India must prepare for China's escalating "fusion warfare" as China's global influence grows. While India has demonstrated its leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its reach in the Indo-Pacific, it's crucial to actively counter China's disruptive tactics, especially its encouragement of "client state" Pakistan to engage in acts of terror.
China's Cynical Prowess: The 'Fusion-Centric Warfare' Model
China's "fusion-centric warfare" strategically employs terrorists, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and the Pakistani armed forces as a front, showcasing its cynical prowess. This approach, exemplified by "Operation Sindoor," highlights a significant threat, particularly in regions like the South China Sea. China's military advancements, such as long-range radar integrated with the Baidu satellite network and advanced air-to-air (PL-15) and air-to-surface missiles, enable the engagement of airborne targets preemptively, shifting air combat techniques away from close-range engagements.
India's Imperative: Modernizing for Fusion Warfare
The evolving landscape of warfare, characterized by "fusion-centricity" and the critical role of drones, is a wake-up call for India. Bharat must modernize its armed forces, particularly the Air Force, to deepen its "Fusion Centric Warfare" capabilities. This strategic imperative will be vital in any future engagement with China.
China's Expanding Influence and Proxy Warfare
China is actively expanding its sphere of influence, often luring countries with development promises that can lead to debt traps. Simultaneously, it uses Pakistan as a "client state" to test newly developed weapon systems and fuel limited conflicts and acts of terrorism. This strategy aims to validate China's military technology and keep India embroiled in expensive regional conflicts, thereby hindering its emergence as a leader in the IOR. The recent conflict between India and Pakistan, and China's immediate support for Pakistan, underscore this dynamic.
Kashmir: A Chinese Ploy to Distract India
The Kashmir issue, no longer a major international concern, is being leveraged by China to entice Pakistan into terrorism, seeking to re-hyphenate India and draw global attention back to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). However, J&K is an Indian state with an elected government, experiencing development and public satisfaction. The widespread condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack by J&K citizens highlights their desire for peace and progress.
India's Strategic Focus: Beyond Regional Irritants
While Pakistan remains an irritant, India's primary long-term challenge and obstacle to progress stems from China. China's strategy includes economic coercion in India's neighborhood, the construction of dual-use infrastructure in the IOR, and the ingress of its submarines and warships. As Aparna Pandey of Hudson Institute notes, Pakistan's crises distract New Delhi from projecting power beyond its immediate periphery.
India's Ascendancy: Economic Growth and Global Leadership
India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, is on a path to becoming the world's third-largest economy. Significant advancements in infrastructure, technology, financial inclusion (UPI, Aadhar, GST), and poverty alleviation are driving this growth. India's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and its robust economic and security partnerships globally underscore its rising influence. India's leadership in the G20 and its "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" ethos further solidify its position as a preferred security partner in the IOR.
Securing the Neighborhood: India's Role in Regional Stability
India has the capacity and resources to manage regional challenges while simultaneously fulfilling its leadership role in the IOR. As India approaches a US $5 trillion economy, the security of its neighbors in the IOR becomes crucial for regional peace and stability, creating a shared stake in India's economic success. Prime Minister Modi's "MAHASAGAR" and "neighbourhood first" initiatives provide a clear roadmap for achieving a larger global leadership role.
Vigilance Amidst Geopolitical Shifts
India must remain vigilant about the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly the actions of the U.S., China's deep state, and its activities in the neighborhood. Strong messages must be conveyed to neighboring countries, especially as some, like Bangladesh, experience increasing turbulence. India's intelligence agencies and security forces must remain alert and prepared to counter any actions that undermine its leadership in the IOR and its reach in the Indo-Pacific, particularly China's encouragement of Pakistan's terror activities.
Moving Forward: Economic Growth and Defense Modernization
It is imperative for India to continue accelerating its economic growth and building its capacities to effectively counter "fusion-centric warfare."
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