The performance of Agniveers during Operation Sindoor has sparked discussions within the Armed Forces regarding a potential increase in their retention rate. Sources indicate that the Agniveers demonstrated "excellent" capabilities during the operation.

Operation Sindoor: A Testing Ground

Operation Sindoor, which took place in May 2025, was launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. This operation involved a multifaceted aerial assault from Pakistan, including missiles, drones, and loitering munitions, targeting key locations such as Amritsar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Approximately 3,000 Agniveers, some as young as 20 years old, were deployed across India's western front, playing a crucial role in defending the nation.

Agniveers' Roles and Performance

The Agniveers were entrusted with critical military roles, including operating advanced weapon systems such as upgraded L-70s, Pechora missiles, Schilka anti-aircraft systems, OSA-AK platforms, Strela missiles, and the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system. They served as gunners, fire control operators, radio operators, and missile transport drivers. Their agility on the battlefield was evident as they engaged enemy targets using shoulder-fired missiles and integrated their operations with the newly inducted Akashteer system, a crucial air defense control and reporting network. The Akashteer system, fully integrated with the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enabled fast, coordinated responses to enemy incursions.

Frontline commanders have lauded the Agniveers' performance, stating that their skills matched those of seasoned regulars. They demonstrated courage and professionalism under fire, contributing significantly to neutralizing Pakistani drone and missile threats. Their ability to operate sophisticated systems, act as communication handlers, and serve as sentries highlighted their versatility under pressure.

Discussions on Retention Limits

The Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, recruits soldiers, airmen, and sailors for a four-year period, with the option to retain up to 25% of Agniveers for full-time service based on merit and organizational requirements. However, following Operation Sindoor, discussions are underway to increase this retention percentage, considering factors such as training, experience, and expertise acquired by Agniveers during their four years.

Various retention percentages are being discussed for different departments. For instance, there are talks to increase the retention percentage to 70-75% for infantry and other combat arms, 80% for specially trained personnel like Air Defence, Signals, and Engineers, and 100% for Special Forces. The proposed increase aims to leverage the skills and experience gained by Agniveers, particularly in operating new-generation military platforms and technologies. The Army Chief had previously mentioned the possibility of absorbing more than 25% of Agniveers. The Navy is also reportedly open to increasing the retention percentage of sailors under the scheme when the first batch completes four years.

Considerations and Future Adjustments

While increasing the retention rate is under consideration, it is crucial to ensure that the average age of Agniveers does not increase significantly. The services have been periodically reviewing the scheme since its inception, and discussions between the services and the Department of Military Affairs are ongoing. Besides retention, efforts are also being made to align Agniveers' leave policies with those of regular soldiers and to harmonize benefits in case of casualties.