"Clearly, this phenomenal rise goes far beyond India's legitimate security needs and adds to the neighbours' concerns about New Delhi's hegemonic ambitions," it said.
I don't think this newspaper has done its homework. For two decades (80s and 90s), India didn't made any significant purchase. Now India immediately needs to improve its weaponry. For instance...
1) Everybody knows about the track record of Mig21. Now why would anybody say its wrong to replace an aircraft that entered in IAF 3-4 decades ago ?? What you want India to operate this a couple more decades ?? This is why MMRCA is coming.
2) Mirage upgrades - What they entered in 80s, now its time for their upgrades. If you won't upgrade them they will also start following Mig21 path. Point to remember is that Mirage 2k is grounded at the moment by IAF.
3) Mig29 UPG - Again not a royalty, its essential and every government in the world upgrade their fleet when its old.
4) Super Sukhoi - Yeah this you can say, wasn't necessary but India wants to improve its fleet and i don't think its anyvody else's business to cry about it. Just look at the huge number JF17 that PAF is purchasing especially at the time when they are in position to afford it.
5) 197 LUH - Its now 30-40 yrs since Chetak and Cheetah are flying. Again anybody can see why its necessary to replace them.
6) Apache - Same applies here as Mi35 has also been in service for 25-30 yrs.
7) Trainer - Its very essential especially when there's a shortage after IAF decided to stop using its basic trainer as they are too old.
8) M777 - Common, considering the artillery Pakistan has, its way too less. India has plans to purchase and make 3000-4000 new 155mm guns.
9) ATGM - There's huge shortage and thats why new generation ATGM are needed.
10) MBT modernisation - necessary as they were also getting very old and were 2-3 decades old equipments with no night fighting capabilities.
I doubt India is doing anything wrong especially considering right now we are just trying hard to maintain our current strength and it looks like even after spending so much we are still lagging behind. Also Pakistan should never fear as 60% of the money goes in salary and pension while remaining is spent on arms and out of that too atleast 30 % is returned back.
Also not to mention Pakistan is not shying in spending either considering its poor economic conditions. I mean seriously guys you are the third largest arms importer in Asia while its economy is not even in the top 15 asian economies. I don't think this newspaper should be worried about India.
Pakistan 3rd largest arms importer in Asia