India Steps To Reduce Dependency On Foreign Equipments, Says US
India Steps To Reduce Dependency On Foreign Equipments, Says US – A top US Defense Department intelligence official informed Congress that in 2023, India had taken steps to modernize itself. soldier The aim is to compete with China and reduce its dependence on Russian-origin equipment, thereby positioning India as a global leader.
Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Cruz informed members of the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations during a congressional hearing on countering China’s defense intelligence that India has over the past year has presented itself as a global leader during By hosting Group of 20 economic summits and showing greater willingness to counter PRC activities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
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He said that India has strengthened partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region with regional contenders in the South China Sea like the Philippines through training programmes, defense sales and also expanded cooperation with the US, Australia, France and Japan. .
India took measures together with China.
Cruz said that in 2023, India had taken steps to modernize its military to compete with China and reduce dependence on Russian-origin equipment. India has conducted sea trials for its first indigenously developed aircraft carrier and is also in talks with several Western countries for the transfer of key defense technology.
Cruz informed lawmakers that in 2024, New Delhi would likely secure its national parliamentary elections, maintain economic growth, and as part of its military modernization efforts aimed at countering Beijing. ‘Make in India’ will expand the initiative.
Regarding bilateral relations between India and China, tensions remain after the 2020 Galwan clash that claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and at least five PLA soldiers. In October 2023, senior Indian and PLA officials failed to resolve disputes over the two remaining standoff points in eastern Ladakh during their twentieth round of talks. Cruz noted that both sides maintain about 50,000-60,000 troops in the area and continue to build up military infrastructure near the border.
Cruz highlighted that India has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Despite New Delhi’s desire to diversify its defense procurement partnerships, Russia remains India’s primary defense partner, and India continues to receive weapons from Moscow, such as the S-400 surface-to-air missiles. System.
Cruz told lawmakers that Pakistan is seeking international support, including from the United Nations Security Council, to resolve its dispute with India over Kashmir. Since February 2021, Islamabad and New Delhi have maintained a fragile ceasefire along the Joint Line of Control.
Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities
Despite the economic downturn, Pakistan has continued efforts to modernize its nuclear capabilities. “Terrorist attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians also increased last year,” Cruz said.
In 2023, militants killed nearly 400 security forces, a nine-year high, and Pakistani security forces conducted almost daily counter-terrorism operations throughout the year.
Cruz noted that Pakistan’s defense policy is heavily influenced by its contentious relationship with India. However, cross-border violence between the two countries has declined since their mutual recommitment to a ceasefire in February 2021.
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