Review of Agnipath to LAC boost: Defence top priorities

As reported by The Indian Express, a process to gather feedback from the Armed Forces was already underway and Singh had earlier expressed that the scheme will indeed be reviewed if needed. Based on the feedback and the recommendations from the military, the scheme is likely to undergo certain changes.

Increasing jointness among the three defence services and creation of theatre commands is a significant higher defence reform which is on cards for the Defence Ministry.

While the entire process began three years ago and is likely to take more time, the BJP poll manifesto had promised the reform in its next tenure.

Other key priorities for the Defence Ministry include increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and further strengthening of India’s border infrastructure along the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the backdrop of the continuing standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh. The aim is to further cut down on defence imports for the military and enhance the military’s operational preparedness along the borders.

An overhaul of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) is also among the priorities for the Government. A high-powered committee led by former principal scientific advisor Prof. K VijayRaghavan, had suggested several reforms to revamp the organisation and its implementation is likely to be an important priority for the Government.