|
Three Invisible Men
|
|
Only strong political will and strategic vision can reform India’s national security structure |
|
|
 |
Admiral Arun Prakash (retd)
The Indian State squandered a historic opportunity, in 2001, when the crucial report of the group of ministers (GoM) on national security reform was allowed to fall by the wayside. By permitting an illusory and cosmetic implementation of its well-considered recommendations the government of the day undermined the very purpose of the GoM that it had itself convened. A decade down the line, it should surprise no one that India’s national security situation is in parlous straits and ‘strategic autonomy’ remains a chimera.
|
|
|
|
|
At a time when national security establishments the world over are undergoing radical transformation — driven largely by politicians — to match the evolving environment, the Indian system remains in the grip of inertia. Change is anathema, and there are enough vested interests to trot out hackneyed justifications for clinging to archaic thought-processes and outmoded structures and systems. This bodes ill for our national security.
By way of contrast, the resolute quest of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for attainment of comprehensive coercive power, including military capabilities, aimed to checkmate and, if possible, dominate its adversaries is indeed remarkable. But more impressive than its ability to sustain high levels of defence expenditure, and the advanced indigenous weaponry that it fields, is the grand-strategic vision and readiness to adopt change, that underpins China’s policies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|