Modernised, need for Russian arms down: US on Indian military
Delhi showcased itself as a global leader, demonstrated a greater willingness to counter China in 2023, intelligence official tells US Congress
WASHINGTON: India in and took steps to modernise its military and reduce its dependency on Russian origin-equipment, the top US intelligence official has told Congress.
The remarks by Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency came during a Congressional hearing on defence intelligence countering China.
“During the past year, India has showcased itself as a global leader by hosting the Group of 20 economic summit and demonstrated a greater willingness to counter PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) activity throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” Kruse told members of the House Armed Services Committee — the subcommittee on intelligence and special operations.
India, he said, has advanced partnerships in the Indo-Pacific with regional South China
Sea claimants, such as the Philippines, through training and defence sales and deepening cooperation with the US, Australia, France and Japan.
China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, while The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the maritime area.
“In 2023, India took steps to modernise its military to compete with China and reduce its dependency on Russian-origin equipment. India conducted sea trials for its first domestically produced aircraft carrier and also has negotiated with several Western countries on the transfer of key defence technologies,” Kruse said.
India has maintained its neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia remains India’s most substantial defence partner and New Delhi continues to acquire weapons from Moscow, such as the S-400 surface-to-air missile system, despite New Delhi’s desire to diversify its defence acquisition, Kruse said.
“In 2024, New Delhi probably will focus on securing its national parliamentary elections, maintaining economic growth, and building on its ‘Make in India’ initiative as part of its military modernisation effort–which is aimed at countering Beijing,” he said.
Bilateral relations between India and China remain tense following the 2020 Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least five PLA (People’s Liberation Army) soldiers. In October 2023, senior Indian and PLA officers failed to resolve disputes about the two remaining standoff locations in eastern Ladakh during their 20th round of talks.