In the intricate tapestry of global security dynamics, the imperative for nations to modernise their defence infrastructure stands as a paramount necessity. For Bharat, a nation grappling with diverse security challenges while aspiring for regional leadership and harmony, the journey of defence modernisation over the past decade has been both a saga of triumphs and tribulations. This op-ed delves deep into the nuanced intricacies of India’s defence modernisation odyssey, exploring the transformative shifts, challenges encountered, and strategic imperatives that have sculpted the nation’s security landscape. Through an in-depth analysis of key advancements in military capabilities, such as the induction of advanced fighter jets like the Rafale and Tejas into the Indian Air Force, the development of indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, and the enhancement of precision-guided munitions, the narrative unfolds the tangible strides made in bolstering India’s defence prowess. Additionally, revitalisation of defence procurement mechanisms, exemplified by initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign aimed at fostering indigenous defence production and reducing dependency on imports, underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement.
Comprehensive defence reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ten years are unique, not only for the modernisation of the Armed Forces, but also for transforming them in terms of modern weapons, restructuring and in-depth combat strength
- Surgical Strikes: After the attack on Uri, the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This strike, on September 28-29, 2016, has changed the image of Indian Armed Forces around the world.The world is watching the new India which follows the principle of zero tolerance on terrorism
- Airstrike by entering Enemy’s Stronghold: On February 14, 2019, 40 CRPF jawans were martyred in the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist attack in Pulwama. The Modi Government retaliated against the JeM’s attack. JeM’s biggest terrorist camp in Balakot in PoK was attacked on February 26. In this, along with the terrorists, their trainer and senior commander were killed.
- National War Memorial: PM Modi dedicated the National War Memorial, a tribute to the martyrs of India, to the nation. This War Memorial is a tribute to all the soldiers of the Army who have lost their lives for the country since Independence. According to Government figures, this memorial is for those 26,000 martyrs of independent India who attained martyrdom in one war or the other.
- Modernisation of OFB: Seven new defence companies were dedicated to the nation from the nineteenth performing Ordinance Factory Board (OFB). It has been decided to convert the OFB from a department into seven corporations, wholly owned by the Government. Twenty-five per cent of the R&D budget for defence has been kept for people engaged in industry, startups, and research.
- Historic decision of the Chief of Defense Staff: In a historic step, the Modi Government for the first time appointed the Chief of Defense Staff. The idea behind this was that there should be coordination among all three parts of the Army. Many such reforms were made, which were very important for the Army. With these decisions, coordination was strengthened in all aspects of the Army, and proper use of resources also began. In case of emergency, the power to buy spare parts and ammunition has also been given to the Army. Now any service headquarters can make purchases of up to Rs 300 crore on its own.
- Women’s Power in the Army: Five hundred fifty seven women officers got a permanent commission in the Army. For the first time, 83 women jawans were appointed to the Military Police Corps of the Army. Five women officers got a promotion to the rank of colonel. PM Modi’s Government has opened the doors of the NDA to recruit women.
- One Rank One Pension (OROP): Taking another critical decision, the Modi Government has implemented the One Rank One Pension, which has been pending for a long time. Under this, 20.6 lakh pensioners or their family members were given arrears. The annual expenditure of the Government in this scheme is Rs 7,123 crore.
- The first indigenous aircraft carrier warship: During 75 years of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, into the Navy. The Prime Minister said on the occasion: “Today, here on the shores of Kerala, every Indian is witnessing the dawn of a new future. It is a testimony to India’s hard work, talent, influence and commitment to the 21st century. If the goals are distant, the journeys long, the oceans and the challenges infinite, then India’s answer is Vikrant.” The incomparable nectar of the festival of independence is Vikrant. Vikrant is a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant. Along with this, INS Kalvari S-2 PM Modi himself has commissioned Scorpene class submarine
- Armies at the Forefront of Relief and Rescue Work: During the regime of PM Modi, another form of the Army came in front of the common man. This role was of relief and rescue. Under Operation Ganga, the Indian Air Force evacuated 2457 Indian citizens from Ukraine facing Russian aggression. C-17 aircraft flew 17 times for this. In 2021, the Indian Air Force successfully evacuated 579 Indian citizens from Afghanistan. Under Operation Maitri, the Air Force provided relief after the massive devastation caused by the earthquake in Nepal in 2015 and evacuated more people trapped there.
Furthermore, strategic recalibrations in regional partnerships, such as deepening defence cooperation with the United States through foundational agreements like the COMCASA and BECA, and fostering collaborative initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with like-minded democracies, illustrate India’s proactive approach in strengthening its strategic alliances to address emerging security challenges. Through these multifaceted efforts, India is not only shaping its defence architecture but also reaffirming its resolve to adaptively navigate the complexities of contemporary security paradigms with resilience and foresight.
Advancements in Military Capabilities
Over the past decade, Bharat has undergone a profound metamorphosis in its defence capabilities, propelled by a multifaceted strategy integrating indigenous innovation, technological infusion and strategic acquisitions. This transformative journey has been punctuated by significant milestones, including the development and integration of indigenous marvels such as the formidable Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft, the majestic INS Vikrant indigenous aircraft carrier and the triumphant tests of the BrahMos-NG missile system. These indigenous strides not only demonstrate Bharat’s prowess in defence manufacturing and technological ingenuity but also herald a pivotal shift in its defence doctrines, marking a decisive departure from reliance on external sources. Moreover, the operationalisation of the Space Command and the establishment of cyber warfare capabilities underscore the pivotal role of emerging domains in contemporary warfare, positioning India as a formidable and credible force in the global defence landscape.
Promises delivered in last ten years
- Zero major terror attacks in any city since 2014
- Revoked Article 370 leading to a significant reduction in violence in Jammu & Kashmir
- 52 per cent reduction in Maoist Terrorism-related violence
- 71 per cent reduction in insurgency related violence in the North East resulted in the removal of the AFSPA from most areas
- Border villages are finally getting the attention and infrastructural development that had
eluded for decades
Feature Road Map for Surakshit Bharat
- Continuing a Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Terrorism
- Theatrisation of Military Commands
- Ensuring Robust Infrastructure Along Borders
- Reinforcing Our Fight Against Drugs
- Implementing Bhartiya Nyay Sahita Expeditiously
- Eliminating Maoist terrorists
- Implementation of CAA
- Enhancing Capabilities of the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces
- National Forensics Mission
- Protecting Bharat’s Security Interests in the Indian Ocean Region
- Safeguarding Bharat’s Digital Sovereignty
- Implementing Robust Cyber Security Policies
Revitalising Defence Procurement
Despite commendable progress in enhancing military capabilities, Bharat’s defence modernisation efforts have faced challenges such as systemic inefficiencies, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in procurement processes. The introduction of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 represents a significant departure from traditional practices, aiming to establish a more agile, transparent, and inclusive procurement framework. Through the streamlining of processes, increased accountability, and greater involvement of the private sector, DAP 2020 seeks to tackle the longstanding issues within India’s defence procurement landscape. Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and strategic partnerships with global defence majors further underscore India’s commitment to reducing dependence on imports and nurturing a dynamic ecosystem for indigenous defence production. The country has achieved notable milestones in indigenous defence production through projects led by organisations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and others. Examples include the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Agni series ballistic missiles, Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT), INSAS Rifle, Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, Varunastra Torpedo, and Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System, showcasing India’s dedication to enhancing self-reliance and bolstering defence capabilities across air, land, and sea domains.
Cybersecurity Resilience
India has proactively developed cyber warfare capabilities alongside traditional military advancements, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure against evolving threats.
Amphibious Warfare Capabilities: India’s focus on enhancing amphibious warfare capabilities includes investments in ships like INS Jalashwa, showcasing readiness to address security challenges in coastal and littoral regions. Human Capital Development: India emphasises human capital development through skill development programmes and joint training exercises, ensuring a skilled and adaptable defence force capable of meeting 21st-century security challenges. Counterinsurgency and Counterterrorism Operations: India’s defence modernisation efforts include strategies and capabilities tailored to counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, balancing security needs with upholding human rights and international norms.
Defence Diplomacy: Robust defence diplomacy initiatives, such as joint military exercises and capacity-building assistance, underscore India’s commitment to regional security cooperation and fostering peace beyond its borders. Resilience Against Hybrid Threats: India prioritises building resilience against hybrid threats, incorporating measures to address disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, and economic coercion within its holistic defence modernisation strategy. Ethical and Legal Frameworks: The development of ethical and legal frameworks governing emerging technologies ensures adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights standards in India’s defence modernisation efforts.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability: India integrates considerations of climate resilience and environmental sustainability into its defence posture, contributing to global efforts for sustainable security through energy-efficient infrastructure and disaster response capabilities.
Enhancing Strategic Partnerships
Amidst an increasingly interconnected and competitive security landscape, India has proactively forged strategic alliances and defence synergies to fortify its national interests and foster regional equilibrium. Vital accords like the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) with allies such as the United States have paved the way for seamless interoperability, extensive information exchange and robust capacity augmentation. Furthermore, collaborative endeavours with like-minded regional counterparts, exemplified by platforms like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), have significantly reinforced the collective security framework while fostering maritime tranquillity across the Indo-Pacific expanse. These strategic ententes not only augment India’s defence prowess but also underscore its pivotal role as a stabilising force, ensuring peace and security throughout the region.
By harnessing cutting-edge advances of technology, fostering a culture of relentless innovation and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships, India finds itself on the brink of emerging as an indomitable bastion of stability and prosperity
Confronting Challenges
Bharat’s journey through the labyrinth of defence modernisation over the past decade emerges as an epic saga, symbolising unyielding resilience, forward-thinking innovation and astute strategic foresight amidst the ever-shifting sands of security challenges. Within the intricate tapestry of the 21st-century security landscape, the imperative of steadfast investment in defence modernisation, reinforcement of indigenous capabilities and cultivation of strategic alliances stands as an immutable cornerstone. By harnessing cutting-edge advances of technology, fostering a culture of relentless innovation and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships, India finds itself on the brink of emerging as an indomitable bastion of stability and prosperity. In so doing, it not only safeguards its own national interests but also assumes a pivotal role in shaping regional security dynamics and fostering prosperity for the decades to come. India’s odyssey of defence modernisation over the last decade epitomises a tale of unwavering resilience, visionary innovation and strategic acumen in the face of ever-evolving security paradigms. Amidst the intricate contours of the 21st-century security milieu, the imperative of continual investment in defence modernisation, fortifying indigenous capacities and cultivating strategic alliances stands as an indomitable priority. By harnessing the frontiers of technological progress, nurturing a culture of innovation, and cultivating symbiotic partnerships, India stands poised to ascend as a formidable bastion of stability and prosperity. In doing so, it not only safeguards its own national interests but also assumes a pivotal role in ensuring regional security and prosperity for the forthcoming decades.
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