Inside India: How India’s Emerging as a Formidable Player in Defense

 

Inside India: How India’s Emerging as a Formidable Player in Defense

India is positioning itself as a rising power in global defense, with a clear commitment to modernizing and strengthening its military forces. Amidst rising geopolitical tensions and regional challenges, the Indian government plans to invest a significant $200 billion over the next decade to enhance its defense capabilities. This investment marks a pivotal moment in India’s defense strategy, as it seeks to secure its position as a formidable player on the world stage.

The Geopolitical Context

India’s growing defense spending is directly linked to the intensifying geopolitical challenges it faces, particularly from neighboring China. While Pakistan has long been a focus of India’s defense strategy, recent tensions with China have shifted New Delhi’s priorities. Skirmishes along the India-China border, coupled with China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, have spurred India to accelerate its military modernization efforts.

China’s expansive policies, especially its military buildup along the shared border and in the South China Sea, have raised alarms in India. According to Pravin Krishna, a professor of international economics at Johns Hopkins University, China’s actions represent a “serious challenge” to India’s security. Beijing’s assertiveness has extended beyond the border, with increased naval activity in the Indian Ocean—a key strategic waterway for India.

Pramit Pal Chaudhuri of the Eurasia Group has pointed out that China has made it clear that the Indian Ocean is not India’s exclusive domain. The construction of Chinese aircraft carriers and the establishment of a naval base in Djibouti, located on Africa's eastern coast, are among the steps Beijing has taken to secure its position in the region.

Renewed U.S.-India Defense Relations

In light of these threats, India has sought to strengthen its defense ties with the United States. In February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirming their mutual commitment to bolstering defense cooperation. During their discussions, India signed agreements to procure additional U.S. defense equipment, including heavy armored vehicles, drones, and fighter jets.

The U.S. has been a major supplier of military equipment to India, with Boeing securing the largest share of U.S. foreign military sales to India. The U.S. has also offered India the possibility of acquiring Lockheed Martin’s advanced F-35 fighter jets. However, despite India’s growing defense relationship with the U.S., some challenges remain. India is not a formal military ally of the U.S., and its continued reliance on Russian military equipment complicates the potential acquisition of F-35s.

Roman Schweizer, a defense policy analyst at Cowen Washington Research Group, suggests that India’s ongoing use of Russian arms might slow down such a deal. Nevertheless, India’s defense needs and its pursuit of high-tech weaponry indicate that future collaborations with the U.S. will likely intensify.

China’s Military Dominance

Despite these advancements, experts argue that India still faces significant challenges in trying to match China’s military strength. China's defense budget is currently three times larger than India's and continues to grow at a rapid pace. According to Eurasia Group, China’s defense spending far exceeds India’s, and its technological capabilities are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The capacity limitations of U.S. defense manufacturers could also pose challenges for India’s plans. U.S. manufacturers have limited production capacity, and this may create delivery delays for the weapons India seeks to procure. Furthermore, as the U.S. is also focused on countering China, there may be competition from other countries, including European powers, for access to U.S. military equipment.

India’s Push for Self-Sufficiency

Given these constraints, India is increasingly focused on becoming more self-sufficient in defense production. The government’s “Make in India” initiative is a key component of this strategy. The initiative seeks to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that India is less reliant on foreign suppliers.

Several Indian companies, such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, and Zen Technologies, have emerged as major players in the country’s growing defense sector. These companies are playing a crucial role in manufacturing key defense equipment, including fighter jets and electronics.

One notable development is India’s collaboration with General Electric (GE) to co-manufacture jet engines with Hindustan Aeronautics. The deal, which received U.S. congressional approval, allows India to access advanced technology, thus accelerating its defense capabilities. This partnership underscores India’s commitment to reducing its dependence on foreign defense suppliers and expanding its domestic capabilities.

Strategic Self-Reliance and Technology Transfer

India’s push for self-reliance in defense is accompanied by efforts to secure technology transfers. During Modi’s recent meeting with Trump, technology transfer was a significant topic of discussion. Indian officials are keen to work with U.S. companies to co-produce defense equipment domestically, which would reduce delivery times and costs.

The desire to acquire technology and produce weapons locally reflects India’s long-term defense strategy. Over time, India aims to move away from its reliance on foreign arms and invest heavily in indigenous capabilities. This shift not only enhances India’s strategic autonomy but also bolsters its position as a regional power in Asia.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening India’s Defense Footprint

As India’s defense spending continues to grow, it faces the dual challenge of modernizing its military while balancing international relations. Its relationships with global powers such as the U.S. and Russia will be critical to its defense ambitions, but India must also remain wary of over-dependence on any single supplier.

India’s growing military might will have broader regional implications. As China continues to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean, India is working to solidify its naval presence to safeguard its interests. The development of indigenous defense technologies, coupled with strategic international partnerships, will be key to India’s ability to respond to emerging threats.

Challenges and Global Implications

India’s quest for defense modernization comes at a time of shifting global power dynamics. The country must navigate a complex landscape where it balances competing interests from major world powers, including the U.S., Russia, and China. Additionally, India faces the challenge of addressing internal pressures, such as its “Make in India” policies, which prioritize domestic production, while simultaneously pursuing advanced technology from foreign suppliers.

The success of India’s defense modernization efforts will not only shape its military strength but also its geopolitical role in the coming decades. India’s ability to project power in the Indian Ocean and beyond will play a central role in determining the balance of influence in Asia.

Conclusion

India’s rise as a formidable player in global defense is unfolding rapidly, driven by a combination of domestic initiatives, international partnerships, and a strong desire for strategic autonomy. With a robust defense budget and a focus on technology transfer and self-sufficiency, India is positioning itself to meet the challenges posed by regional rivals, particularly China. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including competition for defense resources, the balancing act of maintaining good relations with multiple powers, and the need to develop indigenous capabilities. India’s defense modernization is likely to reshape the regional security architecture and reinforce its growing influence on the world stage.