Pakistan's future in China's grip? A strategic wake-up call

Pakistani defense is increasingly depending on China, as 81 percent of the latest weapon purchases by Pakistan over the past five years have been from China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The dependence has raised concern about Pakistan's strategic autonomy and whether it can remain self-reliant in taking decisions or otherwise without Beijing's assistance.

Risks of over-reliance

Excessive dependence of Pakistan on China may result in humongous losses in the future, according to warnings issued by retired Indian military officials. This is supplemented by Pakistan's weak capability of producing weapons within its own borders, leaving it at the mercy of Chinese technology and raw materials.

India's self-reliance strategy

India, on the other hand, has a policy of defense production through self-reliance with a focus on indigenous production as well as technology transfer. The government of India has also given paramount importance to indigenous production through programs like "Make in India," which has led to sophisticated systems like the Tejas fighter aircraft, Pinaka rocket launcher, and BrahMos missile. 

Differences in defense strategies

•  Pakistan's reliance on China: Pakistan relies extensively on Chinese war machines, such as stealth fighter aircraft, VT-4 tanks, and guided missile frigates.
•  Indian indigenization: India is indigenous in the development of defense capabilities by prioritizing indigenous production and technology transfer.

Implications for regional security

The two nations' different approaches to defense production have significant security implications for the region. Pakistan's dependence upon China, while it could yield short-term benefits, poses long-term threats to its strategic independence. India's policy of self-reliance, however, would enable it to exercise greater control over its defense strength and decision-making processes.