India has been transforming its military procurement strategy. The country is reducing its long-standing dependence on Russian military equipment. This shift comes amid ongoing tensions with China and the war in Ukraine. Analysts note that India’s urgency to modernise its armed forces has increased . The deadly clash with China in 2020 has reshaped India’s security perceptions.
Background of India’s Military Procurement
India has historically been the largest importer of arms globally. Between 2019 and 2023, it accounted for nearly 10 percent of global arms imports. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported this trend. The nation aims to modernise its military capabilities while decreasing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Current Defence Strategies
India is actively courting new Western allies. It is enhancing partnerships with countries like the United States, France, and Israel. Upcoming deals include contracts for Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines. The Government of India plans to spend at least $100 billion on domestic military contracts by 2033. This is part of a broader initiative to boost local arms production.
Indigenous Manufacturing Initiatives
The Government of India has emphasised indigenous manufacturing. This shift began in the last decade. Despite challenges in producing high-end technology weapons, India has achieved notable milestones. Recent successes include launching a homemade aircraft carrier and testing a long-range hypersonic missile. The arms export market is also growing, with sales reaching $2.63 billion last year.
Shifting Alliances and Balance of Power
India’s defence cooperation with Western countries has deepened. This includes participation in the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia. Consequently, India’s dependence on Russian arms has decreased . In 2009-2013, Russia supplied 76 percent of India’s military imports. By 2019-2023, this figure dropped to 36 percent.
Maintaining Relations with Russia
Despite diversifying its sources, India continues to value its relationship with Russia. The country remains a key supplier of advanced weaponry. India has resisted external pressures to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Instead, it advocates for dialogue and negotiation between conflicting parties.
Future Prospects
India’s defence strategy is evolving. The government aims to triple its arms export market by 2029. A portion of its defence budget is allocated for local production. Upcoming deals, such as supplying Indonesia with supersonic cruise missiles, highlight India’s growing presence in the global arms market.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the implications of India’s shift from Russian military hardware to Western alliances.
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities of India’s indigenous arms manufacturing initiatives.
- Critically discuss the impact of the 2020 India-China clash on India’s military procurement strategies.
- Analyse the significance of India’s participation in the Quad alliance in the context of its defence policy.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the implications of India’s shift from Russian military hardware to Western alliances.
- Reduced dependence on Russian arms enhances India’s strategic autonomy.
- Strengthening ties with Western nations leads to advanced technology transfers.
- Increased military cooperation may improve India’s operational capabilities.
- Shift reflects a broader geopolitical realignment amid global tensions.
- Potential for economic benefits through local co-production agreements.
2. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of India’s indigenous arms manufacturing initiatives.
- India faces technological gaps in high-end military systems manufacturing.
- Government’s commitment of $100 billion by 2033 boosts local industry.
- Successful projects like the homemade aircraft carrier showcase potential.
- Growing arms export market presents new revenue streams for India.
- Collaboration with foreign firms can enhance domestic capabilities.
3. Critically discuss the impact of the 2020 India-China clash on India’s military procurement strategies.
- The clash heightened India’s urgency to modernize its armed forces.
- Shifted focus from traditional reliance on Russia to diversifying suppliers.
- Increased defense spending reflects new security priorities against China.
- Bolstered domestic manufacturing initiatives to enhance self-reliance.
- Changed public and political perception of national security needs.
4. Analyse the significance of India’s participation in the Quad alliance in the context of its defence policy.
- Quad enhances strategic partnerships with key global powers.
- Facilitates joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.
- Strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region against China.
- Promotes a collective security framework among member nations.
- Encourages defense industrial collaboration and technology exchanges.
