NEW DELHI: Under Operation Sindoor, India did not just win a military conflict with Pakistan but also scored a victory over China in the technological domain as Pakistan essentially fought as a Chinese proxy by relying heavily on Chinese platforms, according to military expert John Spencer.
“Operation Sindoor pitted India’s indigenously developed weapons systems against Chinese-supplied platforms fielded by Pakistan. What unfolded was not just retaliation but the strategic debut of a sovereign arsenal built under the twin doctrines of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (the two key programmes of the Modi govt that lay emphasis on self-reliance in the defence sector),” Spencer, a retired US army officer who is currently the chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute, wrote on X.
“India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built and deployed with unmatched battlefield control. Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence. When challenged, these systems failed — exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad’s defence posture,” he said.
The ‘Made-in-India’ BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with Russian collaboration, totally indigenous Akash surface to air missile and Akashteer missile defence system, Rudram anti-radiation missile, Netra airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), loitering munitions (SkyStriker, Harop) and D4S counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, an indigenous multi-layer drone defence system integrating radar, radio frequency jammers, sensors and kinetic kill options had an upper hand over several Pakistan-owned but Chinese-built HQ-9/ HQ-16 SAM Systems, LY-80 & FM-90 air defence systems and CH-4 drones (China), Spencer elaborated.
India’s thrust for self-reliance in defence weaponry began as part of PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, he said.
“The goal was clear: reduce dependence on foreign arms imports and build a world-class domestic defence industry. The policy incentivised joint ventures, opened defence to foreign direct investment up to 74%, and encouraged both public and private sector manufacturers to build sophisticated military hardware at home. Within a few years, systems like the BrahMos missile, K9 Vajra howitzer, and AK-203 rifle were being produced inside India—many with technology partnerships but increasing domestic control,” Spencer said.
However, in 2020, the combined shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and Galwan Valley clash with China exposed the fragility of foreign supply chains and the urgency of operational self-reliance, he said. “India imposed phased bans on key defence imports, gave the armed forces emergency procurement powers, and poured investment into indigenous research, design and production. By 2025, India had increased domestic content in defence procurement from 30% to 65%, with a goal of 90% by the decade’s end,” the military expert said in his post.
India’s T-72 main battle tanks and advanced fighter jets Russian-origin Su-30MKIs and French-built Rafales provided firepower and flexibility, launching multiple strike packages on Pakistan and ensuring airspace control.
“India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built, and deployed with unmatched battlefield control. Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence. When challenged, these systems failed—exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad’s defence posture,” Spencer added.