The Indian Army maintained high state of preparedness in 2023 and ensured stability & dominance along all the frontiers including Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LC). Relentless Counter Terrorist Army’s Operations and Transformation Milestones were also carried out while maintaining high training standards and constantly reviewing emerging & future threats to national security.
Operational Preparedness
Northern Borders. As part of diplomatic and military efforts concerning ongoing standoff along the LAC, 20 rounds of Corps Commander Level Meetings and 14 related Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings were held with the Chinese. Both sides agreed to maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. Indian Army has exercised the established border mechanisms to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC in all sectors.
LoC & Counter-Terrorist Ops. After the understanding of February 2021, between the Directorate Generals Military Operation of India and Pakistan, the situation along the Line of Control improved significantly compared to pre-understanding violence levels. Relentless operations conducted in synergy with other agencies resulted in successful and incident-free conduct of international and national level events such as G-20 meetings and Amarnath Yatra with 4.45 Lakh yatris visiting the shrine. Synergised counter-terrorist operations also resulted in elimination of 34 terrorists and apprehension of four terrorists in the hinterland. 18 infiltration bids were eliminated on LC in which 36 terrorists were killed besides recovery of large war-like stores.
North East. The balanced posture of firm and compassionate outlook by the Indian Army & Assam Rifles in militancy affected North Eastern part of the country is evident through both tangible & intangible outcomes. This is reflected by results in operations against militant groups, mainstreaming of militants and the critical decision of the Government of India to reduce areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA-1958). Since 1 January 2023, synergised efforts by Army, Assam Rifles and State Police resulted in neutralisation of three cadres, apprehension of 233 cadres, surrender by 186 cadres of various militant groups and recovery of 271 weapons of different types. Security Forces also continued with the earnest endeavour to reduce the drug menace in the region. Indian Army along with Assam Rifles, Police & Civil administration, successfully recovered narcotics & contraband worth Rs 1,567.55 crore during the year in the hinterland as well as India-Myanmar Border.
Manipur. Indian Army and Assam Rifles have played a key role in controlling the internal security situation in Manipur and saving precious lives, property and evacuating approximately 35,000 internally displaced population to safety. Security Forces have been assisting the civil administration and other security agencies with a neutral and transparent approach to restore peace and normalcy in the State.
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Year of Transformation
2023 was the Year of Transformation for the Indian Army. The process of transformation hinges on the five pillars- ‘Force Structuring & Optimisation’, ‘Modernisation & Technology Infusion’, ‘Systems, Processes & Functions’, ‘Human Resource Management’ and ‘Jointness & Integration’.
Force Restructuring & Optimisation. Efforts towards jointness and integration preceding Theaterisation are being made with renewed impetus.
Reorganisation of Early Warfare (EW) and Electronic Intelligence units under EW Brigades has been formalised. Raising of additional EW Battalions is under progress.
Reorganisation of Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) units is underway.
Outsourcing of Non-Core Services is under progress to realign combat manpower for core tasks.
Modernisation & Technology Infusion. A roadmap has been put in place for Upgrades, New Acquisitions & infusion of Niche technology. The right balance between ‘Conventional’ and ‘New’ capabilities is being maintained. A focussed approach is being followed to ensure timely & pragmatic trials.
Conclusion of 85 Capital Contracts. A total of 85 Capital Contracts worth Rs 12,343 crore have been concluded in current Financial Year. This will boost the Capability of Indian Army in the domain of mobilisation, firepower, communication/non communication, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) & Drone/Counter-Drone Systems.
Induction of Niche Technology through iDEX. Four Projects worth Rs 70 crore have been contracted this year, thereby paving the way for the induction of Niche Tech in communication, ISR & stealth Technology. It is also a step towards providing impetus in developments favourable to defence eco system.
Exploiting 5G/6G and Artificial Intelligence. Indian Army has collaborated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to develop advanced electronics and infrastructure, aligning with Digital India and Make in India initiatives. 5G laboratories have been established at various locations including Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE). In addition, Military grade 5G and 6G laboratories are being established at various locations. MCTE has been developed as a key Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.
Emergency Procurements. The EP were utilised to augment capability along the Northern and Western Front besides catering for training aggregates. The equipment procured under the EP are being fully exploited by field formations to refine their operational philosophy, TTPs and maintenance support requirements. In Financial Years 2020-22, 68 projects, worth Rs 6,592 crore were procured while 73 projects, worth Rs 11,000 crore have been procured in the Financial Years 2022-24.
System, Processes & Functions. The following has been achieved under the pillar of System, Processes & Functions:
Right-sizing and Ease of Doing Business. Digital initiatives have been undertaken in a major way to effect improved efficiencies in domains of Operational Enablement.
National Logistics Policy & PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The Indian Army has been an important partner in the Prime Minister Gati Shakti National Master Plan and formulation of NLP. Efforts have been made to align initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army to the national vision. 180 Officers have been trained on Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform and additional training with BISAG-N is being planned. A Tri- Services Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Infrastructure Portal akin to PM Gati Shakti is being created under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
