India’s Army Vs China’s PLA: Why Beijing’s Force Lacks Credibility – Explained | India News

India and China are the two most populous countries in the world, accounting for approximately 36% of the world’s population. Together, they are home to roughly one in three people worldwide. India and China’s share of total global GDP is approximately 22% to 28%, depending on the calculation method. China’s share of nominal GDP is about 18% and India’s is 4%, making the total around 22%. With Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), the total share is even higher, around 28%.

Militarily, India has been ranked the fourth most powerful army in the world, just behind China, according to the Global Firepower Index, a platform that analyzes data based on factors that determine a country’s ability to wage war. China is the country that spends the most on defense in Asia. India has about 1.46 million active personnel and China has about 2 million soldiers in the PLA Army, Navy and Air Force. Both Armies are nuclear-armed. But the real difference lies in the ethos of the Indian Army and the PLA.

The main difference between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is that the Indian Army is a politically neutral, constitutional force, while the PLA is the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This fundamental distinction affects both militaries’ purpose, professionalism, and relationship with their respective nations.

Indian Army

The Indian Army swears allegiance to the Constitution of India and not to any political party or ideology. This guarantees its continuity and apolitical character throughout changes of government. It reports to the President of India through the Ministry of Defense and Parliament and its purpose is to protect the democratic republic of India from external threats and to assist civil authorities during civil unrest.

He remained separate from domestic politics. While veterans can enter politics, the active military remains apolitical by tradition. It is a completely voluntary, professional force. He derives his morale from personal commitment and the culture of courage, sacrifice and honor instilled during long service. It is highly experienced in conventional warfare, counterinsurgency operations, and conflicts in diverse, challenging terrains such as the high-altitude Himalayas.

The values ​​of the Indian Army include comradeship, non-discrimination, courage and honesty, regardless of caste, creed or religion. Regimental identity and traditions are strong. The focus is on the balance between technological advancements and the professional acumen of their troops. His extensive experience allows for flexibility and tactical innovation.

The Indian Armed Forces are moving towards integrated theater commands that promote joint force capabilities. But most importantly, it is known for its stabilizing role in the region and its participation in international peacekeeping missions.

Apart from its core mission of national security, the Indian Army is also known for its comprehensive public welfare activities. His motto “Service Above Self” dedicates him to his citizens, especially during disasters.

PLA

The PLA is the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). His loyalty is to the party, not to the constitution or the people. The CCP’s Central Military Commission (CMC) has absolute command. It serves to enforce the CCP’s rules. It is charged with both external defense and internal security, including the suppression of dissent.

It wields significant power and influence within the Chinese political system, with senior military officers often holding positions in the CCP hierarchy. It is a hybrid force that includes both professional volunteers and conscripts. Conscripts typically serve for about two years.

It has far less combat experience compared to India’s tri-services, which last fought a major war against Vietnam in 1979. It relies more on rapid modernization and technology to gain advantage. It aims to defeat enemies by attacking their networks and command systems.

The PLA has historically trained the services independently as it seeks to foster partnership. The command structure is centralized under the CCP’s Central Military Commission. He is known for his assertive policies, projecting power abroad and engaging in “gray zone” operations. Its strategy is deeply tied to the CCP’s political ambitions.

Allegations of oppression against the PLA are widespread and stem primarily from its role as an instrument of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and not a national army. The suppression of dissent within the country, maintenance of control over ethnic minority regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang, and its role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown contributed to this image.

The PLA symbolizes the fact that the military and the Party are inseparable in China. It is a tool of oppression on the inside and a tool of reflection on the outside. The Indian Army, on the contrary, embodies loyalty to the constitution, service to democracy and accountability beyond its borders.