Despite setbacks, India makes significant strides in defense modernization
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has long advocated for India to become self-reliant in weaponry production. However, the Tejas fighter jet, a symbol of this push for indigenous weapons, has faced numerous challenges and is considered underpowered and disliked by Indian pilots. This exemplifies the difficulties India has encountered in its defense modernization efforts. Nevertheless, a closer examination reveals several areas of significant progress that are often overlooked. As India seeks to balance Chinese power and modernize its armed forces, it faces both opportunities and obstacles.
Shift in Focus:
For years, Indian leaders have talked about China as the main enemy, but deployments told a different story. Only a fraction of the Indian army’s divisions historically faced China, with most attention focused on terrorist attacks from Pakistan and domestic insurgencies. However, the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan valley in 2020 prompted a significant shift in focus. India swiftly deployed troops, tanks, jets, and helicopters to the area and accelerated the construction of border infrastructure. Units that were once tasked with monitoring both China and Pakistan were instructed to prioritize China. This change in posture reflects the evolving threat landscape and the need to address the growing tensions with China.
Reorganization of Military Command Structure:
In 2020, Prime Minister Modi created the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking the most significant reorganization of India’s military command structure since independence. The CDS sits above the army, navy, and air force chiefs, promoting better coordination and joint operations. This move was previously avoided due to concerns about challenges to civilian supremacy. Additionally, the creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence aimed to address the long-standing issue of civilian bureaucrats exerting influence over military decisions. The DMA’s inclusion of uniformed officers marks a notable shift in civil-military relations.
Technological Advancements:
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been successful in building missiles but has struggled with other areas of defense technology. While Indian forces have traditionally preferred foreign weapons, there are signs of progress in smaller private firms. These firms, many of which have emerged in recent years, have been embraced by the military. The government has granted emergency powers to issue contracts to these firms, allowing for quick deployment of cutting-edge technology to front-line units. This approach has disrupted traditional procurement processes and enabled the adoption of innovative solutions, such as swarming drones and cargo drones.
Reforms and Controversies:
While India’s defense reforms, including the Agnipath scheme for recruitment and the push for indigenization, have been hailed as game-changing, they have also faced criticism and controversies. The Agnipath scheme aims to reduce pension costs and lower the average age of soldiers but has raised concerns about potential social engineering and the erosion of the regimental system. Additionally, the gap between India and China in terms of defense capabilities remains significant. India’s air force and navy are both short of their desired targets, and the army faces challenges of obsolescence and limited resources.
Conclusion:
India’s defense modernization efforts have encountered setbacks and challenges, as exemplified by the Tejas fighter jet. However, there are areas of significant progress that often go unnoticed. The shift in focus towards China, the reorganization of the military command structure, and advancements in technology demonstrate India’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces. While the road to modernization may be long and complex, India’s progress should not be underestimated. As India seeks to balance Chinese power and secure its geopolitical interests, its defense modernization efforts deserve attention and recognition.
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