Operation Sindoor marks a landmark success in India’s military history post-Independence and is proving to be a game-changer in many ways, especially the close synergy between the three arms of the military, the bold resolve of political leadership, and the effectiveness of indigenous military platforms. It was also the first instance since the India-Pakistan War of 1971 that the Indian armed forces penetrated deep inside Pakistani territory and inflicted unprecedented damage and misery on Pakistan, both militarily and politically.

In just over three days of precise and extremely effective strikes, India struck at the heart of the terror network of Pakistan, hitting nine major terror bases, and followed up by hitting 11 military airbases and downing 5-6 fighter aircraft, bringing Pakistan to its knees in a matter of 96 hours.

Celebrating the 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025, India honoured its war heroes of Operation Sindoor with several gallantry awards. Among the awardees, it was heartening to see that two Agniveers, too, were awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their exceptional contribution during the conflict. It is estimated that around 3,000 Agniveers across the three services were part of Operation Sindoor. And, from all accounts, they have acquitted themselves extremely well, proving the critics wrong, who have been seeking the abolition of the Agnipath Scheme of recruitment into the Armed Forces.

The scheme was launched in June 2022, promoted as a transformational reform in the armed forces, aimed at bringing down the mean age in the armed forces and contributing to its youthful profile. It offers employment opportunities for the youth (17.5 years to 21 years old) to serve the nation with an annual intake of around 45,000 to 50,000 Agniveers recruited every year. The numbers could be progressively increased, as required. Those recruited would be trained in respective training centres and serve for a period of 4 years.

At the end of it, 25 per cent meritorious Agniveers would be retained, while others would be let go with an exit package called Seva Nidhi of around Rs 12 lakh and skill certificates to help them in their second careers. During the service of four years, if an Agniveer dies on duty, an insurance package of Rs 48 lakh and an ex gratia payment of Rs 44 lakh have been earmarked.

The government had also announced that it would help the 75 per cent who exit in their second careers through vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) as well as in the state........

© News18