AIR Spotlight: Defense Ministers' Conclave - Insights & Analysis

The All India Radio News features an enlightening program daily known as AIR Spotlight. This program invites various distinguished panelists to discuss significant issues that can be of immense help in the preparation for the IAS exam.

Today, we will delve into the discussion about the Defense Ministers’ Conclave, which took place alongside the 14th Aero India 2023.

Participants

1. Major General (Retd.) Ashok Kumar – Defence Analyst
2. Omvesh Upadhyay – AIR Correspondent

Context – The Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, was the host of the “Defence Ministers’ Conclave” that took place on the sidelines of the 14th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru. The conclave aimed to discuss issues related to bolstering cooperation in capacity building (through investments, R&D, co-development, co-production, joint ventures and provisioning of defence equipment), training, space, AI and maritime security for mutual growth.

The Defence Ministers’ Conclave – Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence, SPEED

The conclave served as a platform for defence ministers from India and friendly foreign countries to interact with each other and further India’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ for a secure and prosperous future for the upcoming generations.

• The conclave saw participation from over 160 delegates from various countries, including Defence & Deputy Defence Ministers from 27 countries, 15 Defence and Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries from 80 countries, signifying India’s impressive growth and engagement in the defence and security sectors.
• The conclave was themed “Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence, SPEED’’.
• The theme symbolises the current era where geopolitical and security realities are evolving at an unprecedented speed, necessitating real-time collaboration to respond to such rapid changes.
• Any significant change in the economy, security, health, or climate has global implications, and when the peace and security of a region is at stake, its impact resonates across the globe in various ways.
• The Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted the global supply chain. Such conflicts hinder countries in different parts of the world from accessing essential resources like food and energy.
• In a globally connected and networked world, the transmission of shocks is swift, making it impossible for a country to remain unaffected by the issues plaguing other countries.
• Summits, conferences and conclaves are organised to ensure that everyone's concerns are adequately addressed for a common, secure and prosperous future.

Aero India, 2023

Aero India is a biennial international military and civil air show. The event has been hosted by the Yelahanka Air Base, Bengaluru since its inception in 1996.

• The 14th edition of Aero India witnessed participation from more than 80 countries and defence companies, including 100 foreign and 700 Indian companies, which included MSMEs and startups. This massive participation is a testament to the capabilities of a new India.
• The event aims to display indigenous equipment/technologies and establish partnerships with foreign countries.
• Tejas, INS Vikrant , and advanced manufacturing facilities in Surat and Tumkur are a reflection of India's potential in the defence sector.
• India, once the largest defence importer, has now begun exporting defence equipment to 75 countries worldwide. India aims to increase defence exports from 1.5 billion to 5 billion by 2024-25. With this potential in the defence sector, the world is turning towards India.

Maritime Security –

With a coastline spanning over 7000 km, maritime security is a critical aspect of India's national security.

• The increasing presence of the Chinese Navy and its acquisition of a base in Djibouti, access facilities in Malaysia, the base in Gwadar and the maritime silk route is a cause for concern.
• During the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, emphasis was placed on a rule-based international order where ‘might being right’ is replaced by fairness, cooperation and equality among all sovereign nations.
• The primary objective of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) between India, the USA, Japan and Australia is to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

Artificial Intelligence in Defence Sector –

The advancements in AI will usher in new potential in the defence sector. AI could revolutionise the features of defence technology, just as it did with aircraft and nuclear weapons. AI has the potential to redefine the very nature of warfare in the future.

• AI can enhance the effectiveness of existing weapon systems and may even lead to the creation of an entirely new class of weapons. The use of AI in weapon systems could potentially lead to the development of autonomous weapons, which can theoretically select and engage targets without human intervention. It is also possible to have weapon systems that could work in conjunction with human soldiers.

Conclusion – The Defence Ministers’ Conclave facilitated India's engagement with other countries to propel the vision of “Make in India, Make for World”.

You can read the previous AIR Spotlight articles here.