INTRODUCTION – THE VISION
Focusing on country’s defence is any government’s prime responsibility for any country. Defence is a multidimensional area and mere focus on one does not prepare the country for any eventuality.
There could be nine key verticals that primarily constitute a comprehensive defence system. Every vertical is equally important and deserves equal focus and their critical review from time to time considering country’s policy, Country’s Economy, Country’s foreign relation, evolving global developments and country’s readiness to face any challenges anywhere, any time. Budget allocation for defence need to consider all these verticals. We believe every government works towards country’s defence to the best of its abilities though sometimes their vision gets opaque or sometimes esoteric due to political, economical or international relations compulsions.
1. Human resources and its training
2. Equipment Procurement process
3. Inventory requirements
4. Nuclear and space technology
5. Equipment Technology
6. Defence Strategy
7. Foreign policy
8. Intelligence Gathering
9. Border Infrastructure
NEHRU ERA – CASTING OF COUNTRY’S ROBUST FOUNDATION
It is important to note here that none of these requirements can be met overnight and they are often the result of a clear vision perpetuated through several governments. Our first prime minister had a great comprehensive vision which is evident from the fact that not a single vertical he missed out.
Though our economy was not that robust at the time of independence however Pandit Nehru had the vision to strengthen the army, Navy and Air Force. As a citizen, I can imagine that initially he relied on peace in his strategy since our economy was not that robust and peace was a much more economic option. Quickly learning from Chinese aggression, the strategy was changed and the Pakistan war was won convincingly despite the fact that China was supporting Pakistan in the back ground then. The institutions like ISRO , DRDO, Mazgaon Dock , Arms factory, Bharat Electronics, BARC to name a few.
We can’t forget that India’s missile programme that is scaling new heights was launched in 1958 under the leadership of Pandit Nehru. Another Example of a visionary leader.
NEVER ENDING VISIONARY PROCESS – BUILDING OF A MODERN INDIA
When we move further, Shastri ji had a small tenure and he focused on food grain self-reliant India. Mrs. Gandhi created history by dividing Pakistan into two halves, entering into nuclear arena showing India’s might of sustaining sanctions.In between 1977 Janta Party government continued with the same policies and not much they could do since their tenure was not long. Mr. Rajiv Gandhi ji’s vision in 1982-83 saw the launching of several of missiles programme in order to keep pace with time and technology and making India self reliant (Atmanirbhar). These missile programmes such as Agni , Dhanush.Rajiv Gandhi also brought Boforce gun to India and whose vision proved right during Kargil war. The Brahmos programme started during Mr. NarsinghRao government saw development of Prithvi series.
Mr. Bajpayee also contributed on this when India displayed its capabilities of improved nuclear strength. The ten years later Dr. Man Mohan Singh worked very silently and most of the project which are delivering results were initiated by his government. The Rafale plane procurement process was initiated by him in 2007 and by 2013 the deal was about to take place for 126 planes that would have strengthened Air Force strength by seven squadron. Clearly the thought process was to enhance, strengthen and modernize in phased manner since there was no immediate threat. Similarly all the border road / airport project were visualized during the UPA government and since on the hills , survey is the most time consuming task, it did take time and the projects could be completed during the regime of current government.
INDIA’S PROGRESS – ENGINE IS ITS PEOPLE
The current government pursued the policies of the previous government and they should be given the credit for that as to not to loose focus. The current government to an extend may have accelerated the projects and they deserve the credit for that.
The Current government however preferred to settle for only at 36 combat ready planes which is surprising. This 36 fighter planes order visibly looks small in number against 126 planes order that was being negotiated by UPA regime. The government has not disclosed any further details on this purchase citing national security. This remains a conundrum though in view of lack of information in public domain.
There could be examples, not known to us as no information is available in public domain, that may qualify as esoteric decisions though. Today we can’t discuss these any further in view of the non availability of complete information and the honourable supreme court’s judgement on this matter as any further discussion could very well be considered a case of contempt of the court.
To conclude , Every government has done their best including the present one , as much as they could considering the technologies available , The financial resources available , external conditions and to the best of their wisdom.