Indian Acquisition

for S400 from Russia

BY: ABDUL SATTAR RAHUJA
NDU-BS-17/F-536
Introduction:
 India has been the one of the largest and biggest importers of arms
and defense related means.

 India has been heavily investing larger chunk of its budget on

defense capabilities. Furthermore, last year India inked a defense
agreement with Russia and to acquire S-400 surface to Air defense
missile system.

 The S-400 has been termed as the most modernized tool with
regards to surface to air defense in the world.

 It ranges to 400 km and hit somehow up to 80 targets at a time.

Introduction:

 The S-400 contains four transport erector launcher those are

basically used for missile vehicles which can carry and strike missiles.

 It helps fire surface to air missiles and terminate incoming missiles or

enemy.

 Hence, it starts working as a defense protector or Shield.

Critical Analysis:

Imbalance in the region:

 The S-400 will be detrimental and create an imbalance in the region
in general and in South Asia in particular as it will badly impact the
balance of power between Pakistan and India.

 India, which seems to be an inspiring global power, wants to

contain and counter China and her sphere of influence.

 United States of America has always been as kind to India as it often

receives special waivers from US sanctions
Critical Analysis:

 India has been enjoying good and cordial relationship with erstwhile
Soviet and now this relation has touched sky rocketing with Russia.

 The S-400 will surely enhance the Indian defense capabilities

particularly it will assist the Indian Air force, as it lags behind many
squadrons.

 More than 50% of Indian weaponry system is imported from

erstwhile Soviet, this it needs somehow complete modernization.

 The new air to surface system will help India`s Air forces to preempt
and find any incoming missiles in the air before strikes down an
enemy.
Critical Analysis:
 Continuing this further, this landmark deal appears highly effective
and useful for boosting up the Russian economy.

 In contrast, it seems this deal may stabilize and create balance

between Russia`s relation with India and China.

 Withstanding, India has been enjoying close defense ties with

Erstwhile Soviet and Now with Russia.

 However, the influence of United States of America cannot be ruled

out as it is spreading its clout on the South Asian countries,
particularly assigning India the role of policeman to contain the
seeming menace from China.
Critical Analysis:

 According to Jeff Smith, an expert on South Asian issues, as per him,

India went to buy S-400 from Russia as it seems highly affordable and
quite reliable vis-à-vis to the defense systems of America.

 On the other hand, US close ally Saudi Arabia and Turkey appear
interested in buying S-400 from Russia.

 To reemphasize, India, as a matter of fact, has long strategic

relations with Russia and wants to further deepen and widen it.
Now a mother of all question is, as to how will
this deal, remain problematic for Pakistan?

 Fact of matter is, Pakistan and Indian have been at loggerheads

since decades over various issues including Kashmir on top, cross
border firing, which has become an unwarranted situation.

 Furthermore, Pakistan did rightly express her concern over purchase

of S-400 as it will destabilize the region`s stability and create a huge
strategic imbalance.

 Continuing his further, back in 1998, Pakistan suggested Strategic

Restraint Regime against acquisition of Ballistic Missiles Defense due
to their destabilizing factors in the region.
CONT…
 India rejected this proposal and thus compelled Pakistan
to enhance its strategic capabilities which render any BMD system
ineffective.

 Though, Pakistan has never been a proponent of arms race in the

region, however; she only seeks to keep a strategic balance with
India.

 On the other hand, India has been claiming, that they want to buy
an S-400 from Russia as it would work as a strategic equalizer vis-à-vis
China. But, in reality, India has very hostile designs where it wants to
become a regional power by influencing other states with its
economic and military power.
CONT…

 As per “Dr.Zafar Nawaz Jaspal in his article “S-400: False sense of

security” writes that Pakistan’s response to Indian build up is very
calculated and systematic

 Pakistan purely relies upon on Nuclear Capability rather entangling

in conventional race with India.

 Unfortunealty, there has been unfair and unjust treatment from

Western societies particularly from America.
CONT…

 Pakistan is being castigated unfairly on her genuine and quite

justified requirement for its national security. However, on the other
hand, when it comes to Indian Cold Doctrine, there has been huge
leverage to India from West.

 Pakistan received harsh critique over modernization of Tactical

Nuclear Weapons, however, on the contrary, US is itself keeping
modernization of its Tactical Nuclear Weapons.
Conclusion:

 To put in the nutshell, India’s hawkish policies and defense deals with
Russia and the US, Pakistan repetitive its commitments regarding
national security and defense .

 Indian Purchase of S-400 Missiles that it believes in credible minimum

deterrence and strategic stability in South Asia at present and in the
future as well.

 Insecurity in region

 India seeks inspiring global power, wants to contain and counter

China
Thank You!

ANY QUESTION?