With China not giving any indication of de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India is keeping its powder dry. Apart from cornering China through diplomatic channels, India has accelerated its efforts to strengthen itself on the defence front. As part of this exercise, New Delhi has started to take defence ties with various nations to a new high.
India has two-pronged strategy. First, it aims to boost its military strength keeping in view the Chinese threat. Second, India wants to put China under psychological pressure by deepening strategic and defence ties with the nations which are loathe to Beijing’s expansionist policy. These countries include the United States, Russia, the UK, Australia, Japan, etc.
Diplomatic sources believe that China is closely watching how India is preparing itself in order to deal with its neighbours who are creating trouble. With this on view, India can step up pressure on Beijing by being engaged in defence deals and military exercises with powerful nations.
India expediting efforts to take a defence deal with Russia is also being seen in this context. Russia has offered India its light weight tanks Sprut SDM1 during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Moscow in June. Sources said that the tanks offered by Russia are capable of being airlifted. It means that they may be useful as far as highaltitude areas like Ladakh are concerned. This deal will take place between India and Russia with China in mind.
According to sources, New Delhi and Moscow have also prepared a list of defence equipment to be used in the wake of tensions along the LAC. Moreover, India has also planned to enter into several other defence deals with the USA and Israel. South Block officials are removing bottlenecks, if any, to pave the way for the deals to reach logical conclusion. marathon meeting between senior commanders of India and China was held on Sunday to discuss ways to reduce tension through disengagement of troops. Sources said China is pushing up conditions. However, the meeting of the China Study Group headed by NSA AjitDoval is yet to take stock of the progress of the deliberations. But defence strategy is that China should be given a strong message as and when needed. India has, therefore, spared no effort to take the defence deals with various countries to logical conclusion as soon as possible. Sources said India has already started scouting for emergency purchases of weapons and other defence equipment.
