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What's the article about?
- It talks about the challenges before India's defence budget and provide some suggestions.
Relevance:
- GS3: Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
Context:
- India's defence preparedness is facing a critical juncture. With dwindling squadron strength, modernization challenges, and a volatile geopolitical landscape, the question of defence budgeting becomes paramount.
- This article delves into the complex interplay between affordability, effectiveness, and potency in determining India's defence allocation.
Analysis:
- Depleting Defence Capabilities:
- The MMRCA program's limited scope (36 Rafale jets) left the IAF with a critical shortfall in squadron strength (32).
- The Indian Army and Navy face similar deficiencies, raising concerns about India's overall defence preparedness.
- The upcoming elections and potential sops could further constrain defence allocations, jeopardizing India's deterrence posture.
- Affordability vs. Effectiveness:
- The perennial “guns versus butter” dilemma presents a crucial question: should budget dictate defence potency, or should required potency drive allocations?
- The IAF's acquisition of 97 Tejas fighters highlights this dilemma, deviating from the planned 114 multi-role aircraft program.
- Threat Landscape and the Need for Judicious Assessment:
- The ongoing threat on the northern borders and China's assertiveness necessitate a judicious assessment of India's warfighting capabilities.
- The extended war scenario witnessed in Ukraine underscores the need for a robust industrial base and logistical preparedness.
- A recent article in “War on the Rocks” emphasizes the importance of existing industrial capacity for immediate operational needs.
- Indigenous Drive and R&D Challenges:
- While technological modernization is crucial, developing a local defence industry takes time, necessitating a balanced approach between imports and indigenous solutions.
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative requires a pragmatic assessment of the current armament supply chain and its limitations.
- Stagnant Defence Budget and R&D Deficits:
- India's defence budget has stagnated in real terms, with expenditure declining as a percentage of GDP.
- R&D investments remain low (0.7% of GDP), significantly behind China's 2.54% allocation.
- While increased private sector participation in R&D is commendable, the gestation period for indigenous development remains significant.
- Recommendations:
- Sustained momentum in indigenization efforts requires consistent policy, adequate funding, and bipartisan support to make defence priorities election-proof.
- Prioritize cost-effectiveness but avoid underestimating threats and compromising on essential capabilities.
- Enhance R&D investments and private sector participation to accelerate self-reliance in defence technology.
Way Forward:
- India's defence predicament requires a nuanced approach that balances affordability with effectiveness and potency. A judicious assessment of threats, judicious resource allocation, and sustained investment in indigenous capabilities are crucial to ensure India's security in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.
