Defending India
News Excerpt:
The recent strides made by the Narendra Modi government in remaking India’s military apparatus reflect not only a response to the rising spectre of Chinese power but also an intricate weeding out of ghosts of the past.
Context:
The overarching concern remains India's substantial gap with China in critical military areas. Despite budget increases, India lags behind in essential domains such as Air Force squadrons, the Navy's fleet size, and the Army's equipment modernization. India's quest for military modernization is a narrative marked by both successes and trials. Each step forward is tempered by realities that underscore the inherent complexities in such endeavors. Balancing aspirations for self-reliance with pragmatic measures and addressing technological gaps pose formidable challenges in India's military modernization journey.
Progress:
- Tejas Fighter Jet: Symbolizes India's struggle with indigenous defense production. Two-decade delay and limited acceptance among Indian pilots highlight hurdles in achieving self-reliance.
- Galwan Valley Clash Impact: Prompted rapid troop redeployment toward the northern border. Strategic pivot prioritized units facing China over those handling both China and Pakistan.
- Restructuring Military Command: Creation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Department of Military Affairs (DMA) empowered military in national security decision-making. Setbacks due to General Bipin Rawat's untimely demise affected momentum.
- Defence Research and Development: DRDO's prowess in missile development amidst broader technological struggles. Inclusion of smaller private firms, including startups, in military innovation signifies a shift towards integrating the private sector.
- Procurement Reforms: Shift towards quicker procurement through single-vendor contracts post-Galwan reflects departure from bureaucratic rigidity.
Controversies:
- Agnipath Scheme: Debate between supporters advocating cost reduction and skeptics wary of potential social engineering aligned with the ruling party's agenda.
- Embracing Private Sector: Integration of smaller private firms and startups for cutting-edge innovations within the military ecosystem.
- Technological Gap with China: India lags behind in critical military aspects - Air Force squadrons, Navy fleet size, and Army equipment modernization.
Conclusion:
India's quest for military modernization is a tale of both achievements and challenges. Despite strides in certain areas, hurdles persist in bridging technological gaps with China and in achieving indigenous defense production. Balancing aspirations for self-reliance with pragmatic measures remains a significant challenge in India's pursuit of enhancing its military capabilities.
