Times of India: Wooing by Weapons

The United States has approved the sale of unmanned combat drones known as Sea Guardians to India. Sales of these drones were once limited to NATO allies. “India has increasingly looked at drones to protect its borders and vast coast line,” explains Nayan Chanda, founding editor of YaleGlobal, in his column for the Times of India. “The threat from the sea has grown since with the increased Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean.” The sale is contingent on India agreeing to encrypted communications and data compatibility with US-supplied weapons. The column suggests that India, Indonesia and Vietnam – countries expected to contribute to countering China’s influence – could also be granted waivers against US sanctions for the purchase of a Russia anti-missile defense system. India, for the time being, is maintaining strategic autonomy and achieving balance in its international relations. Chanda warns that China, the United States or other countries could pose big demands and new challenges at any moment during this turbulent period. – YaleGlobal