HAL_Tejas_NP-1_takes-off_from_the_Shore_Based_Test_Facility_at_INS_Hansa,_Goa Courtesy: Wikipedia
14 July 2016

Tejas shows the way

‘Make in India’ in defence production does not imply stopping arms imports altogether. Rather, it means importing only those components that cannot be produced locally, while strategically utilising offsets and building domestic capabilities that will enable India to export complete systems and sub-systems as an active participant of the global supply chain.

Andaman Courtesy: Wikipedia
26 May 2016

Andaman & Nicobar: an underutilised asset

Does India plan to remodel its Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a launching pad for future security operations to check growing Chinese inroads in the Indian Ocean Region? Development of the islands has long been ignored to India’s detriment, and their strategic position in the Indian Ocean, underutilised.

Narendra_Modi_in_cockpit_of_MiG-29K_abroad_INS_Vikramaditya-1 Courtesy: Indian Navy
19 May 2016

India’s defence: towards self-reliance

Speedy clearances to long-pending equipment demands of the Indian military and a push for local defence production have been the hallmarks of two years of the Modi government. The next three years must create that defence industrial base, encourage private sector participation and focus on R&D.

800px-thumbnail Courtesy: Wikipedia
12 May 2016

India: openly-allied with the U.S.

After nearly a decade of moving slowly towards the U.S. on critical matters including nuclear power, the recent bilateral agreement to share military facilities and have anti-submarine warfare talks, suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have India sail the oceans with the American eagle.

Carter and Parikhar Courtesy: Department of Defense, U.S. Gov
14 April 2016

Carter in India: a foundational visit

The recent visit of the U.S. Defense Secretary to India has yielded significant outcomes on streamlining bilateral military interactions, deepening maritime security cooperation and defence technology collaboration. As India grows closer to the U.S., it should be clear about the objectives of this engagement

Ecuador Dhruv Courtesy: Presidencia Ecuador / Flickr
26 November 2015

India-Ecuador: growing past defence

The Ecuadorian president’s first-ever state visit to India this month was cancelled, possibly because four of seven helicopters supplied by HAL to Ecuador have crashed. But this hurdle can be overcome, and ties between the two countries can expand beyond defence and oil to sectors such as pharma, IT, and agribusiness.

Raven_unmanned aircraft Courtesy: Wikipedia.org/U.S. Army trials
30 January 2015

Business underpins India-U.S. defence deal

In the recent defence technology cooperation deal with the U.S., India has prioritised the private sector over public sector units. If the government and business now work together productively, they can create a much-needed and robust long-term defence industrial base in India

NCTC_3 Courtesy: Wikimedia
14 August 2014

Counter-terrorism and federalism

A powerful National Counter Terrorism Centre may appear to contravene the federal spirit, but it is a necessary step. The opposition of several state governments to the potential encroachment upon their powers by the NCTC can be addressed if the centre and states share the responsibility of combating terrorism