Challenges faced by the Indian Army- What India’s Army Chief needs to do in the face of two-front threats

Source: The post challenges faced by the Indian Army has been created, based on the article “What India’s Army Chief needs to do in the face of two-front threats” published in “Indian express” on 16th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- security- Security challenges and their management in border areas.

News: The article discusses the annual media briefing held by the Indian Army Chief on January 11. It covers India’s military strategic security issues, including border management, internal security challenges, and the Army’s modernization efforts. The focus is on General Manoj Pande’s recent briefing and his views on these topics.

What Are The Current Security Challenges Faced by The Indian Army?

In Manipur:

Decreased violence, but recovery of only 30% of 5,000 stolen small arms.

Persistent ethnic conflicts and potential for spreading instability.

At the Indo-Myanmar Border:

Volatile situation with infiltration challenges due to Free Movement Regime.

Smuggling of narcotics and contraband across the border.

Only 20 Assam Rifles units were available for border sealing.

Challenges in Jammu & Kashmir

Acknowledgment of tactical setbacks with 20 soldiers lost in recent ambushes.

Need for new approaches in the long-standing counter-insurgency campaign.

Northern Border with China

High operational preparedness required along the Line of Actual Control.

Ongoing efforts to return to the pre-2020 status with China.

Trust deficit leading to continuous robust military deployment.

How is The Indian Army addressing These challenges?

In Manipur, the Army collaborates with central and state agencies to restore stability, addressing the decrease in violence but facing the challenge of unrecovered stolen arms.

On the Indo-Myanmar border, the Army and Assam Rifles work together to manage security threats, despite the Free Movement Regime complicating border control.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the Army is adapting tactics and learning from recent setbacks, including 20 soldiers lost in ambushes.

Along the China border, the Army maintains a high operational readiness and robust deployment, focusing on returning to the pre-2020 status and managing the trust deficit.

What is The Way Forward?

Moving forward, the Indian Army should continue its efforts in current operations, especially in areas like Manipur, along the Indo-Myanmar border, Jammu & Kashmir and China border. Simultaneously, it is important to focus on integrating new technologies and preparing for climate change impacts. This dual approach of consolidating current strategies while embracing innovation and environmental considerations will be crucial for future readiness and effectiveness.

Question for practice:

Discuss the current security challenges faced by the Indian Army and the strategies they are implementing to address these challenges.