Despite setbacks, India’s defense efforts show underappreciated progress
India’s defense modernization efforts have been a topic of global interest, as the country seeks to balance Chinese power and assert its growing geopolitical clout. However, recent setbacks, such as the delayed and underpowered Tejas fighter jet, have raised doubts about India’s ability to modernize its armed forces. Nonetheless, a closer look reveals several areas of significant and underappreciated progress in India’s defense sector.
Shifting Focus:
For years, Indian leaders have talked about China as the main enemy, but deployments told a different story. After a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan valley in 2020, India swiftly shifted its focus to China. The Indian Army’s I Corps, originally built to tackle Pakistan, was reassigned to the northern command responsible for Ladakh. This change reflects the new posture that recognizes China as the primary threat.
Reorganization of Military Command Structure:
In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi created the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to oversee the army, navy, and air-force chiefs and promote better coordination among the services. This move marked the biggest reorganization of India’s military command structure since independence. Additionally, a new Department of Military Affairs (DMA) was established within the defense ministry to address the longstanding issue of civilian bureaucracy interfering in military decision-making.
Technological Advancements:
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has traditionally struggled with building advanced weaponry. However, smaller private firms have emerged as promising players in the defense sector. The army has started embracing these startups, allowing for the quick deployment of cutting-edge technology to front-line units. This shift has disrupted old ways and enabled progress in areas such as drone technology.
Reforms and Controversies:
While the reforms in India’s defense sector have been hailed as game-changing, progress has been slower than expected. Resistance from the air force has hindered the establishment of theater commands, which are crucial for inter-service coordination. Furthermore, the government’s “Agnipath” scheme to recruit fixed-term soldiers has sparked controversy, with concerns about the scheme’s potential impact on diversity and operational readiness.
Challenges and Shortfalls:
Despite the progress, India still faces significant challenges in modernizing its armed forces. The defense budget gap with China remains substantial, and India’s air force and navy are far from their desired capabilities. Obsolete equipment, ammunition shortages, and the heavy commitment of forces on the border with China pose additional challenges. While some officials remain hopeful, others believe it could take decades for India to be able to take on China.
Conclusion:
India’s defense modernization efforts have shown both progress and challenges. While setbacks like the Tejas fighter jet highlight the difficulties, there are underappreciated advancements in areas such as shifting focus, military command structure, and technological innovations. However, India still faces significant gaps in capabilities and must address challenges such as outdated equipment and shortages. The path to a fully modernized defense force may be long, but India’s progress should already give China pause.
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