Wake up to threat

The continuous  upgradation of China’s military postures with respect to India should  prompt our defence authorities to improve our own defensive and offensive capabilities.

The latest alert about Beijing’s military spending and plans has come from a report to the US Congress by the Pentagon. The report is not specific to India but touches upon many areas of  concern for the country. One important revelation is that China has strengthened its nuclear capabilities against India by replacing its liquid-fuelled CSS-2 nuclear-capable missiles with more advanced solid-fuel CSS-5 systems.

That does not mean a sudden heightening of any hostile posture towards India and may even be part of the general upgradation of conventional and nuclear equipment. But it means that Beijing has deployed a better and more efficient nuclear weapons system, with a bigger reach and strike power, against India. Though it is claimed to be meant to boost its deterrent posture, in the event of hostilities there is no difference between deterrence and offence.

The report has also mentioned the big expansion in rail and road infrastructure being carried out by China along its border with India. This has happened over the last few years.  Though China has claimed that the infrastructure development is aimed at boosting economic development, its military significance should not be underplayed.

India has recently tried to improve its connectivity and facilities along the border but the efforts are much too slow-paced and far too inadequate in view of the requirements. There are also reports of fast expansion of the Chinese navy which can now project its power close to India in the Indian Ocean. China also has close military ties with Pakistan and these are being continuously strengthened.

Though India does not have a hostile relationship with China, the relationship is strained by many irritants, mainly relating to the longstanding border dispute. Economic ties are steadily improving and co-operation and dispute resolution mechanisms are in place. But there are always chances of conflicts of interest arising or the present tensions worsening  in future.

Therefore it is in India’s interest to be fully prepared for any eventuality that, hopefully, may not arise. China’s increasing military investment, which the Pentagon report has explained in some detail, is causing anxiety to other countries also. But India has to be more alert than others because its dispute with China is bigger than what any other country has with Beijing.