Kautilya’s Military Strategy and its Relevance in India’s National Security

-By Leena

Abstract

This paper aims to understand Kautilya’s Military Strategy through his Saptanga theory, which outlines the seven essential elements of the state in his literature. The Saptanga theory refers to the seven-state factor, and this article primarily focuses on the fourth one, Durga (Fortress). Durga represents the importance of having a robust defence and security system to safeguard the state.

The three power priorities are mantra-shakti, which refers to the Power of counsel and diplomacy; Prabhav-shakti, which refers to the Power of treasury and army; and Uttsah-shakti, which refers to the Power of personal energy. The focus is mainly on the second concept of priority of power, which refers to the power of the treasury and army, referred to today as economic and military power.

Introduction

Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a traditional Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy believed to have been authored by the Indian scholar and statesman, Chanakya (also known as Kautilya) in the 4th century BCE. Arthashastra guides state governance and covers foreign policy, law and order, taxes, diplomacy, and warfare tactics. India’s military strategy from 2019 to 2022 combines traditional security concerns with emerging threats, requiring a balanced approach encompassing preparedness for conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations, including the use of technologies in air-to-ground strikes. Adoption was also included. India will continue to enhance its military capabilities through strategic partnerships while addressing regional security challenges. Thus, India sought to strengthen its defence capability through modernisation programmes, strategic alliances and the indigenous production of defence materials that would help protect national interests and contribute to regional stability and security.

Kautilya’s Military Strategy

As an old Indian military advisor and thinker, Kautilya stressed the need for a well-trained and equipped army to ward off enemy attacks. According to him, rulers should continuously invest in improving their soldiers by training and equipping them. Furthermore, Kautilya highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and espionage as key elements of warfare. He advocated sending spies on covert missions so that they could gather accurate information about the intentions, capabilities, and weaknesses of the enemy, which helped in making informed decisions during the war. Kautilya’s Saptanga theory views state power as a set of physical variables that can be analysed satisfactorily. This theory underpins a more comprehensive understanding of national power. Kautilya has defined Durga (fort) as an essential, powerful defence-security structure to protect the state. Kautilya also suggests another concept, which suggests three power areas: Prabhav—Shakti, the importance of the treasury, and the army.

India’s Military Strategy from 2019 to 2022

India faces diverse security challenges, including territorial disputes with neighbouring countries, cross-border terrorism, maritime security concerns, and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. To deter potential adversaries and defend its borders, India maintains a credible conventional deterrent capability. This includes a sizable standing army with modern weaponry, armoured formations, artillery, and a robust air defence network. (Maslekar, 2020)

India’s Military Strategy significantly changed; for example, Key initiatives included the induction of advanced weaponry, such as Rafale fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and S-400 missile defence systems, to bolster air defence capabilities and enhance operational readiness and advanced naval platforms, such as INS Vikrant (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) and P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, along with efforts to bolster naval domain awareness through enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. (year and review, 2019-2022). Secondly, the Indian government has significantly increased the defence budget yearly from 2019 to 2022 and has initiated significant economic initiatives in the military. (India, 2019 to 2022).

Kautilya’s Military Strategy and Current Military Reform

According to Kautilya’s literature, a fortress represents a state’s defence system, while Prabhav-Shakti refers to the strength of their treasury and army. Experts are currently analysing India’s military strategy from 2019 to 2022. During this period, India adopted a pragmatic and multi-faceted approach to national security, combining ancient wisdom with contemporary imperatives. By fortifying its defences, strengthening its military capabilities, and forging strategic partnerships, India sought to protect its sovereignty and advance its interests in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. As India continues to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, the enduring principles articulated by Kautilya provide valuable insights into the art and science of statecraft and defence.

In 2019, appointing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and creating the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is considered the most significant and transformative defence reform any government has undertaken since independence. The DMA understands its importance and has the responsibility of leading various reforms within the military establishment to ensure the best utilisation of scarce national resources, improve coordination and cooperation between the Services, and drive the modernisation of the military to face the ever-changing challenges of modern warfare, as stated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.(India, Year and review ministry of defence, 2019).

Conventional Military Modernisation reform in the Indian military; for example, in 2019, a contract for five squadrons of long-range surface-to-air S-400 missile systems was signed with the Russian government. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and M777 are examples of the Indian industry’s indigenously designed Hi-Tech and modern equipment; these systems were added to IAF’s inventory. The Indian Army has also taken significant steps in leveraging Artificial Intelligence, 5G, and Quantum technology to gain an edge over adversaries and better manage its forces. Induction of Niche Technologies: A wide range of niche technologies are being inducted to enhance extended-range precision attack capabilities (India, Year and review ministry of defence, 2019).

Border Security and Territorial Defence, for example, Infrastructure Development in the Ladakh region. In 2021, The Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, recently inaugurated 75 projects consisting of roads and bridges that BRO constructed in six Indian States and two Union Territories. In a ceremony held in Kyungam, which is located 88 km from Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated 63 bridges and seven roads to the Nation. (India, Year and review Ministry of defence, 2021). Modernisation of Border Infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh: India focused on modernising border infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly along the McMahon Line separating it from China. This involved the construction of roads, bridges, and advanced surveillance systems to improve border security and facilitate rapid troop movement in the region.

DRDO successfully conducted three flight tests of its indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) “Dhruvastra” in 2020, highlighting the importance of indigenous defence production (India, Year and review Ministry of Defence, 2020). In 2020, a new generation anti-radiation missile (RUDRAM) was successfully flight-tested. Developed by DRDO, RUDRAM is the first indigenous anti-radiation missile of the country designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The missile accurately hit its radiation target, making it a potent weapon for the IAF to suppress enemy air defence from considerable stand-off ranges effectively. (India G. o., 2020). In 2021, the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) significantly boosted Atmanirbhar Bharat. The missile features a state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker and advanced avionics. (India G. o., Year and review, 2021).

Economic initiatives in the Indian military from 2019 to 2022: the Indian government significantly increased the defence budget and took significant steps.

For example, India’s defence budget increases yearly.


Year	2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23
Defence budget USD in Billion	50.9	51.3	56.6	64.6	66.3	71.5	72.9	76.6	81.4
PERCENTAGE of GDP	2.54%	2.46%	2.54%	2.53%	2.43%	2.52%	2.88%	2.66%	2.4%
Year By Growth in Percentage	3%	1%	5%	9%	2%	5%	3%	4%	6%

Sources: Created by Author

The Technology Development Fund (TDF) program will take place in 2021. With a corpus fund of Rs. 100 Cr, TDF aims to encourage the indigenisation of defence products, subsystems, and components by Indian industries, especially MSMEs. The fund may also support the development of new technologies as required by DRDO, Services, and DPSUs. Under TDF, the cost of each project can be up to Rs 10 Cr, and the industry can receive funding for up to 90% of the project cost. (India G. o., year and review Ministry of Defence , 2021)

The Indian Navy has initiated the Innovation for Defence Excellence (IDEX) challenge to encourage and support potential future entrepreneurs in the defence sector. As part of this initiative, they signed a contract worth Rs. 13 crores to procure India’s first indigenously developed Robotic Lifebuoys under the “Unmanned Surface Vehicles” category. The contract was awarded to a startup called Saif Seas based in Visakhapatnam. To promote innovation and support startups in the Defence and Aerospace sector, the Government has approved a scheme with an outlay of Rs. 500 crores from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This scheme will allow more than 300 startups to participate in new design and development projects (India G. o., Year and Review Ministry of defence, 2019).

Conclusion

Kautilya’s Military Strategy is full of timeless wisdom and strategic insights that have shaped India’s national security agenda. By following the principles of statecraft, diplomacy and military strategy outlined in the Arthashastra, India can confidently deal with the complexities of the modern security landscape. The continuing importance of Kautilya’s teachings as India seeks to establish itself as a leading regional power and global actor, acting as a guide to preserving national interests and ensuring peace and prosperity for its people. Is. Kautilya’s understanding of the art of war provides timeless lessons that are relevant even today in India. His focus on intelligence gathering, deception, and psychological warfare highlights the importance of strategic insight and adaptability on the battlefield. In an era marked by asymmetric threats and hybrid warfare, Kautilya’s principles guide dealing with enemies while remaining at the forefront of defense. Furthermore, Kautilya sees economic strength as central to national security, consistent with India’s ambitions for continued growth and development. Regarding this interrelationship between economic prosperity and military power, he explains why wealth creation should be encouraged.

References