|
|
| |||
|
Our Nation's Security lists the threats, both internal and external, as perceived by the party. Having listed them, it goes further to state how the Party aims to tackle the security threats. While commenting on the gradual decline in the country's defence budget (from 3.4% of GDP in 1989-'90 to 2.2% this year), the Party has commented: "There is a mistaken view that there is a conflict between national security and economic development. But these two go hand-in-hand. There cannot be economic development without commensurate security preparation and the reverse, too, is equally true The armed forces have been ignored in defence policy planning. Misguided bureaucratic interference has demoralized the higher echelons of the armed forces and has also had a telling effect on defence preparedness. The BJP Government will take immediate steps to reverse such negative trends and establish coordination between the armed forces and the Government at all levels." The Manifesto has also noted that: "The BJP notes with concern the inadequate pace of defence research and development despite abundant talent available in DRDO. Inadequate budgetary support is a major reason for this. The inordinate delays in the LCA, nuclear submarine and guided missiles, and other programmes are matters of particular concern. Our scientists and technologists are second to none and it is lack of political will and clarity on strategic issues that is the main cause of the delayThe performance of defence production units needs to be monitored more closely and brought up to acceptable commercial and international standards. A National Commission will study and analyze the trends in defence technologies and appropriately advise the Government on the development and induction of advanced weapons." Under the section entitled 'External Security', the party identifies the threats emanating from the accumulation of weapons in the region by India's neighbours and other foreign powers. It declares that: "We also cannot remain oblivious to the new developments in weapon technology and the induction of very advanced conventional weapons in the region by some powers. These must be neutralized. We are, therefore, committed to: 1. Establish a National Security Council to constantly analyze security, political and economic threats and render continuous advice to the Government 2. Re-evaluate the country's nuclear policy and exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons; 3. Expedite the development of the Agni series of ballistic missiles with a view to increasing their range and accuracy; 4. Increase the radius of power projection by inducting appropriate force multipliers such as battlefield surveillance systems and air-to-air refueling; 5. Enhance the traditional and technical capabilities of our external intelligence agencies 6. Place para-military forces in sensitive border areas under full control of the Indian Army." Discussing the issue of Internal Security, with specific reference to Kashmir, the North-East and illegal infiltration, the Party states that: "Armed insurgents and foreign mercenaries will be eliminated. Our security forces will be given a free hand to deal with armed insurgency and terrorism." The section on Our Foreign Policy outlines the specific objectives of the Party. It details the policies that the Party is likely to adopt towards countries within the region and outside it. The manifesto declares: "Our diplomacy must, therefore, be proactive rather than being merely reactive without sacrificing the values of peace, equality and co-operationA BJP Government will demand a premier position for the country in all global fora. The BJP rejects the notion of nuclear apartheid and will actively oppose attempts to impose a hegemonistic nuclear regime by means of CTBT, FMCT and MTCR. We will not be dictated to by anybody in matters of security requirements and in the exercise of the nuclear option. We will pursue our national goals and principles steadfastly. Briefly these are: To promote sovereign equality among nations. The BJP rejects all forms of political and economic hegemonism and is committed to actively resisting such efforts;
With specific reference to its policies in the South Asian region, the Party seeks:
The contents of the manifesto were not a surprise as the Party has only spelt out therein what it had been saying all along. But, what is commendable is that these have been dealt with in great detail. Although radical changes to the existing foreign policy have been suggested, it is unclear to what extent the BJP will carry out these declarations. Firstly, the infeasibility of its proposals, like exercising "the option to induct nuclear weapons" and affirming "unequivocally India's sovereignty over the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, including the areas under foreign occupations", would hamper any change the Party may wish to make. Secondly, changes would only be possible if it forms the government by itself, without the help of other parties. The post-poll scenario (which may not be very different from the previous poll) is likely to reveal that the Party may only be in a position to form the Government within some coalition of parties. This would lead to a dilution of its objectives and goals as spelt out in its manifesto. Further, the BJP in power would hope to expand its political base before trying to implement its electoral promises, especially if this may lead to controversy. To conclude, no drastic change in India's foreign policy is likely to occur, whether the BJP comes to power or not. Return to Global Beat Home Page Nuclear Watch | East Asian Security | Economic & Monetary Union | NATO Expansion | Nuclear Weapons and Proliferation | U.S. Defense Policy | Publications | Events | |
