India equipped with powerful second-strike capability
The long-range ballistic missile Agni-V was successfully fired for the
fourth time. In addition India has commissioned the indigenously built nuclear
submarine INS Arihant. Thus India is
inching towards creating a robust and world-class second-strike capability. Agni-V
is now ready for induction into the Strategic Forces Command, which already
operates other Agni missiles with a target range from 700 km to 4,000 km,
besides Prithvi-II.
A credible second-strike capability should also be complemented by a
modern, powerful military. The Air Force
has a huge shortage of fighters; the Navy’s submarine arm is far from meeting
multiple challenges; and the Army needs an array of new platforms.
India is indeed a responsible nuclear power considering the fact that it
believes in no-first-strike policy. That shows India has a mature political and military leadership today. Not
only India but almost all the countries are trying to create deterrent to their
enemy country. But India should also focus on good governance and development
and not just on nuclear weapons. Along
with arms and missile, we should focus on our manual strength as well.
In the fast changing global scenario, India needs to stand on its own
legs. Whatever arsenal we could gather should be made part of our forces. It is
no secret that there is a possible scenario of future escalation of conflict in
the region. Our number one adversary is China and it is this country which
props up Pakistan against us and not the U S. This fact needs to be factored
into in our future defence policy manoeuvres.
Agni V is another feather in the nuclear military power of the Indian
defence structure. Time and again we become strong in nuclear power and it is a
must at this juncture since India has border issues with frowning neighbours
like China and Pakistan. India should continue with missile tests and must have
war preparedness and augment second strike capability. India should never
hesitate to use nuclear missiles to counter the attacks from neighbours with
incessant enmity.
Thus the fourth successive successful Agni-V launch has come as a huge
relief after the disastrous Nirbhay failure. Agni-V is also a remarkably
accurate missile. As our economy grows, we need to have strong security. It is
interesting to see that those who opposed n-weapons and missile development in
1998 are now congratulating the successes of this programme today. The cost of
acquiring such weapons must be huge. We will have to strike a balance between
genuine defence concerns and the need to improve the living conditions of the
people.
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