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India’s defence gambit

This is in response to the Opinion article, ‘India’s defence gambit’ (KT, July 22).

First of all, it is not at all a key priority for New Delhi to become a leading arms manufacturer either in the region or globally. The impending priorities have been clearly highlighted in the budget speech by the finance minister, though defence has been given little more added importance due to various reasons.

Ever since India opened its doors to foreign direct investment, defence sector was not given a justifiable standing. A country like India, which has millions of people under poverty and in short of access to the basic needs, this is clearly visible when travelling to the country’s northern states where providing infrastructure to survive becomes a biggest challenge.

After the recent budget session, a business newspaper from the capital focused on the scarcity of essentials in rural India, mainly because of illiteracy. At the same time, the country is also facing serious security threats from the region itself; therefore liberalisation in defence spending becomes an obligation for a responsible administration.

It is for sure the world is now looking at India differently, especially after the induction of the new government. Perhaps an exciting defence sector may help India to safeguard its resources. A country’s defence strategy has a key role to make that happen.