Vips wrote:
I knew this non-alignment/charting our own independent path nonsense would come up. Remember there is a saying in Hindi:
Dhobi ka kutta na ghar ka na ghat ka.
It does not change the fact that India does not want to get into any alliance with any nation. We can call it nonsense, but it is the GOI's policy. They are saying that they do not want a formal alliance. That does not translate into the fact that they do not want to partner. India is looking forward to partnering and is doing so. That is what the Quad is all about. But just because there is a Quad, that under no circumstances should result in India cutting off ties (diplomatic or military) with any other nation that the GOI chooses to maintain.
If the US National Intelligence Council says that Indo-Russian Relations will continue, despite all the Indo-US bonhomie, then obviously India sees value in the relationship. Sayings in Hindi (or any other language) is not going to change that fact. Just as India sees value in the Indo-US relationship via military sales (MH-60R, drones, P-8Is, etc). In fact, those latter two platforms are great force multipliers and the MH-60R is quite arguably the best ASW helo out there.
What FM Jaishankar said is apt ---> the US needs to look beyond the formal alliances that it has been used to in the past. Obviously there are areas of convergence and those are being addressed. But if the GOI feels that her security concerns are being addressed, without getting into an alliance, then who are we to argue otherwise? All alphabet agreements are signed, intelligence sharing is occurring, US-origin platforms are being purchased, annual naval exercises are being conducted and more areas of partnerships will be done if required. So what is the need for a formal alliance? That is the question the GOI is asking.
That nation status can only have validation by being under a particular camp is NOT a geopolitical reality for India. You can thank the British Raj for this view. Nearly nine decades (1858 - 1947) of formal British rule crafted this thinking. Whether we on BRF think that India's worldview is right or wrong, has no bearing on India's policy makers. The GOI will do whatever it feels is best.
Why the need to think of ourselves only as dhobis or kuttas? Must we self flagellate like this? What is the plus in that? This is like during the SE fighter thread. Only Amreeka can rescue India's aviation industry because Tejas is a piece of crap. Amreeka will show us poor SDREs enlightenment and we will walk into that path of enlightenment. And everything will magically turn around. Like really?
Troubles, They Come in Battalions: The Manifold Travails of the Indian Air Force
https://carnegieendowment.org/2016/03/2 ... -pub-63123
The IAF should revisit some aspects of its current approach. It should be cautious about expanding the Tejas acquisition beyond six squadrons and consider enlarging the MMRCA component with the cheapest fourth-generation-plus Western fighter available. India should also reassess the decision to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft indigenously and avoid weakening the collaboration with Russia on the PAK-FA program.