Even the biggest detractors of the armed forces will agree that the military is in the business of security at all levels — tactical, operational and strategic. In addition, the military’s inputs at the national policy level are crucial to the formulation of grand strategy. In the six decades since Independence and even prior to that, the Indian Armed Forces have done a tremendous job in ensuring that the nation remains safe from external and internal threats. This includes their contribution to policy formulations at the highest levels. Therefore it is difficult to rationalise why the Armed Forces continue to be kept away from all national level security formulations.

It is nobody’s case that security is not the exclusive preserve of the military. But to exclude the military from decision-making relating to security aspects is not only absurd but indicates the tunnel vision of our governing elite. It would appear that even where the security of the nation is at stake, the political leadership continues to be more concerned with surrounding itself with yes-men and blue-eyed advisors, who would toe the line rather than consult experts whose recommendations may not conform to their own agendas.

The Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Army, are admired the world over for their professional expertise and their apolitical demeanour. On account of the sheer number and diverse nature of conflict situations handled by the Indian Army, it has built up considerable expertise. Yet when it comes to policy formulations, there is a deliberate effort to keep it out of the decision-making loop.

... contd.