The *guns versus butter* argument has been debated by hawks and doves for centuries. This is not the forum for it and Im sure you will be able to google plenty of it, in case you are interested. I do not need to justify the Armed Forces, but will give you a short take on the Indian Armed forces and Defence Policy. Like most nations, India spends roughly 3% of GDP on defence. This quantum can be debated endlessly, and you will find lots written about it in the papers of the IDSA and in the International Institute of Strategic Studies. Our defence policy is based on our *threat perceptions* and our belief that India is a *medium Regional Power*. Historically, India sees Pakistan and China as potential threats. The main missions of the Indian Navy are *sea control* and *sea denial*. In short, we strive to control large areas of ocean which are vital for our maritime trade and defence of the Indian peninsula, and deny these areas to our enemy. Maritime trade accounts for more than 90% of our trade, and if this is cut for more than 4 weeks, it would bring India to her knees, economically. We import more than 60% of our oil requirements, and some propotion of the rest also comes by sea from Bombay High. We have very little tankage reserves ashore. I suppose you know that the Indian economy drinks up close to 2.5 million barrels a day.
The Indian Navy is a 3 dimensional force, operating on the surface, air, and underwater. Every single frigate and destroyer is missile capable, and operates helicopters. the aircraft carriers operate aircraft for long range shore strike, air defence of the fleet, and anti submarine defence. So the air element of the Navy is large and multi role. The Navy also has a powerful force of 16 submarines which can be deployed to any area of our choosing. I have already adequately described Dabolims role in my post of 07 nov 2004, and will not repeat myself. In case you want to educate yourself firsthand, I strongly urge you to visit INS Hansa when it is open to the public in the first week of december every year, when you can see the aircraft operating and interact with naval personnel. regards, Gilbert Menezes. From: "Philip Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 14:54:13 +0530 Subject: [Goanet]Re: tackling the opposition Reply-To: [email protected] <So why not put your money where your mouth is? Come to Goa and initiate court proceedings, instead of advising people from afar, like the rest of your disparate friends who have no stake in the security of this nation.>[Gilbert Menezes, Apr 14] I am very glad to hear you mention "security of this nation". I hope you will take some time to enlighten us about your views on this weighty subject for the record. Specifically we would be interested in your ideas about the links, if any, between economic security and military security and how these are being reflected in the mission and operation of Dabolim Naval Air Station, now and in the foreseeable future (subject of course to secrecy considerations). Your views will help in giving meaning to your interventions on goanet.
