China is upgrading its military, and India should not underestimate the situation.

Xi introduced the Information Support Force as a strategic component of the PLA, comprised of four primary branches – the ground forces, naval forces, air forces, and rocket forces. Additional auxiliary units include three divisions derived from the SSF and the Joint Logistic Support Force. These reforms reflect China’s push for military modernisation and its aspiration to harness emerging technologies for future “intelligentised warfare.”

Beijing’s modernisation efforts have focused on technological advancement, organisational reform, and doctrinal evolution, including enhancing naval capabilities, modernising the air force, and bolstering missile forces. These developments could potentially shift the regional balance of power, affecting the strategic landscape vis-à-vis India and heightening the risk of border skirmishes and military confrontations. In response, India has pursued defence reforms to modernise its armed forces, encouraging domestic production of defence equipment, improving procurement processes, and enhancing defence infrastructure along its borders, particularly with China.

Efforts have also been made to promote jointness and integration among the three branches of the Indian armed forces to improve operational synergy. The need for quicker reforms and broader restructuring in India is emphasized, particularly in the debate on theatre commands, human resources, and technology ratio rationalisation. China’s recent moves present a wake-up call for India to prioritize making its armed forces fit to fight 21st-century wars.