India’s national security environment faces accentuated challenges from widening political differences over dealing with the Jammu and Kashmir situation in the aftermath of the revocation of its autonomous status, subsequent reorganization with Ladakh becoming a separate union terrority, and the targeted killings of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir and protests for statehood in Ladakh; the insurgency in the Northeast primarily driven by the desire to retain its unique tribal identity, autonomy in administrative status even as simmering differences between ethnic groups have turned violent in the region; Left-wing extremism in Central India violently targeting the state apparatus leading to challenges for governance. India’s diverse population enhances the complexity of maintaining national unity.

India is expected to become the third largest economy in the world by 2027. Indian and global estimates indicate that it will be the fastest growing economy in the world at around 7% over the next few years. Globally, India has a big market size with a booming share market; a young demography with over 65% below 35 years; an educated, adaptive, resilient and diversely skilled workforce that is cost effectively accessible; and an enabling democratic and stable political system whose policies are becoming increasingly business friendly as numerous efforts are being made to encourage innovation and incubate startups, ease the investment process, open up key sectors of the economy further for private investments, strengthen public-private partnerships in manufacturing and improve the country export profile.

Defense-related issues have been in the limelight for some time now. From indigenisation, technological advances and changes in the character of warfare, all have been having an impact on politics, international relations, scientific collaboration and manufacturing. With the volumes and cost of the procurement of weapons and equipment running into thousands of crores and strategic agreements including tech-transfer becoming increasingly complicated, this is becoming an important sector for study. Moreover, the government has been revising the procurement procedures periodically. The environment is becoming more and more investment friendly. Creating the defense infrastructure for promoting exports to like-minded countries is important.