By: Sanighdha Singh
“The principles of foreign policy- that nations act in their political, economic, and military self-interest, is a timeless truth for Kautilya’s Arthshastra.” – Roger Boesche
“Any future act of terror shall be considered as an act of war”, declared the present Prime Minister of India. Across the whole spectrum of sacred spiritual texts of the ancient Indian civilisation- the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, the Upanishads, the Puranas, and especially the Arthshastra; the idea of national policy making, defence policy and strategy formulation, as well as the interconnection between the civilian and the military wing of national development was considered paramount, acted upon each and every second of one’s living breath. From time immemorial, the protection of border security (both, external and internal sovereignty), national policy making, and paradigm of defense infrastructure were considered quintessential as well as highly inevitable for future national development, fastened economic progress, social and cultural cohesion, along with diligently crafted statecraft involving both civil and military dimensions- being considered the backbone of national progression.
On the world stage, each and every country needs to makes it mark by showing a very strong front in the face of dynamically ever changing geopolitical scenarios, constantly ever shifting international interests (in international relations, there are no permanent friends or enemies, there are only permanent interests), and intricately linked numerous events happening at the same time. This not only showcases active engagement of a particular government in national interest, but also proves to be successful in light of unpredictable challenges that come a nation’s way- such as terrorism, economic trade warfare, information warfare, drone warfare, well-thought-out diplomatic strikes, and emerging new faces of intricately linked mesh of organised crime syndicates. In the light of all these parameters to be always kept in mind while planning and laying down the track for national security- the above-mentioned declaration of the present Prime Minister of India, turns out be an astutely considerate one.
Lord Sri Krishna thundered like a bolt when he supremely guided Arjuna to fight for the righteous cause, in the right way, at the right time, for the welfare of the citizens, and with the rightful use of weapons. That same tactical stance was taken by Lord Sri Rama when He waged the righteous war on Ravana’s Lanka by crossing myriad obstacles, through the righteous means. Both, diplomatic peace talks and strategic precision-based military strikes are a part of maintaining cordial relations with one’s neighbour and the bigger world-state beyond that, with both being used at their appropriate times. This dual application of intrigue-based actions was also highlighted by Air Marshal A.K. Bharti in a recent press briefing, whereby he stated- विनय न मानत जलधि जड़, गए तीनि दिन बीति। बोले राम सकोप तब, भय बिनु होइ न प्रीति!
National security thereby is a very important tool in the archetypal design of national development. It not only reflects the traditional-cultural principles of ancient civilisational thought-process being imbibed in the collective national consciousness, but also- the tenets of natural justice, global constitutionalism, constitution constitutionalism, historical learnings and myriad experiences, propositions of just, ethical, and equitable philosophies, along with the essence of the dynamic societal perspectives. The collective compass of hereditary, social, economic, psychological and political fundamentals form the basis and foundation of all that encompasses-national security. Kautilya, the great Indian political and economic theorist-highlighted the harmonious balance between foreign policy as well as internal development of a State as the two most valuable pillars of national security. Even though, India does not possess a national security doctrine, still national security can be defined in certain terminologies.
‘Doctrine’, on its part is labelled as a dogma- an explication or officially acceptable version of a religious teaching. However, doctrine is universally applied to all stated fundamental statements that are officially acceptable versions of narratives built. National security is however, a broader term encompassing the protection of nation’s stability, safety, and protection from various existential and premonition-based threats, either external or internal; and widely encompasses military security, economic security, energy security, food security, cyber-security, environmental security, social security and various parameters of human development in a particular nation-state. National security, thereby defines in unambiguous terms the framework that outlines security objectives and national interests of a country. The need for India’s comprehensive national security doctrine has been felt at a number of times, the latest being in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.
The interoperability and desirability of a national security doctrine as well as defence self-reliance was also felt in the words of Field Marshal, former COAS SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, when he said, “one thing remains the same, your task and your duty. You are required to ensure the security of this country against any offence. What is that means for you? That means that you should have to fight, and fight for a win. There is no room for losers. If you lose, don’t come back. You will have disgraced the country, and the country won’t accept you.” Indian State leaders have added their own unique touch to national security perspectives, and a panoptic doctrine shall aid significantly in countering traditional and non-traditional national threats. These include the nuclear doctrine (‘No-First Use Policy’; ‘Credible Minimum deterrence’; and ‘promising massive retaliation attack’), the joint-ness of the Indian Armed Forces (integration and theatrisation of Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force; and synergy and strategic coordination), counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism doctrine, cyber-security and coastal security doctrine, et al.
It is in this light that defence policy formulation- typically dealing with the procurement, design, manufacturing, export-import, et al of defence products- and the inter-linkage of the same with the national security doctrine, while inculcating the canon of civil-military fusion into the aforementioned matrix is inevitable for a militarily superior and developed nation. This Aatamnirbharta (self-reliance) of defence functioning, national security perspective and civil-military symphony is the surest way ahead for a Vishwaguru– walking steadily on the path of Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam and diplomatic equidistant ambivalent postulations.
Defence Self-Reliance and Civil Military Fusion for National Security: A Comprehensive and Comparative Analysis
“₹1.27 Lakh Crore in Production, ₹21,083 Crore in Exports, Defence on the Fast Track.” -Press Information Bureau (2025)
Defence security simply means that the ‘defence-state’ of a nation is par excellence, and will provide a timely aid in protection of national security, national sovereignty, vital interests and protection from external threats, as it is. Defence security encompasses defence infrastructure, defence production, combined armed forces command systemic apparatus, and cyber-security mechanisms. Additionally, it also includes preparedness for research and development, international cooperation in defence sector, sustainability defence options, energy-food-financial security matrix and disaster management response preparedness. Even though defence security is a complex and intricately dynamic and complex field, constantly evolving into holistic approach, integrating infrastructural, military and intelligence fields, into one combined sphere. However, focusing majorly on the defence infrastructure paradigm at hand, it is pertinent to first analyse the current state of the same, before delving further into what more can be done.
According to a report recently released by the Press Information Bureau, “India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2014, evolving from a largely import-dependent military force to one increasingly focused on self-reliance and indigenous production. As one of the strongest military powers globally, India holds a pivotal role in ensuring regional security and fulfilling strategic goals. The country’s defence budget, which stood at ₹2,53,346 crore in 2013-14, has seen a significant rise, reaching ₹6,21,940.85 crore in 2024-25, reflecting a clear commitment to strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities. Central to this transformation is the growth of India’s defence manufacturing industry, which has become an integral part of the economy. Through the “Make in India” initiative and policy reforms, the government has actively promoted domestic production and reduced reliance on foreign procurement. This shift has been a key component of India’s broader vision of achievingAatamnirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, positioning the nation as an emerging hub for the production of advanced military technologies and equipment.”
The report thereby highlights the growth of record defence production, achievement of new milestones (India is on track to achieve a target of ₹1.75 lakh crore in defence production in the current fiscal year), visionary viewpoint for future defence production (whereby, India aims to cross Rs. 3 Lakh crore in defence production by 2029), a heightened surge in defence exports, and a noticeable decadal growth rate in defence infrastructure. This highlights India’s expanding global reach, newer key export destinations, fosteration of key defence relationships, and diversified export portfolio.
The report carefully concludes that, “India’s defence sector has made unprecedented strides over the past decade, driven by a strong policy push towards self-reliance and domestic manufacturing. The significant rise in defence production and exports underscores the country’s growing capability as a global defence manufacturing hub. With a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in defence production and exports reaching ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, India has demonstrated its commitment to reducing dependency on imports while strengthening its presence in the global market. As the nation aims for ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029, these achievements highlight India’s emergence as a reliable defence partner worldwide. By leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and indigenous capabilities, India is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the future of global defence manufacturing and security.” The report thereby gives certain parameters, whereby it is clearly noticeable that India has made definite strides in her defence sector. Employing tactically thought-out strategies, Indian defence regime has gained ground in- (i) self-reliant defence manufacturing in the home-ground; (ii) achieved targeted defence manufacturing-again employing good domestic policies; (iii) diversified the defence manufacturing and export bucket; (iv) stressed upon making reliable defence partners across the globe-France, Israel, etc; and (v) set up ambitious targets for the future. This sums up the movement of India’s defence infrastructure from total dependence on imports to rising exports and Aatamnirbharta.
Entities like public sector undertakings (PSUs), private organisations and companies, as well as research think-tanks have aided in the development of indigenous defence infrastructure in India. These include but are not limited to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bharat Electronic Ltd. (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and connected Ordnance Factories as well as Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Private companies like Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Bharat Dynamics, Paras Defence, and Adani defence along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – are active players in the defence sectors. It is only because of the shared partnerships in the public-private sectors, along with collaborative efforts being waged by startups under the various governmental schemes, that India is progressing on the path of defence reliance and progressive defence infrastructural build-up. The strength of the Indian defence sector was appropriately showcased in the now-paused Operation Sindoor, which the world saw with gaping eyes and an out-of-grasp breath.
Indian defence scenario is characterised appropriately by growing self-reliance as is clear from the aforementioned facts, along with investments in ‘Make in India’ initiatives, allowing increased Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), making of Defence corridors, holding of regular Defence Expos and exhibitions, along with think-tank symposiums and conclaves, allowing space to dissent-discord-innovative ideas, modernisation including active trials, cutting edge technological platforms, and development of missiles having longer range of impact for futuristic wars. Additionally, research organisations and the government are also actively preparing for futuristic cyber warfare using drones, information warfare systems, and robotic warfare scenarios, whereby human casualties can be nullified, and human interventions are limited to tactical deployment as well as operation of machines. This is in addition to increased budget allocation, capital expenditure, and maintenance of the combined Indian defence forces in the best way possible. This has added on to the strength of the Indian armed forces and also aided in providing an opportunity-filled way forward.
However, steps like increasing the present budget for defence manufacturing and research-development, progressive and enhanced partnerships between the public-private sectors for defence manufacturing, expanding the base for defence exports and manufacturing from the present minuscule scale, implementation of timely delivery of defence products promised to the Indian defence agencies, and efficient procurement processes, along with fixing liabilities and accountability wherever occurring, fostering focused technological growth and expertise, while providing production-linked incentives in defence exports as well as domestic manufacturing can greatly aid in speeding up the defence self-reliant process in India, in addition to assessing the cyber security measures that need to be taken up for readying the defence forces for futuristic warfare challenges.
This must be done in timely and phased manner, synchronising the same with- development of India into global supply chain hub, establishing a credible image for Indian defence products, and building government’s trust on the private sector capabilities as well as open-market opportunities in the defence space. This partnership with civilian development capabilities is the first step towards fueling civil-military partnership in the defence Aatamnirbharta sector of India. Cues can be taken from foreign jurisdictions as well who have heralded defence self-reliance through pain-staking yet rewarding steps taken.
Defence infrastructural building and national security paradigm are the basis of channeling up the civil-military fusion in India. This can be practically achieved by- operational partnerships between uniformed services and the bureaucracy led by the civilians as well as the civilian defence volunteers to fulfil the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, as anticipated and envisioned by the Indian governance system; integration of the three services (aforementioned); joint-ness of purpose and seamless coordination between the three services as well as the policing-paramilitary-central armed police forces; effective collaborative partnership between the armed forces and the research and development organisations of India; and the industry-academia spheres for better idea-deployment in a particular scenario. These steps if taken will not only aid in joint-ness in operation but also in strategic planning before planning any move, that will aid in taking into consideration all the factors which are necessary to be considered.
Apart from active integration of civilian and military activities, promotion of civil-military fusion through policies, government strategies, eliminating barriers in the same, while making and taking up “whole-of-nation” approach, instead of accordance of national security duty solely on the military sphere of personnel, state-led funding and institutional support for future development of tactical and limited human force, investment in collaborations between industry and academia, and fueling of strategic and economic motivations, et al; should be taken up to integrate the two seemingly far-off extremes of the Indian nation. Cues can also be taken from foreign jurisdictions which have successfully succeeded in this particular effort.
Parting Note: The Road Ahead for a Secure Nation
After analysing the aforementioned facts and figures, along with arguments produced, it is quite clear that the strengthening of defence manufacturing industry and related infrastructure, along with the synchronised effort that must be taken up to link the same with the civil-military fusionary functionality of the Indian jurisdiction, is a must for building up a unique blend of national security components, quite indigenous to the Indian circumstances. National Security formulation is now indeed need of the hour for the Indian jurisdiction and the same must be formulated as soon as possible, while taking into the account the historical military past of India, her experiences in war since independence and even before that, learnings from Indian spiritual texts as discussed since they include answers to each and every situation that can come up in the national security sphere and military sphere; various doctrines developed by past and present leaders; and the civil-military fusion forming an unambiguous part of the same. All this must be done while harmonising India’s traditionally-rich past and modernising efforts for the defence infrastructure.
Development of self-reliant India in terms of border security and larger defence security parameters should be one of the quintessential aims of the national security doctrine. This when read with the aforementioned pointers will definitely prove to be a whole-some and a comprehensive strategy that will enable India to guide her way towards a more nationally secure and defence-wise confident nation, amidst the ever-changing geopolitical international situations, which are ultimately out of one’s control and influenced by a number of factors. All this must be done while strengthening the soft power of India’s diplomatic actions. A national security doctrine encompassing civil-military fusion and defence Aatamnirbharta will definitely lead India to greater heights, as envisaged by her great sages and philosophers, the many freedom fighters, and the armed forces deployed at the border’s day and night, for national security. India was meant to be and is meant to be the Vishwaguru. Bow down, oh world, India’s time is here, India’s time is today, and India’s time is now. Jai Hind. Jai Hind ki Sena.
