NEW DELHI, 15 May 2025: In the wake of rising regional tensions and shifting global power dynamics, India’s foreign policy and strategic framework demand a comprehensive reassessment. With increasing security threats in its neighborhood and the growing influence of China and Pakistan, India faces a critical moment to recalibrate its defence and diplomatic posture.
One of the country’s top national security experts has stressed the urgency for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to prepare for the challenges of future warfare. According to him, the IAF demonstrated exceptional performance on the first day of Operation Sindur, taking Pakistan by surprise through its swift and effective action. This, he noted, is a testament to the IAF’s operational readiness but also a reminder that India must not become complacent.
The expert highlighted the threat posed by China’s Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, which are equipped with long-range radar and advanced combat capabilities. These aircraft can engage targets up to 145 km beyond visual range and are armed with the PL-15/PL-15C radar-guided air-to-air missiles. These Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM) represent a new class of precision weaponry that poses a significant challenge to India’s air superiority. The Chinese air combat capability, combined with electronic warfare and network-centric warfare systems, is reshaping the regional airpower balance.
In addition to military concerns, diplomatic observers are increasingly alarmed by the emergence of new defense and strategic alliances in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. China’s growing defense cooperation with Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Malaysia signals a deliberate effort to encircle India and expand its strategic influence. These new alignments suggest the formation of a broader regional nexus, which could undermine India’s traditional strategic space.
In response, India must urgently reassess its security doctrine, reinforce military modernization efforts, and enhance joint-force readiness across all services. Equally important is the need to strengthen the domestic defense manufacturing sector through the “Make in India” initiative and boost defense exports to position India as a regional economic and technological power.
To effectively counter the dual challenge of Chinese expansionism and Pakistan’s tactical provocations, India must focus on integrated national power—balancing diplomacy, defense, and economic resilience. Only then can India secure its place as a stable and influential force in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
