Defence Expenditure Review Committee (DERC) Panel Proposals

A high-level committee, the Defence Expenditure Review Committee (DERC), looking into defence expenditure has recommended a host of sweeping reforms, including a hike in the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the defence sector to 49%, and divestment of defence public sector units (PSUs).

The DERC has made far reaching recommendations in our Acquisition System, such as:

The Govt should encourage the private sector to take over foreign defence firms.Consider setting up a sovereign wealth fund to assist this activity.

A five-fold increase in the financial powers of the defence minister -- up to Rs 500 Crores.

For accountability, transparency and efficiency, time-bound disinvestment plans should be worked out for each PSU.

Across the board increase in FDI limit to 49% with the provision for a case by case enhancement to 74%-100%.

Extensive use of ICT in the defence procurement processes.

Compress the time between RFI and actual procurement.

Read the full Report: DERC Panel Proposals

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.defenceoffsetsindia.com/

Merry Christmas and A Very Happy 2010!

Sukhis

Towards Better Living: Resolve 2010

How to Stay Positive,Youthful & Happy?

• Throw out non-essentials. This includes anything that is not essential for You to live life well.

• Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

• Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

• Enjoy the simple things.

• Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

• The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

• Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

• Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

• Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. What are guilt trips? Guilt trips are about violating boundaries. It is a way of manipulating people to get a desired outcome through indirect and passive-aggressive tactics.

• Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

And Remember

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Your Well Wisher

Foreign A & D Majors Insist on Higher FDI Limit

FDI cap in Defence Sector is perceived lower by potential suitors. The upper limit prescribed for foreign companies to invest in JVs is 26 per cent. Echoing the view of industry bodies and foreign companies, the pre-budget economic survey this year suggested that FDI limit in defence industries be raised to 49 per cent from 26 per cent, and even allowed up to 100 per cent on a case-to-case basis, in high technology, strategic defence goods, services and systems that can help eliminate import dependence.

All this needs deliberations in wider national security interests, and NOT purely a business proposition.

Indian Defence Industry is very keen to forge JVs with foreign partners. For example, BEL is keen to forge JVs in the areas such as missiles, electro-optics and "portions of radars like radars for civilian areas". BEL is ready to work with potential partners either through a JV or some sort of arrangement like long-term partnership (not called a JV).

Click to read the full Report: Foreign A & D Majors Insist on Higher FDI Limit

Comments: MOD could always consider higher % of FDI limit on case-to-case basis for technologies extremely essential for India in next 4-5 years of time frame, with some 'special rider' on the JV company ownership and management.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: USIBC News & Its Agencies.

Comn Inter-operability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA)

India is in no hurry to sign Communication Inter-operability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) with the USA, a defence pact which provides for installation of American Comn Systems on US-made mil aircraft with certain guarantees.

The US has been wanting India to sign the CISMOA as it intends to enhance the inter-operability of the Indian and American forces. It also ensures secrecy of its C4ISR (command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems.

C4ISR Definition of the US: C4ISR encompasses systems, procedures, and techniques used to collect and disseminate information. It includes intelligence collection and dissemination networks, command and control networks, and systems that provide the common operational/ tactical picture. It also includes information assurance products and services, as well as communications standards that support the secure exchange of information by C4ISR systems. Under the C4ISR umbrella, systems exchange digital, voice, and video data to appropriate levels of command. This section focuses on C4ISR systems that process and protect classified information for military operations or homeland security purposes. The two key classified aspects of C4ISR systems are access to secure networks controlled by Information Security (INFOSEC) products and services and the classified data resident in the C4ISR networks.

Signing CISMOA in C4ISR environment has wider implications. India needs to evaluate its fall-out deliberately.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: USIBC News & Its Agencies.

Defence Acquisitions, Time Overruns, Costs and Military Preparedness

The basic is that a nation undertakes burden of defence acquisitions to maintain edge of its military. Within this overall objective our procedures must flow however multi-faceted or complex these may be. Our 'thinking executives' which includes our bureaucracy , military and process experts must keep this in view in all their activities.

Shifting causes of delay / failures within any complex acquisition chain is inevitable and may even be 'past time' of some. The bottom line is, Is nation's military getting it wherewithal in time? If not, we need to worry. As is often said 'radical problems need radical solutions'. Lip service or minor changes to existing procedures and practices will not suffice. Let there be an overhaul of the Process.

An Article by Mr Harinder Singh, IDSA, and recent Seminar by the IDSA on Defence Acquisitions is timely. Click to read the full Article:

Defence Acquisitions, Time Overruns, Costs and Military Preparedness

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses, http://www.idsa.in/

Power of Ideas & Implementation

How do we translate our ideas into success? How can we actually shape public policy with a mere notion – that freedom and free markets are the best way to organize society?

We start by realizing that ideas are the most powerful force in the world. Power can be found in politicians, armies, activists and institutions. But the reason for their power is ideas, because ideas explain why people do the things they do.

What people believe determines how they behave, for whom they vote, the laws and rules they accept or reject and what kind of society they will work to adopt. Ideas determine whether a culture embraces free markets or socialism, democracy or dictatorship. Change ideas, and you change the world.

Political leaders may enact public policy, but they seldom generate the ideas that drive policy. Politicians usually act within a fairly narrow range of politically acceptable Ideas. They cannot operate outside that range without jeopardizing their political standing.

The range of credible ideas circulating in the intellectual marketplace determines the range of politically acceptable options. So if you have a Think Tank that changes the intellectual landscape, that Think Tank actually shifts the range of politically acceptable ideas.

Milton Friedman has said Think Tanks are at their best when they change what is politically & socially possible.

We must remember we are engaged in a battle of ideas. In spite of political obstacles, we are not battling against personalities or people. We should promote ideas that shift the very ground of battle, and that is 'Intellectual Entrepreneurship'.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: Atlas Economic Research Foundation.

Offset Policy Implementaion

The success of India’s defence offset policy should not be measured in agreements signed, or goods manufactured. An offset policy is successful only in so far as it generates long-term industrial partnerships, which function even after the vendor has discharged his offset liabilities. For this, the partnership must benefit both vendor and buyer. The challenge for India is to develop the domestic defence industry, both public and private sector, to create an ecosystem of potential partners for foreign vendors. This is not difficult; India’s auto component manufacturers have already demonstrated domestic capabilities in high-tech manufacture and cutting-edge R&D. These are precisely the qualities that global arms corporations seek in offset partners in India.

The most far-reaching change is the introduction of “offset banking” last year, allowing vendors to accumulate offset credits towards a future liability. But South Block has been less than responsive in the justifiable demand for “offset trading”, which would allow accumulated credits to be sold by vendors who may not have a use for them at that time. As foreign vendors struggle to find offset partners for their mounting offset liabilities, there is rising clamour — particularly from US companies — for allowing “indirect offsets”, or the discharge of offset obligations through investment in non-defence fields like infrastructure, health, housing, etc. The MoD, focused on building up the domestic defence industry, considers “indirect offsets” as a potential turf infringement. But unless a well-conceived policy and regulatory framework is created for handling billions of dollars of offsets liabilities each year, New Delhi may have to allow some of that money to spill over into non-defence fields.

Pse Click to read the full Report: Offsets' Take Off?

Our Comments: FDI is an option in Defence & Aerospace now. What is important is, how does offset as a package work for domestic consumption and exports? Or it is only for the domestic clientele. Dual-Usage Industry, or areas typically important to our strategic options could be considered, where MOD spends.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh

http://www.defenceoffsetsindia.com/
Svipja Technologies

Indian Defence Industry Development

It is reported in the Business Standard that the Indian Defence offsets rise to Rs 8,000 Crores.

In 2007, a mere Rs 243 Crores worth of offsets were firmed up. The figure rose tenfold to Rs 2,598 Crores in 2008. In 2009, DOFA has already cleared Rs 4,870 Crores worth of offsets and counting. These values are of Planned Productions. Actual Production has still to begin. Only a handful of Offset Partnerships that were tied up over the last three years have gone in production. The investment into Indian R&D has been negligible.

Pse read the full Report: Defence Offsets Rise to Rs 8,000 Crores

Our Comments: All these tie-ups are in anticipation of MMRCA and Other major A & D contracts. A very moderate inflow of Offsets against the signed-up contracts is appreciated as of now.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: USIBC News Based on a Report by the Business Standard.

Indian Defence Industry Development

India has ever been keen to attain self-sufficiency and self-reliance in the Defence and Aerospace Sector. Somehow this Objective has remained 'illusive', to say the least, in high-tech and state-of-the-art domains. New Policy of the MOD, India, on Defence Procurement with Offset Policy embedded in it and its regular updating, presents a streak of hope towards attaining the Objective of self-sufficiency and self-reliance, along with ongoing efforts of the DRDO. There are many 'ifs-n-buts' in the Defence Professional Community, and advocacy issues. We need to show far deeper insight into our Defence needs as an Indian Nation.

Under the subject heading 'Indian Defence Industry Development' on our Blog(s), we wish to record important media reports plus our own assessment to help policy makers arrive at 'win-win' decisions without fear or favour. India's Defence should be the concern of all Indians without any 'inclinations'. Our Armed Forces should always get the 'best'. It is they who pay with their lives for any 'compromises' -- their concern always.

The following important developments are reported:

1. High-Tech Companies May Need Govt. Support

2. Fighter Jet Deal Trials Likely to End July

3. US Wants India to Raise FDI Cap in Defence

4. IAF Wants Govt to Allow More FDI in Defence

We need to take decisions on the India's Defence Matters forgetting our 'personal gains', whatsoever.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: USIBC News and Connected Agencies.

US/EU SMEs in A & D Sector for Mfg in India

Small and Medium American and European firms wish to tap the $100-billion Indian defence and commercial aviation markets.

Aerospace manufacturing company Carlton Forge Works (CFW), producer of seamless rolled rings, plans to invest $100-150 million to set up an aerospace centre (forging,tooling and machining)in India in JV with some local partner. The company is, at present, scouting for suitable locations in India, such as Karnataka and Hyderabad, where it can have access to natural gas that is very important to run its business.

The US department of commerce is looking forward to working on defence projects with the Indian government. “It is very important for tier-I and tier-II companies to explore business opportunities in India,” Ms Karen L Zens, Deputy Assistant Secy at the US department of commerce, said during the US Delegation's visit to Bangalore. Karnataka's 1000 Acre A & D Park could offer the opportunity.

Read the full Report on:

Small US, European Firms Eye India’s Defence, Aviation Markets

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
Svipja Technologies
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: The Economic Times.

Strategic Analysis (Bimonthly): Nov 2009

Strategic Analysis is the bimontly journal of The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi.

It is a forum for independent research, analyses, and commentaries on international and regional security issues that have policy relevance. The journal seeks to promote a better understanding of Indian thinking on contemporary national and international themes.

It reflects a diversity of views from the strategic and international relations studies community both within and outside India.

Pse connect: http://www.idsa.in/strategicanalysis

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses, http://www.idsa.in/

PoK Monthly News Digest: Nov 2009

PoK News Digest is IDSA’s monthly newsletter comprising news summaries, press releases and important statements related to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), referred to as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Northern Areas’ by the Government of Pakistan. The PoK News Digest will capture contemporary issues related to PoK under the following categories:

- Political Developments.
- Economic Developments.
- International Developments.
- Other Developments.

Developments in PoK concern Us all. Pse Click for PoK News Digest


Sukhwindar
http://www.defenceoffsetsindia.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: http://www.idsa.in/

Personality Development: Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, My son, the battle is between two wolves inside Us all.

"One is Evil" - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good" - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Sukhi
Credit: Anonymous

Upgrading India’s Think Tanks

'Upgrading India’s Think Tanks' Roundtable on 11 Nov 2009 by the IDSA is timely. My take on the Issue is:

1. 'Think Tanks' approach which essentially is 'research, innovation and apps' should commence right from desk level upwards. Knowledge is widely distributed.

2. 'Knowledge Workers' can only deliver if they are at the 'Self-Actualisation' Stage of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. If they, or anyone of them, views it as a career / job option, their delivery will be restricted to the point of being average.

3. 'Thinking & Execution' can't be divorced. Monopoly of Paper Researchers, and Academicians in such institutions is counter-productive. No Policy Research generated by them would be acceptable to the 'Executive' unless it is actionable. Otherwise it is a work in 'isolation'.There is a need for 20: 80 approach in 'Thinking & Execution'.

4. 'Integration with the Customer' is applicable for any meaningful policy inputs. It should be further strengthened. Customer is the King -- marketing dose!

5. 'Multi-disciplinary , and multi-nationality Teams' are needed in today's research due to complexity of issues, and the global reach now. Culture of individual achievements, like publishing papers, writing books, etc, encouraged in academic institutions need to be discouraged in 'professional research'.

6. We need 'focused research' relevant to the sponsoring organisation. Research subjects be selected in concert with the supported organisations to make them relevant.

7. There are too many Think Tanks. Need to aggregate them. Consolidation could be good mantra. May be we revisit the term 'Think Tank' itself, smacks arrogance. In line executives should be developed as 'Thinking Executives'.

8. 'Thinking' and 'Passion to Deliver' are inborn. Can it really come through 'paid executives'? Think Tanks should just have 'knowledgeable Core Staff', say 20%, and deploy 80% researchers project-based on certain commercial terms. They would then deliver 'actionable policy & application research'. These set-ups should not be seen as career options, but 'Delivery Centres' with international infra for research, connectivity, presentation & seminar facilities,etc.

9. Role of Private 'Think Tanks' needs to be recognised. Develop PPP Model.

10. In this Century, manifestation of e-Business & Internet in every activity of ours in A & D can't be ignored. We need to address this squarely.

11. Govt-sponsored Think Tanks should be 'self-sustaining' financially. This is the real test of their delivery.

NO research can ever be meaningful unless the researcher is 'passioned and hungry for recognition', in addn to the comfort in metros. These are his motivators. He is to seek highest objectives. Institutions like IDSA can only present 'hygiene factors' to the researchers, it is they who have to deliver quality & relevant research. Fair mix of project-based freelance researchers may be the answer, not recruited ones.

Old wisdom that 'You can take a cattle to the pond but can't force her to drink' still holds good everywhere.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)

Defence Procurement Procedure - 2008 (Amendment- 2009)

The following amendments to DPP-2008 have been made:

(a) Introduction of new category for acquisition - Buy & Make (Indian).
(b) Sharing of information with Indian Industry.
(c) Enhancing role of Independent Monitors.
(d) Removal of ambiguity regarding EMD in signing the Integrity Pact.
(e) Formulation of SQRs including issue of Request for Information (RFI).
(f) Offsets requirement in 'Option Clause', cases and change of offset partner in exceptional cases.

The amendments to DPP-2008 are being issued in the form of Defence Procurement Procedure - 2008 (Amendment - 2009), details of which are given on
http://mod.nic.in/dpm/welcome.html

These amendments are incorporated to the existing DPP-2008 in relevant pages/paragraphs as mentioned and will take effect from 01 Nov 2009.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: http://www.mod.nic.in/

IDSA's Monthly News Digest on PoK: Oct 2009

PoK News Digest is IDSA’s monthly newsletter comprising news summaries, press releases and important statements related to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), referred to as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Northern Areas’ by the Government of Pakistan. The PoK News Digest will capture contemporary issues related to PoK under the following categories:

- Political Developments.
- Economic Developments.
- International Developments.
- Other Developments.

Developments in PoK concern Us all. Pse Click for PoK News Digest

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.defenceoffsetsindia.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: In Arrangement with the Institute of Defence Studies & Analyses, http://www.idsa.in/ , India's Think Tank on Matters Defence.

Para Reunion 2009

Para Reunion 2009 was held from 27 -30 Oct 2009 at Agra. It was attended by a larger number of serving and retired paratroopers, officers and PBOR.

Bonhomie associated with such get-together and celebrations are marvelous. You get to meet old associates and colleagues, present incumbents and see first-hand developments in the System. We were lucky to be part of this Reunion. Witnessed strides made by the fmn and units in its ‘delivery’. It was heartening to note that ‘the paratroopers continue to remain elite’ of the Armed Forces. Congratulations!

Some of the important events in sequence, apart from the ‘dinners’ were:

-Launch of Shatrujeet Blog http://www.shatrujeet.blogspot.com/ by Lt General (Retired) SN Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, Senior Most Active Veteran Paratrooper, ex Para Fd Coy.

-Wreath Laying Ceremony by Retired & Serving to pay Homage to the Martyrs at the Shatrujeet War Memorial.

-Reunion Barakhana for the Shatrujeet Units and Families.

-Release of Special Para Reunion 2009 cover by the COAS.

-Command Jump.

-Unveiling of Bust of Col (Dr) AG Rangaraj, 60 Para Fd Coy, the first Indian Paratrooper of 50 Para Bde.

The occasion was nostalgic

A Great Event! Looking for the Next Get-together!!

Sukhi

Message from Lt General PC Katoch, UYSM, AVSM, SC, Colonel of the Parachute Regiment

Dear Blog Team,

Congratulations on fulfilling a longstanding need of the Airborne Fraternity. This Blog will be a welcome addition to The Parachute Regiment website http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/ The Blog completes the "e-Arrival of the Maroon League" simultaneous with the Para Records having recently been hosted on the Army Intranet - accessible to all units already.

The Blog will definitely facilitate exchange of views across the board. However, may I recommend that discussion on professional issues be restricted to the Veterans. Should Serving Officers desire to join in, they would individually need to obtain prior security clearance of their script, as mandated by existing regulations.

My congratulations once again on this excellent initiative taken by you.

Warm regards.

Prakash Katoch.

A Very Happy Diwali !

Wishing You All Cheer and Happiness on this Diwali !

God Bless !!

The Blog Team

The Wisdom of the Ancients

In The Wisdom of Confucius (translated by Lin Yutang, London, 1958) there appears the following exchange:

Zigong asked Confucius “What would you say if all the people of a village like a person?” “That is not enough,” replied Confucius.

“What would you say if all the people of the village dislike a person?” “That is not enough,” replied Confucius.

“It is better when the good people of the village like him, and the bad people dislike him.”

This ancient wisdom (Confucius died in 479 BC) summarizes:

You cannot and should not try to please everyone. Make sure that the Right People Like You, and it will be expected That Others Will Not. That’s how the world works.

Sukhi

Kashmir of Ours

Enjoy nature around You !

Sukhi

Professional: Reversing 800 Years of History

Ayaz Amir contends that all the great Muslim rulers of our past whom we look upon as our heroes were either Turks or Afghans, from Mahmud Ghaznavi to the last of the Mughals -- Caucasians all of them, who, in successive waves of invasion and conquest from the colder climates of the north, made themselves masters of Hindustan.

For 800 years -- from 1192 AD. when Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the second battle of Tarain (in present-day Haryana) to the establishment of British rule in Bengal in the 18th century -- every ruler of Hindustan of any note or merit was of Caucasian origin. In all this vast expanse of history, the lands which now constitute Pakistan could produce only one ruler of indigenous origin who could lay claim to any ability: Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of Punjab.

We, the inhabitants of Pakistan, may claim in moments of (misplaced) exaltation that we descended from those early warriors. But this is a false claim. We are now more sub-continental than Central Asian. Just as empires and nations rise and fall, races too do not remain the same over time. The Mughals were a hardy people when they marched into India under Babar. After 200 years of unbroken rule their dynasty -- descended from the great Taimur -- had become degenerate and soft.

Read the full Article on http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=199842

It is a very ‘unbiased’ analysis about the Muslims of the Sub-Continent and problems faced by them as a race.

Sukhwindar
http://www.svipja.com/
Courtesy: Brigadier CL Lakhanpal, Guest Contributor.

Para Reunion in Agra from 27 to 30 Oct 2009 & Para Get-Together Lunch on 22 Nov 2009 in New Delhi

1. Para Reunion of the Airborne Fraternity is being organised in Agra from 27 to 30 Oct 2009. Detailed Pgme for this has already been intimated to You by the Colonel of the Regiment through his DO Letter. You all are requested to grace the occasion by Your presence.

2. Para Get-Together Lunch is being organised by Delhi Para Association at 1130 hrs on 22 Nov 2009 at the DG IS Offrs Mess , EDP Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg, New Delhi 110010. The Colonel of the Para Regt Sectt Letter posted above contains the details. All paratroopers are welcome !

Sukhi

Message from Lt General RL Magotra, PVSM, VSM (Retd)

Dear Sukhi,

I am very happy to learn that an exclusive Blog for veteran Paratroopers has been created.This is truly in keeping with the Para theme “Once a Trooper, Always a Trooper” without any caste, creed, or distinction. This Blog gives all the Paratroopers, both serving and retired, an excellent platform to interact and share their views and remain in touch with the Para fraternity.

Well done, and keep it up !

Happy Landings !!

Magotra

Message from Lt General KM Seth, PVSM, AVSM

My Dear Sukhi,

Great job, done in super time. This was a need I always felt which hopefully would be met to meet the aspirations of all the paratroopers who take pride in being a part of one family.

The Blog could not have been better. God bless you !

With Best wishes.

Gen Seth.

All Paratroopers are Welcome to Blog!

Hi Dear,

Greetings!

We have created this Blog for the Veteran Paratroopers of India. All Paratroopers and their wards are welcome to Blog.

This could include Your memoirs, Your excursions & experiences; poetry/poems written by You, photographs taken; events coverage and after-event reports; and anything else that would interest the Visitors. No Postings with security implications will be entertained.

Needless to say that all Your Postings should be decent and proper. Blogger himself is responsible and accountable for content of his Posting(s). The Blog Team indemnifies itself from any damages.

The Postings will be moderated without losing your 'flavour' in keeping with the aim of the Blog. Happy Blogging !!

Also, this Blog will be used for welfare activities of Para Veterans, including developing & harnessing their talent for the Indian Defence Industry in consulting and operational roles within Govt. Rules in a transparent manner.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh

Credit: Photograph from PARATROOPER 2009.