KEY POINTS
- BJP took bold military actions like surgical strikes and Balakot.
- Modi government boosted defence with Rafale, S-400, and CDS post.
- Congress weakened defence with scams and delayed decisions.
For many years after Independence, India’s defence policy lacked seriousness and strength. The Congress party, which ruled India for most of its history since 1947, did not give enough importance to national security. Their approach was often based on idealistic thinking, weak diplomacy, and in some cases, serious corruption. These mistakes cost the nation dearly and kept our defence forces underprepared.
Nehru’s Mistakes and the 1962 War
The first major failure came under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. His focus was on non-alignment and friendly relations, but he ignored the rising threat from China. Despite warnings, India did not prepare its military. In 1962, China attacked India and won easily, not because Indian soldiers were weak, but because our political leadership failed to equip and support the Army properly. It was a result of careless planning and unrealistic views about global threats.
Later, under Rajiv Gandhi’s government, India faced a huge corruption scandal, the Bofors scam. The deal for buying artillery guns involved bribes, and the scandal created fear among politicians and officers about making any defence decisions. As a result, artillery modernisation stopped for many years. Our soldiers had to use old guns even in the 2000s because of delays caused by this corruption.
The UPA Government’s Policy Paralysis (2004–2014)
The situation became worse during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government led by Congress from 2004 to 2014. India faced increasing threats from both China and Pakistan, but there was no urgency in strengthening the military. Defence deals were delayed, infrastructure on the borders was ignored, and even after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the government did not take any strong action. This was seen not as peace, but as weakness.
During the UPA period, defence procurement was surrounded by scandals and confusion. The AgustaWestland helicopter scam showed how corruption continued in defence deals. The crucial Rafale jet deal, which was important to replace India’s ageing aircraft, remained stuck for nearly 10 years. Such indecisiveness put India’s national security at risk.
A Bold Shift After 2014 Under the BJP
When the BJP government came to power in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, things changed quickly. The government decided to take bold and clear steps to strengthen national security. In 2016, after the Uri attack, India carried out surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Again in 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack, India launched airstrikes in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan. These were not just statements, but real actions that showed India would now hit back.
The BJP government also made defence procurement faster and more transparent. The delayed Rafale jets were purchased through a direct government-to-government deal with France. During the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff with China, the government immediately ordered emergency defence supplies, showing readiness in a crisis. The “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) mission gave a big push to making weapons in India itself.
One of the biggest achievements of the BJP has been its focus on building weapons and equipment within India. The Make in India program encouraged private companies, start-ups, and defence industries to develop new technologies. As a result, India now produces Tejas fighter jets, Arjun tanks, and Dhanush artillery systems. Defence exports crossed Rs 21,000 crore in 2023-24, making India not just a buyer but also a seller of defence equipment.
The BJP government created the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a move that had been pending for many decades. Infrastructure on the borders – roads, tunnels, and bridges – was built at a fast pace. The Atal Tunnel, delayed for years, was finally completed. All this showed that national security was now a top priority.
India also improved its defence partnerships with other countries. Agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA were signed with the United States. India became an active member of the QUAD alliance and increased its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This was a shift from being a quiet observer to becoming a strong global player.
The BJP ensured that our soldiers got the respect they deserved. Pension reforms, better disability benefits, and more participation of military leaders in policymaking were introduced. Unlike Congress, which often neglected the armed forces, the BJP empowered them.
Operation Sindoor: A Modern Example of India’s Strength
The recent Operation Sindoor proved how much India’s defence has improved. Using advanced Rafale jets and the powerful S-400 air defence system, India carried out precise and well-planned strikes. This operation was not just a reaction, but a smart, preemptive move. It used cyber warfare, satellites, and advanced military techniques. Global military experts praised India’s performance, showing that India is now capable of high-level modern warfare.
Congress’ rule is marked by missed opportunities, corruption, and weak leadership in defence matters. In contrast, the BJP has shown courage, vision, and the political will to act. Prime Minister Modi has taken India from a nation that hesitated to respond to threats to a nation that leads with strength and confidence.
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