Aritra Banerjee
The uniform may come off, but the mission never ends.
In August 2024, when floods devastated Gujarat, veterans joined relief operations, coordinating evacuations and setting up emergency shelters. This was not an isolated effort-every year, nearly 60,000 Indian soldiers transition from military service to civilian life, bringing with them exceptional leadership, discipline, and crisis-management skills. From entrepreneurship to disaster response, India’s veterans are a national asset waiting to be fully harnessed.
With a veteran community of over 26 lakh, alongside 7 lakh Veer Naris, dependents, and active personnel, the broader military ecosystem touches the lives of nearly 12.5 crore citizens. Harnessing this vast and highly skilled workforce for national progress is both a necessity and an opportunity.
As India moves towards its Vision 2047 aspirations, it is imperative to expand the role of veterans beyond traditional welfare measures. Rather than being viewed solely as former servicemen and women, veterans should be recognised as key contributors to India’s economic, security, and governance frameworks. Their transition to civilian life should not be seen as retirement but as the beginning of a new phase of service to the nation.
A New Vision: The Shaurya Sampravah Initiative
Historically, India’s veteran policies have focused primarily on pensions, medical benefits, and resettlement programs. While these remain essential, they do not fully leverage the immense expertise and leadership that veterans bring to the table.
Recognising this, the Indian Army launched Shaurya Sampravah 1.0 in August 2024, a bold initiative redefining the role of veterans in India’s national development. Unlike past policies centred on welfare, this program integrates veterans directly into India’s economic, security, and governance structures, marking a fundamental shift from veteran welfare to veteran empowerment.
Led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, the initiative seeks to engage veterans in strategic defence planning, encourage entrepreneurship, deploy their expertise in disaster response, and create pathways for them in governance and public administration. Their experience in border management, defence production, and cybersecurity makes them a valuable resource for India’s national security.
Beyond security, veterans also have the potential to drive entrepreneurship, particularly in defence technology and manufacturing, aligning with India’s AatmaNirbhar Bharat ambitions. Their crisis-handling expertise is equally critical in disaster response and national emergency management, where they can work alongside organisations such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Veterans as Entrepreneurs
An increasing number of veterans have successfully transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship. Their ability to lead, adapt, and execute under pressure has helped them build businesses across industries, particularly in defence technology, logistics, private security, and infrastructure. Many former officers are now at the helm of defence startups, driving innovation in indigenous drone technology, loitering munitions, and battlefield communication systems.
Recognising their domain expertise, the Government’s iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program has started partnering with veteran-led businesses. However, these efforts need to be scaled up through targeted funding, incubation support, and policy frameworks that encourage more veterans to enter the entrepreneurial ecosystem. A dedicated Veteran Entrepreneurship Fund, similar to successful initiatives in the US and UK, could provide financial and strategic backing for ex-servicemen and women to launch and sustain their ventures.
Veterans in Governance
Military officers bring invaluable experience in leadership, crisis management, and strategic planning-qualities that are essential in public administration. Many top Department of Homeland Security officials are former military personnel in countries like the United States. Similarly, the UK’s Veterans Strategy Action Plan has established structured pathways for ex-servicemen to transition into governance.
India has started recognising this potential, with several State Governments inducting ex-servicemen into disaster management and internal security roles. The Indian Army also works closely with states to create structured pathways for veterans to serve in advisory and policymaking capacities. However, structured training programs for veterans in public administration, intelligence, and strategic policymaking would further help them transition into governance roles.
A Second Line of Defence
Veterans have long played a vital role in national security and disaster response. The Indian Army is often the first responder during natural disasters, bringing logistical expertise and crisis-management skills to relief efforts. Increasingly, ex-servicemen are stepping into these roles as well.
In August 2024, veterans played a key role in coordinating relief efforts in Wayanad, managing large-scale evacuations and infrastructure rebuilding in disaster-hit areas. Recognising this capability, veterans are now being formally trained as disaster response consultants, working alongside state authorities and the NDRF. Their expertise is particularly valuable in high-risk zones such as Uttarakhand, the Northeast, and cyclone-prone coastal regions.
Given India’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters, integrating veterans into national and state-level emergency response frameworks is a logical and necessary step.
Policies for a Stronger Veteran Ecosystem
While initiatives like Shaurya Sampravah mark a step forward, structural gaps still need to be addressed to ensure veterans’ smooth and effective integration into civilian roles. Like the US Department of Veterans Affairs, a centralised veteran integration authority could consolidate veteran-related programs under a single body. The Directorate of Indian Army Veterans has been a successful initiative, but a more tri-service approach is needed to streamline policies.
In the private sector, incentives such as tax benefits for companies hiring veterans could significantly increase employment opportunities. For those entering entrepreneurship, access to funding remains a challenge. Establishing a Defence Veterans Incubation Hub could provide financial and strategic support, connecting veteran-led businesses with investors and industry partners. Career transition programs must also expand beyond traditional reskilling fields, incorporating training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and strategic management to prepare veterans for emerging industries.
The Mission Never Ends
Veterans do not seek charity; they seek opportunities. With 12.5 crore Indians connected to the military ecosystem, India has an unmatched reservoir of strategic thinkers, crisis managers, and innovators. The foundation has been laid with Shaurya Sampravah, but sustained policy focus and institutional support are needed to unlock their potential fully.
A structured veteran engagement strategy must include a dedicated Veteran Integration Authority, formal pathways for ex-servicemen in Government and administration, and expanded funding for veteran-led enterprises. As India moves towards becoming a global power, it must empower the men and women who once defended the country to now help build it.
The author is a Defence, Foreign Affairs & Aerospace Columnist)
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