India’s growing acquisition of advanced weapons systems does not necessarily translate into military superiority, as demonstrated by Pakistan’s ability to effectively respond to Indian aggression through sound strategy, tactical competence and national resolve, said Sardar Masood Khan, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Commenting on India’s reported acquisition of approximately $22 billion in defence equipment, including kamikaze drones, air defence systems and loitering munitions, Khan observed that New Delhi’s justification of strengthening its military capabilities to maintain a balance with China should also be examined in the context of its military posture towards Pakistan. He cautioned that India’s expanding arsenal appeared to be part of preparations that could pose a direct security challenge to Pakistan.
He noted that India had possessed considerable conventional military capabilities and advanced platforms during the previous year’s confrontation, yet Pakistan had successfully countered its actions. The outcome, he emphasised, demonstrated that the effectiveness of a military is not determined merely by the number or sophistication of weapons it possesses. National resolve, strategic clarity, practical wisdom and operational planning are equally decisive. India’s shortcomings in strategy and tactical execution, he argued, had exposed the limitations of relying excessively on military hardware.
Khan also questioned the priorities behind India’s substantial defence expenditure, noting that it is among the world’s five largest military spenders despite continuing to face significant poverty and socio-economic challenges. He argued that allocating enormous resources to acquiring weapons against Pakistan would neither resolve India’s internal challenges nor guarantee success in any future confrontation.
He stressed that Pakistan should not be intimidated by India’s military acquisitions, as the country continues to strengthen both its conventional and strategic capabilities. Pakistan’s response, he said, should be guided by confidence, preparedness and a clear understanding of the evolving security environment.
