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Arena farm jigsaw puzzle12/28/2022 ![]() ![]() There is little doubt that regarding its claim to areas falling within the ‘nine-dash lines’ (the first island chain), China is unwilling to make compromises. India’s defence planners should, however, carefully assess whether there are degrees of “assertiveness” in China’s behavioural patterns. ![]() Undoubtedly under China’s President Xi Jinping, China aims to be a great power and an assertive one at that. To begin with, there are many experts who express doubts as to whether China intends today to pursue its 19th Century agenda, or revert to its belief in ‘Tian Xia’. China is not Pakistan, and while China and Pakistan may have established an axis to keep India in check, explaining the nature of the threat posed by China to India is a complex task that needs to be undertaken with care and caution. Meeting the military, strategic and economic challenge from China is an entirely different matter. Yet, while this makes for excellent copy, a great deal of effort is called for to explain to the public, the true nature of the threat posed by Pakistan, and why India is so confident of beating back the Pakistani challenge. India’s political and defence establishment are on record that India can easily defeat Pakistan, even if a “weaker” Pakistan possesses “nuclear teeth”. In the case of Pakistan, the threat motif is, no doubt, obvious. What is required is a well formulated defence white paper, putting the different threats and dangers the nation faces in perspective, alongside steps taken to meet these challenges. They contain vague references to the threat posed by China and Pakistan, but there is clearly more to India’s defence needs than exercises in military hagiography. In India, exercises of this kind are sometimes undertaken, but they suffer from a lack of clarity and are restricted in scope. Several nations undertake such exercises. What is lacking in the defence jigsaw puzzle, however, is a well considered and clearly articulated white paper on India’s defence needs, that sets out its strategic concerns, how it is positioning itself to meet these challenges, and the putative costs of meeting the country’s defence needs. ![]() Given India’s rising global profile, and with two major adversaries on its borders, India needs to be fully prepared. (India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, on Wednesday, cleared the MH-60 helicopter deal.) side is also hoping for two more mega defence deals, worth $3.5-billion to be signed for 24 MH-60 Romeo Multi Mission Helicopters for the Navy and an additional six AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters for the Army. ![]() would sign a deal for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS-II), intended as part of a multi-layered missile shield to protect Delhi. Speculation is rife that India and the U.S. U.S President Donald Trump’s visit to India, a further spurt in defence purchases is anticipated. alone since 2007 is in the region of $17-billion. According to estimates, the total worth of defence equipment purchased from the U.S. defence deals, including additional purchases of P-8I Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft and Apache Attack Helicopters. Under contemplation today are yet another set of high-value U.S. In October 2018, India and Russia had signed a $5.4-billion mega deal for the S-400 Triumf Air Defence System. The final deal on the 200 Kamov Ka-226 light utility helicopters from Russia is in advanced stages and expected to be signed soon. The first lot of Rafale fighter jets are expected shortly. This is an opportune moment to undertake such a cost-benefit analysis. What is needed, nevertheless, is sober reflection and a cost-benefit analysis, to ensure that the amounts expended are in tune with our strategic requirements. This does not mean that India has no further need to increase its stock of state-of-the art weapons. According to 2018 data, India occupies theįourth place in military expenditure across the world, behind the U.S., China, and Saudi Arabia. Hence, there exists a vital need to adopt right strategic choices. This geopolitical period is perhaps the most troubled since the final decades of the 20th century. Undoubtedly, we are living through a moment of decisive change and turbulence. ![]()
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