INDIA, from Gandhi to the Bomb

INDIA, from Gandhi to the Bomb
A journey to the heart of a geopolitical power
and its arms industry.

by Patrick MICHON (71),

India is increasingly asserting itself as a major world power. Claiming a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, India intends to play a major role in world diplomacy in competition with China.
What are its strengths and weaknesses? As a nuclear-armed non-signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, what is India's strategic posture?
India is engaged in a vast program to modernize its army. Despite a declared desire for self-sufficiency, the country has to rely heavily on imports. France, in competition with Russia, the United States and Israel, is one of India's suppliers.
While our defense industry has achieved some notable successes (submarines, Mirage modernization, probably Rafale), but also some failures (artillery, helicopters), what are our strengths and weaknesses in our approach to this market? How can we increase our market share in the armaments sector (cooperation, strategic partnership)?