Posted on by Sandeep

How Britain robbed ten percent of India’s GDP in 1947?

The Great British Heist

The Complex Story of Britain’s Unpaid Wartime Debt to India:
A Burden Equal to 10% of India’s GDP in 1947

The financial legacy of British colonialism left India with enormous economic ruin at independence. One of the most glaring example was the massive wartime debt Britain owed India. This debt was so large that it amounted to roughly 10% of India’s entire economy in 1947, underscoring the profound injustice and long-term economic harm caused by Britain’s refusal to fully honor its obligations.

Yesterday PM Modi arrived in London for a two-day UK visit focused on signing a historic Free Trade Agreement and strengthening the India-UK Strategic Partnership. He is also scheduled to meet PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III during this trip.However UK had been not only brutal coloniser of India but was also dishonest in its dealings with India, after Britain had left India. It refused to honour it’s obligations towards India.

The Great British Heist?

The resources that Britain obtained from a poor India during WW-2 were comparable or exceeded that provided by an increasingly prosperous United States. While American materials were provided after Britain signed an agreement on Washington’s terms, the Indian story was rather different. Britain coveted India’s resources but did not want to pay for them. As a result, in lieu of payments for goods and services drawn out of India, Britain held promissory notes that were to be redeemed in the future. This is akin to a customer walking into a grocery store and clearing out the shelves. But instead of paying cash, he writes out a note promising to pay up later. Moreover, he decides to keep this note with himself for safe custody!

But if Britain deferred payments, the goods had to nevertheless be purchased in India against a cash payment to individual sellers. It is here that the Reserve Bank of India stepped in to the aid of London and printed a large amount of currency. Thus, between 1940 and 1942, the amount of money in circulation in India more than doubled. The result was an average rate of inflation of a whopping 350%. Rapid and sustained economic inflation is a most regressive form of hidden taxation as it severely and disproportionately penalizes the poor. Such inflation coupled with all-round scarcity of goods had a devastating effect on life in India. While the millions of deaths in the Bengal Famine of 1943 was a grim consequence of British policy in India, it was only the grisly tip of a vast iceberg of countrywide sorrow and hardship. (See link to wire.in below)

India’s Economy and Wealth at Independence

In 1947, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at approximately ₹2,700 billion (2.7 trillion rupees) — roughly equivalent to $20 billion USD at historic exchange rates, with a population of around 350 million, and a per capita income near $58 USD. India was among the world’s poorer economies at independence, burdened by widespread poverty, partition-related dislocation, and underdevelopment.

This scale is critical for understanding the magnitude of Britain’s wartime debt to India. The British government owed India about £1.16 billion sterling in accumulated sterling balances — India’s share of payments for its enormous contributions of troops, war supplies, and blocked export earnings during World War II. At the 1947 exchange rate (~₹13.33 per £1), this debt translated to approximately ₹15.5 billion.

Debt Equal to a Tenth of India’s Economy

Viewed in relation to India’s total GDP, the wartime debt Britain owed represented roughly 10% of India’s entire economic output at independence. For context, this is an exceptionally large sum, especially for a newly sovereign and economically fragile nation needing every rupee to fund reconstruction, relief, and development. India’s debt by 1945 was about £1.51 billion – the equivalent of $83.93 billion today.

Britain’s Strategy: Delay, Partial Payments, and Diplomatic Subterfuge

Despite this enormous liability, Britain did not fully repay India. Instead, the UK government pursued a careful and prolonged strategy to evade full payment:

  • During the war, in 1939 itself, Britain suspended sterling convertibility, creating “blocked sterling balances” that grew to £3.35 billion, of which India’s share was about 45% (~£1.51 billion initially).
  • As independence approached, Britain and the United States coordinated secretly to limit repayments to India, fearing that full repayment would cripple Britain’s postwar recovery and geopolitical role in the emerging Cold War.
  • Sterling convertibility was briefly restored in July 1947 but suspended again a month later—on August 20, 1947—just before Indian independence, effectively blocking India’s access to much of its wartime funds.
  • Britain agreed only to small initial payments (£35 million in 1947), with the bulk of the debt intended to be repaid over many years and sizable portions written off as “adjustments” or offset against counterclaims.
  • India, starved of these funds, had to fund its wartime costs and reconstruction internally, resorting to heavy taxation and printing money, which caused inflation and economic hardship.

Economic and Political Consequences for India

The British strategy to postpone and minimize repayments was not a formal default but a de facto repudiation by bureaucratic and diplomatic delay. India suffered serious economic constraints as a result, at a time when the country urgently needed capital for rebuilding and development.

This prolonged financial subterfuge reflects the power imbalances of the colonial and early postcolonial era, where Britain leveraged Cold War geopolitics and economic weakness to evade its rightful obligations. The episode remains a stark example of how postcolonial financial justice was often sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency.

Table: Economic Context and Debt Scale

MetricApproximate Figure (1947)
India’s GDP₹2,700 billion (≈ $20 billion USD)
India’s Population~350 million
India’s Per Capita GDP~$58 USD
British War Debt to India£1.16 billion (~₹15.5 billion)
Debt as % of India’s GDPApproximately 10%

Summary:

The wartime debt Britain owed India was a colossal sum, equivalent to about a tenth of India’s entire economy at independence. Rather than repaying this fairly and promptly, Britain protracted negotiations, manipulated currency policies, and coordinated with the US to delay repayments and paid tiny sums in installments to keep the facade of payment. India bore the economic burdens imposed by this financial injustice during its critical formative years.

This episode exposes the harsh realities of economic inequality embedded within decolonization, illustrating how geopolitical and economic power enabled Britain to evade critical fiscal responsibilities while India grappled with poverty, inflation, and developmental challenges. It was a day time robbery for which UK has no explanation even today. Would Prime Minister Modi raise this issue on this visit to UK? I doubt it.

From 1947 to 2025: Economic Journey of India

References:

Posted on by Sandeep

Ajit Doval’s speech at IIT Madras Convocation

Ajit Doval at IIT Madras

Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor made a rare appearance to deliver a speech at Madras in gathering of a Convocation. The Indian Institute of Technology Madras on July 11 held its 62nd Convocation. A total of 3,227 students were conferred degrees during the convocation, besides joint, dual degrees and PhDs. Ajit Doval was the guest speaker at the event.

In his talk at the 62nd Convocation of IIT Madras, India’s NSA Ajit Doval emphasized several key points. Beginning with:

“India is progressing rapidly. Next year, we may become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Institutions are now developing ecosystems, infrastructure, testing equipment, laboratories, and support systems and where they don’t exist, we’ll create them.  Your alumni network is a global asset. But don’t just aim for personal comfort abroad—true success lies in what you contribute, not where you live”

Reminder to past 1000 years:

India’s Fortunate Generation [02:28]: He congratulated the graduates, calling them the “most fortunate” generation in India’s history over the last 1000 years, highlighting their unique opportunities.

Contribution Beyond Personal Success [03:55]: Doval challenged the graduates to contribute to society, the country, and civilization, not just focus on personal growth.

The “X Factor” for India’s Future.

He stated that the collective and individual contribution of the youth, their mindset, and their passion will determine India’s future success in the next 22 years.[10:40]

Technological Prowess as a Necessity

Doval stressed the critical importance of technology, stating that India can achieve great things by surpassing technological challenges and producing “technology warriors.” He warned that failure in this area could set the country back for centuries.[11:19]

Critical and Emerging Technologie

He highlighted specific critical areas for technological development,[12:20] including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) [17:48]: Describing it as a “game-changer” that will transform the world rapidly.

Quantum Computing [19:19]: Emphasizing its potential to revolutionize computing.

Semiconductors [20:06]: Referring to them as the “building blocks of modern technology.”

Space Sciences [20:24]: Acknowledging India’s progress in this sector.

Rare Earths and Advanced Materials [20:50].

Indigenization and Self-Reliance

Doval cited India’s complete indigenization of its 5G communication systems as an example of the country’s capability and the importance of domestically produced technology for national security. [15:06]

The Spirit of Contribution [28:08]: He shared an anecdote about an IITian who, despite being an American citizen, offered to contribute his high-tech expertise to India for free, urging the graduates to adopt this spirit of selfless contribution.

Finding Meaning in Life [32:53]: Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s work, Doval concluded by emphasizing that a life with meaning is essential for survival and success, urging the graduates to find meaning in contributing to the nation’s destiny.

Technological advancement and Babur:

In his speech, India’s NSA Ajit Doval mentioned Babur in the context of technological advancements in warfare [22:24]. He stated that the Mughals, including Babur, introduced gunpowder to India, which significantly changed battles as Indian elephants, unaccustomed to the sound of gunpowder, would reverse direction and trample their own troops [22:30].

Operation Sindoor and Pakistan

Ajit Doval discussed the operation Sindoor where India decided to target nine terrorist locations across Pakistan, emphasizing the precision of the operation and its completion in 23 minutes [23:46]. He also challenged biased foreign press claims of Indian damage, without any satellite imagery showing such damage [24:12]. He then recounted an encounter with an IITian who founded a company providing forecasting models for the American army based on open-source satellite imagery, and who, despite being an American citizen, expressed a desire to contribute his knowledge to India without financial compensation [27:23].

You can watch the full talk here:

Posted on by Sandeep

India’s Rising Defence Production and Exports

Rising defence export

Analysis of India’s Defence Sector Production and Exports (2014-2025)

Defence Export by India: India has experienced a significant surge in its defence sector production and exports over the last decade, largely driven by the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives.

I. Defence Production Growth:

Significant Increase: India’s defence production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore (approx. US$ 15.2 billion) in FY 2023-24. This marks an impressive 174% increase from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.
Target: India aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029.
Reduced Import Dependency: Approximately 65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant reversal from the earlier 65-70% import dependency a decade ago.
Industrial Base: India’s defence industrial base is robust, comprising 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), over 430 licensed companies, and approximately 16,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Private Sector Contribution: The private sector plays a crucial role, contributing around 21% to the total defence production.

II. Defence Exports Growth

Remarkable Surge: Defence exports have seen an extraordinary increase, growing 30 to 34 times over the last decade.
From ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
Further increasing to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25.
Decadal Growth (2014-2024): Total defence exports during this decade amounted to ₹88,319 crore, a 21-fold increase compared to the ₹4,312 crore in the preceding decade (2004-2014).
Year-on-Year Growth: Defence exports grew by 32.5% year-on-year, rising from ₹15,920 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. In FY 2024-25, a growth of 12.04% was registered over FY 2023-24.
Export Destinations: India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the USA, France, and Armenia being among the top buyers in FY 2023-24.
Export Portfolio: The export portfolio has diversified to include a wide range of items such as bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, radars, lightweight torpedoes, missile systems (like Akash SAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), and naval platforms.

Private Sector vs. DPSUs in Exports (FY 2024-25):

Private sector: ₹15,233 crore (64.5%)
DPSUs: ₹8,389 crore (35.5%), showing a significant increase of 42.85% in their exports in FY 2024-25.
Export Authorizations: The number of export authorizations issued has also seen a rise, with 1,762 authorizations in FY 2024-25, a 16.92% increase from the previous year.
Future Target: The government aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

III. Key Drivers of Growth

“Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Initiatives: These government policies have been central to promoting self-reliance and domestic manufacturing in the defence sector.

Policy Reforms:

Increased Budget Allocation:

The defence budget has significantly increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, with a substantial portion allocated for domestic procurement (75% of the modernization budget for FY24).

Liberalized FDI Policy:

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence was liberalized in 2020, allowing up to 74% through the automatic route and 100% via government approval, attracting foreign investment.

Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs):

These lists mandate that certain defence items must be sourced domestically, further boosting indigenous production.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX):

This initiative promotes innovation and R&D in the defence sector, involving startups and MSMEs.

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes:

These schemes incentivize manufacturing in various sectors, including defence, to enhance global competitiveness and reduce import dependency.

Increased Private Sector Participation:

The government has actively encouraged private sector involvement, leading to innovation and increased efficiency.
Focus on Indigenous R&D: Organizations like DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) are crucial in driving technological innovation and transfer, leading to the development of cutting-edge military platforms.

Expanding Global Footprint:

India’s growing capability and competitive pricing have made its defence products more attractive to other nations.

Defence Industrial Corridors:

Establishment of dedicated defence industrial corridors in states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is further boosting indigenous production and attracting investment.

In summary, India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade, shifting from a primarily import-dependent nation to a significant player in global defence production and exports. This has been a conscious and strategic effort by the government, supported by a robust industrial base and increasing private sector participation.

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India has best Income Equality among large economies.

Poor does not remain poor in India

India’s economic journey is no longer just about scale—it’s about transformation. According to a recent World Bank report, the country has managed something few developed economies can boast: pairing rapid growth with meaningful progress in income distribution. This isn’t merely about GDP spikes or stock market highs—it reflects a deeper shift where prosperity is reaching broader segments of society. From rural wage improvements to expanded welfare coverage, the metrics point to inclusive advancement. While global headlines often focus on India’s digital boom and infrastructure leaps, this underlying equity story marks a powerful chapter. In a world grappling with rising inequality, India’s model offers a compelling, counterpoint: growth served hot, but shared widely. According to theWorld Bank data, India has demonstrated remarkably better income equality compared to G7 and G20 countries.

Here’s a breakdown of the report and its implications:

Key Findings of the World Bank Report:

  • High Ranking in Income Equality: India ranks fourth globally in income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5. This places it among the most equal societies worldwide, trailing only the Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4).
  • Outperforming G7 and G20 Nations: India’s Gini Index score is significantly lower than that of major economies like China (35.7), the United States (41.8), and all G7 and G20 countries. Many of these are considered advanced economies, making India’s achievement particularly noteworthy.
  • For context, a Gini Index of 0 represents perfect equality (everyone earns the same), while 100 represents maximum inequality (one person earns all the income). A lower score indicates greater equality.
  • Steady Improvement Over Time: India’s Gini Index has improved consistently, dropping from 28.8 in 2011 to 25.5 in 2022. This indicates a sustained effort and progress in bridging income gaps.
  • Poverty Reduction as a Key Driver: A significant factor contributing to India’s improved income equality is its success in reducing extreme poverty. The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief highlights that:

1.  Around 171 million Indians moved out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023.
2. The extreme poverty rate (based on the global poverty line of $2.15 per day) sharply declined from 16.2% in 2011 to just 2.3% in 2022-23.
3. Even with a revised extreme poverty threshold of $3.00 per day, the poverty rate for 2022-23 would be a modest 5.3%.

Elaboration and Explanation:

The World Bank’s report suggests that India’s economic growth is being shared more equitably across its population. This is a departure from the common narrative that rapid economic growth in developing countries often exacerbates income disparities. The report attributes India’s success to a consistent policy focus on several fronts:

  • Poverty Alleviation Programs: The massive reduction in extreme poverty directly contributes to better income equality. When a large segment of the population moves out of the lowest income brackets, it naturally shrinks the gap between the poorest and the rest.
  • Financial Inclusion Initiatives: Schemes like the PM Jan Dhan Yojana, which has led to the opening of over 55 crore (550 million) bank accounts, have significantly expanded financial access for the previously unbanked population. This enables more people to participate in the formal economy, access credit, and build assets, thus reducing financial exclusion.
  • Efficient Welfare Delivery through Digital Infrastructure: The Aadhaar national digital ID system, now covering over 142 crore (1.42 billion) people, has enabled highly efficient Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) of welfare payments. This minimizes leakage and ensures that government support reaches the intended beneficiaries directly, significantly impacting the incomes of vulnerable populations. Reports indicate that this has saved Rs 3.48 lakh crore (approx. $42 billion USD) by March 2023.
  • Targeted Social Safety Nets and Support Schemes:
  • Ayushman Bharat: Provides health coverage of Rs 5 lakh (approx. $6,000 USD) for families, improving healthcare access and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for millions.
  • Stand-Up India: Supports entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes/Tribes (SC/ST) and women with loans and assistance, fostering inclusive economic participation.
  • PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Offers support, training, and loans to artisans, helping traditional craftspeople integrate into the modern economy.
  • PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Provides free food grains to over 80 crore citizens, ensuring food security and alleviating immediate economic burdens for a vast population.

Comparison with G7 and G20 Countries:

The fact that India has a lower Gini Index than all G7 and G20 nations is particularly significant. These are often the world’s largest and most developed economies. While they may have higher average incomes, their income distribution tends to be more unequal. This suggests that India’s model of prioritizing inclusive growth and direct welfare interventions is proving effective in achieving a more equitable society, even as it continues its economic development journey.

In essence, the World Bank report portrays India as a country that has successfully coupled economic growth with a substantial improvement in income distribution, a feat that many developed nations struggle to achieve.

Posted on by Sandeep · 1 Comment

Why everything has to be kadak or strong in India

India is kadak

Why Everything is Kadak in India

Introduction

Why do we Indians like everything kadak — strong, intense, bold? Kadak tea. Kadak coffee. Kadak spices. Even our arguments, politics, and cinema are kadak. This isn’t just about taste — it’s about culture, geography, and history.

India is not a subtle country. It’s colorful, noisy, crowded, and alive. From Bollywood to biryani, we’re a culture of maximalism. Our taste buds mirror our lives: intense, contrasting, immersive. Bland doesn’t register. Kadak makes its presence felt.

1. Climate & Geography

In hot, humid, or unpredictable climates like much of India, strong flavors survive better. Mild tea gets diluted in the heat. Weak coffee feels watery. Spices help preserve food and stimulate appetite. Kadak things don’t just survive Indian weather — they thrive in it.

2. Cultural Stoicism

Generations raised with struggle — colonialism, scarcity, and chaos — built a taste for resilience. (Kadak chai) Strong Tea or strong coffee is more than a drink — it’s a ritual of recovery. A small burst of strength in the middle of a long day. You don’t sip it — you brace for it. No wonder the popular leaders are always kadak or strong. Docile fall from grace.

3. Politics in India

India’s politics isn’t served mild. It’s kadak—bold, fiery, unapologetic. It crackles with passion, ideology, and relentless street-level energy. Every speech is a performance, every alliance a tactical tango. From tea stalls in Lucknow to panel debates in Delhi, politics isn’t a passive conversation—it’s theatrical, layered, and deeply personal. Voters don’t just observe the drama; they live it. Allegiances are stitched with emotion, history, and community pride.

What makes it truly kadak is its range. Parliament debates oscillate between razor-sharp logic and poetic jabs. Grassroots campaigns blend mythological metaphors with cutting-edge tech. Leaders spar, woo, and mobilize millions with slogans that burn into memory. Whether it’s an impassioned rally in West Bengal or the quiet calculus of coalition-building in Tamil Nadu, politics here is woven into every chai break, WhatsApp forward, and festival gathering.

The spice level isn’t just rhetorical—it’s real. Caste, religion, language, and region are complex ingredients in a constantly simmering pot. The heat flares during elections, cools in the corridors of power, and then flares again in late-night television showdowns. Dissent can be sharp, satire sharper. Yet, beneath the flamboyance lies serious strategy—an endless push-pull between populism and policy, symbolism and governance.

In India, even silence in politics speaks volumes—pregnant pauses during interviews, cryptic social media posts, or sudden reshuffles whisper of behind-the-scenes intrigue. It’s a political culture that rewards resilience, theatrics, and a keen sense of timing. Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was master of ‘Pauses’ when not articulating politics with subtle humour.

India has the electorate which is the largest in the world. In fact India has more electors than those in all the democratic countries in the world combines. But kadak politics isn’t just about volume—it’s about flavor. It’s the taste of complexity, contradiction, and charisma served sizzling hot, and it leaves an aftertaste you won’t forget.

4. Sensory Saturation and Kadak Philosphy

India’s kadak philosophies are as layered as its spices—fiery, profound, and paradoxical. At one end, there’s hath yoga—an intense pursuit of balance through breath, discipline, and postures that tame both body and mind. It’s the quiet heat of inner mastery, demanding patience and grit. On the other end lies the unbothered boldness of Charvaka thought: “Rinām kṛtvā ghṛtam pibet”—borrow money and drink ghee. Why fret the afterlife when this one deserves indulgence?

This is India at its intellectual peak—where spiritual rigor coexists with audacious skepticism, and restraint dances with rebellion. Kadak, in this sense, isn’t about choosing sides; it’s the coexistence of extremes. One philosophy might chase transcendence through silence, while another celebrates the taste of ghee with debt-fueled abandon. Yet both are unapologetically Indian.

It’s a mental landscape where contradictions aren’t diluted—they’re embraced. Spice of thought? Scorching. Satisfying. Endlessly kadak.

5. Kadak Cinema

India’s kadak cinema hits with intensity and leaves no flavor untasted. It’s storytelling with swagger—bold, unapologetic, and bursting with emotion. From gritty social dramas to hyper-color masala blockbusters, kadak cinema doesn’t whisper, it roars. Dialogues are punchy, characters layered, and even silence hums with tension. Directors wield symbolism like spice, crafting scenes that can be as delicate as saffron or as fiery as red chili.

It’s not just Bollywood either—regional films from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, and beyond bring their own kadak flair. Think explosive action, lyrical romance, searing political critiques—all served with cinematic flourish. Audiences don’t just watch, they immerse, react, and celebrate every twist. Exaggeration is the new normal of Cenema in India.

Whether it’s a slow-burn indie or a box-office juggernaut, kadak cinema stands tall as an art form that dares, dances, and dives deep. It’s visual drama with edge and soul—scripted spice for the big screen

6. Colonial Inheritance

The British gave us tea — we made it strong, milky, and sweet. Why? Because that’s how you get your money’s worth from cheap dust tea. It wasn’t luxury. It was economics. Over time, it became habit. Then identity. Of Course now there is green tea without milk and sugar is also very popular in urban elite.

Then came Coffee and we made it Espresso. There is also very popular flavors of cold Coffee sharing the racks with cold Milk. Then there is hot cocktail of tea and Coffee.

7. The Kadak Costumes

India’s kadak costumes are pure visual fireworks—radiant, unapologetic, and steeped in centuries of cultural finesse. From neon turbans in Punjab to shimmering saris in Gujarat, every thread sings a story. It’s not just fashion; it’s expression, woven with spiritual symbolism, regional pride, and theatrical flair. Wedding lehengas blaze like summer sunsets, festival attire glitters with mirror work and embroidery, and even everyday kurtas come alive with dyes that defy monochrome logic.

So when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wore traditional Indian outfits on his 2018 trip, hoping to pay homage, what stood out wasn’t cultural appreciation—but excess. Critics argued he mistook aesthetic richness for ceremonial necessity, stepping into spaces dressed as the performance, not the guest. The clothes were kadak, but the moment blurred intent and impact.

In India, costume isn’t superficial—it’s substance wrapped in style. But knowing when and why to wear it? That’s part of the spice, too. Right spice in right combination and volume is the key of a good Indian cuisine.

Conclusion

Kadak as Philosophy

Maybe kadak isn’t just about taste. Maybe it’s our emotional default. Our conversations are kadak. Our arguments, street fights, our politics, our metaphors — all kadak. We don’t just live life. We live it bold, burning, unforgettable.

You could say: ‘In India, even silence has a spice level.’

Posted on by Sandeep

Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System and Operation Sindoor

The remarkable success of India’s indigenous Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System in “Operation Sindoor,” achieving an unprecedented 100% interception rate against incoming projectiles, marks a pivotal moment for India’s geopolitical standing and its burgeoning defense export industry. This event not only validates India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative but also provides compelling evidence of its growing capabilities, which are now statistically reflected in its rising defense exports.

Akashteer’s Triumph and its Geopolitical Implications

Akashteer, developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), is a sophisticated, automated system that integrates various sensors, radars, and communication technologies to provide a real-time air picture, enabling rapid detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats. Its ability to flawlessly neutralize all incoming drones and missiles during Operation Sindoor, as confirmed by the Indian Army, demonstrates a level of effectiveness that rivals, and in some aspects, surpasses, established global systems.

This success carries profound implications for India’s political standing:

Enhanced Strategic Autonomy:

The proven efficacy of an indigenously developed advanced air defense system significantly reduces India’s reliance on foreign imports for critical defense technologies. This bolsters India’s strategic autonomy, allowing it to make independent security decisions without being constrained by the supply-chain vulnerabilities or geopolitical leverage of other nations.

Strengthened Deterrence and Regional Influence:

Akashteer Air Defence did not miss a single incoming projectile. A 100% interception rate sends a strong message to potential adversaries, underscoring India’s robust defensive capabilities. This enhances India’s deterrence posture, making any aerial aggression a far costlier proposition. It also positions India as a more reliable and capable security partner in the Indo-Pacific, potentially leading to deeper defense collaborations and increased diplomatic influence.

Validation of “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”:

Akashteer’s performance is a resounding success story for India’s self-reliance in defense. It instills greater confidence in indigenous research, development, and manufacturing, encouraging further investment and innovation in the domestic defense industrial base. This directly contributes to the broader national agenda of economic self-sufficiency.

Global Recognition and Prestige:

Achieving such a high success rate in a real-world scenario places India in an elite club of nations with fully integrated, automated air defense command and control capabilities. This elevates India’s global prestige as a technological powerhouse and a significant contributor to global security.

Statistical Analysis of India’s Rising Defense Exports

The success of Akashteer aligns perfectly with India’s ambitious drive to become a net defense exporter. Recent statistics highlight a remarkable upward trajectory:

Record-Breaking Growth:

India’s defense exports have witnessed an extraordinary surge, reaching a record high of ₹23,622 crore (approx. US$ 2.76 Billion) in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25. This represents a growth of 12.04% over the FY 2023-24 figures of ₹21,083 crore.

Exponential Increase Over a Decade:

Over the past decade, from FY 2013-14 to FY 2024-25, India’s defense exports have soared by an astounding 34 times, indicating a sustained and aggressive push towards becoming a major defense manufacturing hub.

Contribution of Public and Private Sectors:

In FY 2024-25, the private sector contributed ₹15,233 crore, while Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed ₹8,389 crore to defense exports. Notably, DPSU exports showed a significant increase of 42.85% in FY 2024-25, reflecting the growing global acceptance of Indian defense products.

Expanding Global Footprint:

India now exports defense equipment to over 100 countries, with key buyers in FY 2023-24 including the USA, France, and Armenia. This diversification of export destinations underscores the increasing trust in India’s defense capabilities.

Ambitious Targets:

The Indian government has set an ambitious target of increasing defense exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029, and a broader goal of ₹3 lakh crore (approximately US$36 billion) in defense manufacturing turnover by the same year, with a significant export component.

Akashteer’s Impact on Export Possibilities

The proven performance of Akashteer during Operation Sindoor directly translates into immense export potential for Indian defense equipment:

Proof of Concept and Battlefield Validation:

Unlike many defense systems that rely on simulations or limited trials, Akashteer has been battle-proven with a 100% success rate in a live combat scenario. This real-world validation is an invaluable selling point, offering concrete evidence of the system’s effectiveness and reliability to potential buyers.

Demand for Counter-Drone and Anti-Missile Solutions:

The increasing proliferation of drones and low-cost missiles in modern warfare creates a significant global demand for effective counter-UAS and air defense systems. Akashteer, with its demonstrated capability in this domain, is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. Its ability to handle a wide range of threats, including low-flying, hard-to-detect drones, makes it particularly attractive.

Cost-Effectiveness and Indigenous Design:

Being an indigenously developed system, Akashteer may offer a more cost-effective alternative to comparable Western or Russian systems without compromising on performance. This can appeal to a broader range of countries, especially those with budget constraints seeking high-quality, proven solutions.

Integrated Solutions:

Akashteer’s ability to seamlessly integrate various sensors and weapon systems, providing a unified air picture and automated response, is a significant advantage. This integration capability could make it an attractive option for countries looking to modernize and integrate their existing air defense infrastructure.

Strategic Alliances and Defense Diplomacy:

The export of such advanced systems can foster deeper strategic partnerships. Beyond direct sales, it opens doors for joint ventures, technology transfers, and training programs, strengthening India’s defense diplomacy and building long-term relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Operation Sindoor” and Akashteer’s stellar performance serve as a powerful testament to India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense technology. This tangible success not only elevates India’s geopolitical standing as a self-reliant and formidable power but also significantly bolsters its position as a credible and competitive player in the global defense export market, setting the stage for even more robust growth in the coming years.