The top intelligence official from the US Department of Defense informed Congress that in 2023, India took measures to modernize its military, aiming to compete with China and diminish its reliance on equipment of Russian origin, thus observing India as a global leader.

Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, informed members of the House Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on intelligence and special operations during a Congressional hearing on defense intelligence countering China that India, over the past year, has presented itself as a global leader by hosting the Group of 20 economic summit and has demonstrated a greater willingness to counter PRC  activity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

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He stated that India has strengthened partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region with regional South China Sea claimants like the Philippines through training programs, defense sales, and has also enhanced cooperation with the US, Australia, France, and Japan.

India Took Measures With China

Kruse stated that in 2023, India took measures to modernize its military to compete with China and reduce reliance on Russian-origin equipment. India conducted sea trials for its first domestically produced aircraft carrier and also negotiated with several Western countries for the transfer of key defense technologies.

Kruse informed lawmakers that in 2024, New Delhi is likely to prioritize securing its national parliamentary elections, sustaining economic growth, and expanding the ‘Make in India’ initiative as part of its military modernization efforts aimed at countering Beijing.

Regarding bilateral relations between India and China, tensions persist following the 2020 Galwan clash that claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and at least five PLA soldiers. In October 2023, senior Indian and PLA officers were unable to resolve disputes regarding the two remaining standoff locations in eastern Ladakh during their twentieth round of talks. Kruse noted that both sides maintain approximately 50,000-60,000 troops in the area and continue to enhance military infrastructure near the border.

Kruse highlighted that India has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite New Delhi’s desire to diversify its defense acquisition partnerships, Russia remains India’s primary defense partner, and India continues to acquire weapons from Moscow, such as the S-400 surface-to-air missile system.

Kruse informed lawmakers that Pakistan has been seeking international support, including from the UN Security Council, to resolve its dispute with India over Kashmir. Since February 2021, Islamabad and New Delhi have upheld a fragile ceasefire along the shared Line of Control.

Pakistan’s Nuclear Capabilities

“Despite economic turmoil, Pakistan has continued its efforts to modernize its nuclear capabilities. Terrorist attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians also increased last year,” Kruse stated.

In 2023, militants killed approximately 400 security forces, marking a nine-year high, and Pakistani security forces have carried out nearly daily counterterrorism operations throughout the year.

Kruse noted that Pakistan’s defense policy remains heavily influenced by its contentious relationship with India. However, cross-border violence between the countries has decreased since their mutual recommitment to a ceasefire in February 2021.

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