India’s arms build-up

As South Asia’s security environment continues to remain volatile and explosive, India’s extensive procurement of weapons has only added fuel to the fire. The recent election of Pakistan as the chair of the UN Disarmament Commission shed further light on India’s aggressive military policies and arms acquisitions, which Islamabad views as a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

It is concerning to see India’s disproportionately-high spending on its efforts to bolster its military capabilities, despite the escalating geopolitical tensions and growing mistrust among regional and world powers. Such actions only serve to heighten the risk of a potential arms race in the region, further destabilising the security environment. India’s quest for military superiority is not only detrimental to its own security but also poses a serious threat to its neighbours, including friendly countries. The recent statement by Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram at the commission’s session only reiterates the growing concerns among the neighbouring countries regarding India’s aggressive military policies.

It would be one thing if India was quiet and methodical — building up a strong defence without threatening anyone. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade in charge has been quite the opposite. His loud and chaotic government has threatened everyone from archrivals China and Pakistan to allies such as Bangladesh and Nepal, and even a de facto client state like Bhutan. Worryingly, much of Delhi’s heated rhetoric in recent years has been to play for domestic audiences, especially at election time, rather than any real threat.

It is time for India to realise the implications of its actions and works towards building a peaceful and stable South Asia. The focus should be on resolving the existing disputes through dialogue and negotiations rather than resorting to military threats. Detablisation of the region may be good for a few votes among hawking voters, but in the long run, it is bad for all of South Asia, including India itself.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2024.

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