India must spend right for two-front deterrence. ‘Jugaad’ against China & Pakistan won’t cut it

[@ThePrintIndia]

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[@amansaxenaa7]

As an Indian I hate the word jugaad. Being proud of the word jugaad is a disaster. Within India, we have so many other things we can draw our inspiration from. I like the term “Finesse”. Indian produce was about finesse.

[@PremSalunkheApr16]

Why?

[@anuragbanerjee2879]

@@PremSalunkheApr16 becuase thats what Indian produce lacks

[@user-ln3dn7rx3u]

Indians love to downgrade any R&D work, it's called "innovation" if done by others but "jugaad" when done by Indians.

[@hera-nf8mz]

what does jugaad mean?

[@navan1087]

​@@hera-nf8mz something that does the thing done but is made in an unconventional/non standard way.

[@vinayakdeodhar8641]

You are absolutely right. Having served in IAF for about 30 years, I can definitely say that Jugaad never works in the long run. It's at best an emergency short term solution. We must not play with the security of the country and should always look for proper and long term solutions.

[@counterpoint9260]

the PM himself is 'jugaad' guy

[@billubadshah897]

Indian Politician & General want Commission & Escorts and So keep Re modernization 40 /30 Outdated Hardware

[@ranjitpal9937]

What's Your View of GE not Supplying Tejas 1 Engine and Air force Taking Big of Tejas Mark 2 😂😅😅

[@ThePrintIndia]

Quite right, Vinayak. Thank you for writing in, and for supporting our journalism...best wishes, Shekhar

[@warnpassion]

Jugad is a culture and work ethic symptom of our country's poor country infrastructure not matching upto the population growth.

[@NiradGrover]

Mr Gupta, Thanks for the regular videos on defence. The establishment and the population needs to wake up and address a situation that is actually dire now. Brave soldiers can only take you so far in a modern war scenario. Look forward to continuing defence analyses and calls to action from The Print.

[@Name-pq9xn]

We have money to construct low quality bridges which fall apart but not for defense acquisitions.

[@ranjitpal9937]

GE / USA Is Twisting India Airforce by ✋️ Delaying Purposefully Tejas 1 Engine and Think About USA - MODI FRIENDSHIP

[@mbhang834]

Massage chairs and Selfie points at Railway stations is more important than Railway safety, that is how the Administration prioritizes.

[@warnpassion]

@@mbhang834 Rail accidents happen all over the world. It's not something unique to India.

[@2000murthykk]

Very important aspects of India’s defence forces very well brought out. Thank you Print.

[@gouravmoondra9451]

J 35 will be a major threat. Because the Chinese have been pouring billions and a significant amount on that aircraft. Like its prototype was made in 2012 and they probably have solved most of its issues. In the coming year, production will likely hit 100+ every year, just like they did with j 20. While there are no signs of amca prototype. And what if Pakistan gets their hands on it? . Its time to wake up cause chinese weapons are improving and becoming more reliable.

[@ranjitpal9937]

Perfectly Said Chinese Weapons are Improving day by Day 😮 GE and USA Is Twisting Modi's Arms by Not Supplying Tejas 1 Engine and India is Day Dreaming of Gen 5 Fighter Jet 😂 😅

[@ajayrawat-bf9pc]

Pakistan has got it's hand on it already

[@surendrabarsode8959]

1. There is no doubt that Pakistan has always had something which was more advanced, more lethal than India even though India had overwhelming superiority in a long fought war. This leads to the critical gaps that Shekhar is talking about. We waste lots of time on procurement and we procure big rather than for very specific purposes. Pakistan is getting 5th Gen fighters from China or Turkey and we are busy just talking about AMCA or even Tejas II. 2. Hope Raksha Mantri is listening to this podcast and drawing right lessons. 3. Though Shekhar did not speak much about China, we must say that so far we have given a good account of ourselves since 2020 Galwan clashes but unlike Pakistan, where specific, fit to the purpose approach will do, we need a broader, strategic approach to deal with China. But we are moving there, though slowly. 4. Trump Presidency should be the best time for India to get whatever technologies we need from USA and get ready to face China. Modi should go all out and embrace USA.

[@prastagus3]

Under Trump, India would need to pay a lot or else face sanctions from US.

[@amartyaray]

Indians, as a people, are jugaadu. Consequently, there is a flavour of jugaad in every aspect of our lives-even governance and policymaking. But that's not why the situation is hopeless. It's hopeless because we are proud of it!

[@ThePrintIndia]

That's a fair point, Amartya...that has become our culture. Thank you for watching and writing in...best wishes, Shekhar

[@warnpassion]

Jugad is a culture and work ethic symptom of our country's poor country infrastructure not matching upto the population growth.

[@RP-qs1tp]

Jugaad will definitely cut it if done smartly and on time. Problem is we are even bad in that! Learn from Enemy: When India ordered 250 Su30mki, Pakistan ordered 500 Aim120 c5 To make up squadrons PAF inducted JF17 which was not any good in 2010s and now is a worthy adversary I can go on and on…. The armed forces establishment in India needs overhaul with new minds. The babu mindset will harm us the same way it harmed Russia in Ukraine!

[@ajayrawat-bf9pc]

Babus will never allow us to do a Ukraine... Ergo there won't be a Russia scenario for Us. They are too safe players just worrying about their own career and money to think strategic. Don't worry we are in safe hands. 😂

[@shambo-rm8ql]

How Drone Swarms and Hypersonic Missiles Could Paralyze India in a China Conflict In a potential India-China conflict, the technological and manufacturing edge of China could decisively tilt the balance, particularly through the use of drone swarms, hypersonic missiles, and a numerically superior military. One of the most vulnerable components of India’s defense strategy in this scenario would be its naval and aerial assets, which could be rendered ineffective in a short period. To counter such threats, India must rethink its defense investments and prioritize scalable, modern technologies. The Threat to the Indian Navy Aircraft Carriers as Liabilities: India’s two aircraft carriers-INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant-are high-value targets with limited defenses against hypersonic missiles. Chinese hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are nearly impossible to intercept with current missile defense systems. In a conflict, these missiles could neutralize India’s carriers in the opening hours of the war. Impact of Naval Paralysis: With its aircraft carriers incapacitated, the Indian Navy would lose its ability to project power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China’s naval forces, supported by marine drones and stealth submarines, could then dominate key sea lanes, such as the Malacca Strait, cutting off India’s trade and resupply routes. Historical Lessons: In the 1971 war, a significant portion of the Indian Navy was deployed to protect INS Vikrant, reducing its operational flexibility. Modern hypersonic and drone threats exacerbate this vulnerability, making aircraft carriers a strategic liability. A Tactical Shift: Prioritizing Scalable Assets To counter these evolving threats, India must pivot its defense strategy away from legacy platforms like aircraft carriers and focus on building a resilient, decentralized defense network: 1. Drone Manufacturing and Deployment: Offensive Drones: Develop and deploy suicide drones, FPV drones, and AI-enabled swarms to counter Chinese forces in contested areas. Marine Drones: Invest in underwater drones for surveillance and sabotage in the Indian Ocean. 2. Missiles and Anti-Air Defenses: Ramp up production of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and deploy them in dense networks across vulnerable regions like the Northeast. Encourage private sector participation to ensure scalability in missile production. 3. Artillery and Mobile Defenses: Increase reliance on self-propelled artillery for rapid mobility and reduced vulnerability to drone attacks. Deploy Gepard-like anti-drone systems to counter surveillance and combat drones effectively. 4. Submarine Warfare: Shift focus from large, nuclear-powered submarines to smaller, cost-effective diesel-electric ones. Aim to build a fleet of 500 conventional submarines to maintain dominance in the IOR and secure chokepoints like the Andaman Sea. Why This Shift is Urgent China’s Manufacturing Edge: China’s industrial capacity allows it to produce drones, missiles, and other war-fighting assets at a scale that India cannot currently match. This numerical advantage would overwhelm India in a long-drawn conflict. Air Superiority Risks: The Indian Air Force (IAF) could face severe challenges operating against a better-equipped People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Disabling Indian airfields and airstrips through drone and missile strikes would further negate IAF’s effectiveness. North East Vulnerabilities: With border posts, SAM systems, and logistics hubs destroyed, China’s infantry could quickly advance into the Northeast. This region’s difficult terrain and limited infrastructure would hinder India’s ability to mount a counteroffensive. Conclusion To mitigate these risks, India must overhaul its defense strategy by abandoning legacy investments in platforms like aircraft carriers, which are increasingly obsolete against modern threats. Instead, the focus should be on building drones, missiles, artillery, and submarines. These systems offer scalability, mobility, and survivability-key attributes for defending against a technologically superior adversary like China. By learning from the Ukraine war and China’s own military innovations, India can build a robust defense posture capable of addressing future challenges.

[@BilluBadshah-kh1gd]

Good Stuff What are India Get with Friendship with USA change of India Friendly Regime In Bangladesh ? What a Mutual Friendship

[@ajayrawat-bf9pc]

Beg to differ 1. 100 drones = 1 manned aircraft 2. Conventional subs good in defence role have limited ranges. For Indian Ocean we need SSNs, conventional subs and LRMP aircrafts. 3.China has also carriers which will also come to our waters. It's their offensive punch which will engage our bulk assets. Every asset is vulnerable to drones. And UUV.... We need multi role. Offensive platforms.

[@shambo-rm8ql]

@@ajayrawat-bf9pc 1. I am talking about FPV drones. Russia has 100 times bigger Air force than Ukraine and yet it is not using them. What is working on battlefield in Ukraine is FPV suicide drone, a drone worth few thousand dollars can destroy a tank worth few million dollars. You see the cost difference there. 2. India has Andaman nicobar and Laksdeep islands that already extends the range of our shores. 3. You do not fight careers with carriers, you fight them with submarines, missiles and marine drone swarms. If we arm Andaman & Nicobar and Laksdeep, no carrier will dare to come near our shores

[@BilluBadshah-kh1gd]

@ajayrawat-bf9pc Indeginious Quality Drones etc Dominence in Peninsular Indian Ocean & Sub Continent Politic is the Key to Counter China and Pakistan

[@ajayrawat-bf9pc]

@BilluBadshah-kh1gd Drones against 5 gen fighters, SSN, Bombers, cruise missiles, BM, Rockets, , ain't happening

[@ArkoProvoMukherjee]

Thanks!

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you, Arko! Your contributions are invaluable to us.

[@sb9060]

Today in whole South Asian region and Indian ocean region India has the best ASW vessels and aerial platforms: 1.) P-8I Poseidon-12 ( best in the world) 2.) MH-60 Romeo - 6 inducted, 18 more to come. (Best in the world) 3.) Kamorta class frigates-4 4.) Shallow water ASW vessels-12 , 8 launched, to be commissioned. *I agree that India can't be complement* regarding MBRLs with at least 400 km range to boost her rocket force, Attack subs, aerial refuelling assets, AWACs, anti tank rounds like HEAT and APFSDS, loitering munitions, sub sonic cruise missiles, Howitzers, SIGINT / ELINT aircrafts for acquiring land targets, production of pralay, prahar missiles, more K-9 Vajras, FCRVs, towed artillery, more and aggressive swarm drones, more aggressive cyber unit, more electromagnetic weapons etc.

[@ranjitpal9937]

All Great in Paper 📃 No Realtime Use / export . GE not Sending Engine for Tejas 1 😂 Tejas 2 in 3 Year 😂

[@BRAHMOSPOWER]

​@@ranjitpal9937 The late for engines are caused by supply chain issues with GE ENGINES. KOREAN supplier is facing some issues to supply some critical components.Soon supply of engine will start...... INDIA is planning local manufacturing of GE414 Engines for Tejas mk2 jet with 80% TOT. India also demanding transfer of technology of critical components which Korean manufacturer producing so no supply chain issue will happen in future.

[@ranjitpal9937]

@BRAHMOSPOWER Transfer of Technology is A Catchy Phrase

[@BRAHMOSPOWER]

@@ranjitpal9937 Yes......but India has experience in Local manufacturing of Russian Engines under TOT. SO, Transfer of Technology with local manufacturing model is best for India's requirements.

[@ranjitpal9937]

@BRAHMOSPOWER Russian Technology eg Russian Ukraine War

[@nitinpatel1039]

The more and more we move towards competitive populism more these critical sector will see squeeze out, govt simply doesn't have money,right air force need atleast 5-6 squadron of aircraft. Navy extra submarine, army rifles

[@mohitanand1844]

God protects this nation . Nobody else does

[@iHarsh918]

IAF is short of 15 squadrons... not 5-6... even 1/4th of those in service are outdated

[@mg.f.9023]

What's the amount ruling party spends on PM's ADs and on Election campaigns?

[@iHarsh918]

@@mg.f.9023 That amount won't buy you even a single Rafale fighter.

[@iHarsh918]

@mg.f.9023 but the loot of gandhi family for last 75yrs can buy you several fighter squadrons.

[@swapnildhotre5321]

Happy to see that “Jugad” is not celebrated anymore. Its mention in serious discussions always gave me the hebbie Jebbies.

[@Terrorstar-gbp]

Exactly, we can't be as strong as china, so be strong enough that,they think twice before attacking

[@Butergo]

😂

[@Mr_Gony]

Well said SG. I hope government also has similar thought and plans.

[@anilsinha4968]

There is no forward planning by the armed forces. Previously the thinking in the armed forces was that there would be sudden and sharp exchange and that the army would not sustain a long campaign of more than a month. After the Galwan clash there was a realisation that China was the number 1 enemy and troops were re- deployed. This is the type of shortsightedness that plagues our defence forces. These people are bereft of original thinking. Now they are learning things about drone warfare.

[@shantanushekharsjunerft9783]

India doesn’t want to spend on defense and rightly so. Unfortunately the neighborhood we live in requires a big stick.

[@AbidAli-bo8sv]

Neighborhood is sick because of your own wrongdoings, indulging in their matters with non state actors and funding propaganda groups. Accept your mistakes and talk to them. All of your neighbors will be your best friends.

[@shubs3566]

@@AbidAli-bo8sv Bhai this delusional lecture may work in Pakistan, but in the rest of the informed world it's called psychological projection.

[@GururajBN]

Good NI. You have brought out the proverbial tale of losing the battle for want of a horseshoe. We must also thank the former defence ministers like Mulla Singh Yadav and Saint Anthony for enfeebling the Indian defences. It is easy to cause damage mere inaction will do it. Correction of the damage is time consuming, what with the galloping technology.

[@RM-lg2cm]

Hard truth of defense budgets is that most of it gets used paying salaries, pensions and benefits. With little left for equipment. Fix this.

[@ManpreetSingh-es9vc]

Indian acquisition works like any pakistani battlefield offensive, great tactically but strategical blunders.

[@tvm73827]

Dear Shekhar Gupta, while you often use the term 'Jugaad' to critique Indian-made products, history shows the power of this approach. Books on WWII detail how the U.S. overpowered Germany with its own 'Jugaad'-mass-producing tanks and equipment, sometimes of questionable quality, while Germany focused on small batches of perfection. This laid the foundation for America’s world-class arms industry today. For India, which spends massively on importing arms, prioritizing domestic manufacturing isn’t just about economics; it’s about reducing long-term risks. Overall a very thought-provoking segment-thank you!

[@siddharthgoyal4008]

This is a mis-conception that US weapons were of inferior quality compared to Germans. What US lacked was in long planned projects like cruise missiles etc. US Air force assets especially bombers like B-24 were best in the world, American navy ships were heaviest and had best guns. India never had good manufacturing capacity for even basic items, case in point we had to ask US to supply cold weather clothing in Galwan standoff. Forget arms and ammunition.

[@tvm73827]

@@siddharthgoyal4008 As a military historian, Sir, I can assure you that there are many references to the point I am making. Stanley Sandler's "Ground Warfare: An International Encyclopedia" highlights the scale of American production but also notes instances where quality was compromised for quantity. The National WWII Museum emphasizes how American factories out-produced Axis powers but also acknowledges that not all produced items met superior standards compared to German technology. Military historians often reference specific battles where American equipment faced difficulties against German innovations, illustrating this point further. In summary, while American wartime production capabilities were unparalleled and played a crucial role in the Allies' victory, there were notable instances where certain American weapons were considered inferior to their German counterparts. This duality of quantity versus quality remains a topic of discussion among historians analyzing WWII military strategies and outcomes. But as you note, quite rightly, currently American weapons are the best in the world. But it did not always start out that way. If India keeps importing it will never get to world class.

[@amarnathpranav3343]

India should spend more on internal security as .5 of 2.5 front war with traitors within india are far more dangerous than external 2 enemies which our army can easily handle...

[@ranabirsarkar6750]

Our Generals and defence planners simply don't have the guts to tell the Indian political establishment the truth of their capabilities vis a vis China and Pakistan , what weapons are needed to maintain an overwhelming edge and always deter Pakistan from any misadventures. It is the skill of our fighter pilots and the valour and sacrifice of our soldiers that we have always won against Pakistan.

[@arunhuddar]

To spend more on tech and armaments, we need to spend less on doles and freebies. Spend less on pension schemes

[@dilsekibaat529]

So that’s where agniveer will help Reduce the cost on manpower and more investment in Eqipment and technology

[@arjunpatil9685]

Mr Shekhar Gupta we never heard about this concern since 2007 why now? Do you mean to say we had solid deterrence before and now it has liquidified to jugaad? Or previously certain steps had been planned which has been discontinued now? Or now print is been funded to raise this point disrespecting the current Armed forces inefficiency?

[@CamSam09]

Sir, from Karnataka. All we need is some 10% of the money that our deputy CM DK Shi has stacked up. If he or his daughter gives it, Indian army can have required advanced equipment. 🎉

[@t5ruxlee210]

Serious countries start out with enough heavy artillery ammunition and manned guns already on hand to fight a one year war. Everything else is open for discussion...

[@joshuacherian6718]

India without a modern airforce is as good as a sitting duck...

[@BilluBadshah-kh1gd]

Indian Navy Knew About Pak Having a Sub BUT was Happy Boosting Aircraft Carrier ( which was Also to be Hidden in Vizak 😂 😅

[@ajayrawat-bf9pc]

Yeah when we shelled East Pakistan ports from Vikrant, they didn't have any counter. Indian Intelligence lured PN sub to Vizag , misinformation. Rest is history.

[@Protonkz]

submarine se kya hogaya , east porkistan to gaya 💩💩💩, 91000 soldiers of your goat fucker hijda army surrendered 🤣🤣🤣, and were later stripped and were made to do mujra in front of our army 😘😘😘.

[@AhmedAli-wt2qh]

f-16s were delivered to Pakistan in 1985, when they were the most advanced fighter planes in US airforce. And now Pakistan is going to induct a squadron of J-35A before 2027. Howcome cash-strap pak is always able to get better airforce than much bigger and much richer india? Why china is giving these advanced planes to pak,knowing full well pakistan doesnt have $$ to pay for these planes?

[@prastagus3]

Gwardar Port

[@shubs3566]

Because they don't give a flying f about their people. It's like when your dad earns 100 rupees and spends 95 on cheap booze while his wife and kids starve. Not that complicated really. He'll always be boozed and happy. Hope that clarifies 🤣

[@AhmedAli-wt2qh]

@@prastagus3 yeh,if Gwadar if become functional will harm india's interest.And China has almost equal stake in Chabahar too.

[@akshaypatil8589]

1. You forgot about AD eqpt. 2. What pak did with us post Balakot was to have a AD wall along entire frontier and placing only one CAP of 02 F16s in air. 3. When you can’t acquire state of the art offensive assets, you fill the gap with what Chinese call Assassin’s Mace. A good, capable and networked AD will do a lot for us against an adversary who has advantage in air, in all aspects including Drones, Aircraft’s and Ballastic and cruise missiles.

[@saratsaratchandran3085]

Great analysis and reporting. Government has to channel more money for procurement of needed defence materials!

[@hemanthkumar7078]

Well said , Sir.

[@maysleeps2372]

In india human life is cheap. So politicians send army and navy to die😢. Instead of weapon superiority, indian politicians wants number of superiority, which is foolishness. Pakistan is a state serving army. So army gets best. In india , politicians get best 😂

[@PankajSingh-kz6ql]

Developing indigenous engines is a must , it's been 40 years and we have not been able to develop any engine , be it for tejas, or helicopters, tanks, submarines etc

[@Random-pk7sl]

Just look what we are doing to submarine fleet...its already too late.

[@jitmick]

Indian politicians are useless when it comes to national strategy and security. The BJP government began with some promising aspects but lack of thoughtfulness has now turned it into another INC...hate to see the lethargic attitude in national level politics

Russia does not have engines to fly their civilian planes due to Western embargo. During Kargil war, the US simply turned off its GPS for the Pakistani army and airforce which made them blind and useless. Same thing can happen to India. But, technology domination by the West is something India can never overcome today. The same applies to China. Hence, simply buying weapons at great cost for wars fought in our imagination is something we can very well do without. The insurgency by Jihadists in Kashmir makes it a good training ground for our army because that is the way present and future wars are fought. First line of defense in the border areas is to make the borders alive with civilian villages and towns. That needs infrastructure building in remote areas and forests. No enemy will try to attack civilian towns and villages unless they want to get bogged down with heavy casualties in street-to-street fighting.

[@prastagus3]

China now do have their own engines for civilian planes. It was on display at the recent air show. All C919 and later C929 will be using them instead of GE in the near future.

[@crkamathtube]

Wasn't the creation of the office of CDS meant to solve these issues?

[@happyeastwood]

The main goal at first is to solve logistics synergy between three defense Forces.

[@ianwilson8759]

Unfortunately India hasn't spent enough on defence for at least 10 years and closer to 20 years. India has fixated on growing GDP, even though most of it has been in in-country and on crucial infrastructure projects like road and rail which had been neglected for generations. So, much like Russia's GDP figures, inflated by war consumption, India's is by entirely domestic infrastructure consumption on things that should have been spent 50 years ago. What does this mean? Nothing much really, India has as much a wartime economy as Russia. As soon as the war is over, both economies will collapse or if oil prices drop under Trump. If Russian oil production dries up under low oil prices this does not benefit India, as counter-intuitive as it may seem. India will struggle to find a new source of cheap oil. Further, no western country now looks at India as a beacon of democracy and human rights in a wasteland of Asian pragmatism and zero morality. They see India as a benign cancer.

[@arakinayaki]

Why u need the support of the west as they r staggering on their own. Come out of colonial mins set

[@pallavved3888]

Very well cluttered

[@docyusuf258]

It is such a shame that even Pakistan is outdoing India in defence. 😢

[@saviofrancisfernandes413]

Pakistan is being supported by US and China plus the Muslim brotherhood countries. If Pakistan did not have the support of these powers, India could have gotten Kashmir long time ago. US plays double game of supporting both india and Pakistan - so, it cannot be trusted. Now, a new war front is opened via Bangladesh also.

[@muhammadhasnainkhalil7437]

India should use diplomacy to reach an agreement with Pakistan whereby all issues will be resolved without war, and trade between the two countries will be maximised. This will allow India to only be concerned about China.

[@advaithrajendra]

1:57 having a high resolution colour image of a ship which was active in the 71 war should probably tell that you have the wrong ship Or, more accurately, you have the right ship (Kuthar) but the wrong ship (new Kuthar) in the image. I rely heavily on The Print for my dose of news and I just assume everything to be correct but even the best can be mistaken sometimes I guess 😅

[@nrusimha11]

One sincerely hopes Shekharji doesn’t get a commission for this public service.

[@indranuj38]

Beautifully explained Sir....please do an extensive episode on COP29 and how the developed world is pushing the developing countries regarding carbon tax

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you, my friend, I'm glad you found this episode insightful. We will certainly look into doing a COP video. Thank you for appreciating and supporting our journalism...best wishes, Shekhar

[@SAIPRADEEP070]

this is one of those rare occassions where shekhar speaks something really sensible. Rest of all the times he just rants against anything and everything that is favourable to the country as long as the BJP its done by the BJP

[@Salvo08]

Kudos to The Print team to talk on this neglected issue. The BJP Govt started off well but then lost steam to stay in power as the opposition was on a spree to announce freebies and BJP too joined that.

[@doonnair]

Sir, you are doing a great service to the country. Our FM and Government needs to understand the importance of defence preparedness

[@JT-wc2xq]

With its robotic factories that have minimal workers, China can easily produce at least 400,000 ballistic, cruise missiles a year and millions of military drones.

[@orunabho]

56" is not very decisive, contrary to popular propaganda. Trying to be a hero everywhere, pleasing everybody is his problem.

[@His-story-teller]

The artist who made that thumbnail deserves a raise.

[@ks20234]

I dont know when the time will come - when we will say that there are enough fighter aircrafts to have credible deterrence for a 2 front war plus also a naval war. We are always behind the curve on this. Similarly on submarines and aircraft carriers.

[@DataCrusade1999]

India is still wandering whether to have a 3rd aircraft carrier or not meanwhile China is making a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. This is the state of Indian defense under a so called Nationalist government. I also don't understand why we're not selling all the Ordnance factories they were corporatorized few years back now is the time to sell them.

[@Red.bulldozer3]

There is no logic indian army requesting more money as the chinese army had pulled out from occupied indian areas and promised not to set foot in indian soil anymore This is one Major achievement for Modi😂

[@bhikariman-sigmamale]

I see jugaad everywhere. It's good to a certain extent. But it can't be replacement for proper way.

[@Ronifromearth]

Vishva guru is sleeping what to do When So called nationalist government doesn't makes the military strong 😑😑 Do we expect the Congress to do this !

[@TalhaTahir-by6ny]

Pakistan Army is scared of India.

[@jaykumar_khot]

Astra mk2 has already been outranged by PL15, maybe even by PL15 export version.

[@Rookieplayer07]

No Sir India should prepare for 4 front war and immediately deploy troops in china pak and bangladesh borders. Fourth front will be on the ocean so navy should prepare for 4th front on 3 sides which makes it 6 front war type scenario on india

[@ranjitpal9937]

Shekhar ji , A Small % increase in Defense Budget & Atmanirbhar Stories are Great . BUT The Reality GE Not Supplying Tejas Mark 1 Engine Etc ?

[@TestTest-cc1dz]

Who said GE is not supplying, just 3-5 month delay.. Delay is inevitable in large contracts. 3 - 5 months is nothing

[@veerapandyan8403]

The scheme is 'detrimental to the combat effectiveness' of the military and the Agniveers are fit for only 'sentry duties', said Admiral Arun Prakash, former Chief of the Naval Staff

[@bakinnayak]

Pic of INS Kuthar is wrong...not expected from The Print

[@sabesankandasamy9331]

India must spend at least 5% of her GDP on Defence

[@VictimHood-qv1hx]

I think we should go for Gripen E and skip Tejas MKII and concentrate on AMCA.

[@prithviraj160876]

Couldn't agree more

[@deeell9305]

Defence sector gobles too much budget resource in India. The Modi government has been contemplating rationalise it with the Agniveer programme.

[@AbheejitBhagwat]

Excellent Analysis Sir…I was just contemplating on the 100 howitzers ordered. What about the WHAP? Why not ordered in significant numbers

[@ranjitkamath2417]

SG Please tag this episode to Defence Minister and FM, Your voice has weight

[@thottankaraharidasannair6290]

It is quite unfortunate that inspite of repeated experience we still follow our complacency. Only when another war looms large we go to the market to look for equipment and supplies. When the things will improve or who will bell the cat only god knows.

[@INDIAN-sx9kc]

So we can now say that no F 16 was shot down by wing commander abhinandan?

[@AbidAli-bo8sv]

Did he down with his fart? All his missiles with broken plane is in the museum in Islamabad. Check youtube videos.

[@ShafiqUl-rehman]

His mig bison wreckage in pakistan still has its missiles intact he didn't even fire them Godi media and hindutva army started this propaganda for public consumption for face saving due to the embarrassment that PAF did to them in broad daylight whole world saw it

[@arshadali1441]

End of every conflict is negotiations. These things are a waste.

[@VijayBalan-x4z]

Nice overview. Beyond the 'jugaad' culture, the problem stems from political leadership and MoD bureaucrats not knowledgeable about defence- the closest India had to a knowledgeable head was Parrikar. This is too specialized a task for generalists. For Mod, perhaps a trained cadre- an IDS like the IFS. The procurement process is abysmal. After Balakot, forget the missile gap, Abhinandan's MiG did not have Software-Defined-Radios that are not easily jammed. His plane did not also have an jammer pod like the ELTA 8222. So, he was blind and incapable of blinding- thank the heavens the warrior survived! This doesn't even scratch the surface of intense electronic warfare India will face from China.I would also add training. Just having shiny new toys is inadequate. Are the warriors sufficiently trained? Are processes in place beyond 'chalta hai'? Why do ships fall over in dry dock when being repaired (2 of them)? Did a seaman really forget to shut the hatch on the INS Arihaant? Did the IAF hit anything at Balakot, or only trees as the Pakistanis claim? Don't know the answers to the last two, but with new tech comes a formidable training burden. Are there adequate skills, plans and processes in place?

[@ShafiqUl-rehman]

The whole international community western, eastern neutral defence analysts all concluded that IAF didn't achieve anything in balakot other than using stand alone munitions which hit few trees and killed few crows lol the world saw what PAF did next morning in broad daylight easily targeted indian military installations destroyed a sukhoi and mig bison capturing abhinandan jammed electronic communications effecting indian SAM's in shooting down its own rescue helicopter which was heading to the site where sukhoi was shot down abhinandan's mig wreckage showed that his missiles were intact, he never shot down a F16 US conformed all F16's were accounted for defence analyst prof Christine fair proved infront of indian military officials that no F16 was shot down. Godi media used this fake F16 story for public consumption to save face after PAF humiliated them. Pak controlled the escalation ladder and was ready for any further indian misadventure. Neither india nor pakistan can have a long war it will always be a short skirmish and india can't do anything to Pakistan in any short clash

[@SS-eu2ef]

Jugaad only works until it does'nt

[@nikaawan9555]

Technically not even sound to safeguard one front AND THEY TALK ABOUT TWO FRONTS 🤦

[@ankushdoshi8947]

Teh congress era had wasted 10 years of defence purchase . Modi started well but now even they have become slow with a very incompetent defence minister who dosent has the will to purchase and is scared to face the the opposition

[@kushagravlogs5627]

Arihant submarine was developed in Manmohan government. Now India is building it's copy. There are no new development in Modi government

[@mg.f.9023]

What's the amount ruling party spent on PM's ADs and on Election campaigns so far?

[@Harsh-rf9k]

Why BJP govt is also spending less on army? Strengthening army is first priority. National security is paramount. We should go in the direction on 2.5% of gdp on defense.

[@srinum6774]

I am really disappointed with Mod government. They turned out to be worse than Congress!

[@viveksingh526]

But thinks are looking better, especially with new defense industry

[@shambo-rm8ql]

How China Could Paralyze India in a Drone-Dominated War In a potential conflict with India, China’s technological advancements and industrial capacity could enable it to exploit critical vulnerabilities in India’s defenses. The use of drone swarms, hypersonic missiles, and superior manufacturing capabilities could devastate India’s military infrastructure and pave the way for rapid territorial gains. Without urgent changes in strategy, India risks suffering severe setbacks, especially in the critical Northeast region and the Indian Ocean. Drone Swarms: The Game-Changer China’s ability to deploy tens of thousands of drones simultaneously could overwhelm India’s defenses: Target Saturation: Drone swarms could attack border posts, airfields, SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) systems, and logistical hubs, rendering India's forward defenses ineffective. Neutralizing Indian Air Force (IAF): AI-driven drones could target Indian airbases, crippling fighter jets during takeoff or mid-flight. China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), equipped with superior drones and fighter jets, would dominate the skies, restricting IAF operations. Strategic Infrastructure Disruption: Reconnaissance and kamikaze drones could isolate Indian forces by destroying supply routes, ammunition depots, and command centers. The Threat to India’s Navy Aircraft Carriers as Liabilities: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, India’s two aircraft carriers, would become prime targets for China’s hypersonic missiles. These missiles, capable of evading current defense systems, could destroy the carriers in the early stages of a conflict. Protecting aircraft carriers would divert significant naval resources, reducing India’s ability to project power in the Indian Ocean. Historical precedence: During the 1971 war, India deployed half its navy to protect INS Vikrant, limiting operational flexibility. Modern threats like hypersonic weapons and marine drones exacerbate this vulnerability. Naval Paralysis: China's use of marine drones and a superior submarine fleet could paralyze the Indian Navy, giving China dominance over critical chokepoints like the Malacca Strait. Without naval superiority, India’s supply lines and trade routes would be severely disrupted, crippling its war effort. How India Could Lose the Northeast Mass Drone Attacks: Drone swarms targeting SAM systems, border posts, and critical infrastructure in the Northeast could leave the region defenseless. Infantry Invasion: Once defenses are neutralized, Chinese infantry could move swiftly into Indian territory, facing minimal resistance. Logistical Collapse: Destroying supply lines and isolating forward troops could force India to cede parts of the Northeast within 3 months, mirroring Ukraine’s loss of its eastern territories in 2022. China’s Strategic Advantage Industrial Supremacy: China’s unparalleled manufacturing capacity allows it to produce drones, missiles, and other war assets at a scale India cannot match. Technological Edge: Advances in AI, autonomous systems, and precision-guided munitions make China’s drones and missiles highly effective against conventional defenses. India’s Current Vulnerabilities Limited Anti-Drone Capabilities: India lacks sufficient anti-drone systems like the Gepard-type self-propelled guns that could defend against drone swarms. Outdated Naval Strategy: Continued investment in aircraft carriers diverts resources from modern naval assets like drones and submarines. Geographic Challenges: The Northeast’s rugged terrain and limited infrastructure amplify the impact of disrupted supply lines. A Strategic Shift for India To counter these threats, India must overhaul its defense priorities: Drone Ecosystem: Develop and deploy suicide drones, marine drones, and AI-enabled swarms. Missile Systems: Ramp up the production of SAMs and deploy them extensively across vulnerable regions. Self-Propelled Artillery: Increase reliance on mobile artillery to enhance survivability against drone attacks. Anti-Drone Guns: Mass-produce anti-drone systems to protect border regions and critical infrastructure. Submarine Fleet: Shift focus from large nuclear submarines to smaller, cost-effective diesel-electric submarines. A fleet of 500 submarines could dominate the Indian Ocean and secure chokepoints like the Andaman Sea. Conclusion China’s ability to combine drone swarms, hypersonic missiles, and superior industrial output presents an existential threat to India’s current defense strategy. By continuing to invest in legacy platforms like aircraft carriers, India risks being outpaced in a rapidly evolving battlefield. A strategic pivot towards scalable, modern technologies-focusing on drones, missiles, submarines, and artillery-is essential to safeguard India’s sovereignty and ensure resilience against future conflicts.

[@prastagus3]

China is reserving most of them for US. For India, they don't need to do this

[@ShafiqUl-rehman]

Huhuy8 89nooom😊kò99ooo⁸uni 8ì😅⁸milkman kk8kkmkkkkk8kkk9kk89kl9kkkkkķkl8k9kkķkk9kkkkl9kkkk8kkkkkkk9kkkk⁹kķkkkk8k😅⁹kk8kkk8😅😅😅😅⁸kkkķklkķķkkkkkkkkķkkkkkk9l😅9lĺll8l9m9lĺllllllllllllll9lĺl9lllll9llllllll9lllmlll9lllĺlllllllemme l😅lllllllllmllllllllllllmllmllllllmll😅9th k 13:58 😅l⁹is 😅😅😅

[@joydeepdas32]

@shekhar the changes you are suggesting can be taken care by sector command with their financial powers. I pay 2LPM TAX cannot support this NONSENSE OF DEFENCE. My car got damaged by a large roadside boulder.

[@Thoughtflux]

Currently the public is high on cheap "nationalism ka affeem". When we are already proud of who we are then where is the space for improvement?

[@ShadowMonarch-bc7iz]

I don't know why people like you don't like nationalism and blame everything on nationalism India have seen time of liberal, communist,left wing when india can't make a single things and terrorℹ️st attack on daily basis and 60 years on the first step of development I think people don't know what improvement is

[@bakinnayak]

Second pic is of the new INS Khukri

[@billubadshah897]

Indiam Want to Have 3 Aircraft Carrier " It's For Indian Defence or Commission ❤ French Escort ?

[@PankajGupta-df1kk]

At least something positive is happening

[@kbmehta4208]

It’s rare to see support for equipping the armed forces, though criticism of their leadership abounds. Good beginning. Sadly, the Govts, almost all, have seen Indian armed forces personnel lives as expandable. After all they are paid to this job. Aren’t they? Even present Govt that came with a promise to strengthen defence forces though hasn’t hesitated to use them hasn’t done much in terms of budget support. Priorities are elsewhere.

[@altpn]

lol, process paralysis, cost paralysis, analysis paralysis, thought paralysis. complete stalemate

[@greekman414]

Good topic. Well analysed

[@rajeshbhagat863]

@ 6:20 'how small increases in Defense budgets could make big difference' - Why was it not done then? Dosen't it say volumes about the mind-set and prioritization of the then government? If Khangressis had taken natonal security a tad more seriuosly....

[@advaityachandhoke1406]

I feel PMO should project 2025-26 as an year of transformation of IAF. Order the 97 additional Tejas Mk1A along with 65 LCH for IAF (+90 for Army). Ordering 6 Netra Mk1A AWACS would be a bonus. Along with that order Brahmos & Pralay Missiles in good enough quantity to start the formation of Indian Rocket Force. That will provide you with sizeable deterrence and a cushion for a while against China. 2025-26 will also likely see the induction of first Tejas Mk1A Sq. (Delayed dur to GE F404 engine delivery delay by US) and first flight of Tejas Mk2. It is a well known fact that in today's day and age it is the Air Power that decides the fate of any conflict. Its because Air Power is not restricted by Geography or Borders or Regions. If you want to take the fight to your enemy, focus on enhancing your Air strength followed by Naval strength (which we are doing well). Precisely the reason why US, China and Russia focus a lot on enhancing their Air fleet. Key examples can be seen in Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as Israel-Hamas/Hezbollah/Iran conflict. The ones with a superior air power are leading. Unfortunately in the last 2 decades, there has been almost no efforts made to even maintain the strength of IAF, let alone increasing it.

[@Nintendo_fanboy87]

India should challenge China.

[@soumaSR]

CCP occupied mainland China should challenge the Republic of China honestly there aren't even one single US trooper there.

[@SanjithKappiarath]

IT shall go back. Is that ok.

[@lifefundadosto1255]

The airforce is being neglected due to gov incompetence and lethargic attitude.

[@SK-yt5qn]

Mr Gupta has craftily hid UPA 2 government's incompetency. (BJP led) NDA government has to fill deep hole dug by their predecessors (cong led UPA) which would take time. Things are going in right direction now and situation will improve drastically in coming years.

[@rameshramaswamy2178]

Shekhar Gupta takes time to come to the point, am afraid… Where are the key gaps still occurring and is the Indian pace of precise purchases isn’t happening with specific examples. Giving general examples doesn’t help

[@ShubhamTiwari-mu8do]

India missed a massive opportunity by reducing the mandate of 2024 by falling to false khata khat narrative. This govt is toothless due to reliance on JDU and LJP. Moreover NDA has to promise now freebies to stay relevant. The pandits who hailed that this will result in more democratic processes to follow and will reduce BJP high handedness were short sighted to see what the major problem this broken mandate will do for next 5 years

[@daniyalamed2960]

Why fight a two fromt war. Make peace with your neighbors.

[@PB-hf9of]

Can you

[@soumaSR]

That's like saying Poland should have given their land to Germany in the 1940s lol make peace bro😂

[@daniyalamed2960]

@soumaSR Pakistan literally has no ability to hurt India. In anyway. China has bigger problems to deal with. India has literally brought these two enemies together upon themselves.

[@vladimiraggarwal293]

​@@daniyalamed2960aah here you go wrong my friend pakistan to this day has the ability to hurt india not conventionally but unconventionally for sure second china I don't think they are willing to negotiate and both pak and china are the aggressors for sure