A recent survey on military powers has thrown up some interesting results. Russia topped the chart as world’s most powerful military. And why not? It is fighting Ukraine which is supported by militaries of some 30 countries. It is effectively fighting 31 militaries. True to adage that all weapon systems aside, the true power of any military is determined by its infantry. Russian soldiers have dug their heels in warzone and have staved off all the hostile forces
Hypocrisy of the US and the Western countries is at the top. The support of countries which include US, UK, Canada and France with offerings of deadliest weapons means they are actually at war with Russian military. But they start breast-beating when North Korea sends its troops to Russia. Even though their role is not yet known.
The political leadership of countries like UK, where people are fighting a “Cost of Living Crisis”, is so obsessed by desire to see the communist power defeated that that they pumping billions of taxpayers money into a war that is not theirs. In Canada, economy has started imploding, housing, jobs are getting scarce but it continues funding Kyiv Government. Ukrainian are already a major vote bank there and is an additional reason to fund the war.
India, which has world’s 2nd largest military and staunch friend of Russia, has very wisely stuck to its policy of not taking sides. Nothing new, India was friend of USSR when Russia and Ukraine were one. Where is India in the report? India has 14th most powerful military after Russia, US, Israel, China, Iran, Ukraine, UK, Germany, Turkey, France, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia.
However, power of Indian military has more KPIs [Key Performance Indicators] than probably have been considered in military power report released by U.S. News and World. Save for Nehru-era loss of territory to China and Pakistan, role of Indian military in keeping such a vast and diverse country physically together is just awe-inspiring. Especially so because it is one of the youngest countries in the world. Even at being at 14th rank of global military power, India is fast acquiring a global leadership status on other important aspect of military power which is defence production.
The recent inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat, marks a key milestone in India’s journey toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. This facility, dedicated to manufacturing C-295 military transport aircraft, becomes the first private sector Final Assembly Line for military aircraft in India, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing indigenous production capabilities. Under the program, 56 aircraft will be delivered, with the initial 16 arriving from Airbus in Spain and the remaining 40 produced domestically. This initiative exemplifies India’s shift toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aimed at strengthening operational readiness and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
India’s commitment to Atmanirbharta in defence is further evidenced by its transformation from a major arms importer to an emerging centre for indigenous production. Driven by strategic government policies, this shift reached a landmark in FY 2023-24, with the Ministry of Defence reporting an unprecedented Rs. 1.27 lakh crore in domestic defence production. Once reliant on foreign suppliers, India now places a high priority on self-reliant manufacturing to meet its security needs, reinforcing its vision to strengthen national resilience and reduce dependency on external sources.
India’s defense production has undergone a critical transformation over the past decade, marked by achievements in indigenous weaponry, advancements in aerospace and naval capabilities, and improvements in infantry technology. While India has reduced the technological and capability gaps with Pakistan and bolstered its deterrent posture, there is still room for progress when compared to China’s larger-scale and more technologically advanced military industry.
Through initiatives like “Make in India” and the expansion of the private defense sector, India is increasingly focusing on self-reliance and modernization to meet both regional and strategic challenges. As indigenous programs in areas such as stealth jets, long-haul bombers, hypersonic missiles, and UAVs try to catch with the best in the world, India will continue to strengthen its defense industry, further reducing reliance on imports and enhancing its position as a formidable military power in the region.
