In a remarkable development within the Indian Army, a three-star general’s candid letter has ignited significant debate regarding the treatment and perception of women commanding officers (COs). The letter, penned by Corps Commander Lt Gen Rajeev Puri, addressed to Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, critically evaluated the performance of eight women COs within the corps headquarters. The five-page document, dated October 1, outlines several concerns about the leadership and behavior of these officers, marking a controversial moment in the discourse surrounding gender equality in India’s armed forces.

The letter is divided into seven subheadings that highlight various areas of concern, which include a lack of empathy, entitlement, and a propensity to complain excessively. Puri’s memo, which has come under scrutiny after surfacing on social media, introduces a discourse pushing for gender neutrality in military policy while paradoxically attributing shortcomings to the women COs based on their gender.

According to the general, issues such as “mundane ego problems” often escalate beyond manageable levels, particularly among women, who he implies have a greater tendency for such disputes than their male counterparts. He acknowledges that some male officers exhibit similar behaviors but asserts that the frequency among women appears to suggest a troubling trend. The letter emphasizes that women were specifically inducted into the force under a special cadre and suggests that they lack adequate training to handle commanding roles effectively, emphasizing that at the CO level, they should be expected to operate independently without guidance.

Highlighting what he perceives as an overreaction to disagreements stemming from gender bias, the general attributes this tendency to a desire among women to perform exceptionally in a predominantly male-dominated environment. Critics, however, argue that the comments echo a broader culture of misogyny within the military. Retired Major Bhavana Chiranjay remarked that the letter reflects deep-seated biases and could undermine the credibility of women in command positions.

The historical context of women in the Indian Army reveals a long and arduous journey toward acceptance. Women were first inducted as short service commission officers in 1992, after which they fought for their inclusion in various capacities within military ranks, frequently facing opposition based on outdated notions regarding their capabilities. In landmark rulings, the Supreme Court recognized their constitutional rights, gradually expanding their roles, including recent orders for women to participate in command roles outside traditional medical assignments.

As women COs find themselves in positions of authority, they maintain that they have earned their ranks through merit and dedication, distancing themselves from the exceptionalism often associated with their gender. Voices from within the military community, including retired Lt Col Sarita Satija, emphasize that while challenges exist, they also highlight systems in place for addressing concerns effectively, critiquing the public nature of the letter as inappropriate and unnecessarily provocative.

As the debate continues, women officers assert their commitment to serving in the army on equal footing with their male counterparts, seeking to transcend stereotypes while demonstrating their capabilities. With women making up only a small fraction of the military personnel—0.56% in the army, compared to 1.08% in the Air Force and 6.5% in the Navy—the journey toward true equality remains a work in progress. The situation raises essential questions about the future of gender dynamics within the military and highlights the ongoing struggle for acceptance and recognition in an institution long characterized by traditional gender roles.

In a significant initiative aimed at supporting ex-servicemen and their families, the Army’s Dot on Target (DOT) Division, operating under the Sapta Shakti Command, held an ex-servicemen rally and medical camp at the Hisar Military Station. This event catered to veterans and their next of kin from ten districts of Haryana, namely Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jhajjar, Jind, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Rohtak, and Sirsa.

The event was attended by several high-ranking military officials, including Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Sapta Shakti Command, and Maj Gen Amit Talwar, the General Officer Commanding of the DOT Division. The gathering also saw the presence of notable civil dignitaries from the Hisar district, including retired Maj Gen Shrikant Sharma, former Vice-Chancellor of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Rajinder Raina, Senior VP and head of operations at Jindal Stainless Steel Ltd, and Hisar ADC Jayasharadha. Over 1,500 ex-servicemen and their families participated in the event, highlighting the strong community of veterans in the region.

According to an Army spokesperson, the rally was organized to connect with a maximum number of veterans and their families, addressing their everyday grievances and enhancing their awareness of available resources. The event culminated in a touching felicitation ceremony honoring 48 veer naris/veer matas, 19 war wounded veterans, and eight veteran achievers who have made significant contributions to nation building. Additionally, 21 disabled ex-servicemen received e-Scooters, with 11 of these presented through the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans.

The day’s activities began with a series of vibrant cultural programs designed to uplift the spirits of the attendees. Following these performances, representatives from various ex-servicemen agencies delivered informative talks about the benefits available to veterans through government schemes. These representatives included personnel from the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, the Army Welfare Placement Organisation, the Defence Pension Disbursing Office, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, and the Zila Sainik Board.

Moreover, several banks and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) set up stalls to provide insights into policies and employment opportunities tailored for ex-servicemen in the corporate sector. Stalls were also established by various records offices to facilitate the registration of grievances, ensuring that the concerns of the ex-servicemen could be effectively addressed.

Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the excellent organization of the rally by the DOT Division, commending the warmth and hospitality extended to them. Overall, the event not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among veterans but also reinforced the commitment of the Army to support those who have served the nation.

The Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Pune, served as the grand venue for the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 147th course at the National Defence Academy (NDA) this Saturday. The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, who reviewed the parade featuring 1,265 cadets, including 357 from the passing out course.

During his address at the event, Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized the importance of the training and camaraderie the cadets experienced at the NDA. He urged them to carry forward the extensive knowledge gained at the academy to their future service academies and to maintain the bonds forged during their time at the NDA. “As young officers, the role of NDA cadets in any future conflict would be pivotal in ensuring that the enemy designs are defeated and that the territorial integrity of a great nation is not compromised,” he stated. He also highlighted the high-quality training received at the NDA, asserting that it would prepare the cadets to face forthcoming challenges with confidence and strength.

The Air Chief Marshal pointed out that the NDA is unmatched in terms of both infrastructure and training quality, granting the cadets the unique distinction of being associated with the academy for life. He noted that as future military leaders, they will be tasked with leading motivated soldiers, sailors, and air warriors, underscoring the trust that will be vested in their leadership.

Among the graduating cadets were 215 from the Army, 301 from the Air Force, and 38 from the Navy, which included 19 cadets from various friendly foreign nations such as Bhutan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and the Maldives. Notably, a contingent of 47 female cadets, currently in their third, fourth, and fifth terms of training, also participated in the parade.

Academic accolades were awarded to exemplary cadets, including Cadet Ankit, who received the President’s gold medal for securing the first position in the Overall Order of Merit. Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan earned the silver medal, while Cadet Jodha Thongiaomayum took home the bronze medal. The Golf Squadron was honored with the prestigious ‘Chiefs of Staff Banner’ for being recognized as the Champion Squadron during the parade.

The 147th course commenced its rigorous training in 2021, culminating in this ceremonious event after three years of dedicated military preparation. Graduating cadets are now set to proceed to their respective pre-commissioning training academies, with those choosing the Navy heading to the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, Army cadets going to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, and those selecting the Air Force joining the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.

In a poignant follow-up to the parade, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh visited the Hut of Remembrance at the NDA, where he paid homage to the valiant alumni whose names are memorialized there. This memorial, constructed by the cadets from the 10th to the 17th courses, stands as a tribute to bravery, courage, and selfless service, chronicling the impressive tales of valor and sacrifice made by NDA graduates over the past seven decades.

In a significant ruling, the High Court has chosen not to delve into the substantive issues surrounding allegations of pollution and the validity of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on its merits. Instead, the court focused on procedural fairness, emphasizing that the Ministry of Environment and Greenery (MEG) was not afforded the opportunity to present its case during the previous National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearings.

The High Court highlighted that the appellants, associated with MEG, were not parties to the NGT proceedings, which meant they never had a chance to defend themselves or contest the conclusions reached by the Tribunal regarding their liability to pay compensation. The court underscored that this lack of opportunity undermined their rights, stating, “Even if the appellants could be attributed with the knowledge of the proceedings before the Tribunal, when they were not given opportunity to put forward their case and that they were not heard, their right to challenge the finding and the decision could be said to be remaining alive to be exercised in court of law.”

In light of these considerations, the High Court determined that the NGT’s order should be set aside. However, it took a proactive step by directing MEG to deposit ₹1 crore with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. This action is contingent on the results of the new proceedings that are set to take place before the NGT, indicating that the court is seeking to ensure compliance and accountability while also safeguarding the rights of the appellants as they prepare to re-enter legal discussions surrounding the claims of pollution and compensation.

Pakistan has solidified its position among the top 10 most powerful militaries in the world, now ranking 9th according to the Fire Power Index. This significant ranking reflects the nation’s extensive military capabilities, despite facing economic challenges. The strong focus of the Pakistani military has been shaped largely by its historical tensions and conflicts with its eastern neighbor, India.

The roots of this rivalry date back to 1947 when Pakistan was established following the partition of India, leading to a long-standing dispute marked by four wars. While Pakistan has historically faced setbacks during these confrontations, it has moved to rapidly modernize and expand its military infrastructure in subsequent decades.

Presently, the Pakistani army boasts an impressive number of personnel, with approximately 654,000 soldiers enlisted. The nation has amassed a considerable inventory of military equipment, including thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, and various aircraft types. Notably, Pakistan has developed a strategic partnership with China, bolstering its military capabilities further.

When it comes to aerial strength, Pakistan operates a total of 1,434 aircraft, including 387 fighter jets. Although it lags behind India, which has 606 fighter aircraft, Pakistan has a diverse fleet that includes 60 transport aircraft and 549 trainer aircraft, in addition to 4 air tankers and 352 helicopters. In a surprising statistic, Pakistan holds an advantage in the number of attack helicopters, possessing 57 compared to India’s 40.

On the ground, the Pakistani army has 3,742 tanks and a total of 50,523 armored vehicles. While this is significantly less than India’s 151,248 armored units, Pakistan demonstrates a competitive edge in specific artillery capabilities, operating 752 self-propelled artillery units compared to India’s 140. However, in traditional drawn artillery, the numbers are closely matched, with Pakistan having 3,238 units against India’s slightly higher count of 3,243. Additionally, Pakistan operates 602 mobile rocket launchers, reflecting its artillery versatility.

Naval capabilities present a different picture where Pakistan falls short compared to India. The Pakistani navy has 114 ships, ranking it 32nd globally, contrasted with India’s 294 naval vessels. Notably, Pakistan lacks aircraft carriers, a stark difference from India’s two, although it has a fleet including 8 submarines, 9 frigate warships, and 69 patrolling vessels for securing its maritime borders.

In terms of missile technology, Pakistan has developed an array of both cruise and ballistic missiles, highlighting a significant aspect of its military strength. The arsenal includes Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) such as the GIDS Baktar-Shikan and Kornet-E, along with various Battlefield Range and Tactical Ballistic Missiles (BRBMs) like Hatf-I, Hatf-IA, Ghaznavi, and others. The country is equipped with Short Range and Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs and MRBMs), demonstrating a comprehensive defense capability designed to respond to evolving threats.

Both India and Pakistan are recognized nuclear powers, with current estimates indicating that India possesses 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has slightly fewer, with 170 warheads reported as of January 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

In conclusion, Pakistan’s military, while often marked by its historical rivalry with India, has developed into a formidable force by focusing on modernizing its armed forces and expanding its arsenal. As both countries continue to boost their military capabilities, the dynamic in the region remains complex and fraught with tension.

The Defence Ministry has firmly denied allegations that the Army harasses civilians or halts the movement of ambulances on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. This statement was made in response to inquiries from Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who raised concerns about frequent interruptions to civilian traffic during the passage of Army or paramilitary convoys on the highway.

Mehdi specifically questioned whether it was true that traffic was halted multiple times at various locations along the highway during military movements. He also inquired if ambulances, which are crucial for emergency services, were being stopped and what measures the government planned to implement to prevent such actions, which he claimed violated human rights and caused unnecessary humiliation.

In its written response to the Lok Sabha, the Defence Ministry explained that regular convoys move between Jammu and Srinagar for various operational and administrative purposes. The Ministry stressed that the Indian Army operates within established protocols to ensure the safety and convenience of civilian traffic. It highlighted the necessity of road-opening parties, which are dispatched prior to the convoys to enhance security and mitigate the chance of attacks or ambushes, a reference to prior incidents.

The Defence Ministry clarified that while traffic may be temporarily regulated at specific junctures, particularly where lateral roads meet National Highway 44 and at U-turns, this regulation is not aimed at harassing civilians. Instead, it emphasized that the responsibility for regulating civilian traffic rests with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the state authorities, reiterating that the Army does not obstruct civilian movement.

However, the Ministry’s stance has been met with skepticism by Mehdi, who contended that the official response was deceptive. Following the release of the Ministry’s statement, the MP took to social media to express his frustration, labeling the response as “full of blatant lies.” He reiterated his calls for an end to the inconvenience faced by the public, particularly regarding the blocking of ambulances during the movement of security forces on the national highway.

The issue has been particularly sensitive in the region, as residents in south Kashmir have reported increased disruptions to traffic following the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019, which heightened security concerns and led to more stringent measures being enforced during Army convoy movements. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the balance between security operations and civilian rights continues to be a point of contention in the region.

In a groundbreaking achievement for the Indian Armed Forces, Captain Rheeya Sreedharan has made history by becoming the first second-generation woman officer to earn her aviation wings. This milestone not only highlights her individual capabilities but also marks a significant moment for women in the military, particularly in the field of aviation.

Captain Rheeya proudly received her aviation wings during the graduation ceremony held at the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, where 50 officers were commissioned. This event underscores the changing dynamics of the armed forces, celebrating diversity and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The significance of Captain Rheeya’s achievement is profound, as she follows in the footsteps of her mother, who also served in the Indian Army. This generational connection adds a layer of inspiration for aspiring female officers, showcasing that their dreams of serving and excelling in the military are attainable.

As the ceremony unfolded, Capt Rheeya’s achievement was celebrated not just as a personal victory but as a beacon of progress for women in the armed services. It serves to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation and other challenging roles within the military.

The graduation from the Combat Army Aviation Training School is a rigorous and demanding process, equipping officers with the necessary skills and training to operate various aircraft. Captain Rheeya’s success represents a promising future for women in aviation, and her journey is expected to inspire many more female aspirants to break barriers and take on new challenges within the armed forces.

With Captain Rheeya Sreedharan’s accomplishment, the Indian Army is one step closer to achieving greater gender equality and representation in all fields, reaffirming the commitment to empower women to take on roles that contribute to national security and defense. As she embarks on her career in army aviation, her story will undoubtedly resonate with many and pave the way for future generations of women in uniform.

A significant joint military exercise, Harimau Shakti 2024, is set to unfold between India and Malaysia from December 2 to December 15 at Bentong Camp, located near Kuala Lumpur. The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) announced this event, emphasizing its importance in enhancing cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.

The military exercise this year carries the theme “Two nations, one mission: Ensuring global peace,” which reflects the commitment both nations share towards maintaining stability and security on a global scale. According to the ADGPI, the primary objective of Harimau Shakti is to boost interoperability between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army specifically for sub-conventional operations conducted under a United Nations mandate.

In 2023, the previous iteration of Harimau Shakti took place in India, specifically at the Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya. During that exercise, the Malaysian Army was represented by the 5th Royal Battalion, while the Indian contingent included a battalion from the Rajput Regiment. Such military exercises signify not only a robust defense partnership but also serve as a platform to strengthen diplomatic ties between India and Malaysia.

In addition to Harimau Shakti, another crucial military collaboration has recently concluded: the 13th edition of Agni Warrior 2024, a joint exercise between the Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces. Held at the Field Firing Ranges in Devlali, Maharashtra, this three-day exercise featured a contingent of 182 Singaporean personnel from the Singapore Artillery and 114 personnel from India’s artillery regiment. Its goals included maximizing mutual understanding of operational drills and facilitating jointness as a multinational force under the auspices of the United Nations Charter.

The event showcased advanced capabilities in joint firepower planning and execution, along with the integration of new-generation equipment, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to advancing military effectiveness and collaborative defense measures. High-ranking officials attended the exercise, including Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery; Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant of the School of Artillery; and Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.

These military exercises, both Harimau Shakti and Agni Warrior, exemplify the growing defense cooperation among India, Malaysia, and Singapore, pivotal in countering shared security challenges and enhancing regional stability.

In a significant operation involving coordinated efforts between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies, two boats attempting to smuggle a staggering 500kg of crystal meth were intercepted in the Arabian Sea. The operation, which spanned two days and commenced on November 24, resulted in the apprehension of nine individuals onboard the Sri Lankan-flagged vessels.

The operation was initiated after the Indian Navy received intelligence from their counterparts in the Sri Lankan Navy regarding suspicious activities in the Arabian Sea. In response, the Indian Navy deployed advanced surveillance assets, including a long-range maritime patrol aircraft and a remotely piloted drone, to monitor the target vessels. Additionally, two naval ships were mobilized to assist in the operation.

Using data provided by the information fusion center in Gurugram, the aircraft successfully located the vessels involved in the smuggling attempt. A team from one of the Indian naval ships boarded the boats, where they discovered the substantial cache of crystal meth, meticulously concealed among various consumables. Along with the narcotics, the nine crew members of the boats were secured and subsequently handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy for further investigation.

Crystal methamphetamine, known for its distinctive appearance resembling glass chunks or shiny bluish-white rocks, acts as a powerful stimulant, significantly accelerating the central nervous system. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in the region, including recent operations in Chennai where the Narcotics Control Bureau has successfully thwarted several attempts to smuggle methamphetamine to Sri Lanka.

The Indian Navy emphasized that this operation underscores the strong partnership and cooperative framework between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in maritime security. It further symbolizes their unified commitment to tackling regional maritime challenges and ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region.

This operation comes on the heels of another significant drug seizure in April, when the Indian Navy confiscated 940kg of various narcotics, including 453kg of methamphetamine, during a collaborative effort with maritime forces in the Arabian Sea. The continuous efforts of both nations reflect an unwavering resolve to combat drug trafficking and enhance maritime security across their respective waters.

Former Indian Navy Commander Purnendu Tiwari remains stranded abroad due to ongoing delays in the issuance of his travel documents, following his release from detention in Qatar earlier this year. Tiwari is the last of eight Indian Navy veterans, who received a collective pardon from Qatari authorities in February, yet he has not been able to return to India. This situation has caused significant distress to Tiwari and his family, who have been tirelessly reaching out for assistance.

In their efforts to expedite the process, Tiwari’s relatives have contacted various officials, including former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Mahajan sent a letter to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week, urging prompt action to resolve the travel document delays. In her correspondence dated 26 November, she recognized the Ministry of External Affairs’ substantial efforts, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, in securing the veterans’ release but highlighted the urgent need to address Tiwari’s situation.

Mahajan pointed out that the other seven veterans have returned to India, exacerbating the hardship faced by Tiwari and his family. She describes the ongoing delays as a source of “undue hardship and distress” and appealed for intervention from both ministers to facilitate Tiwari’s return.

The family of Commander Tiwari has voiced their concern over the prolonged wait. A family member disclosed that multiple petitions have been submitted to government officials, yet a resolution remains elusive. “It is unduly long for the lone Navy veteran, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, to continue suffering while his peers returned to India on 12 February,” the family member remarked. They accused the Ministry of External Affairs of making a significant mistake by leaving Tiwari behind in Doha while repatriating the others.

The family is increasingly anxious, with a sense of urgency growing as they receive no clear timeline for Tiwari’s return. Tiwari’s elderly mother, now 86 years old, has expressed deep concern about the possibility of never seeing her son again. The prolonged separation has been emotionally taxing for the family, prompting calls for the government to take decisive action.

While the family has expressed gratitude for the initial efforts that led to the release of the veterans, they are now pleading for consistent follow-through and assistance. In their appeal, they highlighted the distress caused by vague responses from the Ministry of External Affairs, which has been stating for months that Tiwari will return, but without specifying when. “Please do something, for God’s sake. We are just getting the same response from the MEA for months now, stating he will be back. But when? How long are we supposed to wait like this?” they urged, underscoring the urgent need for resolution in this distressing situation.