Indias policy and structure for defence cooperation in South Asia an analytical study

Abstract

Defence Cooperation is the pinnacle of Strategic Relationship between any two countries. Synergy between economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation is required to achieve national objectives. The Indian Armed Forces are amongst the largest in the world and recognized professionally with well-established institutions. It is, therefore, only prudent that we use it to our advantage. While India has undertaken Defence Cooperation in the South Asian Region for many years, it falls short of a well-coordinated effort. The general state of inimical relations with countries in the South Asian region does suggest deficiencies in our foreign policy and defence cooperation. The challenges associated with Defence Cooperation by India in South Asia need a detailed appraisal. This research provides a holistic approach towards identifying and analysing our Policy and Structure for Defence Cooperation with respect to South Asian nations. It explores the rationale and need for India to engage South Asian Countries for Defence Cooperation. Thereafter it goes on to identify the shortcomings of our methodology of Defence Cooperation in the South Asian Region. Based on above it goes further and explores and evolves a Policy for engaging with South Asian Countries for Defence Cooperation as also work out concrete mechanisms and structures in the Government and the Service Headquarters for pragmatic defence cooperation in the South Asian Region. The research is wholesome, other than vast literature available it has incorporated inputs from survey through questionnaires and discussions of large number of Indian and Foreign officers. Incisive inputs have been obtained from interviews and interaction with imminent retired diplomats, government, and retired armed forces officers. The research is interesting, engrossing incisive and offers It offers detailed and useful recommendations which should be adopted towards wholesome defence cooperation in the South Asian Region. newline