Ajit has been recently promoted as the Head of the Department of Weapon Sales (DWS) in the Ministry of Defence Production (MDP). His charter of duties includes international sales of weapons produced domestically by MDP.
In two recent wars, MDP weapons have performed admirably, resulting in many countries showing interest in buying them, particularly long-range artillery and missiles. Country A and country B have asked for these weapons. However, production constraints restrict DWS to accept only one purchase order.
Country A is a developing nation with a sound technology base. MDP is planning R&D collaboration with it for the next generation of weapons. It is not part of any security alliance and needs weapons for protection from a troublesome neighbour. It seeks a large acquisition on a long-term loan.
Country B is also a developing nation. Military strength is its priority, with the military budget often ingressing into allocations for human resources and infrastructure development. It is in security alliance with a superpower who has a large military base there and periodically allots it financial grants. It is a member of an economic bloc with which the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It is not a signatory of NPT but possesses smaller nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It supports some guerrilla forces abroad. It has sought a smaller acquisition and is prepared to make some advance payment. It is currently negotiating arms purchases from another nation too.
Ajit discussed this case with his counterparts in the related departments. Therein, the significant economic benefits, employment generation and stronger diplomatic relations arising from this sale were highlighted. It was also emphasized that refusing the deal could result in country B purchasing weapons from some other supplier.
Ajit was aware that in arms sales, due diligence at each stage was pivotal to ensure conformity to national policy and international treaties.
(a) Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why?
(b) How can Ajit balance nation’s economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?

Answer outline

Introduction

Arms exports bring revenue, jobs and influence, but a weapon sold is a responsibility shared. Due diligence asks not only who pays but how the arms will be used.

(a) Options

• Sell to Country B: advance payment, possible gains in the FTA talks; but it supports guerrilla forces abroad, diverts budget from human development, is outside the NPT with nuclear weapons and delivery systems, and long range missiles raise proliferation and diversion concerns.
• Sell to Country A: a defensive need, no alliance entanglements, planned R&D collaboration that strengthens domestic capability; costs are deferred payment and credit risk on a long term loan.
• Defer or refuse both: avoids risk but loses revenue, jobs and a strategic partner; Country B may buy elsewhere anyway.

Recommended option and reasons

• Country A, on due diligence: credit risk can be managed through government to government guarantees and phased delivery; the R&D partnership gives long term strategic value.
• Consequentialist view: lower risk of the weapons fuelling insurgency or regional instability; supports self defence, which is a legitimate aim under the UN Charter.
• Deontological view: the duty not to knowingly contribute to violence against civilians outweighs commercial gain; 'someone else will sell' does not remove moral responsibility.
• Reputation: as a responsible exporter and a member of export control regimes, the country's credibility is itself a strategic asset.

(b) Balancing interests with ethics

• Institutional due diligence: end-user certificates, no re-export clauses, post delivery verification and checks against UN Security Council embargoes.
• Screen sensitive items: long range missiles and their technology need stricter review under missile and dual use control commitments.
• Weigh economic gains with human costs: assess risks to civilians, human rights and regional stability, as reflected in international norms such as the Arms Trade Treaty's export assessment criteria.
• Keep diplomacy with Country B alive through non-lethal cooperation and the FTA track, so that one refusal does not become a rupture.
• Transparency and accountability: record reasons in writing and take the view of the Ministry of External Affairs and other concerned departments before the final decision.

Conclusion

National interest is best served by a reputation for responsible conduct. Choosing Country A with strong safeguards gives Ajit economic, strategic and ethical returns together, in line with the Gandhian view that means must be as pure as ends.