India’s prime minister Narendra Modi often promotes India’s domestic defense industry, but projects like the Tejas Light Combat fighter jet have faced lengthy delays. While India aims to balance China’s power, modernizing its military will take decades. However, India has made significant shifts regarding its defense priorities and structures.
A 2020 border clash with China was the turning point. India swiftly deployed troops and hardware to its mountainous borders, dedicating more forces to focus on China versus long-time rival Pakistan. India also implemented its first Chief of Defense Staff to foster joint operations and established a Department of Military Affairs to give uniformed officers more say in decision-making. However, progress on integrated theater commands face resistance over services protecting resources.
India is still one of the largest importers of defense equipment . However, private defense firms and startups are now getting more opportunities and funding to provide niche technologies such as drones and sensors.
Gaps with China remain stark after decades of under-spending. The air force lacks over 200 aircraft. The navy aims for 175 ships by 2035 but has just 150 currently versus China’s 370. A $4.8bn indigenous aircraft-carrier will be ordered soon, but will arrive only when the older of the two existing carriers is retiring. The army lacks ammunition stocks and modern equipment.
However, India is adding military muscle in a calibrated way. Reforms, infrastructure building near China, embracing new tech, and bolder patrols have given India a foothold. While China outspends India over 3 times on defense, India feels it is progressing at a proportionate pace to what China spends versus the U.S. India’s advances are already likely giving China pause.
