The Narendra Modi Government has given emergency powers to the armed forces in order to protect the borders with Pakistan. These powers would allow the armed forces to purchase the equipment required on urgent basis. The issuance of powers has been done with regard to the threats that have increased after the Pulwama attack. It is a step forward in empowering the armed forces to take quick actions against any terror threat.
Under the new powers given to the three armed forces they can buy the equipment of their choice within three months within a cost up to 300 crores. These powers were given to army within a week of the Pulwama attack where India lost 44 CRPF personnel. This also led to an increase in vigilance along the India-Pakistan borders.
In this regard, the Army has proposed a purchase of 250 spike missiles from Israel according to its emergency requirements. The Air Force on the other hand has shown interest in acquiring some missiles from international markets that will help control hostilities in the border area.
The procurement of these weapons may not even need the concurrence of the integrated financial advisers from the finance department under defence sector. The defence Ministry felt that as the forces know about the emergency requirements better they should on their priority buy weapons that is required by the armed forces.
The Modi government has provided the armed forces the freedom of purchasing artillery and weapons that are on priority according to the defence wings. The government even in the case of the Pulwama attack’s retaliation had given full liberty to the armed forces. PM Modi gave a free hand to the armed forces to choose the place and time of response against Pulwama Attack. The freedom given to the armed forces by the Modi government has helped fight better against the threat at the borders. It has helped strengthen national security.
The BJP manifesto also has a holistic approach to the defence. Under the “Make in India” campaign, “Make in India in defence” will be launched that facilitate the manufacturing of arms and weapons inside India. The ruling party announced that it will be establishing the AK-03 automatic rifles’ manufacturing unit in Amethi. The Modi Government last year finalised a $600 million deal for mobile heavy artillery weapons. NDA government assured that no long procedures and delayed responses should stop the armed forces in acting against the threat to national security.
This shows that the BJP government is taking major initiative to revitalise Indian security and its armed forces. The manifesto has promised new additions in the security sector. While the opposition leaders were busy criticizing the government. The Modi government was determined to take steps against any threat that the country faces from across the borders. Political clearance received by the army is an important step in the political history of India. It will help modernize the working of the army. These methods were not used by any previous governments. The Congress led governments on the other hand delayed important defence projects like the Rafale deal. Army became handicapped under the UPA regime and national security was also under question.
