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