Challenges faced by India’s defense – India’s defense budgeting and the point of deterrence

Source: The post challenges faced by India’s defense has been created on the article “India’s defense budgeting and the point of deterrence” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 -security- Security challenges & Science and technology-indigenization of technology

News: This article discusses the challenges faced by India in balancing its defense needs with budget constraints. It highlights the importance of indigenization in defense production. The article stresses the necessity of adequate defense budgeting, even amidst electoral pressures, to ensure national security against potential threats.

What is the current state of India’s defense?

What are the challenges faced by India’s defense?

Reduced Squadron Strength: The IAF’s current squadron strength is 32, far below the desired number, with a slow growth plan to reach 35 in ten years.

Budgetary Limitations: The defense budget is under pressure due to electoral commitments. For example, in 2023-24, the defense capital acquisition budget was short by ₹13,746 crore from the requested amount.

Low R&D Expenditure: India’s research and development spending in defense is low at 0.7% of GDP, compared to China’s 2.54%. Globally, India ranks 53rd in R&D spending, while China spent $421 billion in 2022.

Change in Military Strategy: Post the Russia-Ukraine war, India’s military strategy has shifted from preparing for short, intense conflicts to envisioning extended warfare scenarios.

What are the Government’s Initiatives?

Innovations For Defense Excellence (iDEX): A key initiative to foster innovation in defense, enhancing self-reliance.

Service-Specific Competitions: The IAF’s Baba Mehar Singh competition, for example, promotes the development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ordnance Factory Board Restructuring: This move is aimed at improving efficiency in defense manufacturing, a significant step in defense sector reform.

Private Sector Participation: Emphasizing on private sector involvement, with 25% of R&D funds dedicated to private companies.

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Drive: It is promoting self-reliance in defense, includes restricting certain imports and boosting local manufacturing, leading to an encouraging rise in India’s defense exports. For example, in 2022-23, India’s defense exports reached a record high of approximately Rs 16,000 crore, a tenfold increase from Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.

Way forward

India’s defense preparedness, essential for countering threats from the north and west, demands a balance between affordability and effectiveness. The modernization requirements of the Indian Air Force and the Army, coupled with naval strategies in the Indian Ocean, call for a judicious increase in budget allocation. This is crucial for maintaining a strong deterrent against potential adversaries, considering the ongoing geopolitical shifts in the Asia-Pacific region.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s focus on indigenization and increased R&D spending can address its current defense challenges and enhance national security.