DNA Edit: Defence disquiet

Home Minister Rajnath Singh made it abundantly clear that it will not stand by as a mute spectator even as state and non-state actors from Pakistan carry out their insidious designs in India. The Indian establishment realises very well that only by following the maxim of an eye for an eye will Pakistan learn the folly of its ways.

However, hard talk needs a follow up of hard action, and that is a tough task considering the impoverished state of military infrastructure in this country. A life-threatening shortage of ammunition, especially bullets, continues to bedevil the Indian Army. In fact, after the surgical strikes of 2016, the army was forced into emergency, unplanned purchases to make good on the ammunition shortages.  This is unpardonable if India is to ever be prepared to wage battle on two and a half fronts. One against Pakistan, one against China and the half-bit against anti-state elements like Naxalites operating from its hinterlands and jungles. Had the Indian defence ministry been a peak performer, low on bureaucracy and high on delivery, many roadblocks for the Indian Army would cease to exist.

However, a bureaucrat-riddled ministry and one unpopulated by army officers means that pressing matters are given the short shrift and impediments that should be cleared on a priority basis are tackled at a snail-like pace. Additionally, many of the bureaucrats working within the ministry have little or no expertise when it comes to weapons’ procurement. Thankfully, things have been changing for the better. Under Nirmala Sitharaman, the Indian Army’s long-standing demand for small arms was met as the Defence Acquisition Council cleared procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines worth Rs 3,547 crore. Decisions like these will go a long way in resuscitating the sinking morale of Indian soldiers.