Ali Ahmed: The term 'military-industrial complex' acquired negative connotations since its use as such by Eisenhower in his farewell address. The apprehension is that such a complex would acquire its own interest and thereby fuel armaments and arms racing. This is what transpired in the US in its arming across breadth and depth in both the nuclear and conventional dimensions. Clearly, this is not how India views itself or envisages its future. Instead, it prefers the term 'defence industrial base'. Its history of conquest and as a once colonised state is attributed, among other reasons, to deficiencies in military technology. Consequently it is resolved to be better prepared in defending its freedoms. The template for this endeavour was set up early, in the Nehruvian period itself. Today, India has a technological edge conferred by the DRDO, as also a production system based on OFB and major PSUs. It has decided to reduce the external content in its armaments to 30 per cent. Given that its growing economy permits greater resources for allocation to defence (even though the percentage is maintained at 2-2.5 per cent of the GDP), it has evolved its Defence Procurement Procedure over the last half a decade so as to bring in private sector participation in defence production. The private sector is enabled to do so in partnership with foreign defence companies. Additionally, the companies from abroad are required to broaden the defence production base by transfer of technology through the programme of offsets. These measures would enlarge India's capacity. India would nevertheless require to be alert to the phenomenon observed elsewhere of armaments build up acquiring its own logic.

Ali Ahmed replies: The joint amphibious operations doctrine for the Indian Armed Forces has been laid down by HQ IDS. It is based on the existing excellent pamphlet on these operations. The issue is also covered in brief in India's Maritime Doctrine published last year. An amphibious operations capability is necessary in light of India's island territories, interests in the Indian Ocean and for an out of area capability if necessary. The formations and assets that are to be employed are earmarked and rehearsed in their roles. The Andaman & Nicobar Command has a major responsibility in this. ANC's Army brigade is readily available for the task. In addition, as in the eighties, it is possible that Army formations in the peninsula are also dual tasked accordingly. The air assets can be assembled with ease, given the flexibility inherent in the Air Force. The Navy has INS Jalashwa and other ships that can take part. Exercises have been held periodically beginning with Trishakti of the mid-eighties. The amphibious operations capability is also relevant in possible future conflicts and would be deployed for posturing, even if not actually employed. The major characteristics would be flexibility, speed of deployment, security both physical and of information, vulnerability both at sea and on landing, etc. The nuclear factor cannot be discounted as well.