The Geopolitics Effect: Why India and China's Military Spending Will Be High?

Imagine living in a world where every country had an equal military budget. No country would have an upper hand, and every nation could maintain peace. Unfortunately, that world doesn't exist. Military spending and arms races remain a source of concern for many countries, particularly those in Asia.

Recent years have seen a spurt in military spending, with nations like India and China leading the way. Many experts believe that this trend won't end anytime soon. In this article, we'll explore why India and China's military spending will continue to go up.

Geopolitics and The Need for Military Prowess

Geopolitics plays a significant role in shaping a nation's military strategy. In the case of India and China, the two nations are acutely aware of the growing geopolitical challenges in the region. The rising threat of terrorism, unresolved border disputes, and competition for resources are just some of the factors driving India and China's need for military buildup.

India's longstanding border dispute with Pakistan and China is a crucial geopolitical factor driving India's need for military power. The unresolved border issue between the two nations has led to frequent cross-border skirmishes and tensions. China's growing military assertiveness in the region is another factor that drives India's need for a robust military. In recent years, China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns about its intentions.

Similarly, China is focused on asserting its dominance in the region. With a growing economy and military strength, China is eager to establish itself as a superpower. The country's territorial disputes with several of its neighbors, including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are the driving forces behind China's military expansion.

Military Spending

The best way to understand the rise in military spending by India and China is to look at some quantifiable examples. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), military spending by the two nations has gone up in recent years. In 2019, India's military expenditure was $71.1 billion, an increase of 6.8% from the previous year. China's military expenditure, on the other hand, was $261 billion, an increase of 5.1% from 2018.

Both countries have been investing heavily in their military capabilities. India is in the process of modernizing its military, with a particular emphasis on upgrading its naval and air forces. China, for its part, has invested in advanced weaponry such as stealth aircraft, modern submarines, and hypersonic missile systems.

Another interesting example is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China. The ambitious project aims to build infrastructure projects across the world, including several countries in Asia. The BRI gives China access to strategic ports in the region, raising concerns about its intentions. India has been wary of the project and has been investing in its own infrastructure projects to counter China's influence in the region.

Conclusion

The rise in military spending by India and China is a cause for concern for many countries. The geopolitical challenges in the region continue to fuel their need for military power. While some may argue that military buildup is necessary to maintain a balance of power, others argue that it could lead to an arms race and destabilize the region.

One thing is clear, however – the trend of increasing military spending is likely to continue. As long as geopolitical challenges remain unresolved, nations will continue to invest in their military power. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to greater security or greater instability.