Much like the British East India Company once blurred the lines between trade and military dominance, Reliance Global Corporate Security's appropriation of Indian Army traditions under the shadow of the Agnipath scheme threatens to commercialize and undermine the sanctity of the nation’s military heritage. The introduction of the Agnipath scheme, a recruitment initiative designed to infuse young talent into the Indian military through short-term enlistments, has ignited considerable debate. While the scheme seeks to modernize the military by creating a leaner and more agile force, it has also intentionally(as we'll try to decipher further) or unintentionally opened the door for private corporations to capitalise on the traditions of the Indian Army. One of the most striking examples of this is the behavior of Reliance Global Corporate Security, a private security division of Reliance Industries, which has begun to replicate military customs in a way that can only be described as profane.
The Agnipath scheme was introduced with the goal of modernising the Indian military by recruiting young individuals for a four-year service period. At the end of this term, only 25% of these "Agniveers" will be retained, while the remaining 75% will return to civilian life with a severance package. The government’s narrative has focused on cost reduction, a leaner force, and the freeing up of funds for military modernisation. However, this strategy creates a large pool of young, trained individuals who may find themselves without viable long-term employment options post-service of 4 years.
Reliance Global Corporate Security, a division of Reliance Industries, is staffed by a significant number of former military, paramilitary, and law enforcement personnel. The company's primary role is to safeguard the vast assets of Reliance Industries, but its methods and ethos are increasingly beginning to mirror those of the Indian military. This is where the problem lies. These young individuals, who were meant to be the future protectors of the nation, find themselves instead serving corporate interests. The training, discipline, and patriotism instilled in them during their military service are now being redirected to protect and bolster a corporate entity—Reliance Industries—rather than the nation.
This situation is not just a consequence of market forces or corporate opportunity; it’s a direct outcome of government policy. The Agnipath scheme, rather than being a mere military reform, appears to be a calculated move that benefits powerful corporate interests. The government’s investment in training these young men, funded by taxpayers' money, ultimately provides a windfall for corporations like Reliance, which now have access to a ready-made pool of disciplined and trained individuals. It’s an investment of public funds with a return on investment that favors private profit, not public service.
Coincidentally the minimum age requirement for Agnipath scheme is 17.5-21, whilst for RGCS is 21-27, according to its official website.
The traditions of the Indian Army, such as the "Antim Pag" (the last step or march) and “Passing out parade” are deeply sacred. These rituals are more than just ceremonies; they are embodiments of the values that the military holds dear—sacrifice, honour, duty, and patriotism. For a private entity to appropriate such traditions is not only disrespectful but also diminishes the profound significance they hold for those who have served in the armed forces. It strips the tradition of its meaning and reduces it to a mere corporate ritual. It not only devalues the tradition itself but also humiliates those who have served in the actual military. The solemnity of such rituals cannot and should not be replicated in a corporate environment where the underlying values of sacrifice and national service are not the same.
The cherry on the cake is a video uploaded by “Reliance GCS” on YouTube, titled “Reliance Global Corporate Security Video 2023” which showcased Mr. Anant Ambani, the scion of the Ambani Family as a Guest of Honour in the so called “Antim Pag” ceremony of the RGCS. Being such a Guest of Honour is a matter of deep honor that is supposed to be earned in one’s life either militarily or otherwise in public life. Conferring such an honor on Mr. Anant Ambani, who has no military experience nor any distinguished achievements in public service seems like a hard effort to portray Ambani conglomerate as a shadow power besides the Government of India, to hold such a prestige, power, influence, resources etc. It portrays an attempt from the Ambanis to imbibe an image in the collective conscious of the masses, which would make the message loud and clear that they are serious, very serious on being the next most powerful entity regardless of the government.
The irony is particularly stark when one considers the broader context of India’s security environment. From 2019, no recruitment in the armed forces was done for three years. The Indian Government cited COVID-19 pandemic in India for this. Meanwhile 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers continued to retire annually , leading to a personnel shortage that had begun to affect the operational capabilities of the armed forces and with the ongoing conflicts on multiple fronts—whether it’s the skirmishes with China on the northern borders or the persistent tensions with Pakistan—the need for a strong, dedicated, and long-serving military has never been more critical. Yet, instead of reinforcing the nation’s armed forces, the government’s policies are effectively weakening them by siphoning off trained personnel into corporate security roles. Historically, the blending of corporate and state interests has led to dangerous consequences.
The East India Company’s exploitation of India under the guise of trade is a classic example, where military power was wielded to serve corporate profits, often at the expense of the nation’s sovereignty and well-being. Today, we are witnessing a similar blurring of lines, where government policies seem designed to serve corporate interests, even if it means compromising the nation’s military strength and integrity.
In this context, RGCS’s appropriation of military traditions is not just a matter of disrespect or insensitivity—it’s a symptom of a much larger problem. Military traditions are not just relics of the past; they are the living embodiment of the values that the armed forces uphold.
These traditions serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the responsibilities they bear. By co-opting the symbols and rituals of the military, RGCS is creating a facade of patriotism and service that is fundamentally hollow. By copying these traditions for corporate purposes, private security firms are not only disrespecting the military but also weakening the very fabric that holds these institutions together.
As India marks its 78th Independence Day, it is crucial to reflect on the direction in which the nation’s policies are taking us. The values of honor, duty, and sacrifice that the military embodies cannot and should not be co-opted by corporate interests. The government’s role should be to safeguard these values, not to undermine them by creating systems that allow private entities to profit from the nation’s military traditions and the training of its soldiers. On this Independence Day, let us remember the true meaning of these traditions and ensure that they remain in the hands of those who have truly earned them.
Authored By
Mr. Mridul Paul and Ms. Anshika Patra
Core Team, The Geojuristoday
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