India–China Defence Capabilities and Strategic Deterrence: A Comparative Study of India's Preparedness for Emerging Security Challenges in The Changing Geopolitical Order

Abstract

Abstract The contemporary international order is increasingly shaped by military power, technological competition, strategic deterrence, and geopolitical rivalry. In this changing environment, China's growing military, economic, and technological capabilities have significant implications for India's national security, particularly in the context of the unresolved boundary dispute, tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. This study comparatively examines the defense capabilities of India and China with reference to defense expenditure, conventional military strength, air and naval power, nuclear deterrence, missile systems, cyber and space capabilities, border infrastructure, logistics, and indigenous defense production. Rather than predicting a future conflict, it assesses India's capacity to deter and respond to potential strategic and military pressure from China. Using a descriptive, comparative, and analytical approach based primarily on secondary sources, the study argues that numerical military superiority alone does not determine strategic outcomes. Geography, operational preparedness, technological resilience, economic capacity, nuclear deterrence, maritime advantages, defense self-reliance, and strategic partnerships collectively influence the balance of power. The study ultimately seeks to identify India's critical capability gaps and strategic requirements for strengthening credible deterrence and long-term national security.