Anirudh Tyagi & Sarthak Chawla

(University of Delhi, Zakir Husain Delhi College)

Abstract:

A powerful defense system is essential for safeguarding a country’s freedom and authority as well as for defending it against possible threats. Bharat’s ambition to become a world power by 2047 emphasizes how crucial a strong defense industry is to both political and economic stability. Bharat’s defense vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for modernization.

To improve its own defensive capabilities, Bharat is concentrating on utilizing high- tech instruments like networked databases, cyber security systems, and AI-powered intelligence. Bharat wants to fortify its infrastructure and armed forces to counter changing threats.

Bharat is promoting international security alliances with nations such as the US, Russia, Brazil, France, and Israel by means of technology exchanges, defense pacts, and combined military drills. Bharat aims to strengthen its international military network by shared intelligence, military expertise, and advanced technologies.

Keywords:

Bharat, Military, Defence, Expenditure, Military Expenditure, Defence Technology, Asian Subcontinent, China, Pakistan, Global

Introduction:

A strong defence field safeguards a nation from potential threats to ensure its freedom, glory, and authority. Defence sector is essential for a nation’s dominance in the world, overall security, and stability. Defence helps in determining possible aggressors and reduces the risk of confrontation with them to ensure the safety of its residents.

Bharat’s national goals, varied security problems, and geopolitical location all influence its military strategy. With a sizable standing military that consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the nation maintains a strong defensive organization. Modernization, technical development, and preserving readiness to confront regional security threats especially those posed by China and Pakistan are the key priorities of the Bhartiya Armed Forces. Strategic autonomy is also emphasized in Bharat’s defense strategy, which combines both foreign military alliances and domestic defense manufacturing. A key component of the country’s defensive posture is its nuclear capabilities, which include deterrents located on land, the air, and the sea.

Bharat is also dedicated to combating non-traditional security challenges, domestic insurgencies, and terrorism. It is also an active participant in regional security arrangements, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), strengthening its position in global defense and security dynamics.

Bharat’s aim to establish itself as a global power has been driven by both economic objectives and an absolute need for an efficient defence security system. As the country seeks to become the world’s largest economy by 2047, following the goal of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-sufficient Bharat), it realizes the importance of an effective defence sector that safeguards its economic and political future.

Bharat’s vital position in the South Asian region, along with a history of conflict in the region along with complex geopolitical challenges highlights the importance of enhancing its defensive systems. Bharat’s role in battles such as the Indo-China War in 1962 and the Indo-Pakistan wars (in 1947-48 and 1965) have shown many vulnerabilities, including inadequate and outdated military equipment, difficulties with logistics, and a lack of technological developments. All of these previous experiences have pointed out the importance of a strong and modern defensive system.

Throughout the years, Bharat’s military strategy has changed dramatically, especially in the wake of its conflicts with China and Pakistan. Every conflict yielded fresh insights and resulted in notable modifications to military tactics, modernization, and

infrastructure fortification. Bharat’s defense structure evolved following significant battles like –

1962 Sino-Indian War: Bharat’s 1962 confrontation with China served as a sobering reminder of serious deficiencies in military readiness, particularly along the Himalayan borders. Following this loss, Bharat made a number of significant adjustments:

Modernization of the Military: Bharat concentrated on enhancing logistics and mobility in high-altitude areas, as well as modernizing its army, particularly with regard to its capacity for mountain combat.
New Border Defense Forces: To further protect its northern borders with China, Bharat formed the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) following the
Strategic Overhaul: By strengthening the borders and enhancing command systems, the military implemented a defense-in-depth strategy. This set the stage for a more multi-layered, strategic defense.

1965 Indo-Pak War: An important turning point that brought to light the necessity for improved coordination and increased mobility among Bharat’s Army, Navy, and Air Force was the 1965 war with Pakistan. Following the war, Bharat’s defense structure underwent significant changes, including:

Adapting to Modern Warfare: The Bhartiya military started focusing more on armored divisions and tanks, as well as enhancing the Air Force’s
Increasing Kashmir Defenses: Bharat increased its defenses in the area after the conflict confirmed the strategic significance of Jammu and Kashmir.
Extending the Air Force: To strengthen its air defense capabilities, Bharat started acquiring more sophisticated aircraft, such as the MiG-21.

1967 Sino-Indian Border Skirmishes (Nathu La and Cho La): The smaller-scale but nonetheless important 1967 Sikkim conflicts with China (Nathu La and Cho La) served as further evidence of the necessity for improved border security and intelligence. Among the major adjustments were:

Increased Border Security: Bharat bolstered its border security in Sikkim and Tibet, concentrating on enhancing infrastructure and surveillance.
Mountain Warfare Specialized Training: The Army concentrated on improving its skills in mountain warfare, particularly improved coordination with the Air Force for reconnaissance and surveillance.

Impact of Global Wars on Bharat’s Defence field:

Global wars, such as the Israel-Palestine war, show the importance of defensive readiness for national security. Despite its geographical limitations and constant concerns about safety, Israel has developed an advanced military system (like Iron dome technology, AI controlled drones etc.) that uses technology and artificial intelligence (AI) for maintaining an advantage in areas of battle. Artificial Intelligence tools that are being used by Israel to trace down the potential threats to the nation are ‘Gospel’ and ‘Lavender’, Gospel tool analyzes the surveillance data to identify Hamas’s commanders, Missiles and command centers etc. And helps in processing their information faster.

On the other hand, Lavender tool works as a database that is used for target recommendation, it lists Palestinian men that are linked with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. To overcome the problem of movements in the underground tunnels known as ‘Gaza Metro’ by Hamas, Israel uses ground penetrating radars and seismic sensors to detect their movements. Israel not only uses advance technology offense but also in defence, Israel uses ‘Iron Dome’ technology to destroy missiles and drones that are launched by the other countries, recently Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles on Israel which were intercepted by the ‘Iron Dome’.

By studying Israel’s security plans, Bharat has also analyzed the current disadvantages it faces in the defence sector to improve its own capabilities through advanced technologies, AI-powered intelligence to bolster Bharat’s defence forces, and stronger defensive infrastructure. Bharat is continuously adapting the concepts of AI and advanced technology in its defence sector which is enhancing its capabilities cyber security and combats strategies. In current scenario Bharat also uses advance technology and Artificial Intelligence tools like NATGRID (Nation Intelligence Grid), CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems), Cybersecurity threat Detection etc. These AI tools traces down the individuals who poses threat to the nation’s security and processes the crime records and databases.

Along with technological enhancement, Bharat has been developing its network in other countries, recognizing the value of global alliances in the security and defense of the nation Bharat has established itself as an important part of global security frameworks through multi-defense agreements, joint military training exercises, and defense trade deals. Countries such as the United States, Russia, Brazil, France, and Israel have become key alliances, exchanging defense technology, intelligence, and military expertise.

Key Strategies for strengthening of Defence Sector

Alongside these approaches Bharat is also deeply considering other strategies which can enhance its Defence field, some of the Key Strategies that are being used by Bharat for Strengthening its Defence sectors are: –

Modernizing Technology: Defence modernization involves upgrading outdated military hardware, weapons systems, and infrastructure to keep up with evolving threats. This involves advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, use of drones, autonomous vehicles Regular updates to equipment ensure forces remain capable of responding to threats they face. Bharat has taken significant steps to modernize the defensive technology that is being used in defence sector. IDEX (Innovations for defence excellence) and DPP (Defence Procurement Policy) are some of the initiatives that has been introduced and revised to focus on enhancing domestic defence manufacturing, promote and encourage startups, MSME’s and private companies to collaborate with Bhartiya Defence Ecosystem.
Enhance Personnel skills: Well-trained personnel are the backbone of any defence force. Strengthening training programs are provided to personnel to upgrade their skills which helps them in different types of warfare. Bhartiya Defence sector has implemented several training programs to enhance the skills of its personnels like Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti (MRGS), Integrated Defence Staff training (IDS), Army skill training Centre, Foreign training and joint exercises/missions etc.
Invest in Research and Development: Research enables the creation of cutting- edge technologies and innovative solutions to emerging threats. It involves collaborating with private and academic sectors to explore next-generation capabilities. These researches improve the quality of defence systems.
Defence Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Defence innovation often stems from collaboration with private companies, startups, and entrepreneurs. Encouraging innovation through venture capital, military technology incubators, and partnerships with non-traditional defence companies helps develop niche technologies and applications. Additionally, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within defence organisations encourages the rapid adoption of new ideas and solutions to adapt to dynamic threat environments. Ministry of Defence of Bharat has set up Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) which manages iDEX program and acts as a connection link between the defence ecosystem and private sector startups by providing them fundings for innovative projects [2].
Manufacturing of defence products: Manufacturing of arms and defensive weapons helps a country to reduce the Fiscal deficit. Higher dependency on imports leads to fiscal For example, Bharat is the largest importer of arms in the world. Bharat purchases 60% of its arms from foreign markets despite having the 5th largest defence budget in the world. Manufacturing of arms within the nation enables the country to sell it to foreign markets. Bharat has registered an increase in growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the previous financial year and 60% increase since 2019-20 [1] which helps the annual defence production record high of approximately Rs 1.27 lakh Crores in financial year 2023-24.
Increase in the defence budget: An increase in the defence sector’s budget permits the sector to invest in essential commodities for research and offer adequate guidance

to its personnel. Bharat has seen an increase of Rs.27,000 crores in the Defence Budget for the financial year 2024-25 making it reach 6.21 Lakh crores showing a growth of approximately 4.8%.

The above graph (provided by SIPRI) shows the increase in defence expenditure from 1960’s which was only possible with the increase in Defence budget [5].

The purpose of investing in defence is to protect the citizens of the nation from different types of threats and to maintain global peace. A robust defence foundation provides a secure environment for national growth and global influence.

Bharat’s Defence trade Dynamics: Imports and Exports Overview

Bharat continues to lead global arms imports, largely due to its defense needs and regional security concerns, especially relating to China and Pakistan. According to the latest data from SIPRI, Bharat accounted for about 9.8% of the world’s total arms imports from 2019 to 2023. This period saw an increase of 4.7% in imports compared to 2014-2018, despite Bharat’s push for defense self-reliance (known as “aatmanirbharta”) and growth in domestic arms production.

Historically, Russia has been Bharat’s primary supplier, but this dynamic is changing. Russia’s share in Bharat’s imports dropped significantly, accounting for 36% in 2019–23, down from 76% a decade ago. Bharat has diversified its defense partnerships by increasingly importing from Western countries, especially France and the United States. France, for instance, is now a major supplier, contributing 29% of

Bharat’s imports and supplying critical assets such as Rafale fighter jets. The U.S. has also gained ground as a key supplier.

(Graph showing the defence exports from 2014-15 to 2023-24)

(Graph showing the defence imports)

Bharat’s defense imports and exports have undergone significant changes from 1950 to 2024, reflecting shifts in the country’s geopolitical landscape, strategic objectives, and technological advancements.

Post-Independence Era (1950s): Following independence in 1947, Bharat inherited a fragile defense infrastructure heavily reliant on British colonial systems. The country relied extensively on imports, mainly from Britain, for equipment such as aircraft, ships, and small arms.
Pivot Towards the Soviet Union (1960s-1970s): The 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pak War led to a surge in Bharat’s defense needs. With the United States halting military aid after the 1965 war with Pakistan, Bharat strengthened its ties with the Soviet Union.
- By the late 1960s, the Soviet Union had become Bharat’s primary defense
- Key imports included MiG fighter jets, T-72 tanks, artillery, and naval

– These imports shaped Bharat’s military capabilities for several decades.

3.1980s-1990s: Advancements in Technology and Domestic Initiatives:

During the 1980s, Bharat’s reliance on the Soviet Union for advanced technologies, including nuclear submarines, missile systems like the S-125 Pechora, and aircraft such as the MiG-29, continued through imports. The USSR’s support also contributed to the development of Bharat’s nuclear program. In the late 1980s, Bharat shifted its focus towards self-sufficiency, with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and public sector units like HAL and Bharat Electronics Limited playing a key role in reducing reliance on imports. However, large platforms like aircraft carriers and submarines were still being imported from the Soviet Union.

4. After 1991:

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Bharat was compelled to diversify its sources and turned to countries like France, Israel, and the U.K. as significant suppliers. Notably, Bharat acquired Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France and submarine technology from Germany.

5. From the 2000s:

Bharat has emphasized self-reliance and strategic partnerships. In the 2000s, Bharat aimed to modernize its military by collaborating with the U.S., Israel, and Russia.

Important acquisitions included Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, Israeli Barak missile systems, and U.S. C-17 Globemaster and Apache helicopters.
Israel became a crucial defense partner, supplying UAVs (drones) and electronic warfare systems.
Bharat joined the S. Defense Cooperation Framework Agreement in 2005, strengthening relationships.

6. Indigenous Focus: The ‘Make in Bharat’ Initiative (2010s-2020s):

Starting from 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in Bharat’ initiative renewed the emphasis on domestic defense production.
Bharat initiated significant projects such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, INS Arihant nuclear submarine, and various indigenous missile systems (e.g., BrahMos, developed jointly with Russia).
Despite these initiatives, Bharat retained its position as the world’s largest arms importer until 2020, with significant imports from Russia, the U.S., France, and Israel.

7.2021-2024: Decreasing Imports, Expanding Exports

From 2021 to 2024, Bharat made significant progress towards achieving self- sufficiency and boosting exports in the defense sector. This progress was marked by a reduction in defense imports and several notable achievements. These achievements were a result of the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, which aimed to promote domestic defense manufacturing and led to the development of indigenous systems such as the Arjun MBT, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), and a wider range of missiles including the Akash. Furthermore, Bharat successfully expanded its defense export markets, with a specific focus on Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In 2023, Bharat’s defense exports surpassed ₹13,000 crores, with key exports consisting of patrol vessels, light helicopters, artillery systems, and radar systems. Despite this progress, Bharat’s partnerships with Israel and Russia remained significant, although there was a noticeable shift towards local development in collaboration with foreign entities.

For the fiscal year 2023–2024, Bharat’s defence budget was ₹5.94 lakh crore (about USD 72.6 billion), a 13% increase over the previous year. In the budget for 2023–24, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was given ₹23,264 crore, or roughly USD 2.84 billion, to assist the development of export oriented indigenous systems and technology. A defence export target of ₹35,000 crore (about USD 4.8 billion) was established by the government for 2025.

Defence ministry data shows that exports jumped by an astronomical 78 percent in the first quarter of 2024-2025. Defence exports in April-June leapt to Rs 6,915 crore from Rs 3,885 crore in the year-ago period. While the US has emerged as the biggest defence export destination, the government is also focusing on countries in Africa and elsewhere to supply defence goods, with easier lines of credit and a diplomatic push.

Key Countries for Importing Military Equipment (1950-2024):

The Soviet Union/Russia supplied approximately 60-70% of Bharat’s military arsenal, which included tanks, aircraft, missiles, and submarines.
France provided Mirage jets, Rafale fighters, and Scorpene submarines to

Israel supplied Bharat with UAVs, missile defense systems, and
The United States provided P-8I surveillance aircraft, C-130J Hercules, Apache helicopters, and M777 howitzers to Bharat.
Germany contributed submarine technology and engines to
The United Kingdom provided early aircraft and naval systems to Bharat after

Key Markets for Bhartiya defense exports:

In recent years include Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Patrol vessels and radar systems have been imported by Kenya, Mauritius, and Mozambique in Africa.

Ongoing discussions are being held with countries like Brazil and Argentina in Latin America.

Despite efforts to diversify, a significant portion of Bharat’s defense equipment still originates from Soviet/Russian sources, including spares and ammunition, making it susceptible to geopolitical tensions. Bharat has been striving to ensure that new defense imports involve technology transfers, as demonstrated in the Rafale deal with France. While Bharat has made significant progress in missile and naval systems, there are still substantial gaps in advanced fighter jets, helicopters, and artillery.

Recent export deals-

The BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: which Bharat has been aggressively promoting to several In 2022, the Philippines emerged as one of the main purchasers.
Helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Bharat has supplied South Asian and African nations with light helicopters and UAVs.
Indigenous Warships: Mauritius and the Maldives are among the nations to which Bharat has manufactured and exported warships, including offshore patrol vessels.
Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Several foreign nations, notably Argentina and Malaysia, are considering purchasing the domestically produced Tejas LCA.

The Bhartiya government has been a significant driver behind this export boom, implementing policies that simplify licensing and approvals, and demonstrating a greater willingness to supply lethal arms. In 2020, the Narendra Modi government set a target to achieve Rs 35,000 crore ($5 billion) in defence exports within five years. This is part of a broader strategy to attain a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore ($25

billion) in defence manufacturing by 2025. The most recent data from the Ministry of Defence reveals that in 2023-2024, Bharat’s defence exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore, marking a 32.5% increase from the previous fiscal year [3].

Bharat’s defence export market has grown exponentially, driven by strategic government policies, robust international demand, and strong partnerships with global defence giants like the US. With exports now reaching over 90 countries, Bharat is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in the global defence industry. As the nation continues to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and expand its global engagements, it is well on its way to achieving its ambitious targets and solidifying its status as a major defence exporter.

Bharat and its Neighborhood Relations

On the entire south Asian subcontinent was unified under the British after the decline of Mughal empire in Bharat. The British establish a double line of defence, based on the policy of reverse slops under this policy, China and Russia were to have no presence in the sub-continent and the British tried to ensure this through the subordination of individual states. The British establish a buffer state fences on reverse Himalayan slopes. The partition of Bharat and Pakistan in 1947 saw a reversal of reverse slope policy and opened up the possibility of foreign intervention in the region, which Bharat did not favor. After the partition despite a loss of territory in border of west and east, Bharat emerged as a pre-eminent regional power.

Due to a huge territory and its geographical importance in the sub-continent, the subsequent security conception of Bharat was not national but geographical and regional in nature.

Bharat’s relationship with Bhutan: – Since 1962 Sino-Indian war, Bharat has been focusing on forward access to the upper reaches of Himalayas to keep an eye on China. In this respect Bhutan becomes strategically significant from the Bhartiya point of view. Bharat has strategic presence in Bhutan. Bharat has established the IMTRAT (Indian Military Training Unit) in Haa district of Under a bilateral agreement Bharat also provides training to military officers of Bhutan in Bharat. The BRO (Border Roads Organisation) has since 1961, run project ‘Dantak’ under which it provides telecom works, infrastructures etc.

Bharat’s relationship with Afghanistan: – Modern Bharat and Afghanistan relation are traced back to Bharat and Afghanistan treaty of friendship in The treaty laid down the foundation of diplomatic ties and enabled the foundational relationship in culture and trade. During the World War 2, an agreement was signed between British Bharat and Afghanistan. As per the 1945 agreement British Bharat would supply Arms and train the Afghan

soldiers. After Bharat’s independence, Bharat asserted that it can continue to train Afghan soldiers but it will not go ahead with arms supply. As it would contradict Bharat’s non-alignment credentials and its quest for international peace.

Bharat’s relationship with Pakistan: – Today it is not a nuclear capable Pakistan that deters Bharat, but an ambiguity that allows Pakistan to indulge in the risk-seeking behavior of supporting terrorists and proxies. The nuclear weapons offer a shield to Pakistan’s adventurism and offers them immunity in long run. Pakistan uses terrorism as a rational strategy as it is design to generate security and survivability for Pakistan. This kind of militancy has been nurtured by Pakistan to hide its domestic, economic and political weaknesses and the state uses it as a tool of asymmetric warfare to confront Bharat. To counter these threats Bhartiya defence launches military operations, air Stikes etc. Often.

Bharat’s relationship with China: – Both Bharat and China have nuclear weapons, and their relationship is characterized by inverse deterrence. China has a more destructive and advanced nuclear arsenal, but Bharat’s “trustworthy minimum deterrence” and “no first use” (NFU) policies are intended to ensure strategic stability. Bharat developed its nuclear capabilities in response to China’s nuclear weapon development, which began in the 1960s. Bharat has developed nuclear missiles, including the Agni-V, which can reach important Chinese cities. This missile is seen as part of Bharat’s deterrent to China. China, on the other hand, is continuing to modernize its nuclear arsenal, particularly its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability.

Conclusion:

Bharat’s desire to become global power requires the modernization of its defense forces due to strategic ambitions and the security threats of its surroundings.

Unfinished border distances with China and Pakistan, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, rebellion in Northeast, extremism that has left extremism (LWE) and the growing problem of urban terrorism, these are the Bharat security problems. In order to effectively solve these threats and prepare for modern wars, Bharat must arm its advanced and military advanced weapons.

The government continues to modernize the military in response to major geopolitical changes, so advanced technology is decisive during the war. The future battlefield will be highly dependent on technology, and technological superiority will play a key role in determining the outcome of future conflicts. Therefore, prioritizing

technological self-sufficiency is essential. Bharat’s Defence Modernization Challenges and Appropriate Solutions? Bharat’s defence spending, although growing, remains below the global average for major powers, limiting its acquisition of modern weapons. Competing priorities between defence, social welfare and economic development often lead to trade-offs over defence appropriations.

Bharat’s defence procurement process is slow, with significant delays between planning and execution. Reducing this lengthy process to one or two years at most remains a major challenge. Simplify documentation requirements and reduce processing times to streamline regulatory and procurement processes.

Improving port facilities is essential to efficient maritime operations. Initiatives like the Sagar Mala project aim to revitalize this infrastructure.

Bharat needs to make the most of the Blue Economy while balancing its national interests with its responsibilities towards smaller Neighbour’s. Developing a strong maritime industrial infrastructure will help Bharat meet its own needs while supporting its maritime partners.

In addition to this, a permanent National Security Commission, authorized by an Act of Parliament, needs to be established to oversee the development of national security capabilities, both military and non-military. Implementation of these recommendations will help ensure that Bharat’s armed forces are well prepared to deal with future threats and challenges and contribute positively to the security of South Asia and the Hind Mahasagar region along with Bharat’s strategic partners. The government has made strides by announcing a set of reforms under the Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan that will help attract foreign direct investment, streamline defence procurement in a time-bound manner and boost domestic participation in the defence sector.

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