Latest news with #Indian-Pakistan
India.com
21-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Explained: What Is The Field Marshal Rank? How Many Have Held It In India And Pakistan?
In a major turn of events, the Pakistani government on Tuesday cleared the elevation of Army Chief General Asim Munir to the ceremonial post of Field Marshal in recognition of his role in the recent Indian-Pakistan military showdown. This will be General Munir's elevation to the five-star title, as he is now only the second military officer in Pakistan's history to be given the honor. A press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office stated, "The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen. Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy through strategic leadership and courage." The move has renewed interest in the seldom-dispensed rank of Field Marshal—a designation above even that of General and usually reserved for wartime distinction or ceremonial honor. What Is A Field Marshal? Field Marshal is the most senior rank achievable in the Indian and Pakistani militaries, represented by five stars. Although it carries no operational control in contemporary peacetime organisations, it is given in special cases to recognise exceptional military service. The rank is essentially ceremonial in India and has been granted a mere two times in the nation's history. In Pakistan, it is the second time an elevation like this has been given. India's Two Field Marshals 1. Sam Manekshaw • Promoted: January 3, 1973 • Context: For having led India to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. • Legacy: His leadership resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. He was subsequently appointed India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in an advisory post-war position. 2. K.M. Cariappa • Promoted: January 15, 1986 • Context: Honoured for outstanding service as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after independence. • Note: Promoted almost 33 years post-retirement. Pakistan's Field Marshals 1. General Ayub Khan • Promoted: 1959 • Context: Self-promoted after assuming power through martial law in 1958. • Controversy: His promotion is widely seen as a symbolic move during his authoritarian rule. He led Pakistan during the 1965 war with India. 2. General Asim Munir (2024) • Promoted: May 2024 (date unspecified) • Context: Recognised for his leadership during the recent standoff with India, following India's military strikes on Pakistani installations during Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. A statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted Munir saying, "This is not a personal achievement but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan." Operation Sindoor And The Context Of Promotion The tensions mounted earlier in May when 26 civilians were slaughtered in a terror attack in Pahalgam valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, targeting nine military installations belonging to Pakistan, according to reports. India's officials said later that Pakistan requested a ceasefire following four days of fighting. A Historical Parallel And Poetic Reminder The promotion of Gen Munir has also revived memories of Pakistan's previous military governments, more specifically the government of Ayub Khan. Unlike Ayub, who was in power at the time of the 1965 war and received the Field Marshal rank during his term, Munir's promotion is made under a civilian government amidst increased civil-military tensions. Under the rule of Ayub Khan, leading Pakistani poet Habib Jalib emerged as a vocal critic of dictatorship. His poem "Mein Ne Us Se Yeh Kaha"—a scathing satire on authoritarianism—remains a cultural reminder of the price of military overextension.
Economic Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
India-Pakistan tensions paused, not over: Should you do any tactical alignment in investment portfolios during border hostilities?
Investors should remain calm and stay invested Live Events Keeping cash at home India and Pakistan have announced a pause in the current tensions. However, yesterday's press briefing by Military officials made it clear that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, and any provocations by the Pakistan Army will receive the befitting response from the Indian Armed Indian-Pakistan tensions have paused for some time. However, it can flare up at any time. In such hostile environments, how should you manage your investment portfolio Harshad Chetanwala, Co-Founder, MyWealthGrowth - a financial advisory firm, says, "I think we at India's end may not go for any knee-jerk reaction as we completely understand how we are placed from a future growth perspective and the opportunities that are ahead for us. Having said that, we as investors need not panic regarding our investments. Any geopolitical issues related to the country can make the market volatile, but the key is to have patience and stay invested."Concurring with this view, Vishal Dhawan, Founder and CEO of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors, says, 'In such a hostile environment, investors need to ensure that their current investment portfolio does not undergo significant changes. Typically, it is not a good idea to take any action now. Historically, previous conflicts have shown that the impact on equity markets is short-lived. Investors should continue with their existing SIP commitments and stick to their asset allocation irrespective of how stock markets behave in the short run. If an investor has any short-term goals that are upcoming, only then should they think about exiting the stock market.'Col Sanjeev Govila (retd), Certified Financial Planner, CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial advisory firm, says, "Historical data (Kargil 1999, 2001 Parliament attack, Uri surgical strike) shows markets typically recover fast (within a few weeks to 4-6 months) after geopolitical shocks. Hence, investors should not panic sell their investment portfolio. However, investors can consider sector reallocation for their stock portfolio to gain during volatile times. This includes defence stocks, FMCG and healthcare and reduces exposure to sectors vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. One can also increase allocation to the sovereign debt instruments like RBI bonds."Chetanwala believes that, from a safety perspective, there is certainly no need to rush to the bank to withdraw Dhawan says, "Depending on expenses, it is always ideal to keep one month's expenses in cash. This can also help with other emergencies."Govila says, "Individuals should keep roughly 2-3 months of essential expenses as an emergency fund at home. The cash should be kept in varied denominations of Rs 100, Rs 500 and others. One can also consider keeping 5-10% of liquid assets in gold coins as a historical safe haven."
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India-Pakistan tensions paused, not over: Should you do any tactical alignment in investment portfolios during border hostilities?
Investors should remain calm and stay invested Live Events Keeping cash at home India and Pakistan have announced a pause in the current tensions. However, yesterday's press briefing by Military officials made it clear that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, and any provocations by the Pakistan Army will receive the befitting response from the Indian Armed Indian-Pakistan tensions have paused for some time. However, it can flare up at any time. In such hostile environments, how should you manage your investment portfolio Harshad Chetanwala, Co-Founder, MyWealthGrowth - a financial advisory firm, says, "I think we at India's end may not go for any knee-jerk reaction as we completely understand how we are placed from a future growth perspective and the opportunities that are ahead for us. Having said that, we as investors need not panic regarding our investments. Any geopolitical issues related to the country can make the market volatile, but the key is to have patience and stay invested."Concurring with this view, Vishal Dhawan, Founder and CEO of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors, says, 'In such a hostile environment, investors need to ensure that their current investment portfolio does not undergo significant changes. Typically, it is not a good idea to take any action now. Historically, previous conflicts have shown that the impact on equity markets is short-lived. Investors should continue with their existing SIP commitments and stick to their asset allocation irrespective of how stock markets behave in the short run. If an investor has any short-term goals that are upcoming, only then should they think about exiting the stock market.'Col Sanjeev Govila (retd), Certified Financial Planner, CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial advisory firm, says, "Historical data (Kargil 1999, 2001 Parliament attack, Uri surgical strike) shows markets typically recover fast (within a few weeks to 4-6 months) after geopolitical shocks. Hence, investors should not panic sell their investment portfolio. However, investors can consider sector reallocation for their stock portfolio to gain during volatile times. This includes defence stocks, FMCG and healthcare and reduces exposure to sectors vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. One can also increase allocation to the sovereign debt instruments like RBI bonds."Chetanwala believes that, from a safety perspective, there is certainly no need to rush to the bank to withdraw Dhawan says, "Depending on expenses, it is always ideal to keep one month's expenses in cash. This can also help with other emergencies."Govila says, "Individuals should keep roughly 2-3 months of essential expenses as an emergency fund at home. The cash should be kept in varied denominations of Rs 100, Rs 500 and others. One can also consider keeping 5-10% of liquid assets in gold coins as a historical safe haven."
India Gazette
11-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Takes time to de-escalate": Mehbooba Mufti on cessation of hostilities between India-Pak
Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 11 (ANI): People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday urged for patience and restraint amid the ongoing tensions along the India-Pakistan border and said that agreements over cessation of hostilities take time to be implemented. In a call for peace amidst rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti emphasised the importance of patience and dialogue. Speaking to ANI, Mufti said, 'Ceasefire takes time. When the militaries of two countries are in eye-to-eye contact, it takes time to de-escalate. There should be some patience.' She further emphasised the human cost of warfare, urging the public to refrain from adopting a mindset that glorifies conflict. 'We should not turn into people who are always ready to fight a war. When a war is fought, people lose their homes, their lives are lost, children are killed, they become orphans, and hospitals are filled with people. So, war is not a solution for anything,' she said. On Saturday, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the Indian-Pakistan understanding and called for political dialogue to resolve cross-border tensions. Hours after it agreed to stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea, following a call its DGMO made to his Indian counterpart, reports came of Pakistan violating the cessation of hostilities with India. At a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today and India takes 'very serious note of these violations.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and tri-services chiefs at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were also present at the meeting. The meeting comes after days of heightened tension with Pakistan along the western border, following Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7. The operation targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. (ANI)
India Gazette
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Mehbooba Mufti welcomes India-Pakistan understanding
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 10 (ANI): PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the Indian-Pakistan understanding on Saturday, and called for political dialogue to resolve cross-border tensions. Expressing gratitude, Mufti appreciated the understanding between India and Pakistan and added, 'Because when there is conflict between our country and Pakistan, it is the people of Jammu and Kashmir who suffer the most.' 'This is a border state, and any war is fought on our borders. In such times, many of our people, including children and women--as you've seen in recent days--were killed on both sides. There has been a lot of property damage, and people's lives have become miserable. Our hospitals are full--so are theirs. So, in such a situation, intervention and a halt to the violence is crucial,' Mufti said. Mufti also emphasised the positive impact of this understanding on daily life. 'I believe that today, perhaps after a long time, people might be able to sleep peacefully.' She added, 'Moreover, military solutions are never real solutions--there is always a need for political intervention. We've seen that major global issues are resolved through dialogue.' Mufti called for regional self-reliance in resolving disputes, and said, 'Our country is such a large nation with such a big economy--the largest democracy in the world--so I believe it shouldn't need anyone's mediation. It should be able to resolve this on its own.' Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart earlier this and the two sides agreed to halt all military actions--on land, at sea, and in the air--effective from 5:00 hours IST. Misri noted that instructions have been issued to enforce the Indian-Pakistan understanding, with another round of DGMO-level talks scheduled for May 12 at noon. Addressing the press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, 'Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time.' Misri added, 'Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours.' Earlier in the day, Misri emphasised that the actions being undertaken by Pakistan against India are being seen as 'escalatory' and 'provocative' in nature. He made the remarks during a press briefing on Saturday, where proofs of Pakistan's escalatory and provocative actions were provided alongside exposing the lies being peddled by Pakistan. While speaking to media, the Foreign Secretary said, 'Pakistan's actions constituted provocation, escalation. In response India defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion'. Addressing a joint press conference by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence on Operation Sindoor, Indian Army Colonel Sofiya said that Pakistan's target was India's military infrastructure, LoC, IB and over 26 sites.' External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said,' India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.' Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also agreed with the understanding saying, 'Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.' Earlier US Secretary of state Marco Rubio said that both countries had agreed to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. 'We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,' Rubio said. Earlier, India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in reply to the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam on May 2. The attack had killed 26 people. India had stuck nine terror sites deep inside Pakistan. This saw Pakistan up the ante with a series of unprovoked escalations using artillery guns and drones. (ANI)
