Military Role Expansion in India

Abstract

Military role expansion in India, though not self-initiated, may have weakened constraints on the officer corps in regard to domestic political undertakings. New Delhi's tasking the army with administering governmental affairs in the state of Punjab clearly falls within the sphere of political activity. The Indian military increasingly functions as a guardian of the ruling elite. Thus, the country is approaching a critical threshold in the evolution of its civil-military relations. However, it is doubtful that usurpation of the civil leadership's authority will occur in India. Significant controls on the military's actions will likely restrict its involvement in domestic political affairs.