Syllabu: GS 3/Defence
In News
- India has been actively engaged in military diplomacy through a series of high-profile exercises with various countries.
About Defence diplomacy
- It is the use of defence-related instruments and activities in a cooperative and peaceful manner to support foreign and strategic policy.
- India’s defence diplomacy now extends beyond the Indian Ocean.
- It is engaging countries in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Guinea region.
- India is intensifying its regional defense diplomacy and partnerships, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
- India’s defence diplomacy is driven by China’s assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea.
Recent Developments
- Increased Military Engagement: India conducted 75 combined military exercises with partner countries in 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
- These exercises include bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral formats, with a growing number of regional and international partners.
- Focus on Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean: India’s military activities in 2023 featured first-time naval exercises with Thailand, ASEAN and EU member states, and maritime partnerships with Indonesia, Australia, France, and the UAE.
- The Indian Navy’s port calls and exercises have expanded, with notable submarine visits to Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
- Strategic:India’s increased defense role and partnerships are aimed at countering China’s growing influence.
- India’s actions include joint patrols and maritime cooperation with countries like Australia and France, reflecting a broader effort to establish itself as a key security partner in the region.
- India has been active in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, responding to disasters in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
Issues
- India procures defence systems from abroad to address national security challenges, especially due to its limited domestic technological and industrial base.
- India still lacks institutionalized mechanisms for fully leveraging defence diplomacy to achieve foreign policy goals, relying mainly on conventional diplomatic approaches.
- As India deepens its military engagement with regional and global powers, it may exacerbate the competitive dynamic with China.
- India is expanding its military diplomatic presence in new regions, there are concerns about the impact of reducing Defense Attachés in key locations like Moscow, where India’s defense ties with Russia are particularly significant.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- India has strengthened defense ties with West Asian countries amid changing regional dynamics, such as the Abraham Accords and China’s growing influence.
- India is leveraging its defense capabilities to strengthen regional diplomacy, build partnerships, and counteract Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Sustaining these efforts will require continued investment in naval, expeditionary, and logistical capacities.
- Now India’s defense diplomacy emphasizes self-reliance in indigenization and equipment development.
- Therefore supporting Indian defense industries and promoting exports contribute to strategic autonomy is essential
- and collaborative security measures, joint exercises, and information sharing are also vital components.
| Do you know ? – Yudh Abhyas: Scheduled to start on September 9, 2024, at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan, this India-U.S. – Tarang Shakti: The Indian Air Force’s largest multilateral exercise is taking place in two phases. Phase-I, held from August 6-14 at Sulur, included participation from Germany, France, Spain, and the U.K. Phase-II, underway at Jodhpur from September 1-14, features aircraft from Australia, Greece, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE, and the U.S., though Bangladesh withdrew – Malabar Exercise: Scheduled for October 2024 off the coast of Visakhapatnam, this naval exercise will involve India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. – Exercise Indra: Soon after Malabar, an Indian Army mechanized infantry contingent will participate in this bilateral exercise with Russia. – Mitra Shakti: The 10th edition with Sri Lanka was held from August 12-25 in Sri Lanka. – Khaan Quest: India sent 40 personnel to Mongolia for this multinational peacekeeping exercise from July 27 to August 9. – RIMPAC: The Indian Navy’s INS Shivalik participated in this major exercise hosted by the U.S. Navy from June 27 to August 1. – Varuna: The Indian Navy’s INS Tabar and a P-8I aircraft took part in this bilateral exercise with France from September 2-4 in the Mediterranean Sea. |
Source: TH
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