India’s Strategic Priorities Amid Global Security Threats

The U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency’s Worldwide Threat Assessment Report 2025 has outlined how India perceives its key security concerns, placing China as its “primary adversary” and Pakistan as a secondary but persistent threat. The report sheds light on India’s military posture, ongoing defense modernization, global strategic partnerships, and nuclear capabilities.

India’s Security Perception and Defence Focus

• China as the Primary Adversary: The report notes that India views China as its foremost military and strategic challenge, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and the Himalayan border regions.
• Pakistan as a Managed Threat: Despite incidents like Operation Sindoor in April 2024, Pakistan is considered an ancillary threat. India focuses on deterrence and management, especially due to cross-border terrorism.
• Leadership and Modernisation Goals: PM Modi’s priorities are centered around asserting India’s global leadership, enhancing regional influence, and accelerating military modernisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

Defence Modernisation and Nuclear Capabilities

• Missile Development: India conducted tests of Agni-I Prime (MRBM) and Agni-V MIRV, reflecting progress in nuclear deterrence and second-strike capabilities.
• Nuclear Triad Strengthening: India commissioned its second nuclear-powered submarine, boosting its sea-based deterrence capability and fulfilling nuclear triad aspirations.
• Indigenous Defence Capability: Continued emphasis on building a self-reliant defense ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign procurement—especially from Russia—and focusing on supply chain resilience.

Geopolitical Engagements and Strategic Diplomacy

• India-China Border Dynamics: The October 2024 disengagement agreement at Depsang and Demchok reduced tensions post-Galwan (2020), but the LAC demarcation issue remains unresolved.
• India–Russia Relations: Despite the global shift, India maintains ties with Russia for economic cooperation and military logistics, while being cautious of growing Sino-Russian alignment.
• Strategic Multilateralism: India is deepening engagement through Quad, BRICS, SCO, and ASEAN, aiming to assert influence in the Indo-Pacific and counterbalance China.

Way Forward

India needs to:

• Resolve legacy border disputes, particularly with China and Pakistan, to avoid prolonged military standoffs.
• Continue investing in indigenous defense technologies to mitigate future geopolitical shocks.
• Ensure that its strategic diplomacy balances major power relations without jeopardizing its autonomy.
• Collaborate more deeply on cyber, space, and AI-driven warfare domains to stay future-ready.