In a significant development regarding gender roles within the Indian Army, Lt General Rajeev Puri, the outgoing Corps Commander of the 17 Corps, has issued a critical assessment of women in command positions during his tenure. This feedback comes four years after the Supreme Court’s historic ruling in 2020, which allowed women to assume permanent commissions in the Army, making strides toward gender equality in military leadership.

In a detailed five-page letter dated October 1, addressed to senior officials including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari, Lt Gen Puri articulated various leadership shortcomings observed among eight Colonel-rank women officers under his command. His observations raised questions that may reignite the ongoing debate around the role of women in senior positions within the armed forces.

Among the concerns highlighted by Lt Gen Puri were issues related to interpersonal relations, a reported “lack of tact and understanding,” and instances where the women commanding officers exhibited an “exaggerated tendency to complain.” According to him, there has been a noticeable increase in officer management issues within units led by female officers, which he said stemmed from issues of trust and mutual respect amongst personnel.

One particularly striking example cited involved a woman CO who insisted on having a subedar major open her vehicle door, an action that Lt Gen Puri noted was against established orders. This situation led to interpretations of a “misplaced sense of entitlement” among some women COs.

Additionally, Lt Gen Puri suggested that a desire for immediate recognition for minor achievements and a confrontational approach to conflict resolution were prevalent among the women officers he evaluated. He argued that these behavioral traits could be attributed to an eagerness to prove their capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated field.

In a significant conclusion, Lt Gen Puri called for a shift from a “gender equality” framework to one of “gender neutrality,” emphasizing that while equal opportunities are important, all personnel should be evaluated based on their respective merits and capabilities, uncolored by gender biases.

The letter elicited strong reactions across various sectors. Some defense establishment sources described the letter as part of an ongoing process to improve the training of women officers, noting that it aimed to enhance the standards required to prepare female officers for command roles. In contrast, women officers expressed dismay and disappointment, labeling the letter as reflecting a “blatant sexism” that undermines their professional ethics.

Reactions on social media were also polarized. Supporters of the letter pointed to the validity of its concerns, while critics argued that it unfairly stereotyped and generalized the experiences and capabilities of women COs, reinforcing outdated notions of gender roles within the military.

This discussion emerges against the backdrop of considerable progress made since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision that granted women officers the right to permanent commission and positioned them equally with their male counterparts concerning promotions and benefits. Following this ruling, a notable 108 women officers were promoted to the rank of colonel in 2023, signifying a meaningful stride toward gender parity in military leadership.

Overall, the ongoing discourse instigated by Lt Gen Puri’s letter highlights the complexities and challenges that remain in integrating women into senior command roles within the Indian Army, posing critical questions about leadership, gender dynamics, and the future of military service.

In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security has officially approved the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for the Indian Navy. This decision marks a crucial advancement in India’s indigenous naval program, which has been under development since the mid-2010s, and is expected to greatly enhance the Navy’s operational readiness.

This announcement follows the successful commissioning of India’s first two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which were launched in 2016 and 2024, respectively. These achievements, while monumental, have not received the widespread recognition one might expect given their significance, possibly due to sensitive security considerations surrounding the SSBN program. Additional SSBNs are also reportedly in various stages of construction, further solidifying India’s standing as a formidable maritime power.

The journey of India’s submarine capabilities is complex and unique. It began in 1981 when Mazagon Dock Ltd entered into a collaboration with Germany’s HDW to build two diesel-electric submarines and introduce local assembly capabilities. This initiative laid the foundation for India’s conventional submarine construction capabilities, ultimately leading to deeper advancements into nuclear technology.

The Indian Navy took a decisive step toward a nuclear future in 1991, aligning with the country’s nuclear weapons tests in Pokharan. Integral to this transformation was the launch of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project in 1984, in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Initially kept under wraps, this initiative aimed to develop indigenous technology for nuclear submarines, ultimately resulting in the commissioning of INS Arihant, the first Indian SSBN, which took nearly three decades to realize.

However, the Indian Navy faced significant hurdles during this transition. Firstly, the successful execution of a nuclear propulsion program required the acquisition of critical technologies, particularly in reactor design and operational safety. Stringent safety protocols were established to ensure compliance with international standards, emphasizing the necessity of thorough training for personnel. This training initially took place in Russia, but as capabilities matured, domestic facilities were developed with Russian assistance.

To ensure practical expertise, India also leased two nuclear-powered attack submarines from Russia, both designated as INS Chakra. These leases facilitated the development of a knowledgeable cadre of operators and support staff, essential for the future operation of India’s own SSNs. Plans for a third lease are already in motion, ensuring that the naval workforce remains adept by the time the first SSN is delivered, projected to be in about a decade.

Despite the complexities of its submarine-building journey, India has notably leapfrogged traditional processes in naval construction. Historically, countries progress from conventional to nuclear submarines in gradual increments; however, India has moved directly to developing indigenous nuclear capabilities. The rationale behind not initially pursuing SSNs, while embarking on an SSBN program, remains a nuanced discussion involving debates over naval strategy and budget prioritization.

The approval for the two SSNs comes with a hefty price tag of Rs 45,000 crores; however, the government’s investment is expected to yield substantial economic dividends. The project promises to invigorate the Indian defense industry’s technological landscape, generate significant employment opportunities, and include a broad array of domestic firms, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The lifecycle of a submarine extends over three decades, providing long-term economic benefits through sustained operational demands. The indigenous content of these vessels is anticipated to increase significantly, with the INS Arighaat achieving 60% local production compared to 30% for the Arihant. The forthcoming SSNs are expected to boast even higher proportions of domestic content, showcasing a commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and signaling a robust resurgence of India’s maritime capabilities.

The ramifications of this development extend beyond mere naval strength. It positions India as a decisive player in the regional maritime security landscape, aimed at countering evolving threats while bolstering its strategic deterrent capabilities in the Indian Ocean. As such, the new SSNs are not only a testament to India’s growing technological prowess but also a cornerstone of its broader defense strategy.

The Indian Army Chief has arrived in Nepal, marking a significant diplomatic gesture between the two nations. During his highly anticipated visit, General Upendra Dwivedi is set to receive the honorary rank of General from the President of Nepal, a traditional accolade that symbolizes the strong ties between India and Nepal.

This visit comes at a crucial time as both countries seek to strengthen their bilateral relations in the defense sector. The Indian Army Chief’s five-day itinerary has included a variety of engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation and showcasing India’s continued commitment to its neighbor. Among the notable activities, General Dwivedi participated in an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Nepal, highlighting the Indian Army’s dedication to supporting retired military personnel and their families.

In addition to traditional ceremonies, the Indian Army has expanded its medical services for ex-servicemen in Nepal. This initiative aims to provide better healthcare and support to veterans, reinforcing India’s role as a responsible partner in the region and addressing the welfare of those who have served in the military.

However, there are underlying concerns regarding the Agnipath scheme, which has cast a shadow over India-Nepal defense relations. The initiative, aimed at reforming military recruitment in India, has generated mixed reactions and discussions about its implications for regional stability and collaboration between the two nations.

Overall, General Dwivedi’s visit symbolizes a commitment to strengthening military and diplomatic ties amidst evolving regional dynamics. As the Indian Army continues to engage with its Nepalese counterparts, both nations are likely to benefit from increased collaboration and shared security interests, setting a course for enhanced partnership in the defense arena.

The Siachen Glacier and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), two of the most challenging locations on the planet, have recently achieved a significant technological milestone with the establishment of optical fibre connectivity. This development, announced by the Indian Army, promises to enhance communication capabilities in one of the harshest environments known to humankind.

Situated at elevations between 18,000 and 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range of Ladakh, the Siachen Glacier is recognized as the highest militarized zone in the world. Soldiers stationed in this area face extraordinary challenges, including extreme cold that can plunge temperatures to a staggering −50 °C, along with fierce winds and the risk of frostbite. The conditions make it an incredibly inhospitable place to operate, further complicating mission coordination and daily communication.

The signallers from the Fire and Fury Corps undertook the formidable task of laying optical fibre cables at these high altitudes, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and expertise. According to the Army’s statement on social media platform X, this connectivity was achieved “for the very first time and against all odds,” highlighting the meticulous efforts required to lay cables across a relentless and unforgiving landscape.

The installation of this optical fibre connectivity will significantly improve the communication infrastructure in Siachen and DBO, allowing for more efficient coordination among troops deployed in these isolated regions. The arduous process involved navigating perilous crevasses and facing bone-chilling winds, but the dedication of the personnel proved vital in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

DBO itself holds strategic significance as it houses one of the highest airstrips in the world, making it a crucial military base in the northern part of Ladakh. Its location near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China adds to its importance, reinforcing India’s operational capabilities in the region.

This advancement in communication technology not only aids military operations but also stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the armed forces operating in extreme conditions. As the Indian Army continues to enhance its operational efficiency in challenging terrains, the successful establishment of optical fibre connectivity marks a pivotal step forward in modernizing military infrastructure in the region.

Social media has seen a surge in posts claiming that the Indian Army disbanded a Muslim Regiment after the 1965 Indo-Pak war due to accusations of betrayal. These assertions suggest that the regiment existed until that year and was disbanded following allegations that Muslim soldiers sided with Pakistan during the conflict. However, a thorough investigation into these claims has found them to be unfounded.

The fact-checking team conducted a comprehensive review of the Indian Army’s official website, which details various regiments including the Madras Regiment, Rajput Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Bihar Regiment, Gorkha Rifles, and Naga Regiment. Importantly, there is no record of a Muslim Regiment on the site, establishing that no such unit ever existed.

To further clarify this issue, the team referenced commentary by retired Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain. In an article he authored, he highlighted that the narrative claiming the existence of a Muslim Regiment disbanded after the 1965 war is part of a larger propaganda campaign orchestrated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Hasnain stated, “The core of Pakistani propaganda is that till 1965 there used to be a Muslim regiment in the Indian Army… Therefore, not a single Muslim soldier fought in the 1971 war (another lie).”

The article continued to explain that following Indian independence, many Muslim officers and soldiers opted to join the Pakistani Army, leading to a significant decrease in their numbers within the Indian Army. Nevertheless, several units incorporate Muslim soldiers among their ranks, dispelling the notion that there was or is any form of discrimination based on religion.

Additionally, the fact-checking effort discovered corroborating information from an ‘Indian Express’ article, which addresses the tactics used by ISPR to disseminate anti-India propaganda through various social media platforms. The claim regarding a Muslim Regiment has been circulated multiple times before, consistently debunked through similar investigations.

To fortify the findings, the fact-check team consulted retired Army Colonel Vijay Acharya. He firmly rejected the assertion that a Muslim Regiment existed, characterizing it as part of a continuing propaganda initiative from the Pakistani Army’s ISPR. Colonel Acharya noted that the Indian Army is structured to be inclusive and devoid of any regiment strictly limited to one religion or ethnicity. He pointed out that regiments, such as the Sikh Regiment, may be named after a religion but do not restrict recruitment based solely on that identity.

Further, he elaborated that the British colonial military strategy involved creating identity-based regiments classified by ‘martial’ and ‘non-martial’ races, but this practice evolved post-independence, leading to a more diverse and representative membership in the Indian Army today. The current recruitment process emphasizes proportional representation based on state populations.

In conclusion, the claims asserting that Muslim soldiers did not fight against Pakistan during the 1965 war and that a Muslim Regiment existed but was disbanded after that war are false. The Indian Army has never had a Muslim Regiment, and the narrative of disbandment is unfounded and rooted in misinformation, perpetuated by external propagandistic efforts.