HIGH TIME FOR AGNI-VI INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE

Now is the time for the NDA-3 government to prove its political will by swiftly approving the Agni- VI thermonuclear ICBM programme which will push India into the elite league of military superpowers like USA, Russia and China. Such a capability will give India tremendous diplomatic leverage at global high tables and will deter big powers from attempting Balkanisation of India during future conflicts, explains AMARTYA SINHA

- AMARTYA SINHA

Renowned Indian philosopher Vishnugupta had once very pragmatically stated, “The power of a king lies in his mighty arms. Security of citizens at peacetime is very important because state is the only saviour of men and women who get affected only because of negligence of the state.” At a time when expansionist aspirations of some rogue nations are on the rise all across the world, Vishnugupta’s quote is very much valid and applicable in totality, even in the third decade of the 21st century.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic vision is to see India emerging as a first rung global military power by the middle of the new decade. Maintaining an effective intercontinental-range nuclear deterrence will play a key role in fulfilling this Indian dream.