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The Indian Army is facing a potential manpower shortage as the rate of new recruits joining the force continues to decline, according to sources within the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). This shortfall raises concerns about the Army's ability to maintain its operational strength, particularly along critical border regions.
The Army's current induction rate, if not improved, could leave the force significantly below its required troop levels by the end of the decade. This is a significant challenge given the need for a strong military presence in regions like Eastern Ladakh, where India shares a contested border with China.
In 2024, the government introduced the Agnipath scheme, which aimed to address troop shortages by inducting young recruits for a fixed four-year term. However, the scheme has faced criticism and hasn't delivered the expected results.
One factor limiting recruitment under Agnipath is the age restriction, currently set at 17.5 to 21 years. The Army is proposing to raise the upper age limit to 23 years to attract a wider pool of potential recruits. Additionally, the military seeks approval to increase overall induction numbers to address the manpower gap.
Data released by the Ministry of Defence in Parliament earlier this year revealed significant vacancies across all three branches of the armed forces. The Army alone faces a shortage of over 100,000 personnel.
If approved, the proposed changes to the Agnipath scheme could be a step towards resolving this crisis. However, it remains unclear whether these adjustments will be enough to close the growing gap between required and actual troop strength.