Critically examine India's potential role as a "Net Security Provider" in the South Asia / Indian Ocean region while highlighting the significant structural and institutional impediments that inhibit India's capacity to fulfill the said role.

A net provider of security is the nation which can address the security concerns of not only itself but also other countries in the vicinity or beyond. Generally a security provider is of a capable power that can deploy their surplus national assets for the safety and stability of other neighbouring countries.
India’s potential role as net security provider:
Net security provider encompasses four different activities-Capacity building, military diplomacy, military assistance and direct deployment of military forces. Out of these, India has been a net security provider in terms of capacity building and military diplomacy. India has been quite reserved in terms of military assistance and direct deployment.
Structural and institutional impediments:
Some of the structural and institutional impediments that inhabit India’s capacity as Net security provider include import dependency, India’s own image as a peaceful country, not very good experience in deploying troops abroad; disputes with neighbours which keep army mostly focussed on borders. Further, India’s weak defence industry and import dependence for arms are other structural impediments.

Originally written on May 14, 2023 and last modified on October 27, 2024.

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