London-based global think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has released 'Military Balance 2018' in which India's has been placed on 5th largest defence suspender leaving behind the UK for the first time.
The United States again at the top position followed by China and Saudi Arabia. Russia secured the fourth place.
- As per the report, India spent 52.5 billion on defence and security in 2017 while UK's budget fell from USD 52.5 billion in 2016 to USD 50.7 billion last year.
- This is clear from the report that India is focusing more on the resources and equipment to increase its defence capabilities and the same will be continued in the future.
Contribution of Make in India Policy
India's Make in India policy is highlighted in the report that solely aims at strengthening the
The report takes note of the Indian government's 'Make in India' policy, which aims to strengthen the defence-industrial base through measures such as "reforming the cap on foreign direct investment" (FDI) and that the country is one of the top troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
IISS says the new Indian Joint Armed Forces Doctrine issued last year sees an "emerging triad" of space, cyber and special-operations capabilities complementing conventional land, sea and air capabilities as India continues to modernise its strategic forces, particularly its delivery systems.
The United States again at the top position followed by China and Saudi Arabia. Russia secured the fourth place.
What is Military Balance 2018?
- The Military Balance 2018 comprises of a region-by-region analysis of the major military and economic developments that affect a country's defence policies, weapon-trading etc.
- This year the report focused on the Russian and Chinese air-launched weapons; big data, AI and defence; Chinese military modernisation; and developments in European defence among many other themes.
- It traces the continued evolution of defence spending and military capabilities in the Asia-Pacific, as well as the global spread of advanced weapons. This year’s Military Balance wall chart is focused on the modernisation of US, Chinese and Russian strategic nuclear forces.
