Rakshit Sharma
In the shadow of recent global conflicts and regional tensions, India stands at a crossroads. The lessons of modern warfare evident in the drone-dominated battles of Nagorno-Karabakh and the stalled Russian advance on Kiev, demand a re-evaluation of our military strategies. Operation Sindhoor, a hypothetical benchmark for India’s defense preparedness, underscores the urgency to adapt to evolving threats from Pakistan, China, and beyond. As we face the prospect of multi-front conflicts, India must modernize its forces, strengthen alliances, and prepare its citizens for an uncertain future. Here’s how.
The End of Traditional Warfare
The era of massed tank formations is over. Azerbaijan’s drone strikes in Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine’s agile defenses against Russian armour exposed the vulnerability of tanks without air cover or electronic countermeasures. India’s armoured units, long a cornerstone of its strategy against Pakistan, must evolve. Tanks need integrated air defence, drone support, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities to survive modern battlefields. Without these, our forces risk becoming sitting ducks in a conflict along the Line of Control (LC) or the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Airpower, too, faces new constraints. Pakistan’s limited airspace favors drones and precision missiles over traditional fighter jets, as seen in the 2019 Balakot airstrike. Against China’s vast territory and advanced defences, India’s air force requires long-range, stealthy platforms. The efficacy of high-altitude bombers remains uncertain, but standoff weapons like the BrahMos missile and indigenous drones could bridge the gap. Pakistan’s ability to stockpile Turkish and Chinese drones in just 10 days highlights the need for India to prioritize unmanned systems to maintain air superiority.
A Multi-Front Challenge
India’s strategic calculus is complicated by the “2.5-front” threat: Pakistan, China, and internal security challenges. The possibility of Bangladesh aligning with adversaries adds a troubling dimension. Recent engagements along the LC suggest India has performed well, but Pakistan’s opaque reporting obscures the true balance. In a one-front war, our resources are stretched; a multi-front conflict would be exponentially harder. The close alliance between China and Pakistan, “iron-clad brothers”, means confronting one risks engaging both. China’s growing influence in Pakistan’s Gwadar port, a linchpin of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), further complicates the equation. As China demands greater control to secure its investments, India’s maritime security in the Arabian Sea faces new risks.
Geopolitically, India’s isolation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) underscores the importance of allies like Israel, France, and Russia, who have provided critical defence and diplomatic support. Regional partners like Bhutan and Sri Lanka also play a vital role. Strengthening these ties is essential to counterbalance the China-Pakistan axis.
Modernizing for the Next Round
The next conflict may not be years away but months, requiring urgent modernization. India must invest in drones, EW, and long-neglected Army Air Defence (AAD) systems to counter missile and drone threats. The infantry, the backbone of our forces, deserves priority over flashy off-the-shelf (OTS) purchases from abroad. Diverse foreign systems, the American rifles, French jets and Russian missiles create logistical chaos, making our forces resemble a “circus.” Standardizing equipment and boosting indigenous production, like DRDO’s small arms, will build a cohesive fighting force.
Naval strategy also demands scrutiny. Aircraft carriers, vital for projecting power against China and securing Middle Eastern trade routes, are vulnerable to anti-ship missiles and drones, as seen in U.S. naval exercises. A cheaper, innovative alternative, a drone carrier for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could extend India’s reach while reducing risks. The Indus Waters Treaty offers another strategic lever: accelerating dam projects to maximize water storage could pressure Pakistan, though it risks escalation.
Preparing the Nation
Beyond the battlefield, national preparedness is critical. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) must shift from ceremonial drills to rigorous training camps focused on firearms, disaster response, survival skills, and fitness. Year-round camps, especially at institutes like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, can nurture resilient youth. NCC certificates should carry weight in government jobs, railway reservations, and public services, incentivizing participation.
Civil servants, too, must contribute to national security. Requiring Class 1 and 2 government employees to undergo six months of training with the Army or Central Armed Police Forces during a four-year probation could instill discipline and align governance with defense priorities. Such measures would prepare India for crises, from natural disasters to multi-front wars.
The Balochistan Factor
The Baloch Liberation Army’s (BLA) attacks on CPEC projects have drawn Pakistan’s ire, and China may now intervene directly or through proxies like North Korea. This escalation could pull India into a proxy conflict, given our interest in countering CPEC. India must tread carefully, balancing support for regional stability with strategic interests.
A New Path
India should realign its approach towards LC while investing in disruptive technologies to counter China’s parity and Pakistan’s asymmetric tactics. The window for preparation is narrow, and complacency is not an option. Operation Sindhoor, reminds us that India’s security rests on adaptability, unity, and foresight. By modernizing our forces, empowering our youth, and strengthening alliances, we can secure our future against any threat. The time to act is now, before the next round begins.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
