SOURCE: AFI
In 1991, a significant diplomatic row erupted when General Dynamics, one of America’s leading defense contractors, simulated a military scenario where the U.S. would launch an attack on India using its new, long-range cruise missiles. This scenario was part of a broader strategy to demonstrate the capabilities of these missiles to the Pentagon, but it had unintended consequences, particularly on U.S.-India relations.
General Dynamics, a then Fortune 100 company known for its prowess in the defense industry, crafted five war scenarios to showcase the effectiveness of its latest technology. However, it was the scenario set in the year 2000, involving India and Pakistan on the brink of nuclear conflict, that sparked international controversy. In this narrative, the U.S. intervened to prevent a nuclear escalation by deploying aircraft carrier battle groups and nuclear attack submarines. When India declared a maritime exclusion zone, the U.S. responded with an overwhelming missile strike, neutralizing India’s military response capability.
This war game was presented to a select audience of military officers to pitch the new cruise missiles. However, news of this simulation soon leaked to the Indian media, causing a public outcry. Indians were shocked and offended to learn that their country was depicted as a target in such a scenario, especially alongside nations like Libya and the former Soviet Union, traditionally viewed as adversaries by the U.S.
The scenario was not just an embarrassment for General Dynamics but also raised significant concerns about U.S. strategic perceptions of India. Journalist Seema Sirohi, in her book “Friends With Benefits: The India-US Story,” argues that the exercise exploited U.S. government fears about India’s missile technology, particularly the Agni and Prithvi ballistic missiles, which were part of India’s defense modernization efforts.
Further complicating the situation was a leaked draft of the U.S. defense strategy published by The New York Times, which outlined plans to curb India’s rise as a regional power while fostering close ties with Pakistan. This draft juxtaposed with the General Dynamics scenario fueled speculation that America was seeking new enemies in the post-Cold War era.
The fallout led to swift diplomatic responses. Indian diplomats expressed their dismay, highlighting the potential for such exercises to influence U.S. policy adversely against India, especially at a time when bilateral relations were improving. The U.S. military and diplomatic offices attempted to downplay the incident, suggesting the concerns were overblown.
General Dynamics, after initially denying the reports, eventually apologized to the Indian Embassy in Washington and removed India from any future war scenarios, acknowledging the damage done to international relations.
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