reorganizing Army - An Option or Need for Indian Army?
Reorganizing Army - An Option or Need for Indian Army?

The expansion of the Indian army is considered as a necessary step to level the ongoing heated situations between India and neighboring nations. The scarcity of 9000 officers and about 30,000 soldiers in Indian army has to be filled up and the efficiency need to be increased in order to deter the two emerging threats in the neighboring territories (Pakistan and China). The replication of problems due to unbalanced circumstances between both the nations has led India to take some steps to expand its force.

The concept of integrated theatre command has been in news from the last few months and seems to be a great move toward combining the efforts of all sections of the armed forces to bring out the best match of respective command. The concept of theatre command lies in the comprehensive joint amalgamation of Army, Navy and Air Force in one command. Here, the resources of all three services were put together to make a joint integrated approach to a task.

The move by India to raise such command came after Chinese Army was restructured last year in order to refresh the efficiency of its army. India is not the first nation to propose such command. U.S. and other nations also possess such commands. Apart from the raising of the Theatre commands, the restructuring is also a crucial aspect of it. The main benefit of a Theatre command is to act over a multiple strategic fronts by one command rather than dealing with it by all respective commands individually.

Another stroke by India Army came from the step to raise Strike corps (17 corps). The approval to raise mountain strike corps in 2013 was judged as a significant step to boost the defense of India. But as the time passed, it seemed to be hard to raise the corps with about 90,000 soldiers. The cost of raising the corps was estimated to around 64,000 thousand crores and marked to be raised by 2020-2021. As per the sources, the fund shorted Army is raising the corps with the War Wastage Reserves. As on march this year, only 90 of the 250 headquarters have been established. The Headquarter suggested for the corps is Panagarh, West Bengal.

Refreshing the basic knowledge of aspirants, Army commands in India are as follows:-

Northern command – Udhampur

Southern command – Pune

Eastern command – Kolkata

Western command – Chandigarh

South western command – Jaipur

Central command – Lucknow

Training command – Shimla

Along with the above measures and steps to bring up the defense scale, Indian National Defense University (INDU) was proposed to be established in Binola, Gurgaon (Haryana). The aim of establishing it is to increase the leadership quality of officers and enhancing defense related research and promoting defense management and defense technologies.

Conclusion – The increased manpower in the army is the need of the hour as the tensions along the borders is escalating day by day. China is reported to be planning a cut down of about 3 lakh soldiers by 2017. While India has to think over expanding and arming the soldiers and providing required equipment and facilities to them. Reorganizing armed forces can be a good idea as it will refresh and bring out the joint approach of all the three forces to work over a specific problem and sort it out.

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Retired Indian Army Soldier Commits Suicide Over One Rank One Pension (OROP)

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A 65-year-old retired Armyman from Haryana allegedly killed himself in the capital on Tuesday. He had planned to hand a petition to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar later in the day on the government’s One Rank One Pension or OROP scheme.

Subedar Ram Kishen Grewal allegedly had poison on the lawns behind Jawahar Bhawan, a government building in the heart of Delhi that houses the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday afternoon. He was rushed to a hospital nearby but had died.

The retired subedar from Bhiwani in Haryana had served in the Indian Army for over 30 years. In his petition to Mr Parrikar, Subedar Grewal complained that he had still not received the increased pension promised to him by the government under the OROP scheme it implemented last year.

Sources in Mr Parrikar’s office said they had received no request from the Army veteran for an appointment with the minister.

The police said the ex-serviceman was in Delhi with three other people, who said they had no idea that he was contemplating suicide.cwosd8gukae5dm9
Subedar Grewal’s family said he called up his youngest son after consuming sulphide tablets. “He called us and said he is committing suicide as the government has failed to fulfil their demands related to OROP,” Subedar Grewal’s son, Ram Kishan Grewal told news agency ANI.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked the centre over the incident. “Both farmers and soldiers are committing suicide in Modi Raj. That means the Prime Minister is lying that OROP has been implemented. Why would Ram Kishan ji have committed suicide if OROP was being implemented?” Mr Kejriwal said.

The ex-serviceman had joined protests at Jantar Mantar, Delhi’s designated site for protests, to demand changes in OROP. Protesters say four of their primary conditions have not been met by the government.

One Rank One Pension, a longstanding demand of ex-servicemen, grants retired armed forces personnel pension parity with officers and jawans of the same rank who are retiring now.