As China escalates its annual defence budget by 7.2% for the third consecutive year, concerns mount for its principal adversaries, notably India. Despite economic slowdowns, China’s heightened military spending poses significant political and military challenges for countries like India in the coming decade.
With the Chinese defence budget now exceeding seven percent and three times the size of India’s defence spending, the geopolitical landscape is poised for substantial shifts. Analysts point to 2027 as a critical juncture, marking the centenary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with President Xi Jinping’s agenda potentially including forceful integration of Taiwan into mainland China.
The PLA’s rapid modernization efforts encompass both nuclear and conventional forces, with ambitions to assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. Plans include expanding maritime influence, particularly in the Indian Ocean, through carrier task forces. Concurrently, the PLA is enhancing its presence in the South China Sea, raising concerns for neighboring nations like Japan.
India, currently engaged in a prolonged standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East Ladakh, faces mounting pressure in the maritime domain. China’s military support to Pakistan, including the supply of advanced submarines and surface combatants, underscores its strategic intentions.
As India navigates this complex security landscape without formal military alliances like AUKUS, the imperative to bolster maritime capabilities becomes evident. A conference convened by top Indian naval commanders, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh aboard INS Vikramaditya off the coast of Goa, underscores the urgency of addressing the PLA Navy’s challenge.
In response, the Indian Navy faces critical decisions regarding the construction of additional aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines. The need for swift action is emphasized, given the lengthy gestation periods of such projects and the imminent operational limits of existing assets like INS Vikramaditya.
The evolving maritime security environment necessitates decisive action to safeguard India’s interests amidst China’s assertive posturing. As India confronts these challenges, strategic planning and rapid decision-making will be crucial in maintaining regional stability and protecting its extensive coastline.
Sources By Agencies
