India's US Rifle Buy: India's Defence Dilemma

Published On: August 28, 2024 - India has ordered 73,000 SIG battle rifles from the US and plans to acquire over 500 Stryker armored vehicles as well. There is a possibility that these weapons could be manufactured indigenously. However several Indian companies manufacture assault rifles and armoured vehicles. So, why is India still exporting them? Geopolitics. With both nations united with a common dread of China, arms deals with only cement ties further. Is India sacrificing indigenous capability at the altar of geopolitics? News9 Plus Editor Sandeep Unnithan and colleague Deepak Bhadana discuss this with former Deputy Director General, Ministry of Defence, Gagan Chaturvedi, and former Director General, Infantry, Lt General (Retd) Sanjay Kulkarni, on the News9 Plus Show. Do watch!