Growing Indian military soft power English Version from Amar Ujala 18 Nov 17
The Indian army is known across the globe for its professionalism, determination and conduct. It is respected for being the only apolitical military in a subcontinent, where the military is known to dominate governments. It has retained its responsible place in a democratic environment, despite all efforts of the government to degrade it. While the world respects it, its own bureaucrats and political commentators seem to target it.
Historically it has participated in both world wars under the British flag and post-independence in UN missions. Wherever it has operated, it has received glorious tribute. Recent release of a stamp in honour of the Indian soldier by Israel, for the battle of Haifa, is a case in point. Internationally, its performance in the liberation of Bangladesh remains a military history study. Thus, in reputation and standing, it is a professional force which has performed its tasks with aplomb.
Recent years has seen the Indian armed forces conducting joint exercises with a multitude of nations. The Malabar naval exercise involving India, Japan and the US, now likely to also involve Australia is aimed at conveying a strong message to China. This exercise has always been closely monitored by China as it sees Indian naval power as a threat. The air force conducts exercises with the US and presently with Israel amongst others. Both the services have been applauded for their capabilities and performance despite shortfalls in equipment profile.
The army has the largest number of international interactions. It conducts exercises not only with its neighbours but with many countries across the globe, spreading across continents. Almost every developed and militarily powerful nation seeks joint military exercises with India. Nations presently battling internal insurgencies have adopted the Indian model and experience, with success. They have participated in exercises in our variety of training institutes to enhance knowledge and gain from our experience. The latest seeking to join the Indian training bandwagon is Egypt, whose army chief is in India seeking the same.
India also provides training opportunities to many countries in its numerous training establishments. Those who attend courses develop close bonds with their Indian counterparts, which remain lifelong. This bonding, hospitality, Indian culture and cuisine builds within them respect for the Indian armed forces in specific and the nation in general. There has rarely been a case when they have not highlighted the professionalism of the forces and its members. The maximum international participation is at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, with lesser in other institutes. Simultaneously, Indian officers attending courses abroad have been recognized for their professionalism.
This international exposure at every level is aimed at enhancing the military’s soft power. To understand the impact of military soft power is to take the example of Afghan forces being trained in Indian army institutes. Their experience, knowledge gained, exposure to the variety of Indian equipment and proximity to their Indian counterparts would steer them clear of any influence which Pak may attempt. It is with this intention that the Afghan president requested for Indian military equipment and desired similar training for their police forces. Thus, the visit of the Pak army chief to Afghanistan, seeking to provide training to the Afghan forces, was met with cold response.
Despite tensions with China, Indian and Chinese soldiers have participated in joint exercises, on each other’s soil. This enables both nations to understand the other’s capability and professionalism. While standoffs may remain a regular feature in the years ahead, until the border issue is resolved, the two nations would be careful to go beyond it to a stage of war, as they are aware that the other is no pushover. Hence, exercises are also an opportunity to project the capability of the military.
Indian military soft power is on the rise. While it is a fact that no nation can ever become a superpower on imported equipment alone, yet the Indian army has repeatedly proved its mettle in every engagement it has been involved with. Military soft power can play a significant role in international diplomacy, which the Indian government hesitates to employ.
Nations, whose survival is at threat either due to internal disturbances or external threats, have a powerful military to support a democratically elected government. It is this military with which our military leadership can interact and enhance diplomatic ties. Close to home examples are Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines. At slight distance away would be African states battling the Boko Haram.
Simultaneously, for military soft power to be effectively built and exploited there is a need for timely planning joint exercises and allotment of courses to different nations. Both these actions involve close coordination between the armed forces and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Since the armed forces are not part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), but subservient to it, there is invariably a delay in passing of information and subsequent actions. It has led to innumerable embarrassments.
On many occasions courses have been allocated late to nations, compelling them to send students unprepared and unfamiliar with the language. The reimbursement of their stay is from the funds of the MEA, which is years behind schedule, compelling the host institute to bear the cost. Approaching the MoD has no impact, as it has almost no role except being a post office to convey military requirements to the MEA.
As threats grow across the globe, international military cooperation and coordination would become more important. India has no desire to project its armed forces in any international trouble spot, unless it is under UN flag or to safeguard Indian investments and interests. However, experiences gained by nations, while battling multitude of threats need to be shared and exploited. For this, India needs to exploit its military soft power and expand its international cooperation. Thus, the present shackles of communication and interaction within the government needs to change and the armed forces provided more freedom for engagement and action, after all, every major Indian embassy has a military attaché.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army