Win-win for all: Navy chief praises Agnipath changes, says it removes uncertainties

The recent changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme will create a win-win situation for both the armed forces and young recruits, Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has said, asserting that the modifications will address uncertainty among Agniveers about their future after completing four years of service.In his first interview as a service chief following the changes to the Agnipath scheme, Admiral Swaminathan told India Today TV that every Agniveer would now get two opportunities to continue serving in the armed forces. He said the changes would give recruits greater clarity about their career prospects while allowing the military to retain motivated and capable personnel.Under the revised Agnipath scheme approved on November 4, the 25 per cent of Agniveers selected on merit will continue to be absorbed into the regular armed forces after four years, while the remaining 75 per cent will be offered an additional two-year service tenure, taking their total service to six years. Further, personnel serving this extended tenure will receive a significant pay hike alongside an increased 70% government contribution to their Seva Nidhi exit package.The Navy Chief's remarks came as the Indian Navy's INS Chilka training establishment prepares to pass out its largest-ever batch of Agniveers, with more than 3,000 recruits completing their training. The batch is the ninth to graduate under the Agnipath scheme. Describing the scale of the latest batch as an encouraging sign, Admiral Swaminathan said the Navy had not faced any shortage of young people willing to join the Agniveer programme."This is the biggest batch so far. It sends out a message that there is no shortage of young people wanting to join the Navy. This is the ninth batch of Agniveers. There is no shortage of people coming into this scheme. The Agniveers passing out from here are highly motivated," he said.'WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR EVERYONE' Explaining the implications of the changes to the Agnipath scheme, Admiral Swaminathan said the provision allowing 75 per cent of Agniveers to receive a two-year extension would give them another opportunity to continue their military careers as regular personnel.He said the modifications would address concerns among young recruits who were previously uncertain about their prospects after completing the four-year engagement."Everybody knew about the Agnipath scheme. Now, we have given 75 per cent of them an additional two years. We have given them another opportunity to serve as regular soldiers. We are all happy with this. It is a win-win situation for everyone," the Navy Chief said."Now, Agniveers will get two opportunities to remain in the armed forces. We want talented people to come into the service," he added.Admiral Swaminathan stressed that the changes should remove any uncertainty among aspiring recruits about their future in the military."There should be no confusion in anyone's mind. Some young people may have wondered what they would do after four years of service. With these changes, that uncertainty will go away. They are getting another opportunity. Every Agniveer will get this opportunity," he said.'NAVY SATISFIED WITH AGNIVEERS' PERFORMANCE'The Navy Chief also expressed satisfaction with the performance of Agniveers during the past four years, saying their contribution across different deployments and assignments had been encouraging.According to him, the recruits have demonstrated enthusiasm, adaptability and an ability to learn quickly, with their performance during on-the-job training particularly noteworthy."Over the last four years, wherever we have deployed Agniveers, their performance has been very good. We have not noticed any shortcomings. They are very enthusiastic and learn quickly. Agniveers are doing very well in on-the-job training," Admiral Swaminathan said.His assessment comes as the Navy prepares to induct another large batch of trained personnel, with the latest passing-out contingent marking a significant milestone for the Agnipath recruitment programme.'COMMITTED TO PROTECTING ENERGY SECURITY AMID IRAN WAR'On the ongoing Iran-US conflict and its implications for India's strategic and economic interests, Admiral Swaminathan said the Indian Navy was closely monitoring developments in the region and remained committed to protecting the country's interests, particularly energy security.While making it clear that India was not a party to the conflict, he pointed out that the hostilities were unfolding in a region where the Indian Navy maintains a presence."The war is happening. We are not involved in it, but it is taking place in our region. We are deployed there. The Indian Navy, under Operation Urja Suraksha, is committed to safeguarding the country's interests," he said.He added that the Navy would remain available wherever its presence was required to ensure the safety of Indian merchant vessels."Whenever and wherever our assistance is needed to ensure the safety of Indian merchant ships, we will always be there," the Navy Chief said.His remarks underline the Navy's focus on protecting maritime interests and ensuring the security of commercial shipping, particularly given the importance of regional sea routes to India's energy supplies.'MANY WARSHIPS, SUBMARINES TO JOIN NAVY IN COMING DAYS'On India's maritime preparedness and the Navy's future expansion plans, Admiral Swaminathan said several warships and submarines would be inducted into the service in the coming days.He described the Indian Navy as a forward-looking and self-reliant force, highlighting the country's growing domestic warship-building capabilities."In the coming days, many warships and submarines will be inducted into the Navy. The Indian Navy is a forward-looking Navy. We are a self-reliant Navy. All our warships are being built in the country," he said.The Navy Chief said the force's expansion and operational planning were guided by the challenges facing the country and its maritime neighbourhood."We plan according to the challenges we face. As the largest country in this region, we have a greater responsibility," he said.He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Sagar' and 'Mahasagar' visions, saying the Navy was working towards advancing the objectives outlined under them."Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the vision of 'Sagar' and 'Mahasagar' and the Navy is moving forward in that direction," Admiral Swaminathan said.The Navy Chief's comments come at a time when the Indian Navy is focusing on strengthening its operational capabilities, expanding its fleet and enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, while continuing to safeguard India's maritime and economic interests.- Ends