Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) The Indian Army has detailed plans for force accretion along the western and northern borders with Pakistan and China as part of its transformation efforts. These plans are now being validated in combat exercises, including the one happening in the Rajasthan desert, a top commander said Monday.

The army chief, General V.K. Singh told his commanders during the inauguration of their five-day conference here Monday that the force accretion was in the pipeline as part of the efforts to introduce “theatrisation” of combat and support services.

Singh noted that the army had already introduced “force structuring” and various test beds had been set up along the borders.

This would mean massive changes in the force structures in Jammu and Kashmir that borders both Pakistan in the West and China in the North.

“Various proposals for accretion of forces are in the pipeline,” he said, emphasising “the need to look at infrastructural projects along the borders with greater deliberation.”

With respect to transformation, Singh mentioned that “significant steps have been initiated for force structuring and various test beds have been set up for the northern and western borders and the same will implemented once approval is accorded for the force accretions.”

“The proposals for theatrisation of combat and support services have been completed and they would be test-bedded during the forthcoming Southern Command exercise ‘Sudarshan Shakti’ in the Rajasthan desert. Once the efficacy (of theatrisation) is ascertained, it would be implemented,” he said.

Singh noted that the process of re-structuring of army headquarters was in progress so that it became “a more responsive and synergised” organisation.

With regard to increasing the capabilities and assets of the Army Aviation Corps, he said deliberations were going on with the Indian Air Force at the highest levels and the focus was to continue in the direction as envisaged.

The army is seeking to add armed helicopters to its aviation fleet of Chetaks and Cheetahs so as to provide teeth to the three potent strike corps that are the sword arms of the army.

“All these steps undertaken would ensure that our army is more agile, responsive and effective,” Singh said.

Mindful of the security situation in India’s neighbourhood, the army chief said it was “fragile” and it needed “due attention.”

He also expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan, from where the international security force was planning a pull out by 2014.