How New India is Strengthening Global Defense Ties in Amrit Kaal?

India’s substantial investment in defence prompts scrutiny amid diverse socio-economic challenges. While a robust defence is crucial, allocating significant financial resources raises questions. The vast border shared with seven neighbouring countries poses unique challenges, underscoring the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In navigating evolving warfare marked by cyber threats and asymmetrical challenges, Paramilitary Forces face internal conflicts and political complexities.

India solidifies its global defence stance with a robust allocation of INR 5.94 trillion (USD 73.8 billion) in the 2023 defence budget, highlighting a steadfast commitment to safeguarding sovereignty. A noteworthy 53% of the budget is dedicated to personnel and pensions. Recognizing historical limitations in the public sector, a positive shift towards empowering the private sector in defence manufacturing and innovation is underway. Achieving a harmonious balance between fiscal prudence and a vision for a self-reliant, technologically advanced defence apparatus is pivotal for ensuring national security.

Present Scenario

India’s security journey reflects resilience and strategic brilliance, evolving from a defensive stance to proactive war prevention. It emerges as a global player, navigating nuclear debates, countering terrorism, and fostering crucial alliances. With diplomatic finesse, India stands as a beacon of socio-economic growth and a steadfast guardian of peace amid shifting global dynamics.

In the post-2014 era

India’s foreign policy has undergone a dynamic transformation, marked by a renewed vigour in global engagement. Strengthening ties with traditional allies like Israel, France, the UK, Japan, the USA, and South Korea, India has also ventured into uncharted diplomatic territories, building relationships in West Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. This diplomatic finesse, characterized by the policies of ‘Acting East’ and ‘Looking West,’ underscores India’s proactive and adaptable approach on the global stage. In the 21st century, India’s commitment to ‘India First’ positions the nation as a key player for a positive and impactful future in the international arena.

Strong Ties

India’s post-2014 global engagements depict a strategic ballet across continents, weaving diplomatic ties and fostering collaborations that underscore the nation’s expanding influence. The landmark Chabahar Agreement with Iran signalled a pivotal shift, fostering regional connectivity. Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour bestowed upon PM Narendra Modi solidified ties, exemplified by increased Haj pilgrimage quotas. Ventures into Doha emphasized economic collaboration in the hydrocarbon sector. Joining the Ashgabat Agreement diversified connectivity between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. Engagements with Australia and New Zealand showcased a multifaceted global approach, from defence partnerships and strategic initiatives to supporting UN Security Council campaigns. Agreements like LEMOA and COMCASA with the US elevated India’s defence capabilities, while PM Modi’s ties with Russian President bring a geo-strategic dimension with the imminent induction of advanced S-400 Triumph missile systems. These diplomatic manoeuvres reflect a nuanced foreign policy, positioning India as a key player in the evolving world.

Following the Pulwama attack and subsequent air strikes, global leaders rallied in solidarity, spotlighting the success of India’s diplomatic initiatives. PM Modi’s personal efforts, coupled with India’s soft power and robust ties, establish the nation as a formidable force on the world stage.

Recent Policy Decisions for Capability Development in the Defence Sector

The recent policy decisions outlined by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) exhibit a strategic shift towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence. Key measures include the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the establishment of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), signalling a proactive approach to military leadership. The imposition of a ‘negative list’ banning imports of 101 defence-related items and the augmentation of the FDI limit to 74% underscore the commitment to indigenization. Additionally, a focus on domestic procurement, innovation, and technology development, evident in earmarking 63% of the capital modernization budget for acquisitions from local sources, showcases a determined effort to boost the domestic defence industry. The ban on imports of 108 additional defence items and the overhaul of Ordnance Factories further emphasize the pursuit of self-reliance. While these reforms demonstrate a positive intent, a thorough review is essential to assess their implementation challenges and overall impact.

India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence faces a challenge – balancing the need for operational readiness with the time-consuming process of indigenous development. The recent negative import lists signify a strategic attempt to navigate the complex balance, focusing on self-reliance while addressing immediate security needs.

The Prime Minister highlights the Defence sector’s key role in ‘Make in India.’ The DAP 2020, aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat, focuses on design, indigenous content, innovation, MSMEs, and global manufacturing. Yet, balancing these goals with operational readiness in limited budgets requires careful consideration. Achieving success hinges on a strategic equilibrium between ambitious objectives and bolstering armed forces’ capabilities.

In recent years, India’s defence budget has ranged from 1.5% to 1.65% of GDP, constituting 13% to 14% of the Union Government’s expenditure. The capital budget, covering various defence aspects, is approximately INR 1.1 to 1.35 Lakh Crores or USD 15-18 billion. However, with around 90% allocated to committed liabilities, there’s a meagre amount available for armed forces’ modernization and capability development.

Industry Orientation to Future Battlefield

India’s pursuit of robust defence industrial base necessitates a comprehensive framework, considering various interconnected factors. The evolving nature of future wars in the subcontinent, with a shift toward cyber warfare, space, and AI-driven technologies, highlights the need for an adaptive strategy. Recent conflicts between Armenia – Azerbaijan, and Israel-Hamas conflict underscore this changing war-fighting landscape.

Joint military-industry efforts are crucial for future. Choosing between traditional and emerging technologies is key, with existing market saturation potentially hindering industry investments. Past research, like Delhi Policy Group’s “Informationised Warfare with Boots on Ground,” lay groundwork for future battle concepts. Aligning supply and demand, considering incremental export growth, is necessary. Crafting an updated capability development plan in line with indicative budgets is vital, given India’s planned defence spending of USD 130 billion over the next 7-8 years. Balancing capacities for efficiency are essential.

Planning India’s defence industry size is crucial to avoid monopolies or fragmentation. Learning from the US, consolidation fosters healthy competition. Recent concerns about major consolidation in the US highlight limited competition. Restructuring India’s Ordnance Factories, regrouping 41 companies into seven entities, is a positive move. Downsizing inefficiencies and regrouping streamline production. Privatization and partnerships enhance competitiveness and innovation in the industry.

CONCLUSION

The drive for self-reliance in defence, or Atmanirbharta, is a commendable goal, marked by increased collaboration with industry, defence export boosts, acquisition reforms, and R&D transformations. However, a pragmatic balance is necessary to ensure armed forces remain prepared for external security threats. The year 2023 proved pivotal for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a strong, secure, and self-reliant India. Significant strides were made in ‘Aatmanirbharta,’ witnessing record defence exports and production highs. Border infrastructure strengthening, harnessing Nari Shakti, and prioritizing Ex-Servicemen Welfare underscore MoD’s commitment.