India Transformed - Defence Affairs:

In 1999 Pakistan intruded Kashmir. This intrusion started a war between India and Pakistan. This war was fought in the Kargil-Drass area in Ladakh. Hence it is known as the ‘Kargil War’. It is also referred to as ‘Operation Vijay’ by the Indian army. ‘Operation Vijay’ was successful and India emerged victorious in it. This war alerted the Indian authorities for modernisation of the Indian military. Processes of updating the military, equipment, and arms, training, etc. were further intensified.

In 2009, India successfully built a ‘Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine’, of ‘Arihant’ Class. This was the first nuclear submarine built in India. Its first patrol round was completed with Russia’s co-operation. Thus, India is the sixth country in the world to develop indigenous technology for building nuclear submarines. The Indian Government had involved private Indian entrepreneurs too, in this project.

The Government of India emphasised indigenous production by using indigenous technology (‘Make in India’), recruiting women officers in the military, and also on combined Exercise with militaries of other nations. There is an increasing focus on the exchange of the latest technology, to fight terrorism, to augment our own competencies, and optimum use of modern technology for ending terrorism. The Exercise with the Oman military at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, is apparently the result of these policies. In the Exercise with Nepal, the thrust was on the critical tactics to fight with terrorists in mountainous terrains. There was a combined Exercise of the Mongolian army and ‘Jammu and Kashmir Rifles’. The Exercise of Indian and American armies together was done in America. The Exercise with the Sri Lankan army was organized in Pune. This practice session was meant for training the soldiers for fighting terrorism in a semi-urban environment. Exercise with the Russian military was organized in Russia. Similar Exercises were organized with Bangladesh and England as well.

Such exercises are useful for both countries because of the technological exchange that happens on these occasions. They help to know and practice new methods of resolving problems. The process of modernisation of arms gives impetus to further research.

To join the armed forces is one of the best careers for young people. There are about eight sections in the Indian army where women officers can join on short service commission. Women can join through Union Public Service Commission. There are a few reserved seats for women, who have completed N.C.C. training.