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?

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Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 279 words

Q1.

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?20

Introduction

An arms sale is a choice of partner, not just a sale. The core dilemma is between National Economic and Strategic Interest and Ethical Responsibility for how weapons are used.

(a) Options Available to Ajit and the One to Select

The issues are Groupthink among counterparts, B's support to guerrillas, its non-NPT nuclear status and diversion risk.

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(i) CAPITULATE [Strict-Legal]

Selling to B because no embargo forbids it is Conscience Laundering through legality.

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(ii) CONFRONT [Empathetic-Humanitarian]

Refusing both denies A lawful self-defence.

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(iii) EVADE [Procedural-Evasive]

Passing the file up without a view is Diffusion of Responsibility.

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(iv) COMPROMISE [Compromised-Hybrid]

Splitting output keeps the diversion risk.

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(v) RECONCILE ✓ [Balanced]

Sell to A with end-use safeguards, decline B on policy grounds (recommended).

(b) Balancing Economic and Strategic Interests with Ethics

National Interest vs Ethical Responsibility. Venn diagram: Economic, strategic gain, Ethical responsibility; overlap: Sale to A, end-use safeguards

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Due diligence

A SCOMET licence, end-user certificate and no-re-export clause build ethics into the deal.

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Right buyers

The 2022 BrahMos sale to the Philippines [current event] shows responsible buyers bring lasting ties.

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Separate diplomacy

Pursue the FTA on trade merits and offer B non-lethal cooperation.

Conclusion

Selling to A under safeguards and declining B on stated grounds protects both India's interests and its credibility as a responsible supplier.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.