Defence, Development and National Security: Linkages in the Indian Context

This book debates the linkages between Defence, Development and National Security in the Indian context. Whilst every opportunity for larger allocations to the non-military sector must be welcomed, the primary prerequisite of a stable and secure environment conductive for fostering economic growth cannot be ignored. External threats and international turmoil will undermine investor confidence and large military expenditure will also not encourage investors. Balanced defence expenditure creates the appropriate security setting for the country to develop. To strike the right balance requires an interdisciplinary approach drawing upon the disciplines of diplomacy, security and economics. The book introduces the concept of conversion whereby some defence facilities and resources can find civilian applications. Amongst them is the vast reservoir of military manpower, technical training institutions, land, and research and development facilities. Defence expenditure can be leveraged for national security, economic growth and human development. Some strategies to achieve this objective and offered in this book.