'Indian Army is absolutely apolitical'

Lt Gen R.K. Jasbir Singh (retd.) has served the Army with distinction in some of the coveted posts including that of Deputy Commandant, IMA, and Commandant, NDA. He retired as military secretary in 1983 and settled in the Doon Valley. By his own admission he was and remains a keen student of military history. He has been editing the Indian Defence Yearbook for Dehradun-based Natraj Publishers since 1997.
Indian Defence Yearbook 2004 was released in New Delhi by defence minister George Fernandes at the DEFEXPO 2004.The hallmark of the book, according to General Singh, is the detailed coverage of India''s strategic and defence relations with Russia, USA, Israel, France and South Africa apart from the special focus on the Iraq War.
Says the General, "Editing for me is educative as it helps me keep abreast with all the developments that are of significance for the military and the country. The basic research is done by a team in Delhi and other metros in India. My job becomes difficult when there is an enormous rush at the end of the year and we have a deadline to meet. It''s a big rush job actually."
Talking about reader feedback, he says that sometimes responses aren''t exactly complimentary. "I particularly remember this lady from a research institute in Pakistan. Generally she felt that we have a biased view against Pakistan. I did reply to her and she seemed satisfied with my reasoning."
The moral of the Indian forces, he says, is absolutely tops. "Despite the fact that they are constantly under pressure, it''s amazing that they are a happy lot. And I would give credit for this to our leadership. Our officers lead from the front. We are one of the few armies with a strong regimental tradition. Abstract military notions are difficult to explain to a soldier but he relates very well to team work, group spirit inculcated in the regiment. And we have that in ample measure."
The general is all praises for the calibre of young officers. "Astonishingly we had a very good crop of officers coming both after the ''65 War and the ''71 War - after defeat and after triumph. The calibre of newcomers cannot be scoffed at."
Reacting to concerns about corruption in the Army, the General opines that the "Indian Army is an incorruptible organisation. Incidents get blown out of proportion. Charges of corruption upset the Army. It''s a highly motivated organisation. Little bit of corruption is taken very seriously. An impression of unhappiness is created as senior officers have begun going to court for redressal. In my mind they are a disgruntled lot who have not given their best."
Comparing the Indian Army with that of Pakistan, the General is appreciative of the fact that the Indian Army is absolutely apolitical and a highly secular one.
"Pakistan has gone awry because of interference from the Army. Pakistani Army is highly political which results in a number of coups."
Indian Defence Yearbook 2004 also has a special section on Iraq, which was a major issue last year.