India’s Defense Boom: Is War Frenzy Gripping the Nation?

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has seen a significant increase in its defense budget over the years. The country, the world’s most populous with 1.4 billion people, is also one of the fastest-growing economies. However, the question arises: is India suffering from war frenzy, or is this rise in defense spending a calculated move for strategic dominance in a tense geopolitical environment?

Why Is the Defense Budget Increasing in Modi Government?

The steady increase in India’s defense budget is attributed to various factors, ranging from geopolitical threats to the desire to modernize its armed forces. Since coming into power in 2014, Narendra Modi’s government has shifted its focus toward bolstering national security, emphasizing border protection, indigenous defense production, and readiness for future conflicts.

The ongoing rivalry with neighboring China and Pakistan has been central to this policy. In recent years, India has witnessed border tensions, including the 2019 Balakot airstrike and the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes with China. These incidents underscored the need for military preparedness, resulting in an increase in defense allocations.

Modi’s “Make in India” initiative also contributes to this growing budget, as the government pushes for self-reliance in defense production. This effort includes the development of indigenous fighter jets, submarines, and other advanced military equipment. The aim is to reduce India’s dependence on foreign military imports while enhancing its capacity to manufacture and maintain its own military technology.

Modi and RSS ideology:

India Defense Budget of 2024:

The Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated a substantial INR 5.94 lakh crore (around USD 72.6 billion) to the defense sector, marking a 13.18% increase from the previous fiscal year. This budget is among the highest allocations made by the Modi government, reflecting its commitment to strengthening India’s defense capabilities.

The 2024 budget aims to:

1. Modernize Military Equipment: A large portion is dedicated to capital expenditure for acquiring new defense technology, such as advanced weaponry, aircraft, naval ships, and missile systems.
2. Enhance Border Security: With persistent threats from China and Pakistan, the budget focuses on securing India’s borders, particularly in the Ladakh region and along the Line of Control (LoC).
3. Self-Reliance in Defense Production: The allocation seeks to boost indigenous defense manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) campaign, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.
4. Research and Development: The government is investing heavily in research and development, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber defense, and space security, with an eye on future warfare.
5. Military Welfare: The budget also includes provisions for the welfare of military personnel, including pensions and healthcare services for veterans.

Poverty Is Increasing in India:

While India’s defense budget surges, poverty levels continue to be a significant concern. Despite India’s impressive economic growth, wealth distribution remains uneven. According to the World Bank, India’s poverty rate was around 10% in 2022, with 130 million people still living below the poverty line.

A report by the Pew Research Center revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, India saw a sharp increase in poverty, with 75 million people falling back into extreme poverty in 2020. The rural population, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, continues to struggle with basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

The rising unemployment rates also compound the issue. As of June 2024, India’s unemployment rate stood at 9.2%, a significant increase from 5.44% when Modi took office in 2014. Female unemployment is particularly alarming, with the rate increasing to 18.5% in mid-2024. The lack of adequate job creation and high inflation has made poverty alleviation a persistent challenge for the government.

Madness:

The stark contrast between India’s rising defense expenditure and its growing socio-economic problems raises critical questions. The government’s decision to allocate such a large portion of the national budget to defense, while poverty and unemployment remain prevalent, is seen by some as an irresponsible move.

Critics argue that the prioritization of military spending over essential social services like healthcare, education, and employment schemes reflects an imbalance in policymaking. India, which faces malnutrition, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of universal healthcare, could potentially address these issues with redirected funds.

However, proponents of the defense budget assert that national security cannot be compromised, especially given India’s strategic environment. With China and Pakistan posing constant military threats, the government claims that maintaining a strong defense is essential for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and peace.

What Effects Can This Have on the Region?

India’s increasing defense expenditure could potentially heighten regional tensions, particularly with China and Pakistan. The South Asian region, already fraught with nuclear powers and territorial disputes, risks further destabilization if an arms race develops.

1. India-Pakistan Relations: Pakistan has long viewed India’s military expansion with suspicion. Any increase in India’s military capabilities, particularly in missile defense and advanced weaponry, may prompt Pakistan to respond by bolstering its own military, leading to an arms race between the two nations. This cycle of militarization could further strain their relationship, increasing the likelihood of skirmishes along the border.
2. India-China Rivalry: India’s growing military strength is also likely to intensify the already delicate relations with China. The two countries have clashed on several occasions over border issues in the Ladakh region. An increase in defense spending may push China to expand its military presence in the Indian Ocean, heightening tensions across Asia.
3. Impact on Regional Cooperation: India’s military focus may also detract from regional cooperation efforts, particularly in forums like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). With most countries in South Asia facing issues like poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment, a collective focus on economic prosperity and security could be the way forward. However, the rise in defense spending diverts attention from such issues and fosters an environment of competition rather than collaboration.
4. Impact on India’s Global Standing: On a global scale, India’s defense budget reflects its ambitions to become a major geopolitical player. The country’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense production, coupled with its growing military capabilities, is likely to enhance its strategic partnerships with nations like the United States, Japan, and Australia under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). However, these moves may also lead to a more militarized posture in the region, potentially inviting criticism from nations advocating for peace and diplomacy.

Conclusion

India’s increasing defense budget under the Modi government is a complex issue with deep-rooted geopolitical, economic, and social implications. While the budget aims to bolster national security and modernize the armed forces, it raises questions about the country’s priorities amid growing poverty and unemployment. Socio-economic development is critical for India’s long-term stability, and this act will have profound effects on regional peace.

References

1. Modi, Narendra. (2024). “Budget Speech 2024.” Retrieved from Government of India Budget Archive.
2. World Bank. (2023). “India’s Economic Growth Overview.”
3. Pew Research Center. (2021). “COVID-19 and Rising Poverty in India.”
4. Sitharaman, Nirmala. (2024). Union Budget Speech 2024-25.
5. World Bank Data. (2024). “India Unemployment Statistics.”