US defence official lauds India's military modernisation efforts to counter China

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The top intelligence official from the US Department of Defence has commended India for its efforts to bolster its military capabilities and reduce dependence on Russian-origin equipment, particularly in the context of competing with China.

During a Congressional hearing on defense intelligence countering China, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, highlighted India’s emergence as a global leader in 2023.

He highlighted India’s hosting of the Group of 20 economic summit and its proactive stance in countering People’s Republic of China (PRC) activities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kruse noted India’s deepening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including with countries like the Philippines, through defense sales, training, and cooperation initiatives. He also underscored India’s strengthened collaboration with the United States, Australia, France, and Japan in the region.

Furthermore, Kruse highlighted India’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities to effectively compete with China. In 2023, India embarked on initiatives to upgrade its armed forces and reduce reliance on Russian-origin equipment. This included conducting sea trials for its domestically produced aircraft carrier and engaging in negotiations with Western countries for the transfer of critical defense technologies.

The remarks by Lt. Gen. Kruse highlight India’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region and its evolving role as a key player in shaping regional security dynamics amidst growing competition with China.

In 2024, New Delhi probably will focus on securing its national parliamentary elections, maintaining economic growth, and building on its Make in India’ initiative as part of its military modernisation effort — which is aimed at countering Beijing, he told the lawmakers.

Bilateral relations between India and China remain tense following the 2020 Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least five PLA soldiers. In October 2023, senior Indian and PLA officers failed to resolve disputes about the two remaining standoff locations in eastern Ladakh during their twentieth round of talks.

Both sides maintain approximately 50,000-60,000 troops in the area and continue to improve their military infrastructure near the border, Kruse told the lawmakers.

India has maintained its neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia remains India’s most substantial defence partner and New Delhi continues to acquire weapons from Moscow, such as the S-400 surface-to-air missile system, despite New Delhi’s desire to diversify its defence acquisition partnerships, Kruse said.

On Pakistan, Kruse told lawmakers that it has sought international support, including from the UN Security Council, to resolve its dispute with India about Kashmir. Separately, Islamabad and New Delhi have maintained an uneasy ceasefire along the shared Line of Control since February 2021.

Pakistan has sustained its nuclear modernisation efforts despite its economic turmoil. Terrorist violence against Pakistani security forces and civilians also rose last year, Kruse said.

In 2023, militants killed approximately 400 security forces, a nine-year high, and Pakistani security forces have conducted almost daily counterterrorism operations during the past year.

Pakistan’s contentious relationship with India continues to drive its defence policy, Kruse said. However, cross-border violence between the countries has decreased since their February 2021 recommitment to a ceasefire, he said.

Islamabad is modernising its nuclear arsenal and improving the security of its nuclear materials and nuclear C2. In October, Pakistan successfully tested its Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile, he said.

With inputs from PTI