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Operation Sindoor Was Brutal—But How These 3,000 Agniveers Saved India’s Skies

May 22, 2025, 12:30 pm

At just 20 years of age, over 3,000 Agniveers—soldiers enlisted on the new Agnipath scheme. These young soldiers were the backbone of India’s air defence guard in Operation Sindoor. These troops, having been trained under a four-year service pattern, handled key weapons and equipment with aplomb, fending off Indian military bases and cities from incessant Pakistani drone and missile attacks between May 7 and May 10.

Sources privy to the operation said that no matter how successive waves of enemy attacks pounded at them, Pakistan was unable to penetrate India’s resilient air defence.

This mission was a baptism by fire for the Agniveers, who had been in the army for just a while. “The Agniveers underwent a baptism by fire and successfully repelled the enemy’s attempts to attack our bases and cities. Indications from the army’s frontline AD units indicate that they have earned their spurs and that their performance was similar to regular soldiers.” This should end the controversy surrounding the Agnipath scheme,” said one of the insiders who did not wish to be named.

A few air defence units, each consisting of 150-200 Agniveers, were instrumental in repelling Pakistan’s aerial attacks. The energy and determination of these troops were instrumental during a period when the nation was at the top of military tensions.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Strong Response to Terrorism

Operation Sindoor was launched in the wee hours of May 7 as a strong Indian reaction against the Pahalgam terror strike that took away 26 lives. Op Sindoor consisted of several hits on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing more than 100 terrorists. This quick and muscular response elicited four days of massive military action between India and Pakistan, with both countries dispatching fighter aircraft, missiles, drones, and heavy guns. In the end, the confrontation came to a close with a ceasefire on May 10.

#PahalgamTerrorAttack

Justice is Served.

Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/Aruatj6OfA

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025

The operation not just demonstrated India’s military might but also evaluated the strength of new induction systems and recruitment strategies.

Akashteer: The Technological Backbone of the Air Defence Grid

Agniveers played a critical role in manning the Akashteer system, a domesticly developed air defence reporting and control system. Akashteer, which was launched just last year and was purchased from Bharat Electronics Limited for ₹1,982 crore, was the centerpiece of India’s multi-layered air defense matrix during the conflicts.

The system combines sensors, weapons, and communication networks to facilitate faster decision-making and present a complete battle picture to ground forces. One top official described, “Akashteer is a marriage of hardware and software platforms in mobile battle groups with integrated high-tech communications. It sharpened the army’s stance and enabled it to command the AD battle by giving ground troops (which included Agniveers, among others) the battle picture so that they could react in a timely and integrated manner to neutralise the threats.”

Due to this synergy, the Indian troops immediately identified, pursued, and destroyed several Pakistani drones and missiles, including Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles and Turkish-origin drones.

The Functionality and Capability of Agniveers in Air Defence

The air defence troops engaged along the western front saw Agniveers excel at the highest level across a range of specialist positions. These specialist positions consisted of gunners, operators of fire control, radio operators, and drivers of heavy missile-launch vehicles.

They operated and fired a variety of weapon systems like improved L-70 guns, Zu-23-2Bs, Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, Strela, Tunguska, and medium-range surface-to-air missiles. They also manned radars and Akashteer nodes, took charge of communications, and served as sentries once they had deployed the weapon systems in the theater of operations.

The fact that they could conduct shoulder-fired missile operations as well as operate advanced military equipment showed their strict training and flexibility.

Agnipath Scheme: A Revolutionary Military Recruitment for Agniveers

Introduced three years ago, the Agnipath scheme was a departure from India’s traditional decades-long recruitment system. In contrast to the original model, involving around 20 years of service, Agnipath hires soldiers for a specific four-year term. The military retains around 25% of these soldiers for regular service, while it offers the remaining ones a retrenchment package.

The scheme targets young men and women aged 17.5 to 21, offering an annual salary starting at ₹4.76 lakh and a variety of insurance and ex gratia benefits. However, the military does not grant Agniveers who leave after four years any pensions or lifelong health and canteen benefits, unlike legacy soldiers.

To deal with upcoming employment opportunities for Agniveers, the government has kept 10% of Central Armed Police Forces’ vacancies reserved and invited defense public sector enterprises and various states to design reservations of recruitment and relax the age conditions for Agniveers.

India’s Decisive Air Defence Shield

India’s air defence runs a layered grid with an array of sophisticated weapons systems, ranging from the S-400 missile system. Akashteer is a command center for combining this grid and facilitating swift, joint action.

In the May conflict, Pakistan’s effort to hit strategic points such as the Golden Temple of Amritsar did not succeed, with India’s air defence fending off missile and drone attacks.

The Indian Air Force retaliated strongly, hitting terror camps and military bases deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the most intense strikes since the 1971 war.

Two Agniveers Killed as Field Gun Explodes During Training in Maharashtra

October 11, 2024, 4:29 pm

In a tragic incident, two Agniveers lost their lives during a training exercise at the Artillery Centre in Nashik, Maharashtra, on Thursday. The incident occurred when a shell from an Indian field gun exploded during a firing practice session in the Nashik Road area, police said.

Victims Identified

The two Agniveers were identified as 20-year-old Gohil Vishwaraj Singh and 21-year-old Saifat. Both were participating in a routine training exercise when the shell exploded, causing fatal injuries.

Medical Efforts and Declared Dead

The injured Agniveers were rushed to MH Hospital in Deolali for medical attention. Unfortunately, despite efforts by the medical staff, they were declared dead on arrival.

Following a complaint by Havildar Ajit Kumar, a case of accidental death has been registered at the Deolali Camp police station. The police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragic loss of life has raised concerns about safety protocols during military training exercises.

Rahul Gandhi New Political Face Of India: Pawan Khera

July 30, 2024, 1:42 am

Chairman Media and Publicity Department All India Congress Committee Pawan Khera expressed a contrasting critique on the the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections as he said that although Congress has accepted the mandate but the prime minister Narendra Modi has not been able to accept the mandate.

He said, “We have won even after losing and the BJP have lost even after winning. The country’s political face (the one who can lead the country) has changed altogether, now the face has become Rahul Gandhi, this has to be accepted and If Modi accepts it then only can he spend couple of years or some months in the government.”
When asked that the acongress’ marketing has been good which has obstructed the BJP’s absolute win, yet the mandate has been good enough for the ruling party to run the country, Khera responded, “When the BJP had 2 seats in 1980’s in the parliament, did they directly achieve the 200 seats in the subsequent elections? No they slowly went on to win more and more seats in the following elections, now you think, we can go from 50 to 400, that can only happen in Modi’s imaginations. We have worked hard, we have started to work harder, we have walked thousands of miles, let us not put Modi ji there but can Amit Shah do it, can he walk even a few miles?”

Asked why the Prime Minister Modi is being obstructed in the parliament, Khera responded by saying that since 10 years he has been speaking and all of us have been listening, but now there is a kind of monotony in his speeches, he is saying all the same again and again. Khera added, “He is saying Nehru did this, Nehru did not do this. Even if you ask BJP’s own people they are also tired of hearing these speeches, even Sangh parivar is tired of listening to these things. And by doing this we are helping Sangh parivar. We are just trying to tell them to answer on Agniveer, on NEET, on Hathras, we tell them to put down their work in front of the people.

Agniveer Controversy: Rahul Gandhi’s Latest Attack On Centre Over ‘Insurance vs Compensation’

July 6, 2024, 10:52 am

Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took another swipe at the BJP-led government on Friday regarding the ongoing Agniveer controversy. He highlighted that the family of Agniveer member Ajay Kumar, who perished in a landmine explosion in Naushera, Jammu & Kashmir in January, has yet to receive any compensation. Gandhi emphasized, “there is a difference between compensation and insurance,” and accused the Modi government of “discriminating” against the Agniveers who sacrificed their lives for the nation by not providing adequate support.

Rahul Gandhi’s Statement On X

Taking to X, the Rae Bareli MP wrote, “The family of martyr Agniveer Ajay Kumar has not received any compensation from the government till date. There is a difference between ‘Compensation’ and ‘Insurance’; the payment has been made to the family of the martyr only by the insurance company. The family of martyr Ajay Kumar has not received the assistance that they should have received from the government. The family of every martyr who sacrifices his life for the country should be respected but the Modi government is discriminating against them. Whatever the government says, this is a matter of national security and I will keep raising it. INDIA will never allow the coalition forces to weaken.”

Watch Here:

शहीद अग्निवीर अजय कुमार जी के परिवार को आज तक सरकार की ओर से कोई Compensation नहीं मिला है।

‘Compensation’ और ‘Insurance’ में फर्क होता है, शहीद के परिवार को सिर्फ बीमा कंपनी की ओर से भुगतान किया गया है।

सरकार की ओर से जो सहायता शहीद अजय कुमार के परिवार को मिलनी चाहिए थी वो… pic.twitter.com/FG99h72rhX

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 5, 2024

Origins Of The Latest Agniveer Controversy

The latest Agniveer controversy began on July 3, when Rahul Gandhi released a video featuring the father of an Agniveer. The father alleged that the family had not received any compensation or assistance from the Centre following his son’s death in the January landmine explosion in Naushera, Jammu and Kashmir.

Gandhi stated on X, “Defence minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of the martyred Agniveer. Martyr Agniveer Ajay’s father has himself told the truth and exposed their lies. The defence minister should apologise to the Parliament, the country, the army and the family of the martyr.”

In the video shared by Gandhi, Ajay Kumar’s father is heard saying, “We have got nothing from the Centre but some help from the Punjab government. The defence minister said in Parliament that Rs. 1 crore is given to the family if an Agniveer dies, but we have received nothing. Rahul Gandhi is raising the issue…this scheme should be scrapped.”

Indian Army’s Response

Hours later, the Indian Army responded by refuting the Congress leader’s claims. The Army stated, “It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, a family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs. 98.39 lakhs. Ex-Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately Rs. 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post due Police verification. The total amount will be Rs. 1.65 Cr approximately.”

During his address in the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Agnipath Scheme, asserting that it originated from the PMO rather than the Indian Army and was conceived by the Prime Minister. He likened it to demonetisation and stated that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, it will abolish the Agniveer scheme.

PM Modi Set To Respond In Lok Sabha After Rahul Gandhi’s NEET And Agniveer Criticism

July 2, 2024, 7:44 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Lok Sabha on Today, following Rahul Gandhi’s powerful maiden speech as the Leader of Opposition. Modi’s speech will be in response to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. Before speaking in Parliament, Modi will address the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) parliamentary party meeting at 9:30 a.m., marking his first address to ruling bloc MPs since securing his third term in office.

This development is significant as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has, for the first time since 2014, lost its majority in the Lok Sabha. In the recent polls, the BJP secured 240 seats, while its allies won 53, allowing the NDA to comfortably exceed the halfway mark in the 543-member House.

The Motion of Thanks debate, initially slated for Friday, was delayed due to opposition MPs protesting irregularities in the NEET examination, demanding discussions on the issue.

Modi’s reply will follow a day after Rahul Gandhi’s scathing critique of the BJP. In his speech, Gandhi attacked the BJP over its election remarks, NEET paper leak allegations, and the Agnipath scheme. He criticized the Agnipath scheme, highlighting the treatment of Agniveers, saying, “One Agniveer lost his life in a landmine blast but he is not called a ‘martyr’… ‘Agniveer’ is a use and throw labourer.”

Gandhi also presented the Hindu symbol ‘Abhayamudra’ as a symbol of the Congress party, emphasizing non-violence and safety. “Abhayamudra is the symbol of the Congress… The Abhayamudra is the gesture of fearlessness, reassurance, and safety, which dispels fear and accords divine protection and bliss in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions… All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear… But, those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth… Aap Hindu ho hi nahi,” Gandhi stated.

Gandhi’s remarks sparked a backlash from NDA leaders, who accused him of associating violence with Hinduism and demanded a public apology.

As the political landscape shifts with the BJP’s reliance on allies, Modi’s upcoming address will be closely watched for its response to Gandhi’s criticisms and its implications for the government’s future actions.

Controversy Surrounds Agniveer Scheme as Government Formation Talks Continue

June 14, 2024, 1:57 pm

As BJP and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies deliberate on government formation ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in, a segment of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leadership is expressing concerns over the Agniveer scheme.

What is the Agniveer Scheme?

Introduced by the Central government in June 2022, the Agniveer scheme recruits youth aged 17-and-a-half to 21 years into the Indian Army on a contractual basis for four years. Post their tenure, 25 percent of these “Agniveers” have the opportunity to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces, while the remaining 75 percent are expected to reintegrate into civil society and contribute to nation-building. Additionally, each Agniveer is awarded a ‘Seva Nidhi’ of Rs. 11.71 lakh at the end of their service.

Why Has the Scheme Become Controversial?

The Agniveer scheme has faced significant criticism since its launch. Critics, including many youths, argue that it leaves 75 percent of recruits without adequate support or clear career prospects after their four-year service period ends. According to News18, opponents highlight several key issues:

Lack of Long-term Benefits: The scheme does not offer gratuity or retirement benefits, raising concerns about the long-term financial security of the Agniveers.
Uncertainty Post-Service: Critics question the fate of the 75 percent who are not inducted into the Armed Forces after their service term. There is a lack of clarity on how these individuals will be supported as they transition back into civilian life.
Short Service Period: The four-year service duration is viewed as insufficient for meaningful career development and integration into the military.

J&K: AgniVeer Martyred, Two Injured in Mine Blast in Nowshera

January 18, 2024, 1:32 pm

In a tragic turn of events, one Indian Army Jawan, identified as AgniVeer, has lost his life, while two others sustained injuries in a mine blast that occurred in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector in Rajouri.

The incident unfolded during a routine patrol in the region when the troops were engaged in carrying out a security patrol. The mine blast, believed to be a result of an improvised explosive device (IED), took place, leaving AgniVeer dead and two of his comrades injured.

Preliminary reports suggest that the mine that exploded might have been a part of the military’s own defensive measures, adding a layer of complexity to the unfortunate incident. The investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the blast and how the own mine might have caused this unforeseen tragedy.

The injured army personnel have been promptly evacuated to the military hospital in Udhampur for immediate medical attention and treatment. The gravity of their injuries is yet to be disclosed, and the entire military community is holding its breath as updates on their condition are awaited.

As the investigation progresses, the military authorities are expected to provide a comprehensive report shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the mine blast.

PM Modi, Defence Minister Singh interact with Agniveers

January 16, 2023, 1:34 pm

Through video-conferencing’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with Agniveers on Monday.

Earlier on 14 June 2022, the Agnipath scheme was announced for the three services, which will recruit between the ages of 17 and a half years and 21 years for four years and later, it was extended to 23 years.

“We have received 458 candidates for the ‘Agniveer’ training programme. They will undergo 10 weeks of basic training. It’s a well-calibrated output-oriented programme and the Indian Army is working on it. So that the candidates will be a ‘fit for fight’ soldiers. Thereafter they will undergo technical training under 1 EME training centre and others. The technology is infused for both phases in terms of simulators and in terms of equipment. In coming days, these Agniveers will deliver the nation’s interest,” Brig Suresh G, Commandant briefed on 11 January.

Meanwhile, the Training Center of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (CEME) in Secunderabad, Bharat Bhushan, IIS, and ADG (Media and Communications) visited the place.

“The recruitment process has been completed. The Indian Army alone has recruited 19,000 candidates for Agniveers. The Air Force and Navy have also recruited candidates. The overall target for this financial year is to recruit 46,000 candidates. The army is going to get more youthful, better skilled and more technically capable soldiers,” said Bharat Bhushan Babu, IIS said.

“If some of them rise up to levels required by the Army, they will get a chance to join the army as a regular soldier. It is going to be a game changer,” Babu stated.

Uttarakhand: 20-year-old commits suicide after failing in Agniveer test

November 2, 2022, 1:06 pm

After failing the Agniveer recruitment test, a 20-year-old man from Kapkot in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district allegedly committed suicide by ingesting a poison, according to authorities. He explained in a video why he took his own life on Monday. In the footage, the 20-year-old can be seen crying and displaying a bottle of poison.

I have no other option left. I did a lot of hard work. I was rejected from the race despite having an NCC [National Cadet Core] ‘C’ certificate [for attending a minimum of 75% of the total training parade]. …no one should try for Agniveer recruitment.”

In charge of Kapkot Police Station According to Vivek Chandra, the man ingested the poison after failing the test. All medical and legal requirements, including the post-mortem, have been completed.

In a tweet, Congress lawmaker Bhuwan Kapri called the man a promising youngster. “Despite having 100 marks for physical test, NCC ‘C’ certificate, and clearing the medical exam, his name was not on the merit list. It is an unfortunate incident. …ending your life is not an option for missing an opportunity in life and not being selected.”

At Kotdwar in the Pauri Garhwal district, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami kicked off the recruitment campaign for agniveers on August 17. After the Agniveers’ four-year service is finished, he assured, the state government will offer them jobs.

Later, Satpal Maharaj, a minister for Uttarakhand, wrote to Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, requesting that he check into complaints regarding the qualifying requirements at the Agniveer recruitment rallies. Maharaj said in a video message that the requirements for height and finishing time for the 1,600-meter event were not being satisfied. “Only candidates whose height is 170 cm or over are taken into consideration for selection. It does not meet the established eligibility standard of 163 cm.

This year saw the introduction of the Agniveer short-term defence recruitment programme.

On August 24, a 23-year-old man from Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district allegedly died by suicide for failing to get recruited.

Indian Army signs agreement for Agniveer salary package with 11 banks

October 16, 2022, 3:04 pm

The Ministry of Defence announced on Saturday that the Indian Army has secured agreements with 11 banks, including private sector banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, to provide banking capabilities to aggies upon enlistment.

On October 14, 2022, senior bank officials and Lt Gen V Sreehari, DG (MP & PS), signed the memorandum of understandings (MoUs) under the watchful eye of Lt Gen C Bansi Ponappa, Adjutant General of the Indian Army, according to the ministry. The Indian Army has struck a deal with eleven banks, including the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Bandhan Bank.

The Agniveer compensation package offers similar characteristics and perks to the Defense Salary Package. The banks have also extended lenient loans to departing agricultural workers in order to encourage and improve the business skills of departing farmers. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the first group of agnivers under the “Agnipath Scheme” will begin attending training facilities in January 2023.

The government has made significant changes to the Army, Air Force, and Navy’s human resource policies with this important defence policy reform. According to the Ministry of Defence, the policy, which is effective right away, will henceforth control how personnel below officer rank (PBOR) are hired by the three services.

The Agniveers will have their own rank in each of the three military branches and will have a unique uniform insignia. The AGNIPATH programme enables motivated and patriotic young people to serve in the military for four years. Soldiers recruited by this plan will be referred to as Agniveers.

According to the defence ministry, the AGNIPATH Scheme was created to enable a youthful profile of the armed forces, give them a new lease on “Josh” and “Jazba,” and bring about a revolutionary change towards a more tech-savvy armed force, which is in fact the need of the hour.

With the implementation of this strategy, it is anticipated that the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces will decrease by roughly 4-5 years.

Agniveers will be paid Rs 33,000 in the second year, Rs 36,500 in the third year, and Rs 40,000 in the fourth. After four years, they will receive Rs. 11,70,000 as part of the Seva Nidhi Package.

Taxes on the “Seva Nidhi” will not apply. Benefits like pensions and gratuities are not admissible. For the term of their employment in the Indian Armed Forces, agniveers would receive non-contributory life insurance coverage worth Rs 48 lakh.

The Agniveers will learn diverse military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership traits, courage, and patriotism throughout this time of service to the country.

Each Agniveer will receive a certificate that will serve as a component of his individual resume and recognise the skills he has acquired.

IAF chief’s announcements on Air Force Day include a weapon system branch and women Agniveers beginning next year

October 8, 2022, 11:29 am

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the chief of the Indian Air Force, announced on Saturday that the government has approved the establishment of a weapon system branch for IAF officers. The IAF chief announced on Air Force Day that this is the first time since independence that a new operational branch has been established. According to the IAF chief, this will essentially handle all types of latest weapon systems in the force and save $3,400 crore. He also stated that the IAF intends to induct female Agnives next year.

Induction of air warriors into the Indian Air Force via the Agnipath scheme is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity“harness the potential of India”.

“We have changed our operational training methodology to ensure that each Agniveer is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to start a career in IAF. In December this year, we would be inducting 3,000 Agniveer Vayu for initial training. This number will go up in the years to come to ensure adequate staffing,” the IAF chief said.

“We are also planning on induction of women Agniveers starting next year. Creation of infrastructure is in progress,” the IAF chief said.

The IAF has faced its fair share of challenges in the last year, and the force has met them all head on with all guns blazing, whether it’s continued deployment along borders or rescuing Indians from conflict zones, the IAF chief said in congratulating the force.

As the IAF chief outlined the challenges ahead, he stated that the traditional domains of land, sea, and air have expanded to include space and cyber, resulting in hybrid warfare. As a result, conventional systems and weapons must be updated with modern, adaptable technology. “We must accept that tomorrow’s conflicts can’t be fought with yesterday’s mindset,” he said.