Indian Navy Chief engages with key nations at 25th ISS, discusses Agnipath scheme

Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), undertook a series of bilateral discussions with counterparts from key nations during the 25th International Seapower Symposium (ISS) held in the United States from September 19 to 22, 2023. The ISS, hosted by the US Navy at the US Naval War College in Rhode Island, served as a platform for fostering maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

During the symposium, CNS Hari Kumar engaged with naval leaders from the USA, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK. According to the Ministry of Defence, "The extensive engagements during the visit are a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s steadfastness towards realizing the vision for a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific and an International Rules-Based Order."

CNS spoke about Agniveers in ISS

One of the focal points of Admiral Hari Kumar's discussions was the ‘critical’ aspect of Human Resource Management, with a specific emphasis on recruitment and retention of trained personnel. He shed light on India’s initiatives, particularly the Agnipath Scheme, designed to transform Armed Forces recruitment. The Agnipath Scheme, as per MoD officials, is a reform in Armed Forces recruitment, offering youth a four-year service opportunity. Agniveers will receive an attractive monthly package, Risk and hardship allowances, and a 'Seva Nidhi' package upon completion, as per Government officials. This policy, as per the Ministry, aims to create a younger, tech-savvy, and more diverse Armed Forces profile for the Indian Army.

Furthermore, the visit paved the way for deeper naval cooperation, exploring enhanced operational engagements at bilateral and multilateral exercises such as Malabar, RIMPAC, Sea Dragon, and Tiger Triumph. It also facilitated regular Subject Matter Expert exchanges, solidifying interoperability between the Indian Navy and the US Navy.

Indo-Pacific Armies converge for peace and stability

Meanwhile, in a concerted effort to sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the Indian Army and the United States Army are set to co-host the Indo-Pacific Armies Chief Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi from September 25 to 27, 2023. Delegates from 35 countries will convene to engage in discussions surrounding security and contemporary issues of mutual concern. The significance of the Indo-Pacific region was underscored in an official statement, highlighting its status as the 'world’s centre of gravity,' accounting for 65 per cent of the global population and 63 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It further noted that the region dominates 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade, possessing coastlines rich in maritime resources and rare earth metals.

The IPACC, accompanied by parallel events like the Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and the Senior Enlisted Leadership Forum (SELF), aims to enhance regional military interaction and build understanding between participating nations.

Transformative stage: US-India defence partnership

Also, Siddharth Iyer, Director for South Asia Policy at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, lauded the extraordinary progress in the defence partnership between the United States and India. He affirmed that the relationship has reached a 'transformative stage,' emphasizing its pivotal role in achieving strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Iyer highlighted Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin's two visits to India and the warm rapport shared between the two nations. He emphasised the broad and deep commitment to fortifying this vital partnership, stating, “There's a broad and deep commitment to making that happen.”

The recently finalised roadmap for defence technology cooperation and co-production signifies a monumental stride in discussions between the two nations. This roadmap, dedicated to accelerating India's military modernization, reflects the steadfast dedication of Secretary Austin. Additionally, the establishment of the 'India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem' promises to fast-track commercial technologies with military applications.

Siddharth Iyer also spoke about President Biden's characterization of the U.S.-India relationship as one of the most consequential for the 21st century, underlining its strategic significance on the global stage.