Modi govt’s war frenzy continues with Rs 52,000 crore defence deals
New Delhi: In a fresh manifestation of its militaristic agenda, the BJP-led Indian government has approved defence procurement deals worth Rs 52,000 crore, including the acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare systems, anti-tank guided missiles, advanced air defence systems and jet-powered kamikaze drones for the armed forces.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the proposals were approved at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.
In a statement, the Indian Ministry of Defence said the approved acquisitions for the Indian army include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Akash Tarang electronic warfare system, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) weapon systems, Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (V-SHORADS), Active Protection Systems (APS) for tanks and jet-based kamikaze drone systems.
The DAC also cleared the procurement of Multi-Influence Ground Mines (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) and the establishment of a Land-Based Test Facility (LBTF) for electronic propulsion systems for the Indian Navy.
The council further approved the acquisition of Fixed-Wing based High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS) for the Indian Air Force, along with several other defence proposals.
Political analysts said the approval of the massive defence package reflects the Modi government’s continued emphasis on military expansion at a time of heightened regional tensions. They warned that India’s growing militarization and aggressive defence posture pose serious challenges to peace, security and strategic stability in South Asia.
