New Security Challenges Force India to Rethink Defence

Source: The post New Security Challenges Force India to Rethink Defence has been created, based on the article “Our defence policy must gear up for a 3.5-front security challenge” published in “Live Mints” on 7 May 2025. New Security Challenges Force India to Rethink Defence.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Security challenges & Science and technology-indigenization of technology

Context: The Pahalgam attack and increasing tensions with Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh highlight growing security threats. Simultaneously, global instability—driven by the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict—necessitates a fresh review of India’s defence strategy and spending priorities.

For detailed information on Challenges faced by India’s defense – India’s defense budgeting and the point of deterrence read this article here

1. Escalating Geopolitical Tensions

• Multi-Front Security Concerns: India now faces a 3.5-front challenge—from Pakistan, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, China, and rising instability in Bangladesh. China’s assertive border posturing over the last decade adds to the pressure.
• Global Rearmament Trends: The international security environment is shifting. Germany is restarting tank production in a 176-year-old factory, while Japan is considering changes to its pacifist constitution. These changes signal a return to hard-power politics.
• Conflict as a Global Risk: ‘State-based Armed Conflict’ topped the list of global risks for 2025 in a recent survey. Countries are asserting sovereignty and carving out zones of influence, heightening the threat of confrontations.

2. Need for Defence Spending Reform

• Spending Not Keeping Pace: India spends around 2% of its GDP on defence. Yet, defence outlays rose only 6.3% in 2023–24, 5.2% in 2024–25, and are budgeted to grow by 6.2% in 2025–26—well below India’s nominal GDP growth of 10–12%.
• China’s Military Advantage: China’s military budget exceeds $300 billion and has grown faster than its GDP, unlike India’s sub-$90 billion defence spending. This widening gap poses strategic risks.
• Poor Capital Allocation: Of India’s ₹6.8 trillion defence budget for 2025–26, only 26% is for capital expenditure. The rest covers routine costs—salaries, pensions, maintenance. Pension costs alone exceed 20% of revenue expenditure. The upcoming 8th Pay Commission may further tilt spending toward salaries.

3. Advancing Strategic and Technological Capabilities

• Digital and AI-Based Defence Tools: India must develop digital defence systems, including AI and cryptographic technologies. Defence R&D should be prioritized, just as physical border infrastructure was earlier strengthened.
• Emerging Space Threats: Space may become a future battlefield. Though nuclear weapons are banned under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, conventional militarization by countries like China is advancing rapidly.
• Urgent Investment in Space Security: India must strengthen satellite protection, surveillance, and ground-based systems. Space strategy must align with military needs and prepare for future conflict theatres.

4. Public-Private Collaboration

• Use India’s Startup Ecosystem: India should involve its private sector and startups in defence production. This can accelerate indigenization and reduce external dependence.
• Enhance Strategic Autonomy: Leveraging private innovation will boost national security and help build a self-reliant defence system.

Question for practice:

Discuss how rising regional and global security threats are reshaping India’s defence strategy and spending priorities.