 "Vantage | Why India's defence deals with the Global South matter")
In recent years, India has been making significant strides towards establishing itself as a major player in the global arms trade. This strategic shift involves identifying markets and forging partnerships, particularly in the Global South.
Military exporter
India’s ambition to become a military exporter is not without its challenges. One crucial step in this journey is identifying potential markets for its defence products. Recent reports indicate that New Delhi is eyeing opportunities in regions like Africa and the Caribbean. The impending defence deal with Ethiopia, focussing on military training and acquisitions, underscores India’s growing presence in the African defence market.
Similarly, India’s engagement with Guyana, offering a line of credit worth $23 million for the procurement of military aircraft, demonstrates its commitment to expanding its defence exports in the Caribbean region. The choice of the HAL 228 Dornier aircraft, tailored for short takeoffs and landings, aligns with Guyana’s specific requirements for patrol and logistical missions.
These developments highlight a clear trend: countries in the Global South are increasingly turning to India for their defence needs. The Philippines’ procurement of India’s BrahMos missiles, valued at $375 million, and ongoing negotiations with other nations for the Tejas fighter jet reinforce this pattern.
Numbers talk
The numbers substantiate India’s aspirations. From approximately Rs4,600 crore in defence exports in 2017-18, the figure has surged to nearly Rs15,000 crore—a remarkable increase of 226 per cent. With a target of reaching Rs50,000 crore in exports by 2028-29, India aims to position itself as a leading defence supplier on the global stage.
So, why do countries in the Global South prefer India’s defence offerings? Firstly, India’s status as a fellow Global South nation fosters a sense of solidarity and trust, devoid of colonial legacies. Moreover, Indian defence products offer a cost-effective alternative to Western counterparts, addressing the budgetary constraints faced by many developing nations.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWhat India offers
Unlike Western defence procurement strategies, which often prioritise exorbitant spending, India’s approach resonates with the fiscal realities of Global South countries. For instance, the staggering costs associated with the American F-35 jet—amounting to $1.7 trillion for a fleet—underscore the unfeasibility of such expenditures for many nations.
For India, the benefits extend beyond financial gains. Increased defence exports translate into revenue, investments and job creation bolstering the domestic defence industry. Furthermore, forging defence partnerships cultivates strategic ties, as exemplified by India’s longstanding relationship with Russia, rooted in defence collaboration.
Challenges for India
However, India faces formidable competition, particularly from China, which has made significant inroads into the African defence market through lucrative loan deals covering defence procurement. With 27 deals worth $3.5 billion, China’s assertive presence poses a formidable challenge to India’s ambitions.
Navigating this competitive landscape demands resilience and strategic acumen. While the West and China vie for dominance, India must leverage its strengths, such as its diverse defence portfolio and diplomatic prowess, to carve out a niche in the global arms trade.
In essence, India’s quest to become a key player in the defence export arena represents a pivotal shift in its foreign policy and economic strategy. By fostering partnerships and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the Global South, India aims to not only bolster its defence industry but also shape regional and global security dynamics. As New Delhi braces for this uphill battle, one thing remains certain: the pursuit of strategic influence in the arms trade will define India’s trajectory in the 21st century geopolitical landscape.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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