Bharat's National Security Intertwined With Its Economic Strength

At the Jaipur Dialogues Summit 2024, strategic experts underscored that Bharat's path to becoming a global economic superpower hinges on its economic growth. Drawing on the ancient Indian text Arthashastra, commentators stressed that economic strength forms the backbone of national security. They highlighted that external threats, disinformation, and internal disruptions could undermine this growth, making economic stability a critical weapon in Bharat's national defense. To achieve superpower status, the country must focus on strategic trade policies, a skilled workforce, and internal peace, while staying vigilant against foreign interference and fake narratives that threaten its progress

The ancient Indian text Arthashastra, attributed to Chanakya, emphasises that economic strength forms the backbone of national security. This principle is highly relevant today as Bharat strives to become a global economic superpower while navigating threats from both internal and external forces, said Yusuf Unjhawala, a prominent commentator on defence and strategic affairs, while speaking at the Jaipur Dialogues Summit 2024.

Bharat's quest to achieve superpower status hinges on one critical factor: its economic strength. The current favourable global conditions—such as the retreat of the Chinese economy, growing mistrust of Beijing's global ambitions, the near-collapse of the EU economically and socially due to mass migrations, and the mounting weight of U.S. debt—position Bharat in an enviable place to emerge as a global economic superpower.

However, Bharat can only realise this aspiration through "sustained annual economic growth of 10%," says Yusuf, and any obstacle to achieving this growth must be deemed a "direct threat to national security. "Security experts gathered at the Jaipur Dialogues Summit 2024 voiced their concerns, warning that Bharat is being dragged into multidimensional warfare to undermine its progress and stability. However, Unjhawala cites the Arthashastra, an ancient treatise by Chanakya, to emphasise that historically, Bharat is well familiar with the nuances of fifth-generation warfare. This renowned Indian statecraft underscores the importance of the interplay between economics (artha), strategy (danda), and diplomacy (kam) in achieving effective statecraft.

The Economic Battleground

India faces constant challenges from external forces and the Western "deep state," which has deployed tools like disinformation and economic sabotage. Figures like George Soros and his domestic associates have indulged in spreading false narratives to destabilise India, targeting business interests such as the Adani Group. Such tactics aim to undermine investor confidence and derail Bharat's growth trajectory.

The Path to a $40 Trillion Economy

Yusuf explains that India's economic future is at a critical juncture. If India can maintain a 10% growth rate over the next 25 years while limiting China's growth to 3%, both nations could achieve parity at a GDP of $40 trillion. Achieving this requires strategic alignment with Western efforts to contain China, as the Dragon nation remains a major adversary.

Threats to Bharat's Growth

Unjhawala warns that threats to India's economy come in various forms, be it in the form of "a policy not drafted, delayed Policy Implementation, Inadequate or untimely policies," internal unrest and targeting Indian conglomerates like the Adani Group where by hampers their ability to make strategic investments and thus, weakening the nation's economic foundation.

Key Pillars to Safeguard Growth: To protect its economic future, Bharat must focus on three critical areas:

1. Skilled Workforce and Employment

India must develop a workforce equipped with skills in emerging technologies and industries. Collaboration between academia and industry is essential to bridge the skill gap and generate jobs. Local industries must absorb skilled individuals to sustain growth. Establishing skill centres nationwide will ensure employment opportunities in every city and town. Failing to employ youth in nation-building effectively can lead to exploitation by foreign forces, potentially creating internal rifts, as witnessed before the abrogation of Article 370 in the Kashmir Valley.

2. Trade-Centric Foreign Policy

Foreign policy should prioritise trade as a cornerstone of diplomacy. Yusuf points out that Australia's Foreign Ministry is called the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Ministry, emphasising the integration of trade with international relations. India should adopt a similar approach to dominate trade in key regions and fuel economic growth.

3. Internal Security and Peace

The interplay between internal stability and foreign direct investment (FDI) is well-known. Thus, without peace and stability, investor confidence wanes, significantly hampering the nation's ability to achieve its long-term economic vision.

Economy as a Weapon of National Security

Yusuf argues that Bharat's economy can be its most potent weapon. Nation states shall not dare to disrupt a robust economy, which could destabilise the global economy- thus making the economy a deterrent against adversaries. This also means Bharat should protect strategic assets and industries from external interference.

A Word of Caution on FDI: While FDI is essential for building India's economy, Colonel Ajay K Raina cautions that investments must be vetted for their origins and potential security implications. For instance, countries like China use investments as leverage, which could compromise India's strategic interests.

Foreign Interference and Legacy Divisions

Abhijit Chavda, a geopolitical expert, theoretical physicist, technologist, and writer, highlights how external forces have exploited India's internal divisions—legacy issues created by the British based on region, caste, and regional separatism—to weaken the nation's unity. These divisions, remnants of colonial rule, are manipulated to fuel unrest, as seen in regions like Manipur or the demand for Khalistan. Such divisions can be exploited to create anarchy, undermining India's growth and stability.

Countering Fake Narratives

Colonel Ajay Raina emphasises the need for vigilance against fake news and false narratives. He urges citizens to flag and report disinformation, particularly if it impacts national security. He says even partially false content designed to mislead should be called out and addressed.

Reclaiming its status as a global economic superpower is Bharat's destiny—it's not a matter of 'if,' but 'when.' To accelerate this process, Bharat, along with its think tanks and people, must remain vigilant against foreign forces and their false narratives that aim to undermine progress.

(The author is Founder of My Startup TV)