Atma Nirbhar on Defence!

India’s PM Modi struck a personal bond with U.S. President Donald Trump, who lost the election and was replaced by Joe Biden. Indian PM’s undiplomatically campaign in a packed stadium of Overseas Indian, ‘Ab ki baar, Trump Sarkar,’ literally coaxing a historically democratic party supporting Indian s to support Trump. Biden, the prime opponent, or the Republican hawks wouldn’t have missed watching the event and stored them in their memory.

America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan has altered the defence-political scenario in the region. The exit is a pointer towards the scant American regard for other countries affected by their move. The resurgent and regrouping Al-Qaida in Afghanistan could enter a quid pro quo with the Taliban not offending the U.S., focusing on their long-term adversary, India. The U.S. might leave it to us to address the issue and defend our borders and may not interfere.

India joined the Quad dialogue in 2007 during the tenure of Man Mohan Singh with its three members the U.S., Japan, and Australia. China was the biggest trade partner of Australian mining resources, which Australia could not ignore. The defence partnership was abandoned, with Australia quietly withdrawing from the combine. The U.S., Japan, Australia Quad was revived in 2017, and India became an active player after its border standoff with China.

Yesterday, Australia shocked the world by abruptly cancelling a $40 Billion contract for nuclear-powered Submarine from France and signed a deal with the U.S. agreeing to let their waters for American nuclear-powered subs. It shows clearly that international agreements and treaties do have not much value in the face of economic shocks. Trade compulsions are driving countries to tweak and steer their defence strategies.

In the event of a major standoff between Quad and China, India is the one that will be affected most, with the Chinese pearl necklace around the Indian sub-continent. The recent happenings in Afghanistan when the U.S. exited, leaving its allies in limbo and the Australians abrupt U-turns, earlier withdrawing from the Quad and now over the submarines are chink in the armour are lessons India must not miss.

Strengthening our defence is more crucial than ever than joining defence games to prove that we have come of age.

Sampath Kumar

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