Peter Rimmele, Head, India office Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Gen. Maj. Dipankar Banerjee (Retd.), Strategic Analyst

K.P. Vijayalakshmi, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Employees of the KAS organizational team

Brig. Arun Sahgal (Retd.), Lt. Gen. Viond Bhatia (Retd.), Amb. Kanwal Sibal (Retd.), Rear Admiral Raja Menon and Maj. Gen. Dipankar Banerjee during the conference summary after the meeting.

The Round Table discussion on the 31st of July started with introductory remarks by Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia, Director of the Center for Joint Warfare Studies, and Peter Rimmele, Head of the KAS India office. Both representatives dwelled upon the challenges that liberal countries are facing in the current world order, and emphasized the need for an increased bond between likeminded countries – as Germany and India are.

The discussion focused on the biggest threats towards India`s defense sector and the consequential political choices. Of top priority is the development of a strategic approach towards China. In the past, the behavior was marked by engagement and confrontation. Will the new Indian government now follow similar policy? While India cannot accept a Chinese dominated world order, turning towards the USA as an increasingly important defense partner doesn`t seem to be the most popular option. As the USA is losing its dominance in the international order, new challenges arise for India to the West of Asia.

The strained relationship with Pakistan remains another ardent security issue after all. How will India react to the growing partnership between Pakistan and China in the aftermath of the Balakot attacks?

Last but not least, it is not only the external security problems that need to be tackled in order to secure the safety of the nation and to project India as a credible regional power. The military apparatus needs thorough reforms. This is no newly occurring phenomen, but a problem that has not been addressed for too long. Many procedures in the Indian defense sector are disorganized and disharmonized and need improvement, for example the procurement process, allocation of funds, modernization of arms, technological development and capacity building.

India has to coordinate its forces and focus on the areas that will enhance its strategic capabilities- economic growth, military and science and technology. The new Indian government has to develop a holistic defense approach, encompassing a clear strategy and policy implementations similar to the newly published Chinese Defense White Paper.

The discussion was held under Chatham House rule.

More information on the newly launched Chanakya Chakra forum can be found on their Facebook page.

After the discussion, Maj. Gen. Banerjee convened four participants to recap the main points of the discussion. Access the podcast to the summary on the Youtube channel of Chanakya Chakra.