← All questionsGS4 · 2020 · Case Studies — Public Sector ·Ethics of Arms Exports (Case)
QUESTION 8
GS4
20 marks

The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on the export of military weaponry. To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director-General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMs as there is a probability of exporting the same to a friendly country. The Director-General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff in Delhi next week. Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international arms trade. As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?(a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade?(b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.

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14 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

As chairman of a missile maker asked to export anti-tank missiles, identify ethical issues in the arms trade and list five factors to weigh before selling.

Case studyName the stakeholders and the issues, weigh the options, and say what you would do and why.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1(a) Issues: risk of human rights abuse, fuelling conflicts, diversion to terrorists, profit vs peace, national security, India's image≈65 words
  2. 2(b) Five factors: buyer's human rights record; regional stability; risk of diversion; international obligations (UN sanctions, Wassenaar); national interest and technology security≈65 words
  3. 3Also: end-use monitoring, transparency≈65 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

(a) issues(b) five factors with one line eachConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Fewer than five factors
  • Ignoring end-use risks

Draw this

  • Checklist of five factors

Value addition

  • DataIndia's defence exports reached about ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25.Ministry of Defence
  • FactIndia joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017, committing to export controls on arms and dual-use goods.MEA

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