Post Op Sindoor Suggestion to Establish A Review Committee

"Op Sindoor which lasted for less than 100 hours has created a clamour for establishing a review committee on the same lines as was done after Kargil fiasco. Before making this suggestion/demand, it will only be appropriate to peep into Kargil Review Committee report and status of implementation of its recommendations." - Gp Capt TP Srivastava

The Kargil Review Committee (KRC), headed by K. Subrahmanyam, made several recommendations focused on improving India's national security framework in the wake of the Kargil War. Key recommendations included establishing an independent body of experts to review security and intelligence, reorganizing the interface between the Ministry of Defence and Service Headquarters, and reducing pension expenditure. The report also highlighted the need for a stronger intelligence apparatus, improved border management, and a review of defense acquisition procedures.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Strengthening National Security

· (a) Independent Review Body:

The KRC advocated for an independent body of experts, rather than relying solely on existing bureaucratic structures, to conduct a comprehensive review of India's security and intelligence systems.

· (b) Intelligence Reforms:

The report stressed the urgent need to enhance intelligence gathering, analysis, sharing, and follow-up actions. This included strengthening the capabilities of intelligence agencies and improving coordination among them.

· (c ) Border Management:

The KRC called for a more effective border management policy, addressing not only infiltration by terrorists but also illegal migration, smuggling, and drug trafficking.

· (d) Defense Management:

The committee recommended a thorough review of the existing mechanisms and interface between the Ministry of Defence and the Service Headquarters.

· (e) Defense Budget:

The KRC recommended a review of defense spending and allocation of resources to ensure optimal utilization and effectiveness.

· (f) Civil-Military Relations:

The report emphasized the need for improved civil-military relations and better coordination between civilian and military authorities.

· (g) Nuclear Policy:

The KRC also addressed nuclear policy and doctrine, recognizing its importance in the context of national security.

2. Other Notable Recommendations

· (a) Reducing Pension Expenditure:

The KRC suggested measures to reduce the burgeoning pension expenditure for armed forces personnel, which has not been implemented.

· (b) Integrated Manpower Policy:

The committee proposed an integrated manpower policy for the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and central police forces.

· (c ) Younger Armed Forces:

The KRC recommended measures to ensure a younger and fitter army, including potentially reducing the length of service for some personnel.

· (d) Joint Training and Operations:

The report emphasized the need for joint training among the armed forces to foster synergy and improve interoperability.

· (e) Modernizing Training:

The KRC recommended a holistic review of training methodologies to ensure they are modern, integrated, and rationalized, with optimal utilization of infrastructure and resources.

· (f) Media Relations:

The report also addressed the importance of media relations and information management in the context of national security.

3. Impact and Implementation

· The Kargil Review Committee's report served as a catalyst for significant reforms in India's national security apparatus.

· The report led to the formation of a Group of Ministers (GoM) to review national security and implement the KRC's recommendations.

· Many of the KRC's recommendations have been implemented, including the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position, the Integrated Defence Staff, the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Nuclear Command Authority.

· The establishment of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) are also results of the KRC's recommendations.

· The government has also taken steps to improve border management, enhance intelligence capabilities, and modernize defense acquisition procedures.

Does KRC recommendations include altering organizational structure of Indian Military? ‘NO’. Proposal of doing away with existing war proven Regional Command Structure to Theatre Commands germinated overnight without any discussion among three Services. Incidentally the first CDS, who proposed the change was former CoAS. During his three year tenure as CoAS the proposal was never even mentioned or discussed at the level of CoSC.

Readers can decide for themselves as to how many of the above recommendations of KRC have been implemented?

Flawless execution of missions during Op Sindoor was the result of excellent Inter-Service co-ordination during the planning stage. Political leadership finally decided to call the nuclear bluff of Pakistan and struck targets deep inside Pakistan with telling effect.

Do we need yet another committee to produce another 180 page report suggesting reinvention of wheel? Let the readers decide !