Pacific Affairs: An International Review of Asia and the Pacific

Volume 74, No. 4

 

Ethnic Group Recruitment in the Indian Army: The Contrasting Cases of Sikhs, Muslims, Gurkhas and Others
By Omar Khalidi

 

Abstract

Recent scholarship has brought forth several works on the ethnic/religious composition of the Indian army during the colonial period, but no systematic account of its composition in post-independence era exists. What is the current recruitment policy? Does the composition of the military personnel mirror the religious and ethnic diversity of the Indian national population? Does the military attempt to inculcate national values and perspectives in recruit training and professional education? Does common military experience serve to reduce ethno-religious identification by building cross-ethnic pressures? Is there trans-community deployment of military personnel? Are promotions based on perceived competence rather than ethno-religious affiliation? What is the impact of the polarization of the Indian society along religious divide between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs since 1947? Answers to these questions are based on interviews with former military officers, published accounts of military and defense officials, and the writings of informed journalists and academics. The role of the armed forces has been exceptionally positive in remaining neutral peacemakers during Hindu-Muslim violence, although it is changing due to the rise of Hindu extremism.