India launches Agnipath Scheme for soldiers' recruitment

The Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on 14 June, launched a short-term recruitment scheme under which soldiers will be recruited for a period of four years' service in Indian Armed Forces.

After four years, a quarter of recruits will be absorbed in regular service of Indian Armed Forces while 75% will be demobilised. It is not known, however, if the remainders who will be discharged on completion of four years' service will have any reservist liability or not.

The recruitment scheme has been named Agnipath and the youth selected under the scheme will be called Agniveers. Indian Defence Minister said the scheme is a transformative initiative and would provide a youthful profile to Indian Armed Forces.