The nation has been experiencing a rush of adrenaline on the Sino-Indian LAC conflict and seems to have forgotten both the ‘Corona Virus” as well as our belligerent neighbour “Pakistan”. The Pakistani establishment has been closely watching the developments of Ladakh with great cynosure and interest. It is not that, they are without their own set of problems with the present pandemic having inflicted more than two lacs of their population with about 4300 deaths. The Chinese have injected relief material to help their worthy friend Pakistan to tide over the present crisis.
Pakistan is beset with internal strife and economic issues too. Its manufacturing, agriculture and exports have collapsed. Their debt had mounted to astronomical proportions and the much touted CPEC has been stalled. The Balochi insurgents are also gaining ground as was evident in the recent attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange. This scenario gives an ideal opportunity for China to give its largesse to Pakistan and make it more subservient to its cause as was evident when Pakistan Army moved its two divisions in the Gilgit-Balkistan area. However if anyone is suggesting Chinese collusivity with Pakistan it would be farfetched. It is unlikely that Pakistan can get embroiled in the Sino-Indian conflict considering its own precarious economic and internal situation.
India on the other hand is taking this opportunity to bolster its defence preparedness.After almost a decade of negotiations, India and the US signed the Communications Capability and Security Agreement (COMCASA) opening the doors for India to procure high-end technology equipment and enhance interoperability between the two countries’ forces.The Artillery recently inducted new guns including K9 Vajra self-propelled guns and the M777 Howitzers to replace Bofors after a gap of almost 35 years.
The Indian Armed Forces shopping list is ready to enhance its striking edge and equip itself with its unfinished agenda of critical military state of the art equipment. The bureaucracyit seems has no option but to accept the need of the hour. The Indian Army is going in for Sig Sauer Assault rifles from the United States as well as AK-47 from Russia, which would replace the beleaguered, 5.56 mm INSAS rifle. Apart from these under the emergency powers of VCOAS, various types of ammunition, drones, anti-air missiles and ground to air munitions are being procured. The Indian Army is also going in for an emergent purchase of light tanks (under 10 tonnes) which can operate in mountains and match the PLA tanks.
In the present geo-political scenario, the international opinion has gravitated towards India. There seems to be emerging a clear alignment of nations. China also faces opposition now in the South China Sea where it has illegitimately occupied sea bases there. Since China began its extensive land reclamation program in the South China Sea in 2013, it has focused on improving its presence and infrastructure at seven locations in the Spratly Island chain: Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross, Gaven, Hughes, Johnson, Mischief and Subi reefs. The US Navy has sent its two aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz, to be ready at short notice in case of a Chinese misadventure in Taiwan. The Australian and Japanese navies are also on alert. In the meanwhile, the Indian Navy has also been mobilised in the Indian Ocean.
The Chinese strategic myopia has been exposed. It is now trying to forge military alliances with countries which are inimical to the United States and its allies. The recent development of a military agreement between China and Iran is a case in point. It is also gravitating towards Russia. The portents of all these developments only can result in a flash point in the South China Sea which can become volatile if China does not reign in.
As far as India is concerned, the present Sino-Indian conflict should be viewed as a blessing in disguise. The present situation has galvanised the Govt to look inwards towards augmenting its defence preparedness. The vulnerabilities in terms of outdated equipment, firepower, mobility, and surveillance and air defence systems are now being addressed through fast track means. There cannot be any two opinions that a nation which needs to be heard in the World community has to have its pillars of defence and economy very strong.
The nation has therefore now to set its objectives towards furthering its economy and defence. In a strategic scenario where we may have to address both China and Pakistan there would be a requirement to focus on infrastructure development of the border areas as well as modernisation of the defence forces. It would also be imperative to give the necessary punch to our para military forces such as ITBP, BSF, CRPF etc to be able to carry out an effective border management and control internal strife. As they say opportunities do not come every day and to put into words of Sun Tzu, “In the midst of chaos, there is also an opportunity.”