Sunday 3 March 2024

India's offers in hand of gaining of around 39,129 crore rupees on missile exports has sparked debate domestically. Critics argue these funds could be better utilized for pressing development needs at home - healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, climate action and more. However, supporters of defense exports cite economic and strategic benefits.

India's offers in hand of gaining of around 39,129 crore rupees on missile exports has sparked debate domestically. Critics argue these funds could be better utilized for pressing development needs at home - healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, climate action and more. However, supporters of defense exports cite economic and strategic benefits. 

Arms sales contribute revenue and jobs for India's defense industry. Missile exports also strengthen geopolitical ties, as client nations become dependent on India for security cooperation, parts/maintenance, training etc. This boosts India's influence in regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Maintaining a robust defense industry is also viewed by some as crucial for India's own defense preparedness and self-reliance. 

Yet moral concerns persist about the end use of weapons, especially in conflict-prone regions. India faces allegations of "dumping" arms irresponsibly just for profit motives. But officials argue careful screening ensures exports only go to approved countries as per stated needs and national policies. India relies largely on Russia and other partners for arms imports as well - so indigenous production for export helps balance trade and funding channels. There are also hopes that growth in advanced sectors like missiles and aerospace could have positive spin-off effects for civilian industries and India's technology base overall. 

Still, critics prefer investment in human development to feed an undernourished population of over 200 million, provide healthcare access for all, fund education and skill initiatives for youth, assist farmers and rural sectors, create jobs to alleviate poverty and reduce income inequality. With over half the population employed in agriculture plagued by low productivity, investments in agricultural infrastructure, R&D, market connectivity and financial inclusion for farmers could yield high long-term dividends. Likewise, investments in healthcare access, vaccines, medical R&D and public health reforms could accelerate positive outcomes.

On the environmental front, critics suggest India should invest its finite resources in renewable energy, clean transport, energy efficiency, green buildings, air pollution reduction, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation and climate adaptation/resilience programs. As a vulnerable tropical country with over 1.3 billion people to support, preparing India for climate change impacts may need higher priority over arms exports to already weapons-flush nations. 

Funds could also back domestic peacebuilding initiatives and cultural integration in conflict-prone regions like Kashmir, Northeast and Left Wing Extremism areas. This "soft power" could complement military and police efforts to reduce violence and alienation. Critics also argue India should set an example of restraint by avoiding arms races with neighbors and prioritizing regional peace, which would reduce national security pressures and allow greater focus on human welfare. 

Thus the debate continues, with ethical concerns highlighted but strategic arguments persisting. Like most countries, India faces tough balancing decisions between funding guns versus butter, welfare versus security. But given widening economic and social disparities, sustaining robust growth post-COVID and preparing for climate change impacts may require a rethinking of priorities. Arms sales cannot be evaluated in isolation but as part of this bigger picture of India's national challenges and development trajectory. The policy discourse and public debate is expected to continue on this complex issue interweaving economic, strategic and moral considerations.





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