POWER GAME

China is somewhat ahead of India in military might, but it is just a matter of time that India bridges that gap

- LIEUTENANT GENERAL (RETD) S.L. NARASIMHAN

The easiest way to compare the defence forces of two countries is to do the bean count of the weapons and equipment that they have. But that gives only one aspect of their capability. The numbers do make up for some strength, particularly when a war of attrition takes its toll on the weapons and equipment of a country. But that alone cannot win wars. If that was the case, the more advanced countries should be winning the wars easily. That has not been the trend. There are many imponderables like training, battle experience, technology absorption, and ability of commanders to clearly read the battle and employ forces that impact the outcome of wars. When comparing the defence forces of India and China, one should consider all these factors.

BATTLE EXPERIENCE

The People's Liberation Army fought its last war in 1979 against Vietnam. Therefore, many analysts feel that the PLA lacks combat experience. However, my experience of dealing with the PLA on the Line of Actual Control for many years is that the PLA learns fast, and is willing to learn from everybody. It studies the campaigns fought by other countries and takes out lessons for itself. It also tries to train hard.

In contrast, the Indian armed forces are adept in both conventional and counterinsurgency operations. The near normalcy in northeast India and the improving ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir are testimony to that. Similarly, the Kargil War in 1999 proved the mettle of India's defence forces. India also studies the campaigns being fought by other countries and takes lessons from them. The Indian armed forces are at an advantage in this aspect.

TRAINING