Defence News Beyond the Propaganda
India is the world's largest arms importer and has the second-largest active military force globally. Defence spending exceeds Rs 6 lakh crore annually. Yet Indian defence journalism is paradoxically thin — heavy on press-release reporting and light on critical analysis. When the government announces a new defence deal, most outlets reproduce the official narrative without examining cost overruns, technology transfer clauses, or how the deal compares to alternatives. The few outlets that do probe deeper often face accusations of being "anti-national."
The Make in India defence initiative is a case study in coverage gaps. Government-aligned outlets celebrate every indigenously developed system as a breakthrough, while independent defence analysts point to persistent import dependencies — India still imports 70-80% of its military hardware. Both narratives contain truth, but neither tells the whole story. The Balanced News brings these perspectives together so you can assess India's actual defence capability rather than relying on either triumphalism or pessimism.
The Secrecy Problem
Defence journalism in India operates under significant constraints. The Official Secrets Act limits what can be reported, and access to military installations and operations is tightly controlled. Journalists who report critically on defence procurement or operational failures risk losing access — the ultimate leverage in a beat where official sources are nearly the only sources. This creates an environment where positive coverage is rewarded and investigative reporting is punished.
What This Feed Tracks
- Defence procurement deals including contract details, timelines, and cost analysis
- Indian Armed Forces operational developments and modernisation updates
- Make in India defence manufacturing and indigenous development programs
- Border security infrastructure and deployment updates
- Military exercises, joint operations, and strategic partnerships
The Defence & Security feed compares coverage from mainstream outlets, specialised defence publications like Broadsword and The Print's defence section, and international defence media to give you a rounded view of India's military developments — not just the version the Ministry of Defence wants you to see.
