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Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Book Review: "The Legacy of Shivaji The Great: Military Strategy, Naval Supremacy, and the Maratha Empire" by Col Anil Athale
Col. Anil Athale’s "The Legacy of Shivaji The Great: Military Strategy, Naval Supremacy, and the Maratha Empire" provides an in-depth examination of the Maratha Empire’s rise, its innovative military strategies, and its eventual decline. The book is meticulously researched and offers readers a comprehensive understanding of one of India’s most influential and resilient empires.
The book presents a
nuanced and comprehensive analysis of Shivaji's military genius, strategic
vision, and administrative acumen, highlighting how his innovations and
achievements laid the foundations for the Maratha Empire's rise to power in the
Indian subcontinent.
These chapters
provide a comprehensive view of the Maratha efforts to resist British
colonization, emphasizing both their military strategies and the challenges
they faced. For a deeper dive into each chapter, the book offers detailed
narratives and analyses .
Structure
and Content
The
book begins with a thought-provoking preface that questions why the Marathas,
who successfully resisted the Mughals, eventually succumbed to the British.
Athale explains that much of the historical record was destroyed, which has led
to various distortions. Despite this, he has compiled a detailed account from
multiple sources, providing an authentic picture of the Maratha-British
struggle.
Preface
In
the preface, Col. Anil Athale sets the stage by addressing a critical question:
why did the Marathas, who valiantly fought against the Mughals, succumb so
tamely to the British? He explains that the historical records of Shivaji's
rule were mostly destroyed when the Mughals captured Raigarh in 1689, which has
led to many controversies and distortions. Despite these challenges, Athale
feels confident that he has provided an authentic picture of the epic struggle
between the Anglo-Marathas after nine years of extensive research from multiple
sources
Prologue (Pages 1-12)
The
prologue emphasizes that the British acquired India from the Marathas, not the
Mughals. For about thirty years (1771-1802), the Marathas ruled significant
parts of Central and North India. The prologue highlights lesser-known
victories of the Marathas, such as the Battle of Wadgaon and the Maratha
conquest of Orissa and parts of Bengal. It also touches upon the socio-cultural
impact of prolonged Muslim rule on India and the resilience of the Maratha
people under Shivaji's leadership, who warned Aurangzeb about the fierce
resistance he would face from the hardy people of Maharashtra (eSamskriti).
Athale
emphasizes that the British acquired India from the Marathas, not the Mughals.
This section sets the stage by highlighting the Maratha Empire's significant,
yet often overlooked, victories and their dominance in Central and North India
during the late 18th century.
The book examines the
strategic military and naval accomplishments of Shivaji, the founder of the
Maratha Empire, and explores how his innovations and tactics laid the
foundation for the Maratha rise to power in 17th century India. It analyzes
Shivaji's key battles, his use of guerrilla warfare, cavalry, and naval forces,
as well as the administrative and political structures he established to
sustain the Maratha Empire.
Shivaji's Military
Strategy:
Shivaji pioneered the
use of highly mobile and lightly armored guerrilla forces known as
"Shiledar" cavalry, allowing him to outmaneuver and harass the larger
Mughal armies.
He emphasized the
importance of intelligence gathering, surprise attacks, and strategic mobility
over brute force, developing innovative tactics like the "Ganimi
Kava" (or deceitful stratagem) to defeat numerically superior opponents.
Shivaji established a
strong network of hill forts and defensive positions, using the rugged terrain
of the Deccan to his advantage against the Mughals.
He recruited skilled
commanders and administrators, fostering a meritocratic system that empowered
capable leaders regardless of their social status.
Naval Supremacy:
Recognizing the
importance of sea power, Shivaji built a formidable navy that challenged the
dominance of the Siddis (Abyssinian naval forces) and the European trading
companies in the Arabian Sea.
He developed a fleet of
fast, maneuverable ships called "Galbat" and "Pal" that
could quickly intercept and board enemy vessels.
Shivaji's naval forces
successfully raided and disrupted the maritime trade routes of the Mughals and
the European powers, undermining their economic and strategic interests.
The Maratha navy also
played a crucial role in securing the coastal regions and providing logistical
support to Shivaji's land forces.
Maratha Empire
Building:
Shivaji established a
centralized administrative system, with a efficient tax-collection network and
a well-organized military command structure.
He introduced
progressive socio-economic policies, such as the protection of peasants and the
promotion of local industries, which won him the support of the common people.
Shivaji's shrewd
political maneuvering, including diplomatic alliances and strategic marriages,
helped him navigate the complex power dynamics of 17th century India.
The legacy of Shivaji's
military and administrative innovations laid the foundation for the Maratha
Empire, which would later emerge as a dominant power in the Indian
subcontinent.
Shivaji's Military
Innovations:
Shivaji employed a
combined arms approach, using infantry, cavalry, artillery, and elite
commando-like forces called "Mavale" to overwhelming effect against
the Mughals.
He was an early
proponent of "asymmetric warfare", relying on speed, surprise, and
maneuverability to offset the Mughals' numerical and technological advantages.
Shivaji's cavalry
forces were highly disciplined and trained in lightning-fast raids, ambushes,
and hit-and-run tactics that demoralized and exhausted the Mughal armies.
He pioneered the use of
light, mobile cannon called "Ganimi Topkhana" that could be rapidly
deployed to provide artillery support.
Fortress Network and
Guerrilla Tactics:
Shivaji built an
extensive network of well-fortified hill forts across the Deccan that served as
strategic strongholds and supply hubs for his forces.
These forts were
designed with innovative features like concealed entrances, secret passages,
and impregnable walls that made them difficult to capture.
His guerrilla forces
would launch lightning strikes from these forts, ambushing Mughal supply lines
and communication routes, before swiftly retreating to the safety of the hills.
This hit-and-run
strategy allowed the Marathas to maintain the initiative and wear down the
Mughals through a war of attrition.
Naval Capabilities and
Maritime Trade:
Shivaji recognized the
importance of naval power in projecting influence along the coastlines and
disrupting the Mughal's maritime trade.
His navy was equipped
with fast, maneuverable ships that could outpace and outgun the lumbering
vessels of the Siddis and the European trading companies.
Maratha naval forces
effectively blockaded and raided key ports, seizing merchant ships and
capturing valuable cargoes, which provided critical resources to fund the
Maratha war effort.
This naval supremacy
allowed Shivaji to threaten the economic interests of the Mughals and the
European powers, forcing them to divert resources and attention to the maritime
front.
Administrative and
Political Acumen:
Shivaji established a
centralized Maratha administrative system with a sophisticated tax collection
network, efficient record-keeping, and a robust intelligence apparatus.
He promoted a
meritocratic system that rewarded capable individuals regardless of their
social status, fostering a loyal and competent bureaucracy.
Shivaji's shrewd
diplomatic maneuvering, including strategic alliances and marriages, allowed
him to navigate the complex power dynamics of 17th century India.
By balancing the
interests of various stakeholders, including peasants, nobility, and religious
groups, Shivaji was able to consolidate his control and build a stable,
prosperous Maratha state.
Athale
organizes the narrative into two main parts. The first part covers Shivaji’s
rise and the Maratha resistance against the Mughals, while the second part
delves into the prolonged conflict between the Marathas and the British.
छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज यांच्या जयंतीच्या निमित्ताने स्वतःला विचारा की मी देशाकरता आज काय करू शकतो
अनेक थोर पुरुषांची प्रेरणा शि-वा-जी- या मंत्रात आहे,या
मंत्राची प्रेरणा आज पण जरुरी आहे. आज देशा समोर सुरक्षेची अनेक आव्हाने आहेत. इतिहास
हा गत काळाचा साक्षीदार,भावी काळाचा वाटाड्या असतो, जे राष्ट्र इतिहासा पासुन शिकत
नाही ते कधीही महासत्ता बनु शकत नाही .राजांच्या असंख्य गुणांपैकी किती देशाच्या लोक
प्रक्रुतीमधे उतरले हे महत्वाचेआहे.नर दुर्ग म्हणजे किल्यासारखी बुलंद,मजबुत,शुर,निष्ठावान,पराक्रमी
माणसे महाराजांनी बनवली.
लढाईमध्ये सर्वांत महत्वाचा घटक सैनिक
आणि त्याचे शौर्य असते. लढाई सैनिकांमुळे जिंकली जाते, प्रत्येकच लढाईमध्ये सैनिक कसे लढतात यावर हरणे
आणि जिंकण्याचा फैसला होतो. शिवाजी महाराजांनी धोकेदायक परिस्थितीमध्ये सर्वात पुढे
लढाई करून सैनिकांचे नेतृत्व केले आणि त्यामुळेच मराठ्यांनी त्यावेळेला महा पराक्रम
गाजवला. शिवाजी महाराजांची पुढुन नेतृत्व करायची परंपरा आज सुद्धा भारतीय सैन्य चालवत
आहे, ज्यामुळे चीन आणि पाकिस्तानचा आपण धडा शिकवतो. परंतु त्याची किंमत आपल्याला आपल्या
अधिकार्यांचे रक्त सांडून करावी लागते.
शिवाजी महाराज शूर होते आणि त्यांनी देशाप्रती आपली जबाबदारी निभावली. आपला इतिहास
अभिमानास्पद आहे परंतु प्रश्न आज उठतो की आज आम्ही देशाकरता काय करत आहे किंवा
रोजच्या जीवनामध्ये एक देशभक्त देशप्रेमी नागरिक म्हणून आम्ही देशाकरता काय करू
शकतो. याविषयीचे माझे काही विचार खाली देण्यात आलेले आहेत.
स्वतःला विचारा, मी या देशासाठी काय करतो?
कुठलाही देश महाशक्ती बनण्यामध्ये, देशाच्या सामान्य नागरिकांचा वाटा अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा असतो . असे असेल तर
भारतीय देशाप्रती आपल्या जबाबदाऱ्या पूर्ण पणे निभावत आहे का? तर उत्तर नाही ,असे
आहे.
जबाबदार नागरिक बना
अभिव्यक्ती स्वातंत्र्याच्या
नावाखाली मी काहीही लिहू शकतो, बोलू शकतो, भडकावु पोस्ट सोशल मीडिया वरती टाकू शकतो ,त्यामुळे
हिंसाचार झाला तरी पर्वा नाही.
भारतीय घटनेने प्रत्येक भारतीयाला
जसे अधिकार दिले आहेत, तशीच काही कर्तव्ये सुद्धा दिली आहेत.
बर्याच वेळेला या कर्तव्यांकडे अनेक
दुर्लक्ष करतात.
सार्वजनिक मालमत्ता ही आपली आहे, तिची जपणूक करणे ही सुद्धा आपलीच जबाबदारी आहे, याचा
बहुतेकांना विसर पडतो. सार्वजनिक जागा
स्वच्छ ठेवणं , जागा मिळेल तिथं मलमूत्र विसर्जन न करणं ,सार्वजनिक अस्वच्छता हा नवीन विषय नाही. कार मधून रस्त्यावर प्लास्टीक आणि
शीतपेयांच्या बाटल्या भिरकावल्या जातात,
किनाऱ्यावर दारूच्या फुटलेल्या बाटल्यांचा खच असतो, हे आपल्यातलेच काही सुशिक्षित लोक करतात .परिसर स्वच्छ ठेवणे ही आपली
जबाबदारी आहे,आपल्याकडील कचरा सर्रास रस्त्यावर, सार्वजनिक ठिकाणी आपण टाकतो.येथे स्वच्छता राखा, असे
लिहिलेल्या पाटीखालीच कचर्याचा डोंगर असतो. म्हणजे नियम हे मोडण्यासाठीच असतात,
अशी आपली धारणा आहे.
आपण इतके बेजबाबदार आहोत की काही
झाले की लगेच या सगळ्यांसाठी सरकार जबाबदार आहेत, असे
म्हणून त्यातून अंग काढतो. आज प्रत्येक नागरिकाने आत्मपरीक्षण करण्याची गरज आहे.
नाले, गटार हे सांडपाणी वाहून नेण्यासाठी असतात, कचरा टाकण्यासाठी नाही, पण तरीही नाल्यांना डम्पिंग
ग्राऊंडचे रुप आलेले दिसते. ओला कचरा आणि सुका कचरा वेगळा टाकावा, अशा सूचना वारंवार पालिकेकडून दिल्या जातात. तरीही हा नियम अनेक पायदळी
तुडवतात. आपण जबाबदार नागरिक का बनत नाही?
शहरांमधील वाहतुकीला शिस्त लावा
वाहतुकीचे नियम जितके आपल्याकडे
मोडले जातात, तितके क्वचितच इतरत्र मोडले जात असतील.
अस्ताव्यस्त पार्किंग करणे, ओव्हरटेक करणे ,अगदी छातीटोकपणे आपल्याकडे केले जाते. नियम मोडण्यात सुशिक्षित-अशिक्षित
दोघेही आघाडीवर, हेच आपले दुर्दैव आहे. वेगवेगळ्या मिरवणुका
काढून शहरांमध्ये वाहतुकीची कोंडी अजून कठीण करणे चालूच आहे.
वाहतूक पोलिसांची मजबूत फळी असावी.
वाहतूक नियम तोडणार्या नागरिकांना शिक्षा द्यावी.वाहतुकीचे नियम पाळुन आपण प्रचंड
प्रमाणामध्ये पेट्रोल आणि डिझेलची बचत करू शकतो आणि देशाच्या ऊर्जा सुरक्षेला मदत
करू शकतो.
हिंसक आंदोलनाचा मोठा दुष्परिणाम
देशावर
गेल्या काही महिन्यांपासून
महाराष्ट्रात आणि देशात हिंसाचाराच्या घटना वाढल्या आहेत. या हिंसाचारात सर्वाधिक
बळी जातात, ते सामान्य माणसांचे. स्त्रिया, लहान मुले, ज्येष्ठ नागरिक जे हिंसाचार घडत असलेल्या
ठिकाणी अडकतात आणि ते मारहाण, जाळपोळ याला बळी पडतात.
कामाकरिता बाहेर पडलेल्या लोकांना अचानक उसळलेल्या हिंसाचाराला बळी पडावे लागते.
शहरात हिंसाचार , दूध आंदोलन, शेतकरी
आंदोलन, यामध्ये सामान्य माणसांची सुरक्षा धोक्यात आली आहे.
ज्यानी ही आंदोलने पुकारले, त्यामुळे देशाचे शेकडो कोटी
रुपयांचे नुकसान झाले आहे.
राज्यातील महत्त्वाचे रस्ते बंद
केल्यास अर्थव्यवस्थेचे प्रचंड प्रमाणामध्ये नुकसान होते. दिल्लीत झालेल्या
तथाकथित शेतकरी आंदोलनामुळे दोन रस्ते बंद करण्यात आले होते. त्यामुळे ग्रेटर
दिल्लीचे रोज हजारो कोटी रुपयांची नुकसान होत होते.एवढे नुकसान कुठल्याही प्रकारच्या
दहशतवादामुळे झालेले नाही.
हिंसक आंदोलने हा दहशतवादाचा प्रकार मानला पाहिजे. देशातील
एखाद्या समाजावर अन्याय होत असेल तर त्या अन्यायाला प्रत्युत्तर म्हणुन हिंसा हा
उपाय नाही. भारतीय कायदा हिंसाचाराचे समर्थन करत नाही. एखाद्या समाजाला, संस्थांना सरकारकडून कोणतीही मागणी मान्य करुन घ्यायची असेल ती
कायद्याच्या चौकटीत राहून केली पाहिजे.
येत्या २०२5मध्ये अनेक निवडणुका होत आहेत. त्या पार्श्वभुमीवर या हिंसांचे, आंदोलनांचे प्रमाण वाढण्याची शक्यता आहे. हिंसाचाराला रोखून सामान्य
माणसाचे रक्षण केले पाहिजे. गेल्या काही काळात झालेल्या हिंसाचाराला अनेक संस्था,अनेक राजकिय पक्ष जबाबदार आहे.मणिपूर मधल्या हिंसाचारामध्ये मैतेयी
जमातीला कुकी जमातीचे नुकसान आणि कुकी जमातीला मैतेयी जमातीचे नुकसान भरण्यास भाग
पाडले पाहिजे. टीव्ही मिडीया,सोशल मिडीया, वृत्तसंस्था अशा प्रकारच्या हिंसक आंदोलनांना विना कारण अतिरेकी प्रसिध्दी
देतात .हिंसाचाराच्या बातम्यांना पान १ वरुन काढुन पान आठवर नेले पाहिजे.
नागरिकांचा सहभाग
सामान्य माणसांनी पोलिसांचे कान डोळे
व बनले पाहिजे.कायदा-सुव्यवस्था राखणे ही पोलिसांची जबाबदारी असली तरी
नागरिकांच्या सहभागाशिवाय पोलिसांना ते सक्षमपणे करता येणार नाही. त्यामुळे
कायदा-सुव्यवस्था राखण्याच्या कामात समाजातील सर्व स्तरातील नागरिकांचे सहकार्य घेतले
जावे. संबंधित पोलिस ठाण्यांच्या हद्दीत राहणार्या नागरिकांमधून कायद्याचे जाणकार, सामाजिक समस्यांचे जाणकार, राजकीय जाणकार, वकील, डॉक्टर, शिक्षक अशा सर्व
क्षेत्रातील नागरिकांना निमंत्रित करून त्यांची एक समिती नेमली जावी. त्यामुळे या
समितीच्या माध्यमातून प्रश्नावर तोडगा काढण्याचा प्रयत्न करून कायदा-सुव्यवस्था
स्थिती राखली जाऊ शकते.
स्थानिक नागरिकांना गुप्त माहिती
देण्यासाठी एक टोल फ़्री फोन क्रमांक दिला पाहिजे. जेणेकरून सामान्य नागरिक
त्यांच्याकडील माहिती जलद पोलिसांपर्यंत पोहोचू शकतात. त्यांच्या नावाची गुप्तता
बाळगली पाहिजे. मोबाईल फोन वरून हिंसक घटनेचे चित्रण करुन पोलिसांकडे पाठवले
पाहिजे. जेणेकरुन हिंसक आंदोलकांना पकडणे सोपे जाईल.
आपापलं काम व्यवस्थित करणं हीच
देशभक्ती
रस्त्यावरील सिग्नल पाळणं , रस्त्यावर न थुंकणं , स्त्रियांचा आदर करणं ,
दिलेली वेळ पाळणं , भ्रष्टाचारास उत्तेजन न
देणं , आपल्याआधी
लोकांचा विचार, जात आणि प्रांतीयवादाचा पुरस्कार न करणं ,
सार्वजनिक मालमत्तेची काळजी घेणं ही देशभक्ती आहे.
मतदान करणं , योग्य उमेदवार निवडणं, ही देशभक्ती आहे,मात्र 50 टक्के भारतीय निवडणुकांमध्ये मतदान करत
नाही आणि मतदान दिवस सुट्टीचा दिवस म्हणून मजा करण्यामध्ये घालवतात.
स्वत:च्या क्षेत्रामध्ये वैध
मार्गानं यशस्वी होणं, वाद न घालता काम करणं ,ही देशभक्ती आहे, गतकालातील गोष्टींवर वाद न घालणं ,
स्वत:च्या कर्तव्यांप्रती जागरूक असणं , सार्वजनिक
विकास कामांना अडथळा निर्माण करून देशाचा विकास थांबवणे, सध्या
जोरात सुरू आहे. स्वत:पलीकडे पाहणं आणि खरं सांगायचं तर "सुजाण नागरिक'
बनण्याचा प्रयत्न करणं ही देशभक्तीच आहे.
प्रत्येकाने आपापलं काम व्यवस्थित
करणं हीच आजच्या काळातली देशभक्ती आहे.
शिवाजी महाराजांची युद्ध पद्धती राज्यपद्धती आधुनिक
भारताला आज सुद्धा योग्य मार्गावर जाण्यामध्ये मदत करू शकते..१००% शिवाजी होणे शक्य नसेल तर ४०-५०% ,२०-३० तरी शिवाजी बना.तसे झाले तरच आपण जागतिक महाशक्ती बनू शकतो.
Monday, 17 February 2025
Sunday, 16 February 2025
भारताची अंतर्गत आणि बाह्य सुरक्षा आव्हाने चिंता आणि पुढील वाटचाल By Brig hemant Mahajan Pune 17 FEB 25
TALK IN MARATHI BY BRIG HEMANT MAHAJAN AT PUNE
आनंदाश्रम, नूमवि हायस्कूल शेजारी, बाजीराव रस्ता. 17 FEB 25
ALL ARE INVITED
Saturday, 15 February 2025
PM Modi's US Visit: India’s Strategic Goals under Trump 2.0
Navigating an Unpredictable Trump Administration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States
highlights the complexities of bilateral relations under President Donald
Trump’s often unpredictable leadership. Modi’s Chanakyaniti aims to address
challenges in trade, defense, and energy while securing long-term benefits for
India. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda, driven by
ultra-nationalism, anti-migrant rhetoric, and trade wars, creates a challenging
backdrop. Despite these hurdles, India’s pivotal role in shaping global geopolitics
remains undeniable.
Bridging the Trade Deficit: A Persistent Challenge
Trade relations remain a contentious issue, with Trump’s
tariffs targeting several nations, including a looming threat to impose 100%
tariffs on BRICS countries. Bilateral trade reached $118 billion in 2023-24,
with India’s trade surplus climbing to $45.6 billion in 2024. Trump’s criticism
of India’s high tariffs necessitates concessions.
To address these tensions, India has proposed tariff
reductions on high-end American products like Harley Davidson motorbikes and
Tesla cars. The 2025 Union Budget hints at further duty cuts to align with
Trump’s demands. Additionally, India plans to increase imports of American
defense equipment, crude oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce the
trade deficit. A potential mini trade agreement could lower import taxes on
American-made electronics, medical gear, and chemicals, while India pushes for
fewer restrictions on exports of pharmaceuticals, IT services, and textiles.
Safeguarding intellectual property rights and ensuring regulatory transparency
remain key US demands.
Geopolitical Realities: Balancing Relations with Russia,
China, and Iran
India’s strategic partnerships with Russia and its economic
ties with China complicate its engagement with the US. Despite the threat of
American sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions
Act (CAATSA), India continues to purchase Russian S-400 missile systems and
discounted crude oil. Concurrently, India’s rivalry with China positions it as
a critical partner for the US in countering Beijing’s dominance in the
Indo-Pacific region. India’s involvement in the Quad alliance further
strengthens this partnership.
India’s trade relations with Iran also present challenges.
Iran serves as a key energy supplier and a strategic partner for connectivity
initiatives like the Chabahar Port. Modi’s visit offers an opportunity to
negotiate waivers or relaxed sanctions, enabling India to pursue energy and
infrastructure projects in Iran. In return, the US may seek India’s stronger
alignment on countering Iranian influence in the Middle East.
Strengthening Defence and Energy Cooperation
Defense cooperation has been a cornerstone of US-India
relations. India’s acquisition of American military equipment, such as Seahawk
helicopters and Predator drones, underscores the deepening defense ties.
India’s plans to procure additional C-130 Hercules transport planes and P-8I
maritime patrol aircraft highlight its commitment to bolstering its defense
capabilities.
Energy cooperation is another critical area. India’s import
of American LNG and crude oil has diversified its energy portfolio. Modi’s
visit is expected to explore collaborations in nuclear energy and renewable
energy projects, including solar and hydrogen. A potential defense pact could
further solidify India’s position against China and address security concerns
stemming from Pakistan-based terrorism.
Revitalizing the Civil Nuclear Partnership
Despite the historic 2008 US-India civil nuclear deal,
progress has been limited due to concerns over India’s Civil Nuclear Liability
Law and restrictions on Indian nuclear entities. Recent moves, such as removing
the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) from the US Entities List, signal a
renewed commitment. Amending liability laws could pave the way for greater US
participation in India’s nuclear energy expansion.
Immigration and Deportation: Navigating Sensitive Issues
Immigration policies and deportation practices have become
significant irritants in US-India relations. The recent deportation of over 100
Indian citizens in a crude manner has caused outrage in India. Modi is expected
to advocate for more respectful deportation procedures and enhanced
opportunities for skilled Indian professionals and students through the H-1B
visa program, which has significantly benefited Indian IT specialists.
A Pragmatic Approach to Bilateral Relations
Modi’s visit underscores the strategic importance of the
US-India partnership in addressing shared geopolitical challenges. While
Trump’s firm stance on trade and immigration poses hurdles, both nations
recognize the mutual benefits of a strengthened relationship. By offering
carefully considered concessions in trade, defense, and energy, Modi seeks to
navigate Trump’s unpredictability and lay the groundwork for India’s long-term
strategic interests.
F-35 vs SU-57: A Detailed Comparison of Fifth-Generation Fighters
The recently concluded Aero India 2025 witnessed a significant face-off between the U.S. F-35 fighter jet and Russia's SU-57. While the SU-57 soared across the skies, the F-35 was displayed on the ground. Both nations have offered these fifth-generation fighters to India, but how do they compare? This article delves into their features, capabilities, and suitability for India’s defense needs.
The Contenders: F-35 and SU-57
Both the F-35, manufactured by U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin, and the SU-57, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi, are fifth-generation fighters with advanced capabilities.
The F-35 is hailed as “the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jet” and boasts development collaboration from nine nations, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Each unit costs between $80 million and $115 million, making it a high-cost but high-performance aircraft.
The SU-57, Russia’s first advanced fighter since the Cold War, is marketed as an affordable alternative to the F-35. While Moscow has not disclosed exact costs, it claims the SU-57 is significantly cheaper. However, delays and production challenges have limited its deployment, with only 40 units manufactured since its maiden flight in 2010.
Technical Specifications: Under the Hood
Performance and Power
- F-35: A single-engine aircraft equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, it achieves a top speed of Mach 1.6. It has a range of 2,172 kilometers and a fuel capacity of 18,498 pounds, with a maximum altitude exceeding 50,000 feet.
- SU-57: A twin-engine fighter powered by Russia’s Saturn AL-41F1 engines, it reaches a higher top speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of 2,999 kilometers. It also operates at altitudes up to 54,100 feet.
Avionics and Weaponry
- F-35: Features cutting-edge systems like the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for missile and aircraft warnings, and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for long-range precision strikes. Pilots benefit from the world’s most advanced helmet-mounted display, providing complete mission data on the visor.
- SU-57: Includes innovative features like a serrated exhaust nozzle for reduced radar signature and advanced onboard electronics, such as an AI “second pilot.” Its radar is integrated across the aircraft, while its internal weapons bays can carry up to 7.4 tons of armament, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
Global Adoption and Production Challenges
- F-35: With over 1,000 units in service across multiple nations, the F-35 is widely regarded as a successful platform.
- SU-57: Russia has faced development delays, with full-scale production beginning only in 2022. A crash in 2019 and concerns over its stealth capabilities have further hampered its reputation. To date, no confirmed international buyer has been announced for the SU-57.
Why Does India Need a Fifth-Generation Fighter?
India’s Air Force comprises 2,229 aircraft, including around 600 fighter jets, but lacks a fifth-generation platform. The current fleet includes fourth-generation jets like the Dassault Rafale, which fall short of matching the advanced capabilities of Chinese and Pakistani counterparts.
China has inducted over 200 J-20 stealth fighters and is working toward a fleet of 1,500 fifth- and sixth-generation jets by 2035. Pakistan has plans to acquire fifth-generation fighters from China and Turkey, further increasing the challenge for India in a potential two-front war scenario.
India’s indigenous fifth-generation program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still under development and unlikely to enter service before 2036, leaving a critical gap in air power.
Expert Opinions: Pros and Cons
- SU-57: Some experts dismiss the SU-57 as an inadequate option for countering China. Defense journalist Angad Singh called it “the least-capable fifth-generation fighter” with minimal utility against Chinese advancements.
- F-35: While advanced, the F-35 has faced criticism for being cost-intensive. Zen Technologies’ chairman, Ashok Atluri, referred to it as a “white elephant” and advocated for India to focus on drones and anti-drone systems instead.
Conclusion
Both the F-35 and SU-57 have unique strengths and challenges. The F-35 offers unmatched technological capabilities and global reliability but comes at a steep price. Meanwhile, the SU-57 presents a more economical alternative but lags in production and global adoption. As India evaluates its options, it must carefully balance cost, capability, and geopolitical considerations to strengthen its air force in a rapidly evolving security landscape
Trade, Tech, and Terror: PM Modi’s Strategic Wins from His US Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 36-hour visit to the United States has concluded, leaving a significant impact on India-US relations. The Ministry of External Affairs hailed the visit as “substantive” and “very productive.” This marked Modi’s first visit after US President Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term, highlighting the priority both leaders attach to strengthening bilateral ties.
A Strategic Start: Setting the Tone for India-US
Relations
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in his press
briefing, emphasized the significance of the visit. He noted that the timing,
just three weeks after Trump’s second-term inauguration, reflects the shared
commitment to advancing the India-US partnership. The meeting underscored the
camaraderie between the two leaders, cultivated during Trump’s first term.
Their discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including
trade, defence, technology, and counter-terrorism. The personal rapport was
evident as Trump warmly greeted Modi, saying, “We missed you a lot,” and
presented him with the book Our Journey Together, featuring snapshots of
their joint events like “Howdy Modi” and “Namaste Trump.”
Mission 500: Doubling Bilateral Trade by 2030
A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of Mission
500, a shared vision to increase bilateral trade between India and the US
to $500 billion by 2030. Currently, the US is India’s largest trading partner,
with trade standing at $129.2 billion in 2024.
To achieve this ambitious target, the two leaders agreed to
negotiate the first phase of a mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement
(BTA) by the fall of 2025. Modi emphasized the importance of energy security,
committing to increased trade in oil and gas and investments in nuclear energy.
President Trump acknowledged India’s reforms to welcome US
nuclear technology and highlighted the mutual benefits of such cooperation.
“This will bring safe, clean, and affordable electricity to millions of Indians
and billions of dollars to the US nuclear industry,” he said.
Defence Cooperation: A Milestone in India-US Strategic
Partnership
PM Modi secured a landmark agreement on defence cooperation,
including access to the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets, known for
their advanced stealth and networked combat capabilities. This marks a
significant step, as India has never before been granted access to this
cutting-edge technology.
Additionally, the leaders announced a new 10-year framework
for the US-India Major Defence Partnership, covering multiple domains,
and pledged collaboration on co-production of defence systems like the Javelin
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles.
In a joint initiative called ASIA (Autonomous Systems
Industry Alliance), the two nations will collaborate on underwater domain
awareness (UDA) technologies, with India being the first country offered such
sensitive technology by the US.
Tackling Terrorism: Extradition of Tahawwur Rana
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the
announcement of Tahawwur Rana’s extradition. Accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror
attacks, Rana will now face justice in India. Trump called it a “strong signal”
against terrorism and reiterated the US commitment to counter-terrorism
efforts.
The joint statement emphasized enhanced cooperation to
tackle threats from groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and
Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both leaders also called on Pakistan to expedite action
against the perpetrators of cross-border attacks and prevent its territory from
being used for terrorism.
Trade and Security in the Indo-Pacific
The leaders pledged to deepen security cooperation in the
Indo-Pacific, a subtle nod to countering China’s growing influence. They also
announced plans for joint production in advanced technologies such as
artificial intelligence and underwater systems, further cementing their
strategic partnership.
A Quiet Win on Bangladesh
While the primary focus was on bilateral issues, Bangladesh
subtly emerged as a point of interest. When questioned about the role of the
“US deep state” in Bangladesh, Trump deferred the matter to Modi, signaling his
support for India’s position.
With tensions simmering between New Delhi and Dhaka
following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Trump’s stance highlighted
the US’s recognition of India’s role in the region.
Strengthening the India-US Friendship
As PM Modi concluded his visit, he stated that the trip had
“added significant momentum to the India-USA friendship.” From trade agreements
and defence cooperation to counter-terrorism and regional security, the visit
demonstrated a shared vision for a stronger partnership.
With new milestones in energy, defence, and
counter-terrorism, Modi’s visit not only reaffirmed India-US ties but also set
the stage for deeper collaboration in the years to come,