Leadership for self reliance, military hardware and oil for national security

The article reflects upon the leadership failure at the political level in India in the context of two important pillars of national security, viz. self-reliance in military hardware and energy, more importantly in oil. It critically points out that even after several years of independence, India has failed to address the related strategic issues. The system has not been able to produce national strategic management operational plans to achieve self-reliance in military hardware and oil. The lack of strategic thinking on the part of policy makers has led to a situation where more than 80% of military hardware is being imported. The import of arms procurement is expected to rise to an alarming $20 Billion by 2017. The gap between demand and supply of indigenous oil has widened to a disturbing level. Based on author's vast experience in terms of leadership roles in the Indian army and later in the corporate sector, particularly leading the rejuvenation of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) through several strategic initiatives, the article stresses upon an immediate need to develop honest, bold and patriotic leaders to achieve selfreliance in military hardware and oil sector for the very survival of our nation.