A peculiar feature of the Indian security state is the frequency with which failures to anticipate enemy action are explained away as 'intelligence gaps or failures'.
Using expensive Main Battle Tanks as protective shields is economically inefficient. Their value, if any, lies in offence, not in stationary protection.
India spends heavily on defence but does not finance it. That distinction separates mature defence-industrial economies from those trapped in yearly budget cycles.
Within the modern-day Samudra Manthan lies the opportunity for India to redefine its role on the world stage by building a robust, adaptive security architecture.
PTC Industries is investing Rs 1,000 cr in 4 manufacturing plants in UP, has already started supplying titanium parts to BAE Systems for its M-777 howitzers that India also uses.
SIPRI’s latest data on Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2024, shows China spent $314 bn on its military in 2024, India spent $86.1 bn, while Pakistan spent $10.2 bn.
Speaking at an event, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also made a strong pitch for collaborative project between a foreign firm & Indian pvt player to produce fighter aircraft in India.
We are throwing money at imports while slipping behind competitors—China, certainly, but also Iran, South Korea, and Turkey—in technologies like stealth fighters, drones, and hypersonic missiles.
The once-dominant India-Russia defence relationship is waning. In its place, crude oil supplies have become the centrepiece of bilateral ties, signalling a fundamental shift.
‘Security situation demands capabilities. The hum of machinery must become a roar,’ NATO chief Mark Rutte said as he announced 5 new military contracts. Drones and ISR take the lead.
The Congress party’s abandonment of nationalism is the most intriguing aspect of its post-2014 politics. The real Congress was never a party of bleeding heart pacifists.
Great article. I am reading a book from Taleb titled ‘Fooled by randomness’. I feel that everyone in strategic security establishment must read it. The Monte carlo method can be helpful in wargaming and strategic thinking. Also the concept of alternative histories to wargame the future as mentioned in the book.
Alas! We lack in-depth thinking in security establishment. History does not repeat but it rhymes.
Brilliant article again. Shekhar ji should forward this article and the book recommendation (fooled by randomness) to all military friends (retired or serving).
Whatever be China’s reasons to start wars, it is important that all our politicians stand together in one voice, during the hour of need.
But out Congress party, will be more interested in politicking and spreading fake news. Ever since, the Gandhi nepokid, came to power.
No wars, please, with two nuclear armed adversaries – although one could also call them neighbours whom we cannot secede away to the North Atlantic, where some feel India rightly belongs – who have fused their military capabilities. India’s issues with Pakistan and China are well known and understood. The essential parity with China that India began with, for which many diplomats feel a great deal of nostalgia, is now beyond reach. The task of diplomacy to arrive at a more sustainable modus vivendi with both important neighbours.
The politicians can harp over Buddh ka Desh but the security establishment should consider the nation as Yudh ka Desh ! Buddh didn’t survive in modern day Afghanistan . Shatrubodh has been described well in Arthashastra. Bharat should never forget this aspect to survive. One can only spread the light of Buddh if it’s not destroyed in the first place.
Great article. I am reading a book from Taleb titled ‘Fooled by randomness’. I feel that everyone in strategic security establishment must read it. The Monte carlo method can be helpful in wargaming and strategic thinking. Also the concept of alternative histories to wargame the future as mentioned in the book.
Alas! We lack in-depth thinking in security establishment. History does not repeat but it rhymes.
Brilliant article again. Shekhar ji should forward this article and the book recommendation (fooled by randomness) to all military friends (retired or serving).
Whatever be China’s reasons to start wars, it is important that all our politicians stand together in one voice, during the hour of need.
But out Congress party, will be more interested in politicking and spreading fake news. Ever since, the Gandhi nepokid, came to power.
No wars, please, with two nuclear armed adversaries – although one could also call them neighbours whom we cannot secede away to the North Atlantic, where some feel India rightly belongs – who have fused their military capabilities. India’s issues with Pakistan and China are well known and understood. The essential parity with China that India began with, for which many diplomats feel a great deal of nostalgia, is now beyond reach. The task of diplomacy to arrive at a more sustainable modus vivendi with both important neighbours.
The politicians can harp over Buddh ka Desh but the security establishment should consider the nation as Yudh ka Desh ! Buddh didn’t survive in modern day Afghanistan . Shatrubodh has been described well in Arthashastra. Bharat should never forget this aspect to survive. One can only spread the light of Buddh if it’s not destroyed in the first place.