The Modi regime will have to evaluate the region's geo-political paradigm and its attendant security ramifications
The world's largest democracy now has a Government that is strong in numbers and, consequently, stable enough to last a full five-year term, with no encumbrances of coalition politics to peg it down from its intended goals. This nation deserves a Government that can fructify the countless dreams of a billion-plus people.
The new Government now has its task cut out in more ways than one to reinvigorate the currently faltering India Story. Among the myriad challenges that New Delhi has to confront will be ensuring a safe and secure environment for India in this restive and politically unstable region. That India's preparedness for the multiple and formidable security challenges looming on its geo-political radar, including in the internal dimension and emerging non-traditional threats, is currently wanting, will be a gross understatement. Moreover, the fact that some tend to forget the imperative of unhampered economic growth being possible only in a secure and stable environment, is indeed a cause of dismay.
All aspects of security preparedness for the nation must emerge from an all-encompassing National Security Doctrine. For formalising it, the new Government must take into confidence the three Services chiefs, the Integrated Defence Staff, apart from the other existing institutionalised civil mechanisms like the Cabinet Committee on Security, the National Security Adviser's office, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, India's nuclear establishment, civil intelligence agencies, the Defence Research and Development Organisation et al. That even the Service chiefs have generally been ignored by earlier Governments in matters of national security or nuclear policies is hardly worth emulating for the coming new dispensation in New Delhi. In addition, the Government should take a call on the widely-debated and much-needed introduction of the Chief of the Defence Staff appointment for rendering integrated services and single point advice to the Government.
Combat capabilities of the Armed Forces take painfully long to achieve. It is no secret that India, confronted with the unenviable challenge of being in readiness for waging a two-and-a-half-front war (China, Pakistan and internal security) has been, for some years, ill-prepared. The new Government will have to seriously factor in all the endemic shortcomings which plague India's security preparedness, be it shortage of budgetary allocations, bureaucratic inefficiency and insensitivity or alleged corruption in some defence deals. All inherent problems confronting the modernisation of the Armed Forces will have to be systematically ironed out.
India's defence budgetary allocations are just around 1.75 per cent of its GDP. This must be raised to at least three per cent as recommended by many successive Standing Committees on Defence. China spends nearly 7.5 per cent, Pakistan over five and the US about 4.5 per cent of its GDP on Defence.
It is a matter of serious concern that currently India is the largest importer of armaments in the world. The new Government must take all measures to cut down on arms imports by determinedly encouraging the establishment of indigenous industry for producing state-of-the-art arms and equipment. Simultaneously, FDI in defence needs to be increased from the current 26 per cent. In today's globalised economy, there is merit in inviting major defence companies to set up shop in India in collaboration with local defence units in the public sector.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in disturbed areas will also have to be re-visited. In Kashmir as well as in the Maoist-affected areas, there has been a spurt in terrorist activities. A coordinated and determined counter-insurgency effort is the need of the hour. Political parties must not hamper the implementation of the nation's fight against terror.
Importantly, India's nuclear preparedness will have to be analysed and prophylactic measures adopted. The nation has to assiduously endeavoured for a credible Triad nuclear capability. In addition, completion of critically infrastructure in the border regions, especially with China, requires immediate attention.
Mercifully, the UPA Government had given the go-ahead for raising a Mountain Strike Corps — but decisions have to be speedily implemented. As we endeavour to maintain ‘peace and tranquility' on the India-China border, let us never forget that a rising and assertive China only respects strength.
The new Government will also have to evaluate the region's geo-political paradigm and its security ramifications for India. Developments in Afghanistan, after it completes its historical presidential election process in June alongside the drawdown of the US and NATO troops from that country, will have to be factored in. Finally, it is hoped that the new regime will accord adequate respect to all its military veterans. It pains me, as an old soldier, to state that somewhere basic courtesy is lacking for those who serve the nation with pride and professionalism. The One Rank, One Pension scheme as announced, rather belatedly, by the outgoing regime, must be implemented faithfully. The next Pay Commission must have at least one Armed Forces representative.
(The writer was India's first Chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency)