India 2018

Defence 133
and cultural ties. The region continues to be targeted by radical terrorist groups
that seek to undermine the secular regimes. The International North South Trade
Corridor which India, Iran and Russia are working to develop could enable
viable trade and economic linkages with the region. India is also a stake holder
in the TAPI pipeline as well as other initiatives such as digital links to foster
connectivity.
The security situation in West Asia remains in flux, with growing sectarian
rivalries as well as inter-state competition for influence in the context of a
depressed economic scenario due to continuing low oil prices. The internal
situation in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Libya remained volatile
and violent. Though the situation has slowly started to turn against the various
insurgent and terrorist groups, the regimes in power continue to be vulnerable.
India has key stakes in this region which accounts for 66 per cent of our energy
requirements and is home to over eight million Indians. Apart from economic
considerations, the region also assumes importance due to the rise in
fundamentalist terrorist groups such as ISIS that seek to spread their influence
across the world including India.
Ministry of Defence
The principal task of the Ministry is to frame policy directions on defence and
security related matters and communicate them for implementation to the
services headquarters, inter-service organisations, production establishments
and research and development organisations. It is required to ensure effective
implementation of the government's policy directions and the execution of
approved programmes within the allocated resources. The principal functions
of the Departments include: dealing with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS)
and three Services and various Inter Service Organisations. It is also responsible
for the Defence Budget, establishment matters, defence policy, matters relating
to Parliament, defence co-operation with foreign countries and co-ordination
of all defence related activities.; the Department of Defence Production deals
with matters pertaining to defence production, indigenisation of imported
stores, equipment and spares, planning and control of departmental production
units of the ordnance factory board and Defence Public Sector Undertakings
(DPSUs).; the Department of Defence Research and Development advises the
government on scientific aspects of military equipment and logistics and the
formulation of research, design and development plans for equipment required
by the Services.; and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare deals with all
resettlement, welfare and pensionary matters of Ex-Servicemen.
Army
Global and regional geo-political and geo-strategic issues affect and shape India's
security environment. The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in the nation's
security construct. External threats to India primarily emanate from the
territorial disputes and contested borders with two neighbours. The Indian
Army remains resiliently committed in braving the harsh terrain and weather
on a daily basis along the national frontiers, to protect the territorial integrity