Indian Defence Review

India has close relations with Vietnam from earlier days. One of the primary aims of President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to India was to deepen the strategic and defence ties further with India. India has already been helping Vietnam in building its naval and air capabilities. Vietnam may even buy Brahamos cruise missile from India. In fact, Vietnam has already given India the right to operate from its sea port of Nha Trang. We should build similar bridges with other South Asian countries too by supporting them holistically. They will thus emerge as pressure points against China.

As a rising power, India must be in a position to take care of its interest beyond its frontiers. Whilst, both the Indian navy and the Indian air force have some trans-nation and trans-ocean capabilities, these need to be built up further and made more viable

These countries have been looking at India for long for support to balance the intimidating dragon. Bi-lateral relations in fields of defence, security, trade, investment, education and culture are growing fast. Free trade agreement signed between India and ASEAN   will help boost economic ties further. Some of these countries that are operating Russian origin military equipment have been seeking India’s help in training and maintenance areas. India is presently in a position to build these countries and deepen its foot print through strategic partnerships.

Presently, a near war like situation exists between China, Vietnam and Philippines over their claims in South China Sea. It would however be prudent for India not to get embroiled directly in their conflict. Notwithstanding., India must strive purposefully to build its Comprehensive National Power so as to be in a position to assert its will when time comes. Resurgent economy by itself will leave India no better than what Japan and Germany are today. Diplomacy too needs to be backed by hard power.

As a rising power, India must be in a position to take care of its interest beyond its frontiers. Whilst, both the Indian navy and the Indian air force have some trans-nation and trans-ocean capabilities, these need to be built up further and made more viable. It may be mentioned here that the only aircraft carrier that China will operationalise soon will be deployed in resource rich South China Sea Besides, recent report released by Pentagon on China’s hectic pace of modernisation is literally scary. New Delhi can ill-afford to ignore these facts.