The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma Ep 175: The Indian Armed Forces
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May 31, 2020 Lieutenant General Prakash Menon, Director of the Strategic Studies Program at Takshashila Institution, shares insights on the credibility of the Indian Armed Forces amidst declining institutional trust. He examines the evolution of civil-military relations over decades and the challenges of military modernization due to budget constraints. The discussion includes the complexities of counterinsurgency in Kashmir, ethical dilemmas in military leadership, and the impact of nuclear deterrence on strategies. Menon emphasizes the importance of reforms to adapt to geopolitical changes.
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General Menon's Career Switch
- General Prakash Menon started as a naval cadet due to family background but switched to the army after being inspired by a book on Rommel.
- This personal decision shows individual agency within military career paths and the unique motivation behind joining the army.
Army Motivation Amid Modern Pressures
- The Indian army preserves motivation by its institutional culture despite modern exposure to society and politics through media.
- Officers today face more diverse influences than before but the army manages to keep them focused and motivated.
Civilian Control Prevented Coup
- India's army was kept under civilian control from independence to prevent military takeover, a conscious and crucial political decision.
- The Ministry of Defence enforces this control, helping India avoid the fate of neighbors like Pakistan.
