The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMS) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on export of military weaponry.
To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMS as there is a possibility of exporting the same to a friendly foreign country. The Director General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff at Delhi next week.
Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international arms trade. As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?
(a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved arms trade?
(b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.
The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMS) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on export of military weaponry.
To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMS as there is a possibility of exporting the same to a friendly foreign country. The Director General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff at Delhi next week.
Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international arms trade. As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?
(a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved arms trade?
(b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.
Introduction The Prime Minister's emphasis on a self-reliant India underscores the nation's commitment to indigenous defense production, aligning with the ethical principle of national interest. However, the proposal to export ATGMs raises the central ethical dilemma of balancing national interest with global peace, similar to the recent debates surrounding India's drone exports, highlighting the utilitarian approach of maximizing overall well-being.
Stakeholder Identification. BML, Ministry of Defence, Indian Government, Friendly foreign country, Citizens of India, Citizens of the recipient country, Global community, International organizations (e.g., UN).
(a) Ethical issues involved in arms trade for India:
- Potential for misuse: Exporting ATGMs raises concerns about their potential misuse by the recipient nation, possibly against civilian populations or in violation of international humanitarian law, compromising India's commitment to the common good approach.
- Escalation of conflicts: The sale of weapons can fuel regional instability and escalate existing conflicts, contradicting the just war theory principles of proportionality and discrimination.
- Human rights violations: If the recipient country has a poor human rights record, supplying arms could indirectly contribute to human rights abuses, violating the deontological principle of respecting human dignity.
- Damage to India's image: Selling arms to regimes with questionable ethical standards can damage India's international reputation as a responsible nation, undermining its soft power and global standing.
- Transparency and accountability: Lack of transparency in arms deals can create opportunities for corruption and erode public trust, degrading social capital and setting a wrong precedent.
- Impact on sustainable development: Diverting resources towards arms production and trade can detract from investments in crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, hindering sustainable development goals.
(b) Five ethical factors influencing arms sales decisions:
- Human rights record of the recipient country: A country's human rights record should be a primary consideration. Selling arms to regimes known for human rights violations is ethically unacceptable, as it contributes to human suffering and violates the ethics of care.
- The intended use of the weapons: A thorough assessment of the intended use of the weapons is crucial. If there is a risk of the weapons being used for offensive purposes, internal repression, or in violation of international law, the sale should be prohibited, upholding the deontological principle of duty.
- The recipient country's adherence to international arms control treaties: Ensuring the recipient country adheres to relevant international arms control treaties is essential to prevent the proliferation of weapons and maintain global security, aligning with the common good approach.
- The potential impact on regional stability: The sale should be evaluated in terms of its potential impact on regional stability. If the sale is likely to exacerbate tensions or fuel conflicts, it should be reconsidered, upholding the utilitarian principle of minimizing harm.
- Alignment with India's foreign policy objectives: The arms sale should align with India's overall foreign policy objectives and values. It should not undermine India's commitment to peace, security, and development, reflecting a commitment to national interest while considering global good.
Conclusion The case highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding arms trade, particularly the tension between national interest and global responsibility. India's recent focus on defense diplomacy, such as providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, offers a positive example of prioritizing ethical considerations in international relations. Moving forward, a robust and transparent arms export control policy grounded in ethical principles, including human rights, international law, and sustainable development, is essential to ensure that India's pursuit of national interest does not come at the cost of global peace and security. This requires a commitment to the common good approach and a recognition of the interconnectedness of national and global well-being.
Answer Length
Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.
In just 60 sec
Evaluate your handwritten answer
- Get detailed feedback
- Model Answer after evaluation
Model Answers by Subject
Crack UPSC with your
Personal AI Mentor
An AI-powered ecosystem to learn, practice, and evaluate with discipline
