The army is irked with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for cancelling its participation in Cambrian Patrol, an infantry competition held in England annually, where the force has done well in the past. The army in a note to MoD, after the rejection, banked on one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' speeches where he praised the force for bringing glory to the county in one of the events. But the effort did not work as intended, sources said.
MoD rejected the proposal saying, India should have a competition of its own and made the participation biannual instead of annual.
Over 100 countries participate in the competition that is considered to be a tough test of an infantry soldier's skills and calibre.
"The MoD wants us to start our own competition, but till that happens we should be allowed to participate. It's good exposure for soldiers to present their skills at a global platform," said army sources.
There was no response from MoD on the reasons accorded for limiting the participation biannually instead of annually.
The Indian Army won gold medal in 2014, a silver in 2015 and a gold again in 2016.
Speaking about the sacrifice and contribution of Indian troops Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised their efforts in 2014 after the Indian Army contingent won a gold. "You will be glad to know that these Jawans have won a gold medal in a very prestigious event in Britain called Cambrian Patrol, defeating contestants from 140 nations. I offer these Jawans my heartiest congratulations,"he had said.
After we did not get the sanction to participate a note was sent to the Ministry of Defence with the reference to the Prime Minister's speech but even that did not work, army sources said.
The Army feels participating in such competitions keeps the morale of the troops high.
The Exercise Cambrian Patrol started in 1959.
Analysis
The Army being irked over cancellation of the participation is not a good sign.
Especially when there is a growing tension in the border region, it may not be in the best interest for the country and its security.
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