Salute to sacrifice: How disability pension for armed forces veterans won legal sanctity
For veterans, the percentage of disability is a critical factor that determines their pension and associated benefits. In September 2023, the ministry of defence revised the disability benefit rules, but clarified that the rule would apply only to those persons who retire after September 21, 2023, with no retrospective application.Chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan made it clear the disability pension-related rules had been revised to protect genuine soldiers' requirements. 'A study was [done] to protect the genuine interest of the personnel, who acquired disability during service, while preventing the exploitation of its liberal provisions from misuse,' he said.On July 1, while delivering the order, the high court bench stated that the purpose of granting disability pension to personnel of the Indian armed forces was to provide necessary financial support to those who had sustained a disability or illness during their service, due to service conditions.'It is not an act of generosity but a rightful and just acknowledgement of the sacrifices endured by them, which manifests in the form of disabilities/disorders suffered during their military service. Such a pension ensures that a soldier who suffers injury or disability due to service conditions is not left without support and is able to live with financial security and dignity. It is a measure that upholds the State's responsibility towards its soldiers, who have served the nation with courage and devotion,' the court noted.Appearing on behalf of the government, the attorney general informed the high court that in the present batch of petitions, none of the 'individuals has been out of service'. Consequently, not a single one of them is, per se, eligible to be considered for the award of disability pension. He further submitted that the Armed Forces Tribunal did not consider the revised entitlement rule of 2008 by the ministry of defence while passing on judgment. 'Such a departure from the provisions clearly enunciated by the government of India has rendered its policies on the subject completely irrelevant, redundant and ineffective,' the attorney general argued.advertisementWhile challenging the disability element to pensioners, the attorney general submitted that in the current cases, the disabilities of the respondents were assessed by the Release Medical Board (RMB) as well as by the competent/appellate authorities as neither attributable to nor aggravated by the military service, after considering their entire medical history and service record.While concluding his stand, the attorney general stated that the medical board consists of experts who thoroughly assess individuals and their complete medical history in accordance with the relevant medical provisions. Based on this examination, they determine whether the disability can be considered attributable to or aggravated by military service. 'Therefore, the courts, within their limited scope of judicial review, should refrain from disputing the opinion of the medical board unless there is compelling medical evidence on record to contradict it,' he added.advertisementHowever, the court stated that it must always be kept in view that the armed forces personnel, while defending the country, have to perform their duties in extremely harsh and inhuman weather and conditions, wherein surviving each day is a challenge. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the RMB to furnish cogent and well-reasoned justification for their conclusions that the disease/disability suffered by the personnel cannot be said to be attributable to or aggravated by such service conditions.This onus is not discharged by the RMB by simply relying on when such disability/disease is noticed first.It also said that it must be noted that even in peace stations, military service is inherently stressful due to a combination of factors, such as strict discipline, long working hours, limited personal freedom and constant readiness for deployment. The psychological burden of being away from family, living in isolated or challenging environments, and coping with the uncertainty of sudden transfers or duties adds to this strain. The toll of continuous combat training further contributes to mental fatigue.'Despite the absence of active conflict or the challenges of hard area postings, the demanding nature of military life at peace stations can significantly impact the overall well-being of personnel,' the court said, adding that soldiers are always aware that threat is never far away.advertisementThis environment, wherein danger is a constant reality for their peers and could become their own at any moment, creates a persistent state of mental and emotional strain that cannot be overlooked. Thus, military service, whether in peace locations or operational zones, inherently carries stress that may predispose armed force personnel to medical conditions, including hypertension, the court observed.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
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News18
24 minutes ago
- News18
SCO Or 'Strategic Complicity Organisation'? India's Fight Against Double Standards
Last Updated: China and Pakistan's growing nexus is systematically undermining India's security and strategic space The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting held in Qingdao, China, on June 25-26, 2025, once again exposed the deepening strategic nexus between China and Pakistan —and their growing antagonism towards India. The meeting concluded without a joint communiqué after India refused to endorse a final statement that excluded any reference to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent civilians. New Delhi had insisted on including the attack, which was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, Pakistan, with China's tacit backing, blocked any mention of it—mirroring an earlier episode at the United Nations Security Council on April 30, where Pakistan and China successfully lobbied to remove TRF's name from an official UNSC statement. Despite credible intelligence linking TRF to the attack, and the group itself claiming responsibility via a social media post, the final UNSC statement was deliberately diluted. Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, even publicly admitted that Islamabad had pushed for the exclusion of TRF's name—an act that indirectly confirms Pakistan's awareness and complicity of the group's involvement. These actions reveal a deliberate and coordinated strategy by China and Pakistan, with Beijing actively shielding Islamabad—a state sponsor of terrorism against India—from international accountability. By obstructing efforts to address cross-border terrorism and weakening multilateral counterterrorism mechanisms, they pose a direct threat to India's national security and diplomatic interests. The Expanding China-Pakistan Strategic Nexus sharing real-time satellite-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) data with Islamabad. China has integrated its ISR networks with Pakistan's, deploying defence satellites and assisting in reorganising Pakistan's radar and air defence systems. During Operation Sindoor in May 2025 —launched in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—China not only supplied intelligence on Indian targets but also reportedly helped redeploy Pakistan's radar coverage to better monitor Indian military movements. According to strategic analyst Iqbal Chand Malhotra, this joint ISR and missile cooperation 'underscores a calculated shift toward integrated defence coordination to counter India", reaffirming that China views Pakistan as an extension of its strategic depth. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the intelligence-sharing arrangement, calling it 'very normal" given the regional security climate. Supporting this, a research group under India's Ministry of Defence noted that China's satellite capabilities and technical expertise significantly enhanced Pakistan's ability to detect Indian deployments. Additionally, Pakistan deployed Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missiles during the skirmish. Although these were intercepted by Indian defence systems, the deployment of these advanced missiles—likely including the export variant PL-15E mounted on J-10C and JF-17 fighter aircraft—demonstrates the deepening military interoperability between the two nations. Now, in a deeply alarming development, China is preparing to supply Pakistan with fifth-generation fighter jets—at a 50% discounted rate. This is not a routine defence sale. It reflects Beijing's intent to further militarise Pakistan and destabilise India's strategic balance. Clearly, China considers Pakistan an extension of its strategic apparatus in South Asia, using it as a proxy to counter and constrain India. Beijing pursues a comprehensive and integrated strategic approach. It uses every tool available—diplomatic, military, and economic—while leveraging allies like Pakistan to systematically box India into the South Asian theatre. India, however, has often made the mistake of treating these threats in isolation—formulating separate defence strategies for China and Pakistan, when in fact they are increasingly acting as one coordinated entity. India's Pushback at the SCO India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, refusing to sign the SCO communiqué, made a decisive stand—reviewing the document carefully on-site and rejecting superficial commitments to anti-terrorism. Footage from the summit shows Singh intently studying the document—clearly aware of the diplomatic trap laid for India. Singh stated firmly: 'Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its cross-border nature, should be condemned in clear terms. There should be no place for double standards in dealing with terrorists." He further warned that 'some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their state policy and provide shelter to terrorists. These states should be held accountable." These pointed remarks were widely interpreted as a clear rebuke to Pakistan and its enabler, China. Unfortunately, some voices within India have mischaracterised this as a failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy. Such interpretations are misplaced and fail to account for the broader strategic context. The current global environment is far more complex, with China and Pakistan actively coordinating to undermine India's interests, making diplomacy increasingly challenging. China, emboldened by its global ambitions, is using Pakistan as a strategic weapon against India. The SCO, hosted by China, reflects this imbalance. India cannot control the behaviour of adversarial states—especially when the host country is itself complicit. This blatant double standard exposes their coordinated agenda and willingness to manipulate multilateral platforms for geopolitical gains. Critics must understand that India's foreign policy does not operate in a vacuum, nor is New Delhi the sole actor on the global stage directing the actions of others. On a geopolitical landscape marked by shifting alliances, asymmetric threats, and strategic deception, many external variables remain beyond India's control. What truly matters is that India continues to assert its national interests, reject duplicity, and hold accountable those who attempt to whitewash terrorism under the pretext of regional cooperation. China's Hollow Rhetoric vs Hostile Actions China continues to peddle diplomatic slogans like the 'shared Asian Century", the 'Dragon-Elephant Dance", and the Russia-India-China (RIC) framework. However, these lofty ideas are consistently contradicted by its actions—shielding Pakistan-based terrorists, arming Pakistan with advanced military hardware, and obstructing regional cooperation on counterterrorism. From betraying Nehru in 1962 despite the 'Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai" rhetoric to the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, China has repeatedly acted in bad faith, even while professing partnership and regional unity. China's primary objective remains clear: to contain India's rise, limit its strategic space, and ensure that New Delhi remains preoccupied with continental security challenges rather than expanding its maritime influence in the Indian Ocean. Even if the border dispute between India and China were to be resolved, the underlying geopolitical and geostrategic rivalry would persist, as both powers are rising within the same strategic space and their spheres of influence overlap. Those who dismiss the relevance of 'spheres of influence" in contemporary geopolitics should reflect on recent history: Russia's invasion of Ukraine was driven by its perception that NATO was encroaching on its strategic space. Similarly, China's use of Pakistan and other regional actors to counterbalance India is a clear manifestation of this thinking in the South Asian context. Beijing's worldview is rooted in realpolitik, shaped by centuries of geopolitical thought and strategic tradition, including the oft-cited belief among Chinese strategists that 'two tigers cannot live on the same mountain". The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for instance, is more than an infrastructure project; it embodies China's ambition to reshape global power structures and extend its influence across continents. It reflects not only a deep pride in China's strategic heritage but also a long-term vision for global leadership. The SCO's Shifting Power Dynamics The very raison d'être of the SCO—counterterrorism—has come under serious question. Despite housing a dedicated anti-terrorism mechanism known as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO today is dominated by China and Pakistan, both of whom routinely block any attempt to acknowledge or act against terror groups targeting India. This contradiction has undermined the credibility of the organisation. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently pointed out, 'India wanted a reference to terrorism in the outcome document of the defence ministers' meeting, but it was not acceptable to one country". He further stated, 'If you can't get everybody to agree on something as basic as terrorism, then it calls into question what the SCO stands for." India joined the SCO in 2017, largely at the invitation of Russia, which at the time aimed to balance China's growing dominance within the organisation. However, since the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Beijing, and its ability to counterbalance China within the SCO has significantly diminished. As a result, China and Pakistan have consolidated their influence, often sidelining India's interests. Nevertheless, India continues to actively engage bilaterally with Central Asian countries and does not rely solely on the SCO framework. The organisation remains one of several platforms for regional diplomacy, and India views it as part of a broader and diversified engagement strategy with Eurasia. Conclusion India must stop viewing the China-Pakistan axis through fragmented lenses. These two countries are acting in coordination to constrain India's rise and dilute its strategic autonomy. New Delhi must adopt an integrated strategic doctrine to confront this dual threat. China's diplomatic overtures—be it talk of shared prosperity, Asian solidarity, or multilateral dialogue—must be scrutinised against its actions. India must forcefully and clearly convey that Beijing's consistent use of Pakistan to pursue its anti-India agenda is unacceptable. China's protection of destabilising non-state actors, defence proliferation, and ISR integration with Pakistan directly undermine India's security and sovereignty. top videos View all The road ahead requires strategic clarity, national unity, and a willingness to call out hypocrisy on the global stage. As India's stature continues to grow, its neighbourhood will become increasingly challenging—particularly with hostile nexuses like that of China and Pakistan working in tandem. It is time India acknowledged this reality and acted accordingly. Imran Khurshid is Associate Research Fellow, ICPS, New Delhi, and Adjunct Research Fellow, Peninsula Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : China defence pakistan SCO Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 01:40 IST News opinion Opinion | SCO Or 'Strategic Complicity Organisation'? India's Fight Against Double Standards
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24 minutes ago
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Mint
24 minutes ago
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PM Modi honoured with symbolic ‘Key to the city of Buenos Aires' during landmark Argentina visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special honour in Argentina on Saturday – the "Key to the City of Buenos Aires". Jorge Macri, the city's chief official, gave him this symbolic gift during his two-day visit. The key represents friendship and trust. Earlier, PM Modi met President Javier Milei for important talks. This visit was historic because it was the first time in 57 years that an Indian Prime Minister came to Argentina just for bilateral talks (not for a big conference). Hundreds of Indian immigrants cheered PM Modi outside his hotel, waving flags and dancing to Indian music. Modi's Argentina stop was part of a bigger five-country tour where he collected major awards. Before this, in Trinidad and Tobago, he got 'The Order of the Republic', their highest civilian honour. He's the first foreign leader ever to receive it. During that visit, both countries signed six agreements to work more closely together. PM Modi thanked Trinidad for honouring him and said the award wasn't just for him but for all 1.4 billion Indians . After Argentina, he will join the BRICS summit in Brazil and then visit Namibia. PM Modi and President Milei agreed to boost cooperation in important areas during their talks. Argentina will supply lithium (a key mineral for electric car batteries) and shale gas to India. This helps India's energy security plans. Argentina has the world's second-largest shale gas reserves. PM Modi also asked for easier entry of affordable Indian medicines into Argentina. The leaders agreed to expand defence partnerships and trade between the countries. PM Modi even invited Milei to visit India soon, especially to see Gujarat's lion sanctuary! Beyond formal meetings, PM Modi paid respects at important cultural spots. He visited the San Martin Memorial, honouring Argentina's national hero who helped free South America from colonial rule. The visit strengthened people-to-people ties too – PM Modi showed President Milei how India uses drones in farming (the "Drone Didi" initiative). Before leaving, PM Modi called the trip "productive" and said the India-Argentina relationship has "even more promise" ahead.
