China adamant on borderIndia need not treat it as an obsessionby Kuldip Nayar

HAVE you forgotten the punishment we gave you in 1962 after you had violated our borders?” This is what a retired top army General asked me at Beijing nearly a decade ago. I recalled his warning when India was shaken in the midst of China’s inroads into our territory. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese premier Li Keqiang, on his visit to Delhi, have discussed the subject at length. But the victory by Beijing has not let it feel differently and it continues to ride a high horse. China argues that normalcy can prevail if the border issue is sealed. This means it continues to occupy our territory it has usurped. Our Prime Minister is correct in maintaining that “no peace and tranquility is possible” without the settlement at the border.

I do not know whether people on both the sides are really familiar with the border dispute between India and China. When the 1962 war ended with our defeat, China unilaterally ceased fire and then indicated the ceasefire line as the possible border. But the line, despite India wanting the delineation of a firm one, was not acceptable to China. It changed its mind and declared the actual line of control as the border. China advanced its troops on its own.

This line violated the traditional border both in Ladakh and in the Northeast on the Arunachal side. Even these borders were not sacrosanct for Beijing. The Colombo powers intervened after the 1962 war to ask both India and China to withdraw their forces by 26.5 metres behind the lines where they stood. India withdrew accordingly. But China did not. Even the lines its forces have occupied at present are haphazard and favour it all the way.

Beijing’s intrusion (our PM prefers to call it an incident to keep tension down) at Daulat Beg Oldi sector in Ladakh is in the area which it has not allowed to be demarcated. In fact, it has treated the entire disputed area under its overall control without negotiating with New Delhi or even indicating specifically which area belongs to it. Nor has China offered any explanation for staying in India’s territory (Despang) for 23 days and pitching tents inside India. Beijing wants to tell the world that it owes no explanation to anyone for going into its “own territory.”

China has made it clear that it is not in favour of having a firm border because an un-demarcated border gives it the leeway to lay claim even on Arunachal Pradesh. For example, no information is forthcoming why a separate visa is issued to people from Arunachal Pradesh and J and K. The real issue with China is Tibet. Beijing may not say so but it links the border issue with the future of the Tibetans who have taken shelter in India in thousands under the leadership of the Dalai Lama. Beijing did raise the issue at the India and China conclaves but kept quiet when it was told that the Dalai Lama was a religious leader, nothing more.

Whatever be Beijing’s wishes, New Delhi is in no position to reopen the Tibet issue. Buddhism is one of the religions which the Hindus profess. It should not be expected that for the goodwill with China, India can dare play with the sensitivities of Hindus who are 80 per cent of the population. Even otherwise, the two countries, India and China, are giants and any clash between them is bound to have stirrings in South Asia and the rest of the world. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, after the 1962 hostilities, warned the world leaders through a personal letter to each one of them that the two nations represented different traditions and conflicting ideologies. India is a democratic country while China a dictatorship. South Asian countries would be interested to know which of the two emerges successful.

From the economics point of view, China has beaten India. But political problems have been solved through dictatorship in China. Can that be the lasting solution when India, compared to China, has kept the society open and given an opportunity for a free play of different points of view and different ideologies? Only time will tell. Yet one thing that is clear is that India will have to accelerate the economic growth which is now 4.6 per cent as compared to a little over 9 per cent three years ago.

And there is an axis between China and Pakistan. There is the allegation that China is trying to surround India by having close relations with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Even if a war is ruled out, the pressure on India’s security forces will be immense. India need not treat the border as an obsession. China has seen to it that New Delhi does so.

This is its weakness. India should talk to China about the Tibetans who are a millstone around China’s neck. Even otherwise, the word Tibet is a bugbear for Beijing. It is too late in the day to question its authority. It is under China because of its suzerainty over Tibet. But there is a difference between suzerainty and independence. However, the issue of Tibetans’ human rights is a point which India can take up. It is strange that none in the world has taken notice of dozens of Tibetans who have burnt themselves in the name of freedom and liberation.

India’s determination to increase the bilateral trade with China is welcome. But economic cooperation is not synonymous with people-to-people cooperation which does not exist. If the problem is solvable in the lifetime of the Dalai Lama, he is willing to accept autonomy of Tibet inside China. The youth is not in favour of the Dalai Lama’s formula but cannot oppose him because he represents Tibet as long as he lives.

The enunciation that both sides would not attack each other is like what the late Chinese Premier Chou En-Lai told Prime Minister Nehru. Beijing never kept its word. There is no assurance that it would do so in the future.

Integrated military exercise held in Punjab Umesh Dewan/TNS

(Left) Integrated military exercise ‘Panchjanya’ in progress; and Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, interacts with troops in the Doaba region of Punjab. Tribune photographs

Jalandhar, May 24
‘Panchjanya’, an integrated exercise by defence forces, was held in the plains of the Doaba region of Punjab. More than 15,000 troops and integrated combat elements of Vajra Corps participated in the exercise under the aegis of HQ Western Command.
A defence spokesperson said exercise ‘Panchjanya’ was conceptualised by the Army’s Western Command for rapid mobilisation and speedy multiple offensives deep into enemy territory.
In a first, all three corps of the Western Command exercised together in an integrated manner. The focus of the exercise was on new and efficient ways of fighting a war in a synergised battlefield. As part of the overall Western Command exercise, troops of the elite Vajra Corps practised their battle drills and procedures. The exercise involved participation of a large array of all arms, combat and support elements including artillery guns, rockets, missiles, armoured tanks and helicopters.
Special emphasis was laid on the functional integration of the Army with the Indian Air Force in a network-enabled environment. A senior defence officer said, “The integration has been seamless”, with the Air Force deploying their fighter and bomber aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and attack helicopters in support of the operational plans of their Army counterparts.
Stretched over a period of 15 days, the exercise was progressively structured so that the participating units and formations are put through their paces in a simulated, realistic battlefield environment. All elements of command and combat decision-making were activated during the exercise. Army Commander and Vajra Corps Commander, along with other senior military commanders, witnessed the exercise on May 23 and 24.
During his visit to the exercise area, Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, witnessed combined arms manoeuvres, including insertion of heli-borne forces. Expressing satisfaction on the operational readiness of the formation, he appreciated the high training standards and motivation level of the troops. He complimented the Commanders and the troops for their exceptional display of professionalism.

(With inputs from Vijay Mohan in Chandigarh)

India strongly objects to China-Pakistan rail link 
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

New Delhi, May 24
India today strongly objected to China's plan to establish a rail link connecting Gwadar in Pakistan with China's Xinjiang region via Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "We have serious reservations about this proposal," Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told reporters here.

He said New Delhi had made known to Beijing its opposition to any cooperation between China and Pakistan involving the disputed area of the PoK.

China and Pakistan signed an accord for the proposed rail link during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Islamabad.

India has been quite concerned over the increasing China-Pakistan cooperation, especially on projects involving the PoK. However, Ignoring New Delhi's concern, China has indicated it would go ahead with building infrastructure in PoK as part of its cooperation with Pakistan, its 'all-weather friend'.

3 new Army Commanders named; 2 shifted  
Chachra to head Northern Command, Campose in Western Command 
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 24
The Indian Army on Friday promoted three of its officers as Army Commanders and shifted two Commanders. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet clears the promotions and transfers that are made on the recommendations of the Army Chief. Army Commanders are equal to the status of Secretaries to the Government of India.

Lt Gen Sanjeev Chachra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C) of the Western Army Command, Chandimandir, will move to the Northern Command, Udhampur, on July 1 to replace Lt Gen KT Parnaik, who will superannuate, according to an order issued here tonight. General Chachra is an infantry officer.

Lt Gen Philip Campose has been immediately promoted in-situ in his present rank of Director General Perspective Planning. On July 1, he will take over from General Chachra as the new Western Army Commander. General Campose is from the mechanised infantry. The Western Command strike formations rely on armoured and mechanised units when launching an attack.

Lt Gen Anil Chait, GoC-in-C of the Central Army Command, Lucknow, has been shifted to take over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS) to the Chiefs of Staff Committee. He will take over on July 1 from Lt Gen NC Marwah, who superannuates. General Chait of the armoured corps has in the past commanded the prestigious Ambala-based 2 Strike Corps.

Lt Gen Rajan Bakshi, presently the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Leh-based 14 Corps, has been promoted as the GoC-in-C of the Central Army Command. He is also from the armoured corps.

Lt Gen Sanjeev Madhok, presently Director General IT, has been promoted as GoC-in-C of the Army Training Command with effect from on June 1 to replace Lt General K. Sundenra Nath. General Madhok is from the Guards and has in the past commanded the Jalandhar-based 11 Corps.

Navy Captain held guilty of junior’s deathTribune News Service

New Delhi, May 24
A Captain of the Indian Navy, equal to a Colonel, has been found guilty of negligence that led to the death of a young officer on board a warship in December 2011 by a naval court martial.
Captain Rahul Parmar has been punished with a reduction in seniority for three years and loss of associated benefits, virtually ending his career in the force where seniority and merit are the criteria to pick up promotions. This also means six batches of juniors have automatically superseded him.
Sources confirmed that a board of inquiry had recommended a court martial, which found Captain Parmar guilty. Parmar was commanding frontline frigate INS Talwar when a young officer, Sub-Lieutenant Vipin Kumar, died during a swimming drill in the high seas off the coast of Gujarat on December 29, 2011. The Navy had immediately removed Capt Parmar from his command and started the probe.
The young trainee officer was asked to take part in what is known as a "sea-surviving drill", where the scenario of a sinking ship is simulated. As part of the drill, Sub-Lieutenant Vipin Kumar had to swim 50 metres from the ship. Vipin Kumar did not surface after jumping into the Arabian Sea.
Several ships were pressed into service to locate the trainee officer, who was the son of an Army Havildar. He was one of the youngest officers on the ship and it was his first assignment after passing out of the Naval training academy.
Before being posted on INS Talwar, Capt Parmar was Director (Naval Operations) at the Naval Headquarters.

Tragedy at sea

• Captain Rahul Parmar was commanding frontline frigate INS Talwar when Sub-Lieutenant Vipin Kumar posted on the vessel died during a swimming drill in the high seas off the coast of Gujarat on December 29, 2011
• The young trainee officer was asked to take part in a “sea-surviving drill” where the scenario of a sinking ship is simulated
• Vipin Kumar had to swim 50 metres from the ship as part of the drill, but did not surface after jumping into the Arabian Sea
• Parmar has been punished with a reduction in seniority for three years and loss of associated benefits

Navy to double manpower and assets in 15 years

New Delhi, May 24, 2013, DHNS:

With multiple nuclear submarines, satellites, aircraft carriers and stealth warships in the pipeline, Indian Navy has begun packing the service with hundreds of techno-warriors to operate these platforms besides doubling the overall workforce in the next 15 years.
Navy is currently short of more than 2,000 officers and the shortage would continue because of planned inductions. The navy now plans to fill in with an increasing number of officers with BTech or MSc degrees who would be more tech-savvy than the current crop of officers.

“ We are getting larger ships with new systems and technologies. As a result we need officers with technical know how to handle any break-down at sea. The commanding officer should have a clear understanding on technical aspects of the problem,” said Rear Admiral S N Ghormade, assistant chief of planning in the naval headquarters.

As the first step in this direction, the first batch of 60 cadets with BTech degrees will pass out of Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, in the presence of Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday. There will also be 44 MSc students, who had joined the INA after completing three years at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.The INA will be affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru University, which will award the degree. The course has been approved by the All India Council of Technical Education.
Annual intake
The academy — set up 22 years after laying the foundation stone — began with the training of 750 cadets in a year. Later it received an approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security to increase the annual intake up to 1,250 trainee.
At present, 1,050 cadets are undergoing training at the INA, who will be inducted to fill up the vacancy. They are coming via three separate routes that the navy is pursuing in the recruitment.
While the sanctioned strength of officers is about 10,600, Navy has only 8,700 officers on its rolls. It plans to increase its officer strength up to 13,700 by 2027 to meet the manpower requirement for new technology-driven platforms.
Naval aviation wing plans to double the number of aircraft in the next 10 years to emerge as a mini-air force. Navy plans to operate three aircraft carriers, at least three to four nuclear powered submarines, a large number of power-packed destroyers and stealth frigates in addition to its own satellite.
To cater to the manpower requirement, the blue water service plans to increase the number of sailors up to 85,000 from the exiting level of 50,000 and 75,000 civilians from the current strength of 43,000 in the next 15 years.

Army gets new unit, five commanders

New Delhi, May 24, 2013, DHNS:

The Indian Army on Friday named five three-star officers to take over the charges of five commands besides announcing the formation of a new battalion, to look after a crucial sector along the Sino-Indian border.The new battalion, Sikkim Scouts, will be a part of 11 Gorkha Rifles and will be raised in Lucknow. After nearly 50 years, a new battalion had been raised as part of the Gorkha Brigade, an army official said.

Rugged terrrain

Raised on the ‘Sons of Soil’ concept to guard the nation’s frontiers, Sikkim Scouts will permanently be located in the high altitude and rugged terrain of Sikkim.The first of the five Ladakh Scouts units in Jammu and Kashmir was raised in 1973. They are Ladakh Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts and Arunachal Scouts, which are posted in areas closer to China border.
During the recent Chinese intrusion in Depsang valley in Jammu and Kashmir, a team of Ladakh Scouts was asked to set up camps across the Chinese camps and stay put as long as the Chinese are there. 
Currently, there are 319 Sikkimese recruits in the battalion but the number will increase in future.
The five new Lt-Gen rank officers include Lt Gen Philip Campose, who will take over as the commander-in-chief of the western command and Lt Gen, Sanjiv Chachra, who will assume charge as commander-in-chief of northern command. Both will take over the new responsibility on July 1.
In addition, Lt Gen Sanjeev Madhok will be the new chief of Army Training Command in Shimla from June 1. Lt Gen Rajan Bakshi, who was heading 14 Corps in Leh during the Chinese intrusion, has now been promoted as army commander to take over as chief of Central Command on July 1. 
On the same day, Lt Gen Anil C Chait will be the new head of Chief of Integrated Service Command.

Armies of India, US to hold war games in 

Sept-Oct

Armies of India and the US will hold war games on both sea and land during an amphibious exercise in Belgaum and Trivandrum in September-October. 
The war games codenamed Shatrujeet are expected begin in mid-September and continue till October in Belgaum in Karnataka and Trivandrum in Kerala where the two sides will practice amphibious manoeuvres, Army officials said here. 
The American side would be represented by the Third Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit and its warship USS Harper Ferry. 
USS Harper Ferry is a landing platform deck of the US Navy and has the capability to deploy tanks and armoured personnel carriers along with troops from sea to the shores. 
India would also deploy its amphibious warfare assets including BMPs in the war games. 
The Indian Army has turned one of its divisions in the southern part of the country capable of fighting in amphibious conditions.

Orphans to get an opportunity to join Indian Army

New Delhi: Seeking to provide opportunities to orphan youth to join its ranks, the Indian Army has relaxed its recruitment rules to allow them to join the force. Army Chief General Bikram Singh has taken a decision to relax the rules for recruitment for orphan youth which will help them to join the force, Army officials said on Friday.Earlier, such youth faced problems in providing their exact date of birth, name of parents and their caste, they said. From now on, such youth would be asked to produce their matriculation certificate for providing date of birth proof, they said. In other requirements also, norms have been relaxed.Under the new policy, in the absence of parents' details, the name of orphanage can be accepted by recruitment centres. As far as caste is concerned, the orphans will be included in the all-India all caste category

Under the new policy, in the absence of parents\' details, the name of orphanage can be accepted by recruitment centres.

Caste is an important factor in the Indian Army which has caste-based Infantry regiments where troops from single caste are only recruited. Before this, orphans were not being recruited into the force, officials said.

Cops grill Chinese spy after intel inputs
DHARAMSHALA: Police summoned suspected Chinese spy PempaTsering (34) for interrogation on Wednesday late evening. He had been staying in Norbulingka institute, 6km from here, which is the house of hundreds of exiled Tibetan artisans. Police action came following inputs from Tibetan and other intelligence agencies.
The place where Tsering has been living since last many months is also close to the army area -- Yol cantonment. Central agencies were called by the police and help of translators sought as Tsering speaks only Tibetan. "Only senior officials are questioning him and IB has also been informed," said Balbir Thakur, superintendent of police.
Intelligence agencies told TOI that they have tracking Tsering for some days and it was suspected that he was working as a double agent.
"He arrived here a few days back and stayed in Sidhpur. We got inputs. But Tsering had inkling that he was being followed but he didn't leave the place," said a source.
It has come to the fore - from records of intelligence agencies -- that he supplied information regarding the Tibetan government in exile and the Tibetan NGOs working here. "Though he has not supplied any information about India," said the source.
Police here said that Tesring has admitted that he was a member of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China and also served in the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) before coming to India.Cops have also recovered an Indian voter-ID card and Adhar card from Tsering. Both the documents are registered at Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
It is the second incident when a former PLA member has been arrested in Dharamshala. A Chinese national Ley Xiuan was taken into police custody here on January 2009. He was in contact with high-ranking Chinese military officials in Lhasa when he was arrested.

PM boasts of powerful India

New Delhi: Just weeks after the recent Chinese incursion in eastern Ladakh, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said significant additions have been made to “land forces” to protect India’s borders, even as sources said the Union finance ministry is all set to clear the proposal to establish a mountain strike corps of the Army in the eastern sector despite the high financial implications.

The mountain strike corps will for the first time give the Indian Army offensive capabilities vis-a-vis China.  The proposal is now expected to be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security for final clearance.“India’s defence and security are a fundamental obligation of the government to our people. Our government has attached the highest priority to these tasks,” the Prime Minister said on Thursday at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Indian National Defence University in Gurgaon.Speaking also about the Indian Ocean Region, the Prime Minister said India is “well positioned, therefore, to become a net provider of security in our immediate region and beyond”.The recent controversy over bribery allegations in Italy regarding the VVIP helicopter deal of 2010 also seemed to find an echo in the concerns of the Indian political leadership.“We have also been guided by the objective of making our defence acquisition transparent, smooth, efficient and less vulnerable to unethical practices,” Dr Singh added.

Army Vice Chief unveils Sikkim Scouts flag

Lucknow, May 24 (IBNS) Army Vice Chief Lt Gen SK Singh, who is also the ‘President of the Gorkha Brigade’, unveiled the flag of Sikkim Scouts on Friday in Lucknow. This new battalion will form part of 11 Gorkha Rifles & will be raised at 11 GRRC, Lucknow. On this occasion the Lt Gen Singh unveiled the flag and handed it over to the battalion’s first commanding officer.

The battalion will permanently be located in the high altitude and rugged terrain of Sikkim.This battalion is raised on ‘Sons of Soils’ concept to guard the nation’s frontiers.
Based on this concept the Indian Army already has Ladakh Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts and the Arunachal Scouts.

The raising ceremony was followed by a talk by the Army Vice Chief to the 319 Sikkimese recruits and the core group which has assembled to train the new entrants.
It is after nearly 50 years that a new battalion has been raised as part of the Gorkha Brigade. 
Lt Gen Singh exhorted all present to work hard and lay a solid foundation. 
He remarked that other troops will stay for 2-3 years in these altitudes and then withdraw, but the Scouts will be permanently there. 
He said that the men have been selected since they are locals, understand the language and are fully acclimatized and are hardy. H
e remarked that a new beginning has been made and the Sikkim Scouts must live up to the reputation of the fabled Scouts of Indian Army.

Air Force Station organizes sky diving, para sailing camp

Rising Kashmir News

Jammu, May 23: With an aim to promote adventure as an effective human resource development tool in Indian Air Force (IAF), a 10-day basic sky diving course and para sailing activities are going on in full swing at Air Force Station Jammu.The aim of the sky diving and para sailing camp is to broaden the adventure activities in the region and to maximize participation of officers, airmen, NCs(E) and their families in adventurous activities, Air Force Station Jammu press statement said.   “The ongoing breathtaking aero adventure sports for the Air Warriors are being conducted by the Directorate of Adventure as a part of Silver Jubilee Celebration of 130 Helicopter Unit,” Station Commander, Air Force Station Jammu Group, Captain Sridhar said.The para sailing activity at Air Force Station Jammu was conducted by Sqn Ldr A Singh who is a qualified para-sailing instructor, under the guidance of Director of Adventure Wg Cdr Vasant Raj.The course will run till Saturday.

Full-fledged IAF airbase at Thanjavur from May 27

Airfield of World War I vintage done up to house the station

This ancient town renowned for grand temples will soon have a new feature on its skyline - fighter planes.A new “strategic air base” of the Air Force will be dedicated to the nation in Thanjavur on May 27 by Defence Minister A.K. Antony.An airfield of World War I vintage has been done up to house the Thanjavur Air Force Station, a full-fledged base that will handle fighters, transport planes and refuelling aircraft.The Indian Air Force will base a squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 super-manoeuvrable fighter aircraft here, making it the first fighter squadron in Tamil Nadu.A new runway has been created for the airfield, which already had a runway and served as a civil airport two decades ago. Thanjavur was connected with Chennai by Vayudoot in the early 1990s, but the service was stopped owing to poor patronage.After the IAF took over the airbase, land acquisition started in 2006 for converting it into an Air Force Station. The Union government allotted Rs. 250 crore for the project.The progress towards having an air force station here has been steady. During the Dakshin Praharconducted by the Southern Air Command in February, fighter aircraft zoomed across the sky over Thanjavur. Two deep penetration fighter aircraft took to the skies from the newly-constructed runway of the Air Force Station in Thanjavur.It was the first time that fighter aircraft took to the skies from the runway of the Air Force Station here. Various types of aircraft in the IAF inventory took part in the exercise - Maritime Fighter Aircraft (Jaguar), Air Superiority Fighter Aircraft (Su 30 MK), Fight Refuelling Aircraft and AN32 Helicopters.During floods in November 2008, IAF aircraft and helicopters air-dropped 15,000 kg of relief material such as drinking water, biscuits and bread to the flood-affected people in Papanasam, Mulankudi, Melattur and Thanjavur areas.

India Aims To Create New Company To Build 748 Replacement

May 24, 2013, 9:00 AM

India’s Ministry of Defense has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 56 transport aircraft to replace the air force’s aging fleet of around 30 Avro 748Ms. In a bid to launch an indigenous private defense manufacturing capability, this is the first time an RFP states that the Indian Production Agency (IPA) will be a private company. This leaves out Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), which has until now held a monopoly in defense programs. The last date for submission of bids is October 8.The RFP for the five-ton and above, 50-seater transport aircraft with a rear ramp has been released to eight OEMs–Airbus Military, Alenia, Antonov, Boeing, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Rosboronexport and Saab. Airbus Military’s C-295 and Alenia Aermacchi’s C-27J are expected to be the finalists for the contract.Sixteen flyaway aircraft have to be delivered within two years of contract signing, followed by another 16 in semi-knocked-down kit form starting in the fifth year. Delivery of the final 24 transports that will be manufactured in India is to be completed within 10 years.The OEMs face multiple challenges. “It’s a nightmare,” said one of them to AIN. Identifying Indian partners for investment in infrastructure with the capability for manufacture is a major requirement. “With foreign direct investment limited to 26 percent for the OEM, the Indian partner will need to have a long-term view,” said anMOD official on condition of anonymity. The IPA will need to set up the assembly line, supply manpower, jigs and fixtures, paint and testing.The contract stipulates indigenous value addition will be built into the contract from 30 percent, rising to 60 percent to 100 percent. India is most likely to be tapped for manpower and material that includes sheet metal, tires, electronics, manufacture of landing gear, avionics and software.While skeptics allege manufacture of 24 aircraft is too small a number to justify the investment, one OEM told AIN: “There is no limit to the potential the project holds. A five- to ten-tonne transporter with a rear ramp is ideal for civil logistics flights to tier two and three cities in India, and also for export to neighboring countries.”

DSOI CHD MAY QUEEN CONTEST ON 25 MAY 2013

The Brain and beauty contest will be held on 25 may 2013 in the Lawns of DSOI chandigarh. All members once again requested to come and enjoy with their families and encourage the participants from defence background.

Ms Kiron  Khera would be the Guest of Honour.

Mr Jeet Brar is the Choreographer of the function

Live performance by Akhil Banga "Agreji Desi" fame and group of Dances.

Guest Charges Rs 250/- and Buffet Dinner Rs150/- and enjoy ulta pulta "69" with one free

India to stop using MiG-21Bis in 2019

23/05/2013 VPK

The Indian Air Force will be operating its fleet of about 120 MiG-21Bis fighters until 2019, that is, two years later than they were originally scheduled to be decommissioned, said Norman Anil Kumar Browne, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.The decision by the Indian Air Force is due to the delay in the commissioning of India’s own HAL Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) and the purchase of 126 French Rafale fighters.The Indian Ministry of Defence had previously announced that the MiG-21Bis would be decommissioned in 2017; however, there was an almost three-year delay in the achievement of initial combat readiness by the HAL Tejas LCA (until late 2013). Further, the deal for Rafale fighters has stalled, and the official contract is yet to be finalised.According to Browne, India has purchased 874 MiG-21 fighters of various modifications since 1964. Of the total, 264 fighters are still operational. The MiG-21Bis’ Super Kopyo multimode radar system and French-made Totem 221G ring-laser gyro aiming-navigation system are enough for the Indian Air Force to continue using the MiG-21Bis up until 2019.Meanwhile, three out of the 69 Indian MiG-29B/S fighters have been modernised in Russia as part of a $964 million contract signed in 2009. Three more fighters will be delivered to India in late 2013.The remaining 63 MiG-29 fighters will be modernised at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) premises in Nashik and the 11^th aircraft repair plant of the Indian Air Force in 2015–2016. These planes will be equipped with the new Klimov RD-33MK engine, the Zhuk-ME phased array radar produced by Fazotron-NIIR and the Vympel R-77 beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

Mending India-China tiesOutcome of talks with Li 'positive'by Inder Malhotra

THINGS do change sometimes. Hardly a fortnight after the three-week India-China "face-off" over China's intrusion into Indian territory in the Depsang valley in Ladakh, Asia's two largest and fastest-growing countries have once again smoothened their relationship as a result of the visit of China's Prime Minister, Li Keqiang. After intense talks with his host, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh — first at a "restricted session" where very few aides were present and then at a delegation-level meeting — both sides declared the outcome of the visit “positive” and “useful”.

This assertion is not without basis. India has been able to drive home to China the message that the border issue remains vital and that if peace along the border areas is disturbed, the entire relationship would be impacted. The distinction between the styles of Dr Singh and Mr Li could not have been greater.

At a joint Press conference at the end of the delegation-level talks, Dr Singh stated that having "learnt the lessons of the recent incident in Ladakh" the two sides had asked their Special Representatives — National Security Advisor, Shiv Shankar Menon of India and former Foreign Minister, Yang Jichie of China — to meet soon and find ways of strengthening the mechanism for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) over which there is no agreement because the Chinese reneged on their commitment to “confirm” and “clarify” the LAC. From the Indian side the clear message to the Special Representatives is that must find ways to ensure that incidents like Depsang intrusion are never repeated.

Although 15 meetings between the SRs over the years have produced little result, a significant mandate to them, emanating from the Delhi talks, is that they should try and settle the boundary question speedily. This is easier said than done.

While responding to Dr Singh's remarks on the utmost importance of peace and tranquillity along the border, Mr Li conspicuously refrained from acknowledging any “incident”, recent or remote. This is entirely in keeping with the standard Chinese policy of total denial of Chinese presence on Indian soil and of the Chinese troops ever violating any treaty between the two countries.

However, he admitted that though the two countries had much in common and shared many interests, there are “problems also between them”, especially over the border issue “left behind by history”. Therefore, the agreement between the two to tell their Special Representatives to expedite their efforts to achieve the goal assigned to them.

One fear on this score is that the Chinese side might use the quest for peace along the border to discuss India's attempts to improve and add to its dangerously inadequate infrastructure on the Himalayan border. Defence Minister A. K. Antony's public statements on this issue should be a warning.

Dr Singh's “tough talk” and “plain speaking” to his Chinese counterpart were in sharp contrast to the Indian government's squeamish and namby-pamby policy during the Ladakh crisis. What is the most important problem, according to the Prime Minister, was dismissed by the Foreign Minister, Salman Khurshid, then as no more than “acne” that could be easily cured by “ointment”.

After the latest talks at the level of prime ministers, the Indian strategic community has expressed satisfaction that the irate public opinion had at last produced the desired result. Yet, some are still angry that Dr Singh should call the Chinese violation of Indian sovereignty a mere “incident”.

Next only to the issue of peace along the border, the two other major concerns Dr Singh emphasised were the question of Bramhaputra and other cross-border rivers and that of great imbalance in the burgeoning bilateral trade (China is already India's largest trading partner and the India-China trade is expected to exceed $ 100 billion by 2015) almost entirely in China's favour.

As for river waters, the Chinese still refuse to accept the Indian suggestion of having a “joint mechanism” of experts like the one that exists between India and Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty. But they have belatedly agreed to share hydrological data denied to India so far. Mr Li also spoke reassuringly of China's respect for the rights of the lower riparian states. This, Indian officials concede, is a “movement forward” but no one can say to what extent.

On the crucial problem of acute imbalance in bilateral trade also the visiting Chinese Premier showed receptivity and reasonableness. A number of proposals were made, and these included greater Indian access to the gargantuan Chinese market, investment in each country by the other, and exploring ways to allow Indian manufactures to find their way to China so that India does not merely export raw materials, including iron ore, while Chinese consumer goods flood the Indian market. China also offered to invest in and build infrastructure in this country. This has given satisfaction to many. But some experts are apprehensive that construction of roads, railways and bridges, etc, by China would be “at the expense of Indian firms”.

No less important than what was included in the joint statement is what was excluded from it, largely at India's insistence. For instance, the Chinese wanted the usual statement by India on “One China” and Tibet being an integral part of the People's Republic of China. The Indian side refused and pointed out that this oft-repeated statement was omitted also from the joint statement with the then Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, in 2010. Early reports about the Chinese reaction to this suggest that there are many “raised eyebrows” in Beijing.

Similarly, China wanted a mention of its “core concern” over South and East China Seas. Again India declined because it cannot endorse the Chinese claim to these seas being under its sovereign control.

Despite the “candid and cordial” atmosphere all through the Singh-Li talks and a certain amount of optimism these have generated, and notwithstanding a genuine desire of both India and China to improve their relations, there is widespread and legitimate feeling in the country that the Indian government's China policy lacks realism. New Delhi, many feel with some justification, tends to push difficult issues with Beijing under the carpet. Why, they asked wasn't a word said to Mr Li about what China is doing in so-called “Azad Kashmir” or indeed in Pakistan where he went from Mumbai.

Out of pocket

by Raj Kadyan

IN 1984, I was posted in the College of Combat, Mhow, which is now War College. In nearby Indore, the State Bank of India was conducting a course for young would-be managers in their Staff College. They sent a request for someone from the College of Combat to speak to them on “Styles of Military Leadership”. I got picked up, not for any special qualification but more because of availability.

On the appointed day, a bank officer arrived with a car to pick me up. On the way to the venue, I asked him what the youngsters would like to hear from me. "Sir, as a preamble if you could also tell them what you expect when as a client you visit a bank to encash a cheque, it would be helpful". As the old Ambassador car chugged along, I wondered how best I could put across the point requested of me. Luckily in my childhood village there had been many good story-tellers. Some were retained in my mind and I chose one.

There was a young farmer whose wife died leaving behind an infant son. As per the prevailing norms, the younger sister of the late wife married him and a year later they got another son. The two boys, aged some 16 months apart, were growing up together. They wore similar clothes, consumed the same food and attended the same school. The farmer knew that the wife treated the two boys with equal care and love. However, he noticed that the older boy was losing weight and was becoming withdrawn.

On some cajoling, the boy opened up and said that while serving them their food, his mother kept her hand on the head of his younger brother but did not do it to him. Driving home the point, I said when I visit the bank to draw money, I am looking for the hand on my head; money in any case I would get since it is my own. The point was well received by the young trainees.

The officer came back to Mhow to drop me. After a cup of tea when he got up to leave, he took out a sealed envelope, saying "This is for you, sir". He kept it on the table. On opening the envelope, I found a crossed cheque for Rs 150 as my remuneration.

As was required, I sent a minute sheet to the Commandant giving my feedback on the assignment. At the end I mentioned about the payment. The Staff Officer to the Commandant was a batchmate and a good friend. He called me up and accusingly asked, "What have you done?" Even before I could explain he cautioned me that accepting the cheque could land me in trouble and disciplinary action could not be ruled out. In a lowered voice, he told me as a favour he was sending the file back without showing it to the Commandant. He further advised me to return the cheque and prepare a fresh minute sheet avoiding any reference to the payment.

I sent back the cheque, paying for the postage out of my pocket.

Lt Gen Hooda reviews quake relief work in Doda districtRK Kichlu

Batote, May 23
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 16 Corps Lt Gen DS Hooda said cooperation between the Army and the civil administration was imperative during any natural calamity and disaster management operations.

He was speaking during a Civil-Military Conference organised at Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Bhaderwah today.

Lt Gen DS Hooda stressed on better understanding and coordination between the civil administration and the Army to expedite the relief operations in quake-hit Doda, Bhaderwah and Gundoh tehsils. He took stock of the situation and reviewed the damages caused by the tremors in the areas.

He was briefed by civil administration officials, National Disaster Response Force and the Army about the progress of the Army’s relief programme.GOC, Counter Insurgency Force (Delta), Maj Gen AK Singh and Doda Deputy Commissioner Mubarak Singh explained to him the measures adopted by the Army and the civil administration for providing relief to earthquake victims.The prompt assistance by the Army in providing temporary shelters, medicines to the earthquake victims in the Bhaderwah, Doda and Gundoh areas was lauded by one and all.Lt Gen Hooda said the Army would arrange more tents for the quake-hit people of the area.

Governor lauds Army for guarding borders in extreme conditions Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 23
Governor NN Vohra has lauded the officers and men of the Army for guarding the country’s frontiers in difficult climatic and challenging conditions, adding that the entire nation is proud of their devotion and commitment.

He was addressing the golden jubilee celebrations function of the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre at Rinchen Auditorium at Leh today.

The Governor observed that the golden jubilee was a joyous and an important landmark in the evolution of any organisation which provided an opportunity to look at the past achievements and prepare to effectively meet the upcoming challenges.

He added that the golden jubilee celebrations of the raising of Ladakh Scouts Regiment was an occasion to recall the achievements of the valiant officers and men of the regiment, one of the youngest in the Army, and for Ladakh Scouts to re-dedicate itself to serve the nation with renewed zeal and commitment. Referring to late Col Rinchen, the Governor observed that Ladakh Scouts Regiment had every reason to be proud of producing such gallant soldiers.

Vohra recalled the bravery displayed by officers and jawans of Ladakh Scouts in the 1962, 1965, 1971 operations and during Operation Meghdoot and Operation Vijay, in which the regiment had participated since its raising, and the sacrifices made by them for safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country while discharging their duty in challenging conditions.

He paid tributes to all those officers and jawans of the regiment who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

Referring to a large number of ex-servicemen and veer naris present on the occasion, the Governor emphasised the need for all the required measures being taken for promoting their welfare.

The Governor congratulated all ranks of the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre and their families. He felicitated a number of veer naris and war heroes. He also went around various stalls put up as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre and took a keen interest in them.

The Governor presented a memento to Ladakh Scouts Regiment.

Lt Gen Rajan Bakshi, General Officer Commanding of 14 Corps, dwelt on the achievements of Ladakh Scouts Regiment.

Col SS Patil, Commandant, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, presented a memento to the Governor.

Captain (hony) Tsephal, president, Ex-Servicemen League, presented a vote of thanks.

Briefed on security

Srinagar: Governor NN Vohra was today briefed by Lt Gen Rajan Bakshi, GOC of 14 Corps, about the overall security situation in the Ladakh region and about issues relating to the security management on the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Lt Gen Bakshi updated the Governor about the recent developments in eastern Ladakh along the LAC.

The Governor, in the meeting held at 14 Corps headquarters, discussed with the Corps Commander and other senior Army officers matters having a bearing on the overall security environment in the Ladakh region.

He lauded the Army in defending the territorial integrity of the country with valour and commitment and for promptly providing help and support to the people during natural calamities and emergencies of all kinds.

India set to become net provider of security in region: PM Manmohan Singh

GURGAON: Prime Minister Manmohan Singhon Thursday said India's deterrence capabilities have ``matured and have been given concrete shape'' in the last nine years, even as the country has become ``better equipped'' to deal with non-conventional threats, especially in the cyber and space domains.
``We are implementing a national architecture for cyber security and have taken steps to create an office of a national cyber security coordinator,'' he said, after laying the foundation stone for the Indian National Defence Universityhere.
``India's defence and security are a fundamental obligation of the government to our people and an essential prerequisite for our national social and economic transformation. Our government has attached the highest priority to these tasks. We seek to advance peace, stability, friendship and cooperation in our region and beyond, and we do so with the confidence that our armed forces can defend our country against any threat. This confidence is based on the many steps that the government has taken to strengthen our nation's defence capabilities,'' he said.
``In the last few years, we have added significantly to the land forces to protect our borders and inducted new equipment to increase the Army's firepower. Our ability to service our frontiers with improved infrastructure and enhanced air mobility is considerably greater today than in the past. We have enhanced the full spectrum of capabilities of our Air Force and are equipping it to remain at the cutting edge of technology for the decades that lie ahead,'' he said.
``Not only are our borders stronger, our seas are also more secure. The capabilities of our sea-borne forces to guard our coastline and offshore assets has seen enormous expansion in the last five years. We have placed special emphasis on strengthening the capabilities of our Navy, which is fully equipped to operate at great distances from our shores, protect our maritime interests, respond to natural disasters and provide humanitarian assistance to the need,'' he added.
The PM said the government was conscious of the fact that adequate defence preparedness is critically dependent on sound defence acquisition policies. ``We have paid close attention to this and have continually reformed those policies to ensure that our Armed Forces have the best equipment. We have also been guided by the objective of making our defence acquisition transparent, smooth, efficient and less vulnerable to unethical practices. We will continue to seek the highest standards of probity in defence acquisition,'' he said, in the backdrop of a series of defence scams erupting in the last few years.
``Another issue to which we have paid close attention is indigenisation of defence procurement. Our government is committed to taking further steps to stimulate the development of our domestic defence industry, including the Indian private sector. This is important not only to enhance our security, but also to spur industrial development and economic growth of our country. We must fully utilize the sophisticated management and technological capacities that are already present in our private sector, including in the defence field, not just for production but also for defence research and development,'' he said.
India faces the entire spectrum of security challenges. This is inevitable as India lives in a difficult neighbourhood, which holds the full range of conventional, strategic and non-traditional challenges. The country is also situated at the strategic crossroads of Asia and astride one of the busiest sea lanes of the world. ``We inhabit a networked and digital world. Our dependence on imported energy is significant and is likely to grow. We are also living at a moment of history when the world is witnessing change on a scale and at a speed rarely seen before,'' he said.
``Nowhere is this change more pronounced than in Asia, where we are witnessing multiple security challenges on account of the intersection of fragile states, internal conflicts, proliferation of arms and terrorist groups. Explosive development of technology is also transforming defence capabilities. As our dependence on the cyber and outer space domains grows, new sets of challenges will emerge, which can also assume military dimensions. The nature of conflict and competition is changing at the same time when national boundaries are being blurred by deepening global integration. Therefore, while defending and securing our homeland, we also have to be prepared to preserve India's expanding international assets,'' he added.

Pak soldiers ‘assault’ porters carrying BSF supplies near LoC in PoonchRavi Krishnan Khajuria/TNS

Jammu, May 23
Soon after the killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani soldiers in Poonch and a 19-km incursion into Ladakh by the Chinese, nine suspected Pakistan Army Border Action Team (BAT) men roughed up a group of porters in the Sabjian belt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district and let them off after snatching supplies meant for the BSF.
The incident happened on May 14, but came to light yesterday. Poonch district SSP Shamsheer Hussain said the incident took place on Zero Line, 2 km ahead of the barbed wire fence, but no FIR has been registered.
“The incident happened near the Zero Line at least 2 km ahead of the barbed fence some eight to ten days ago in Sabjian belt. The porters were carrying supplies to the BSF forward posts. We have not registered an FIR because of their contradictory statements,” he said.
Porters carrying ration and milk cartons to a forward post in Khet area of Sabjian belt that is manned by the BSF were intercepted by nine armed Pakistani Border Action Team troops on the morning of May 14. The troops are said to have snatched the porters’ I-cards and supplies. Of the nine armed men two were in Pakistani Army fatigues and the rest in Pathan suits, a source said.
The Army, which has operational responsibility of the 776-km LoC, remained tightlipped. A senior Army officer from the Northern Command said, “We neither deny nor confirm the incident.
We are trying to confirm from quarters concerned about what happened on May 14.” Northern Command’s PRO Colonel Rajesh Kalia promised to get back with complete information.
A Defence spokesperson in Jammu said the porters had reported the incident to the Army. “The porters reported to the Army that they had seen some persons in Pak Army fatigues and were also roughed up by them, but the Army’s surveillance led to nothing of this sort,” said the spokesperson.
The BSF neither denied nor confirmed the incident. A senior officer said only the Army was authorised to speak on the issue since it has operational responsibility of the LoC.
“The incident took place on May 14 around 8 am. Pakistani troops snatched the porters’ identity cards, rations and milk cartons and beat up two of them. In fact, they had intentions similar to what they did on January 8 in Balnoi (Pak soldiers had killed and mutilated two Indian troopers in Balnoi sector of Poonch), but when they came to know that the porters were locals engaged by Indian security forces they let them off,” a source said.
The eight porters have been identified as Khadim Hussain, Javed Ahmed, Jahangir Hussain, Mohammed Qasim, Showkat Hussain, Altaf Hussain and Nazir Hussain -- all residents of Brari -- and Zahoor Ahmed of Gagriyan. Khadim Hussain and Nazir Hussain were severely beaten up with butts of automatic weapons.

INTRUSION AGAIN

• May 14: Nine Pakistan Army Border Action Team men cross Zero Line and intercept a group of eight porters in the Sabjian belt along the LoC in Poonch
• The men, some in Pak Army fatigues, snatch the porters’ I-cards and supplies meant for BSF forward posts and let them off after thrashing two of them
• Poonch SSP Shamsheer Hussain confirms incident took place on Zero Line; Army, BSF tightlipped
• On January 8, Pak soldiers had brutally killed and mutilated two Indian troopers in Balnoi sector of Poonch

4 new colleges to come up on defence varsity campus Tribune News Service

Binola (Gurgaon), May 23
The Indian National Defence University (INDU) will be set up as a fully autonomous institution constituted under an act of Parliament. While the President of India would act as the Visitor, the Defence Minister will be its Chancellor. The vice-chancellor, who will carry the rank of President of INDU, will be an officer in the rank of the Army Commander or equivalent from the IAF or the Navy. The vice-chancellor’s selection will be based on merit and qualifications. Rank-seniority, a major factor in deciding postings in the forces, will not be a determining factor.

The varsity would develop and propagate higher education in defence studies, defence management, defence science and technology and promote policy-oriented research related to national defence. Four new colleges will be set up under the varsity at its Binola Campus -- National College of Defence Studies (NCDS), Indian Institute of Defence Technology (IIDT), Indian Institute of Defence Management (IIDM) and Defence Institute of Distance & Open Learning (DIDOL).

Existing defence institutions such as the National Defence College, New Delhi; College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad; Defence Service Staff College Wellington; and National Defence Academy, Pune; are proposed to be brought under the ambit of the Indian National Defence University without diluting their powers or autonomy for award of degrees and diplomas. These existing institutions will continue to function in the existing administrative set up and will continue to enjoy existing powers, academic freedom and autonomy.

The varsity will conduct courses of varying durations on subjects ranging from strategic studies, war gaming and simulation, neighbourhood studies, counter insurgency and counter terrorism, Chinese studies, evaluation of strategic thought, international security issues, maritime security studies, Eurasian studies, South East Asian studies, material acquisition, joint logistics, national security strategy in peace and war, etc.

Diverse faculty

 Teaching faculty will for the varsity be drawn from the armed forces, civil services, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, diplomats, academics and strategic planners, among others

 Existing defence institutions such as the National Defence College, New Delhi; College of Defence Management, Secunderabad; Defence Service Staff College Wellington; and National Defence Academy, Pune; are proposed to be brought under the ambit of the Indian National Defence University

 These existing institutions will continue to function in the existing administrative set up and will continue to enjoy existing powers, academic freedom and autonomy

Difficult neighbourhood poses multiple security challenges: PMLays foundation stone of country’s first defence university in GurgaonAjay Banerjee/TNS

Binola (Gurgaon), May 23
Twelve years after the Kargil Review Committee recommended setting up of a specialised defence university to build a strategic culture in the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday laid the foundation stone of the Indian National Defence University (INDU) here.

The varsity will come up over 200 acres on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway at Binola village near Gurgaon, some 52 km from New Delhi and a short distance from Manesar. It will be fully functional in 2018 with accommodation for students as well as faculty. A total of 65 per cent seats will be for defence personnel and the remaining 35 per cent will be for IAS, IPS and IFS cadres.

Speaking on the occasion, the PM warned of a spectrum of security challenges to the country due to its difficult neighbourhood. “We face a full range of conventional, strategic and non-traditional challenges,” he said, reminding that India was situated at the strategic crossroads of Asia and astride one of the busiest shipping sea lanes of the world. “Our dependence on the sea is to grow. In defending our homeland, we have to be prepared to preserve India’s expanding international assets.”

He said the country's deterrent capabilities had increased and it is in a position to be a net provider of security in the Indian Ocean Region. “We have assumed responsibility for stability in the Indian Ocean Region. We are well positioned to become a net provider of security in our immediate region and beyond,” Manmohan Singh said.

Asia, he said, was witnessing multiple security challenges on account of the intersection of fragile states, internal conflicts also transforming defence capabilities.

“India’s security has never been stronger than it is today and our international relationships have never been more conducive to our national development efforts. Our defence cooperation has grown and today we have unprecedented access to high technology, capital and partnerships,” the PM added.

Singh said India's relations with all major powers have become stronger and more productive and “we are also particularly participating in key global and regional fora, ranging from the Group of 20 to the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN groupings”.

Amid scams such as the VVIP helicopter scandal, the PM said the government was working towards making defence acquisitions "transparent" and "less vulnerable to unethical practices".

"We have also been guided by the objective of making our defence acquisition transparent, smooth, efficient and less vulnerable to unethical practices. We will continue to seek the highest standards of probity in defence acquisition," he said.

The Prime Minister said the government was conscious of the fact that adequate defence preparedness was critically dependent on sound defence acquisition policies. "We have paid close attention to this and have continually reformed those policies to ensure that our armed forces have the best equipment," he said.

Defence Minister AK Antony said, “INDU will promote and nurture intellectual strength to our security concerns and cater to our needs of defence technology and management.”

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the defence university was a tribute to the country’s soldiers. “It will create awareness about security concerns as well as challenges confronting the country,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the defence university was meant to ensure that the country, government and armed forces benefit from the best military advice that was available.

Functional by 2018

• The Indian National Defence University will come up over 200 acres on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway at Binola village near Gurgaon
• A total of 65% seats will be for defence personnel and the remaining for IAS, IPS and IFS cadres when it becomes fully functional in 2018
• The varsity would develop and propagate higher education in defence studies, defence management, defence science and technology and promote policy-oriented research related to national defence