What Nirmala Sitharaman must do for the armed forces Daily O 03 Sep 17
Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s second woman defence minister, Indira Gandhi being the first, assumes her appointment with immediate effect. Like all her predecessors, she would have limited knowledge on the functioning of the military. The three service chiefs and the defence secretary would spend time, slowly taking her through the paces, enabling her to comprehend the complexities of military power and its application in the regional and global context.
Though having headed an independent portfolio and proved her mettle, she needs to be determined to bring about much needed improvement into the system, especially as she assumes her appointment in the midst of path breaking events. Her experience in handling industry and commerce would benefit her as the military seeks enhanced cooperation in defence-industry partnerships.
The appointment comes post the termination of the tense standoff in Doklam, where disengagement occurred after seventy-four days. It is also when the army has begun gaining the upper hand in the valley, post elimination of over one hundred and thirty militants this year. The fact that normalcy is around the bend was evident when the Home Minister made an announcement of visiting J and K for three days, seeking to meet all sections of society for talks, including in the valley, during his planned visit in the second week of Sept.
The period has also witnessed the announcement of implementation of sixty—five of the accepted ninety-nine recommendations from a total of one hundred and eighty-eight of the Shekatkar committee. The recommendations ordered for implementation are trivial in nature, as compared to those the government even fears to consider. The committee had made major recommendations for revamping higher defence management in India, to bring it at par with international standards, optimizing employment of combat potential and making the Ministry of Defence (MoD) accountable and responsive to armed forces demands, apart from downsizing many deadwood organizations under the MoD.
The armed forces still have grievances concerning rank structure when compared to their civilian counterparts, pay and allowances and OROP. It is only a dedicated and full time defence minister who would be able to spare time and understand. Morale is impacted when forces are side-lined. The chiefs have only the defence minister to explain these shortcomings too, hence a permanent incumbent is essential.
The navy is seeking to enhance its capacity and capability to counter growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean and desperately needs to fast track its modernization. The air force is on the verge of finalizing its post Raffale plans, with many manufacturers lining up with offers. For the army, plans for induction of new artillery is almost through while the contract for the Light Machine Gun has again been cancelled. Shortfalls in war wastage reserves continue to dog the three services, which would need attention.
The government has also recently sanctioned an increase of seven Principal Directors (PDs) and thirty-six posts of Director in the Armed Forces HQ (AFHQ) civil service. This will only enhance resentment between the uniformed and civil cadres and increase bureaucratic control and red tape, rather than being beneficial. The three services operate independently, lacking joint warfare capabilities while joint planning exists only in name. In simple terms, the armed forces are unprepared for the twenty first century.
The remarks of the Prime Minister, when he addressed the Combined Commanders Conference in Dec 2015 on restructuring higher defence management, defence planning and joint warfare remain just words, with no forward movement. The demand for appointing a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is on the rise, while the minister’s own bureaucrats would suggest otherwise, scared of losing control and power over the ultimate element of power of the nation.
Thus, the new defence minister appears to have her task cut out. How far is she willing to go, how much is she willing to change, how much is she willing to push her bureaucrats, time would tell. Would she understand the needs and demands of the military or just listen to her yes-men bureaucrats, the nation would realize in a few days? Would she, like the scores before her, pass her time, with photo-ops with troops in difficult areas or would she desire to create history by changing the military from one prepared for war in the nineties to one ready for tomorrow. Would she devote effort to revamping the military or spend her time handling her state, the answer would soon be available.
Since Manohar Parrikar left for Goa, there has been an adhoc defence minister, who could never seek to make major changes, solely because of his multiple responsibilities. The armed forces desperately need changes, upgradation and making up of shortfalls, a task which only a permanent incumbent can fulfil.
There is much to do, with limited time prior to 2019. If the new defence minister puts her heart and soul into her job, she would be remembered for a life time and maybe more, or else she would be just one of them, who came, saw, failed and left. Very rarely has a ministry as important as the MoD been left unattended. It has happened twice with this government. Hopefully the new defence minister comes with a positive attitude, seeking to change the system for the better, even if it involves battling her bureaucracy, rather than simply using the ministry to project herself.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army