Sir — The successful launch of Agni V has proved India’s competence in missile technology, and its ability to produce sophisticated warheads without foreign support. India’s no first-use policy makes it imperative for it to develop a strong second-strike capability.
However, we must not get swayed by these launches as there are some legitimate questions which point to chinks in our armour. On the one hand, we are successfully producing ‘inter-continental ballistic missiles’. One the other, we have failed to provide advance rifles and specialised defensive gear to our soldiers.
We lack the same advancement and competence in small-arms industry. India has failed to develop an advance rifle for its soldier. A majority of our regular soldiers use the same INSAS rifle and AKs of the Kargil war era. We still import various small arms, used by our special forces from countries such as Israel and the US. Our defence forces need a holistic advancement of their weapon systems.