India at an estimated cost of $13 billion plans to raise a new mountain strike corps and four mountain divisions. The proposal to raise these troops was forwarded by India Army in the back drop of alleged Chinese build-up along its border with India. Reportedly it has been cleared by Indian Defence Ministry and awaits clearance from Finance Ministry. Defending the move Indian Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju said, Whatever we feel there is a threat, adequate measures will be taken. At present Indian Eastern Command comprising 3, 4 and 33 Corps is responsible to look after the border with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar, while Central Command acts as Army Strategic Reserves and would reinforce Eastern Command in the event of war with China. Under ordinary circumstances present arrangement seems to be quite adequate. Increase of about 100,000 troops and its positioning along or deployment on Indo-China border would be an extraordinary event. It was in December 2009 that then Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor had claimed that Indian Armed Forces could fight a two front war. This assertion was made in the backdrop of warming Indo-US relations. As a result of strategic nuclear deal between USA and India, western powers jumped on the band wagon to sell nuclear technologies. Memorandums of Understanding of billions of dollars were signed to transfer these technologies to India. For sure India needed to project itself as a state capable of taking on China to appease USA and other major powers as an implicit cost of their goodwill. To manifest this stand point India after about 61 years of independence started constructing strategic roads along its border with China. New Delhi is building air strips and helipads at remote locations and has deployed supersonic cruse missiles Brahmos in the northeastern state of Arunchal Pradesh. An analysis of the concept of a two front war certainly would have revealed inadequacy of Indian forces to handle such an eventuality. It is in this backdrop that Indian Army has asked for an increase of about 100,000 men in its ranks. Even if India manages to increase its army by this number, it will not be any match to China. But one thing is for sure, India doesnt plan to reduce her troops from Pakistans border. The present disposition of Indian forces is definitely Pakistan centric. Out of her twelve Corps eight are poised towards Pakistan while troops ex-Central Command (Army strategic reserves) would be in reinforcing role. Raising of a corps for her border with China will not change the equation much. Similarly, major deployment of Indian Air Force is also Pakistan-centric with about 22 air bases located along her western border. Ground realities clearly indicate that Indians consider Pakistan as its core rival. The rhetoric of her China centric approach lacks substance and at this point in time disposition of her forces and their capabilities doesnt support this claim. India is playing a dangerous game. Owing to the technological advancement wars have grown exceedingly destructive and as such cost prohibitive. These arent an option any more. The best way to move forward is to build trust based relations with all the nations of the world, especially with neighbours. On the contrary India is on the path of confrontation with its neighbors. New Delhi has chosen USA as her mentor and friend hopping that it will help her achieve at least a major power status. This has lent her in an awkward situation. India is in a dire need of energy resources to support her growth. New Delhi also needs economically viable trade roots to compete in global markets. Pakistan is the only country in the world through which it can link to the proposed New Silk Route and gas pipeline network emanating from Iran and CAR. It implies that India needs to have very good relations with Pakistan. At the first place it will not be possible till Delhi moves forward to resolve Kashmir issue and other border disputes with Pakistan. Secondly, in view of strategic relations between Pakistan and China, India will have to mend her fence with China also. One wonders as to what extent such an arrangement would be acceptable to Americans. In view of Washingtons receding economic strength and stubborn resistance posed by Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan against US presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014 as demonstrated in Istanbul conference, it will be difficult for Americans to sustain themselves in this inhospitable country. American exit will change regional scenario leaving India at odds. As neighbors cant be changed it would be wise to befriend them.