CLAIMS

‘Raising India’s international stature, introducing a no-nonsense approach to internal/external security’

‘Building on the Make in India in Defence initiative to further indigenize our defence equipment’. – 2019 BJP Election Manifesto

TRUTH

National Security is a much broader concept than merely defence or military security. Neither will assure full national security unless also accompanied by suitable foreign relations, self-reliance in important sectors, and ability to maintain strategic autonomy and the reality is the exact opposite, of the claims being made.

Failed and misleading “Atmanirbarta” in Defence Equipment

The BJP-led central government undertook privatization of our strategic defence industry, instead of strengthening the public sector.

A new policy permitting 74 per cent FDI under automatic route and 100 per cent FDI on case-by-case basis, and additional areas where the private sector could operate in the defence industry especially as ‘strategic partners’ of foreign manufacturers was introduced. The mistaken reliance on FDI and the private sector in India has set back self-reliance in the defence sector by many years, and has cost India huge amounts in imports and increased dependence on other countries.

Ironically, today most indigenously developed equipment have come precisely from DRDO, HAL, BEL, PSU Naval Shipyards and other Defence PSUs.

Meanwhile India’s imports have continued to grow, with most orders for advanced equipment especially from the US being outright purchases without technology transfer. 

Weakening our Armed Forces

The military is being politicized, undermining its professionalism and secular ethos which contributes to solidarity among its fighting forces. Decision-making is being increasingly centralized in the political leadership with likely serious consequences in the future.

Introduction of the new Agnipath recruitment scheme suddenly, even without consulting some of its service chiefs, other senior officers, veterans and experts is wreaking havoc in the structure, discipline and morale of the military. This scheme would effectively reduce properly trained soldiers to about 25 per cent of what is required. Low and differential wages between thee ‘Agniveers’ and regular recruits would also divide the force and undermine solidarity.

Recent moves to “Indianize” the services may introduce cultural biases in the military and may even spread communal or other divisive sentiments, disturb regimental traditions and have other unpredictable consequences.

Destabilization of the North-East

The BJP-led central government has destabilized almost the entire NE which has sensitive borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar. The BJP’s communal maneuvering in Manipur, dragged the state police and paramilitary forces into a sharp cleavage.

The BJP’s xenophobia has alienated large sections of people in the North East and threatens the fragile peace there. This is being aggravated by the partisan approach of the BJP Central Government. It’s decision to fence the borders with Myanmar, and to implement CAA/NRC, is further spreading disaffection in the North East and inflaming passions. This is a dangerous tinderbox threatening both peace as well as national security in the North East.

Destabilizing J&K

Widespread simmering anger is lurking in Kashmir, which is put under military crack-down and imposition of direct Central rule. The unilateral actions of the central government’s representative the Lt. Governor in granting licenses to outsiders, to swamp Leh and Kargil are seen by the people of the region as threatening their hitherto zealously guarded culture and autonomy.

Deteriorating Relations with Neighbors

India has few friends in its neighborhood. Under the BJP government our relations with Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and China have deteriorated. Recently even the Maldives has turned antagonistic. The supposedly muscular foreign policy of the Modi government is adversely affecting India’s friendships and security interests in the neighborhood.

Relations with Global South

Barring a few transactional trade deals, no major advances have been made in relationships with Latin America, Africa or even East/South-East Asia – the Global South. The government’s close ties with the US and Israel have made many countries in the Global South doubt our credentials as a friendly country. As a result, our country’s strategic and security interests are adversely affected.

BJP government’s policies are destabilizing the country and adversely affecting our unity and integrity. Our relations with neighbors have deteriorated. Close ties with the US and Israel are affecting our relations with countries of the global South.

Defend National Security!  Defeat BJP!

Published by Communist Party of India (Marxist)