Geopolitics

Pakistan's Confessions: Shouldn't go slow on defence modernisation
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Issue Net Edition | Date : 13 Jul , 2011

Pakistan has been beneficiary of defence largesse from the United States and of late from China as well. Because of this there has been less out go of finances for purchase of military equipment as compared to India.

As far as India is concerned in a worst case scenario it has to contend with hostilities on two fronts, with either both getting activated or active hostilities on one front and ‘stand off’ on the other. The induction of Chinese troops in Northern Area of Gilgit and Baltistan of POK is a new factor in this India-China–Pakistan triangle.

While India need not take the statement of Pakistan’s defence minister seriously, it has to draw up plans, to build adequate military capabilities on the one hand and on the other how best to meet the challenges of a possible war on two fronts.

A conflict on two fronts is easier contemplated than conducted. It was the bane of the German General Staff for half a century across two World Wars with no workable solution in sight. On both occasions the war ended with disastrous consequences for Germany, because it strived for victory on both fronts. In the Indian context the problems of a war on two fronts is far more complex, even if one is to discount problems of the North East, than what German army had to contend during the two World Wars. Here, therefore, lies a major lesson for Indian strategists who talk, rather lightly, of war on two fronts and are striving to work out a strategic concept to meet such a situation. In the past some arm chair strategists from India talked of ‘cold start’ without understanding the inherent disadvantages of such a concept for India and generated uncalled for controversy and apprehensions in Pakistan. Therefore, any concept of war on two fronts must remain confined to the realms of reality.

It would be wrong to examine Indian defence capabilities in relation to Pakistan alone. As an emerging economic power on the world stage, it has to have matching military capabilities whereby it can extend its area of influence over the entire region of its interest and to ensure peace and tranquility in this space. It should be able to keep the sea lanes free from interference from hostile navies for free flow of goods and energy needs of the countries in the region and its own. As also protect country’s off shore assets and island territories.

A strong military capability is needed to ensure that countrys vital interests are not jeopardized, area of influence does not shrink”¦

Though it has become fashionable these days to discuss soft power as a stand-alone, influential entity which by itself can further national interest, nothing could be more wrong. One of India’s former minister of sate for foreign affairs has been advocating that India should project its soft power in way of Indian food, Indian culture, classical dances etc and that by itself should suffice!

Soft power by itself is of no consequence and only when forms an extension of the hard power of a country that it acquires meaningful value in projection of a viable policy. . This is best explained if we look at the example of the U. S; the most successful exponent of soft power.

A strong military capability is needed to ensure that country’s vital interests are not jeopardized, area of influence does not shrink, it’s water resources are not high-jacked and external powers do not disturb internal peace and tranquility and gain foothold in the states on the periphery of country’s borders.

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The views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the Indian Defence Review.

About the Author

Lt Gen Harwant Singh

Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff. He also commanded a corps in J&K.

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