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The government has announced the appointment of Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as India’s next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), putting to rest all speculation sparked off by last month’s decision to give a month-long extension to Gen Manoj Pande, who was to retire on 31 May. StratNews Global is replaying the #Exclusive interviews with both Generals done in our series 'The Himalayan Frontier’, which first aired in January this year. Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale had conversations with both the current Army Chief and his successor in this series.

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Gen Manoj Pande’s interview

Gen Pande told Nitin the Army is going through a transformation process with the objectives being to right size, restructure and optimise. The aims include being more modern, agile, adaptable, administratively better at managing its operational logistical requirements. It has to be technology enabled so as to be able to meet future security challenges in a more effective manner. He also spoke about AI, quantum computing, 5G and other technological advances being utilised. The force will have more secure communications on its network utilising 5G in the future.

Standoff With China

As far as the standoff with China is concerned, the Army has been there for three and a half years, since the summer of 2020, till now. The standoff in Ladakh continues. There haven’t been any major incidents. However, we need to constantly monitor the situation and keep a close watch on developments. Talks to find a solution are continuing at the military as well as diplomatic levels.

Rebalancing of the forces has been undertaken and the logistics checked out in the interim period. The focus is on infrastructure, development of roads, power supply, etc. These projects pay dividends in terms of better governance. Approximately, 400 company-sized modules have been created to serve as habitats. Helipads have been created and underground storage facilities made. Major issues are being addressed by working with central ministries and local authorities. Inter-sectorial connectivity is being prioritised.

Synergy With Air Force

The role of the Air Force is going to be extremely critical, especially in areas where road connectivity is not up to the desired level. And that is where the transport aircraft and their ability to induct troops in a short period of time, matters.

Vibrant Villages

The local populace being with us is a key issue and the infrastructure being built will connect them more closely to our hinterland. The programme for Vibrant Villages is a great step forward in this regard. The Army is engaging with various agencies, different ministries at the state and the centre to ensure the outcomes of all endeavours are synergised maximally.

Situation in J&K

Switching over to J&K, Army Chief Manoj Pande assured that the recent aberrations in the conduct of an operation is being investigated thoroughly. The guilty will be dealt with. The Army will conduct itself most professionally and in sync with its ethos. The Army will continue to engage with the local community. There's a new phase in J&K. It’s extremely important to work in sync with other agencies fighting the terrorists; both police and intelligence establishments.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s Interview

In the interview, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi who was Northern Army Commander, delves into issues involving the areas that face Pakistan first and then addresses those along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Transformational Changes In J&K

The situation in J&K reflects transformational changes that are noteworthy. Foremost amongst them, is the public apathy, bordering on hostility, towards terrorists in J&K. The abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent developmental projects have resulted in a swing in public perception that favours the government’s approach and has made Pakistan nervous.

Terror Recruitment Down

The various steps taken by the Army in the hinterland has brought down recruitment of local boys to the militant outfits, skilling of youth and thereby enhancing their employability. Even young people who had left for better opportunities in other states are returning to the state. J&K is now like any other normal state or a Union Territory. The bustle in Lal Chowk (Srinagar) matches that of Chandni Chowk (Delhi), he said.

Zero Infiltration

The Army has also been able to bring infiltration across the LoC down to zero. It has also neutralized a large number of foreign terrorists. However, Pakistan has over 300 terrorists in their camps as yet. Drones are being used to drop drugs etc. The army needs to remain vigilant and there can be no laxity.

The China Challenge

On the Ladakh front and the Chinese threat, the situation is stable but not normal. Of the seven friction points, five have been settled. The trust has been broken and there is a requirement of rebuilding it.