WEBDESK: In the name of “self-reliance”, the Indian Army has announced a major drone competition to be held this August in the Spiti Valley.
Officials claim the event supports Indian Prime Minister Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign. But critics are calling it something else entirely a step towards war.
Observers believe this is not just a defence drill, but a show of India’s growing military ambitions. The event raises serious concerns for regional peace.
According to the Indian media, the drone competition is split into three categories: in-house drones, open category, and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). The contest will run in two phases the first from 10 to 15 August, and the second from 20 to 24 August.
Drone manufacturers will be tested at an altitude of 10,700 feet, where they must fly their drones through natural obstacles. But there’s a catch Chinese-made parts are strictly banned.
This condition highlights the ongoing India-China tensions and the political motives behind India’s self-reliance campaign.
Sources say the aim of the contest is to test the effectiveness of drone technology in high-altitude combat. This follows India’s focus on warfare in the mountains after past skirmishes like Operation Sadur.
The Central Command has been tasked with monitoring the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Himachal and Uttarakhand. The Drone Federation of India is also involved in the event.
But political analysts warn the Modi government is using the army as a tool for propaganda. Military activities are being turned into media campaigns, while the real needs of the people are ignored.
Critics argue that military spending is rising in the name of “national interest”, while social welfare budgets are being pushed aside. Even with growing internal crises, the Modi regime continues to provoke tensions with neighbouring countries.
In recent years, India’s “self-reliance” policy has taken a dangerous turn from economic goals to military expansion. This could fuel a new arms race in South Asia and destabilise the entire region.
Opposition leaders and human rights groups say national security is being politicised under Modi’s rule. They warn that such moves threaten democracy, transparency, and peace in the region.
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