Agni veer Scheme: A Force Multiplier cum Dynamic National Asset

Today the unfolding global security landscape is totally unpredictable, be it prevailing situation in Israel-Hamas conflict, Afghanistan vis-a-vis Pakistan, Russia-Ukraine ongoing conflict, prevailing turmoil in Myanmar, regime change in Bangladesh and giving fillip to NE insurgency and sudden surge of terrorists south of Pir Panzal. The Global powers’ growing assertiveness in regions to include South China Sea and Indo Pacific Region as also Israel-Hamas ongoing war which is now likely to expand to Iran adversely affecting the Red Sea trading route, all, therefore, underscore the need for countries like India to reassess their security strategies. Amidst this global turmoil, the Agni veer scheme, launched by PM Modi-led NDA in 2022, too needs to be looked into with a broader perspective now. When it comes to matters of National Security, then despite differences in political affiliations/ideology/beliefs, as Indians, we need to rise above petty partisan politics being waged regarding Agni veer scheme, more often than not based on half-baked knowledge.

Strategic Significance of the Agni veer Scheme

India's position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region is well-recognized. Geographically India looks like an unsinkable ship in the Indian Ocean Region and with over 70% of global trade passing through the Indian Ocean, India has a significant role to play in ensuring regional stability, said Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, a military veteran of Rajputana Rifles Regiment. The Agni veer scheme, which focuses on creating a technologically advanced, youthful and an agile military force, is a very essential national asset for maintaining India's strategic autonomy and addressing emerging threats, said the veteran Officer. 

During our interaction he further said that Agni veer offers six significant positives like: -

1. Nation Building – By having a disciplined and trained youthful manpower it can contribute in an immense manner due to the strong ethos with a deep sense of belonging and togetherness where nation comes first which gets absorbed in their personality during their tenure with the Indian Armed Forces. 

2. Combat Readiness: The experience of countries like Ukraine, which built a large reserve of combat-experienced personnel through short-term enlistments, highlights the importance of having a pool of trained individuals ready for rapid deployment. The Agni veer scheme provides India with a similar advantage. Today our unemployed youths are migrating to join military of foreign countries. Both Ukraine and Russia are an open example.

3. Skills and Experience: Beyond financial stability, Agni veer would have acquired skills and experience that are highly valued in various sectors be it big business groups owned by Adani, Ambani, Mahindra, TATA etc who are spreading their footprint across the globe. As the Indian footprints/assets like sea ports Chabahar in Iran, Duqm in Oman, Haifa in Israel etc, from Asia to all other continents, are on the increase, there will be a need for inherent security for Indian interests on the foreign shores. This vacuum can be readily fulfilled by the Agni veers who get demobilised after their four years of initial terms of engagement. Thus, private military companies (PMCs), are becoming increasingly significant to protect our assets outside the borders of India, especially under the current unfolding global security scenario. Their training, discipline, motivation, physical fitness, and adaptability make them prime candidates for employment in major security roles both within India and across the globe.

4.Ahead of the Competition: One of the most significant aspects of the Agni veer scheme is the unique position it offers to those who complete their service. By the time an Agni veer retires, typically between the ages of 21.5 and 25 years, they would have gained invaluable experience, discipline and training that place them well ahead of their peers.

5.Financial Stability: An Agni veer would have earned approximately ₹28,45,000 by the time they retire, which includes their cumulative salary and the Seva Nidhi package. This financial security at such a young age provides them with the flexibility to pursue further education, entrepreneurial ventures, or other career opportunities without the immediate pressure of financial constraints.

6.Economic Viability: The scheme offers a cost-effective approach towards maintaining a ready and responsive military force. By employing young soldiers for a fixed term, the government can optimise resources while ensuring that the armed forces remain youthful and energetic. Later the availability of this skilled and experienced Agni veers in the ranks of CAPFs/PMF’s /Armed Police Forces will be a great value addition to these forces.

Lessons from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the Role of PMCs

The situation in Afghanistan post-U.S. withdrawal has already shown us how critical it is for nations to secure their assets and maintain influence in strategically important regions. A similar situation could emerge in Bangladesh in the days to come. Private Military Companies (PMCs) have played a crucial role in this regard, often filling gaps left by traditional military forces. The US, Russia and other countries have long relied on PMCs to protect their interests globally.

For India, the Agni veer scheme could serve as a stepping stone towards developing its own PMC capabilities. By utilising the pool of well-trained, disciplined ex-Agni veers, India could project power and protect its assets in regions where a direct military presence may be diplomatically sensitive or administratively not possible. This approach would allow India to safeguard its own interests, such as energy resources in East Africa or trade routes under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Arab-Mediterranean corridor, without the need for a permanent military footprint, said Lt Gen Abhay.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

The Agni veer scheme is a forward-looking initiative that addresses both current and future security challenges facing India, said Gen Officer. He further added that, any new product or system or plan etc, even when it is considered a very well thought out, meticulously planned and worked out, still may require minor corrections through experience gained with passage of time. One must, therefore, never ignore one major fact that when you aim for a bigger success in your life’s journey, then you have to be ready to bring in some corrections and rectifications in your set roadmap with the experience gained at every stage while implementing the planned roadmap. 

It’s been two years now since the scheme got implemented. Thus, its time now to see if any and what minor rectifications are needed to turn it into a more robust, flawless scheme as also to counter the misperception being spread by certain political parties and social media channels which may play negatively not only on the minds of Agni veers but also on our young unemployed youths and their families. Thus, with growing resistance all the time from the opposition at the parliament and through media, the government should identify and firmly address those few issues which need a relook and ensure unfolding of the envisioned big success of the well thought out Agni veer scheme, said the veteran General.

Few Ideas for Consideration 

The first batch of Agni veers will begin retiring from the year 2027, and if they are left to fend for themselves thereafter, they could be exploited by our inimical forces as potential negative ambassadors for both the scheme and the current government. There is a talk going on in the environment that the state of recruitment in the Indian Army has fallen drastically, with 45% of recruits opting for it only after failing in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) options. Govt of India may consider doing a fact check on the same and consider introducing few corrections/amendments as suggested below: -

1.Parity in Leave and Pay: There is a prevailing feeling in the environment that Agni veers need to be given comparable leave and pay benefits like the regular soldiers. They all serve together and are ready to face the same bullet and threat. Life is same and vital for both the categories. This amendment will be a great morale booster and ensure fairness within the ranks. 

2. Meaningful Resettlement: Ensure that Agni veers are not left to fend for themselves after leaving the Armed Forces. They should be looked as a great asset for induction into Police services and CAPF. There have been few announcements made through the media in this respect. But now the Govt must come out with a firm clear policy on this uniformly applicable pan India. The Govt must also ensure that those who do not join Police and CAPF are provided with need-oriented Skill Development Training to help them get into multi domain of corporate services. Others who wish to continue with further higher studies be given reserved seats for admission. 

3. Retention Percentage: Since the Agni veer scheme is just in the beginning stage, the retention percentage may be considered a minimum of 50% to begin with instead 25%. Presently we still need troops to guard and fight on the LOC, LAC, Siachen, Pak sponsored terrorists and Insurgents in NE. With a very long border to defend and majority part of it being in dispute with both China and Pakistan as also in the absence of ‘one border one force’ concept, maintaining a sizeable foot on ground is an inescapable reality under the prevailing situation. The present retention system will see the overall strength of the army shrinking to half of its present capacity in times ahead. Thus, the Govt may consider that only when we grow significantly in the field of technology to include both cyber and space domains, as also ensure re-employment/resettlement of Agni veers post leaving the Armed Forces, we can then, slowly, revert back to retention of 25 percent only.

4. Disability Pension: Agni veer scheme ensures that the young profile of soldiers fielded in our potential combat areas be it Siachen, Ladhak, LAC, LC or Counter Terrorists/Insurgency operations etc are between 18 and 21 years. The average age of American Soldiers who were deployed in WWII was 22 years whereas in Vietnam it rose up to 27 and we all know what effect it played on the US Army. As you get older, marital and many other responsibilities get added to your life which definitely affects the battlefield performance when taking chance and daring, will carry the day. The Agni veer being recruited from 17 to 21 – will surely have an advantage, provided the disability pension benefits are extended and in case of being martyred the family getting pension will surely incentivise their morale to fearlessly face the enemy’s bullet.  

The Time for Action is Now

By learning from the experiences of countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Ukraine etc in the recent past, India can leverage the Agni veer scheme to build a technologically advanced, agile, and economically viable military force. As these young Agni veers retire, they will find themselves well-positioned both financially and professionally, far ahead of their peers busy creating and consuming content online, and ready to contribute to India's security and prosperity in new and innovative ways.

Another issue which is much discussed and talked about in the environment is the Nepalese Govt’s refusal to allow Nepali Gorkhas to join the Indian Army under the Agni veer scheme. Some are of the opinion that, as a result of this stand taken by the Nepalese Govt, Nepal will, not only, see rise in unemployment, but also, suffer economically. But one fact we must not ever ignore is that this stand taken by Govt of Nepal will rob India of a very high-quality asset in soldiering. Our history of soldiering either operating as British Indian Army across the globe over two centuries or post-independence as Indian Army is full of endless chivalry and sacrifices made by Gorkha soldiers. Bravery is synonyms to Gurkhas as it is in the blood. I am sure the Indian Army hierarchy and especially Gorkha Regiment officers will endorse this thought. Now there is a prevailing apprehension that Pakistan and China may open doors for them to join them in some form or the other.

Finally

Agni veer scheme is undoubtedly a great idea and a very good scheme benefitting the country, but as evolution is necessary for survival, so is course correction essential for the long-term success for a project like this. By addressing the challenges gathered after two years of experience and refining the scheme, the government will definitely ensure that Agni veer becomes a cornerstone of India's national security and development strategy for years to come, said Lt Gen Abhay.

Rather than viewing Agni veer solely as an employment scheme, it should be regarded as a character and nation-building initiative integral to education, said the veteran officer. There is a likely need for a performance appraisal of the first 2/3 batches for which an independent research agency could be entrusted, allaying doubts of many Naysayers/doubting Thomases regarding Agni veer Scheme, he added.

So, to conclude finally, giving/ issuing multiple statements in favour of the scheme are unlikely to convince the sceptics. We cannot ignore one major fact that our unemployment percentage is already much higher as compared to those countries who too have Agni veer like system in their armed forces. We, thus, cannot leave behind Agni veers unemployed post exiting the Armed Forces Services after four years and still at a very young age.

There is, therefore, a need to induce minor corrections/refinement in the scheme as required and issue a clear, consistent, and a unified message from the government that outlines the scheme's long-term benefits. The nation is sure that with two years of experience gained post implementation of this scheme, Govt will now take decisive action this year to address all prevailing concerns in the environment to further build this scheme as a big Dynamic National Asset, sooner than later, in times ahead.

Authored by: - Animesh Ikshit who is a distinguished professional owning versatile expertise in design, project management, visual merchandising and a prolific career as a news correspondent. Has written articles for News street, Sahajsatta and Amritbazar . Views expressed in the article are author’s personal views.