Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas;
5. A two-front conflict presents the Indian military with two dilemmas — of resources and strategy. India needs to be prepared and equipped to handle both the dilemmas in the light of recent events. Comment. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
A greater likelihood of conflict along the western border possibly triggered by a major terror attack emanating from Pakistan. The Chinese intrusions in Ladakh in May this year, the resultant violence have now made the two front military threat more apparent and real.
Key Demand of the question:
To suggest measures to prepare India for two front war by augmenting its resources and re-aligning it strategy.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by laying context of the possibility of two front war on Western and Norther borders of India.
Body:
Highlight the issues that India is facing with Pakistan and China on the westerns and northern borders respectively. Draw a simple and representative map for better illustration.
Bring out the changes witnessed in the recent years which have the possibility of two front war more apparent – Pulwama attacks, increased cross border shelling, abrogation of article 370 and terrorist infiltration on western side. The Galwan valley clashes and confrontation between Indian army and the PLA army and failure to break the dead lock, strong jingoism in Chinese state media etc. Joint military exercise between Pakistan and China adding further fuel.
Suggest measures as to how India can mobilize it resources and develop a proper strategy to be prepared in case a war breaks out on both fronts. Managing the quantum of resources on the primary front, whether to opt for an offensive or defensive strategy, development of a doctrine and the capability to deal with this contingency, capacity building of armed forces, engaging in diplomacy with other neighbors and reaching out to Kashmir.
Conclusion:
Surmise by mentioning though the threat remains distant possibility but it is better to prepared than to be sorry in order to avoid the horrors of 1962.
