New Delhi, India (CU)_ According to a Pentagon Intelligence Agent, India plans to use the Russian-supplied S-400 missile defense system to protect against threats from Pakistan and China. The agent informed the US lawmakers of the news. During a recent Congressional meeting, Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, informed members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that Russia began delivering the S-400 missile defense system to India in December 2021.
Until October 2021, India’s military intended to acquire modern surveillance equipment to enhance its land and maritime border security as well as strengthen its offensive and defensive cyber capabilities. However, in December 2021, India got its first shipment of the Russian S-400 air defense system. According to Berrier, India plans to deploy the system to guard against Pakistani and Chinese threats by June 2022.
Several tests were conducted in 2021 as India worked to build its own hypersonic, ballistic, cruise, and air defense missile capabilities. He stated that India has an increasing number of satellites in orbit and is extending its use of space assets, possibly in pursuit of offensive space capabilities. According to Berrier, New Delhi is undertaking a comprehensive military modernization project that includes air, ground, navy, and strategic nuclear forces with a focus on the domestic defense industry.
India is making efforts to form Integrated Theater Commands, which would enhance the collaborative capabilities of its three armed forces. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized the strengthening of India’s economy since 2019, through initiatives including the expansion of its internal defense sector and the establishment of a negative import list to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign defense suppliers.
India’s long-term defense partnership with Russia remains robust. Additionally, India and Russia had their first 2+2 format discussions in December 2021, which is a joint foreign and defense ministerial that India has previously only done with the United States, Japan, and Australia. Berrier informed the assembly that India has retained a neutral stance over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since the beginning and continues to advocate for peace.
According to Berrier, throughout 2021, New Delhi pursued a foreign strategy intended to show India’s position as a premier power and a net provider of security in the Indian Ocean region. He also stated that in order to foster prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, India looks for strategic alliances to enhance influence through bilateral and multilateral platforms like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
