True security demands self-reliance

As Chief of the Army Staff during the 1999 Kargil conflict, General VP Malik led India to a heroic victory. In an interview to Sridhar Raman, he reflects on the hard lessons of Kargil, among them, the urgent need for self-reliance in defence. Edited excerpts

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‘What lessons did the Kargil War teach us about the importance of self-reliance in defence procurement and preparedness?

We faced severe shortages and Western countries led by the US, which had imposed sanctions after our nuclear tests, proved to be a major chokepoint. We couldn't import what we needed and even supplies from Russia and South Africa were either outdated or inadequate. That was when I strongly and publicly advocated for self-reliance.

The battlefield doesn’t wait for imports. During Kargil, Western suppliers weren’t an option—and even if they were, they don’t sell their most advanced systems.

Off-the-shelf equipment requires testing, training, integration and maintenance, making it ineffective in fast-moving, short-duration conflicts.

Geopolitical dynamics further complicate matters. At critical moments, based on shifting political ties, equipment or spares, might be withheld—creating serious vulnerabilities. In 1999, we faced a spares crunch, which rendered some of our Bofors guns unusable. That’s why true security demands self-reliance.

Do you believe India’s economic ambitions can be realised without a credible military deterrent?

Security and development are symbiotic. Security provides the opportunity and confidence to grow. And broader economic growth strengthens national security. How do you view the evolution of India’s military doctrine—from strategic restraint to the assertiveness of Operation Sindoor?