India To Deploy New T-90MS Tanks Along The Border With Pakistan

In a move possibly aimed at improving the army’s preparedness to implement the Cold Start doctrine when required, India has decided to deploy the newly ordered T-90MS main battle tanks (MBTs) along India's western and northern borders with Pakistan. The move comes soon after India’s newly appointed Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat, officially accepted the existence of the Cold Start doctrine of limited conventional war with Pakistan.

India is reportedly buying 464 advanced T-90MS MTBs from Russia for Rs 134.80 billion ($2 billion). The tanks are equipped with thermal imaging night vision cameras and active protection to significantly reduce the chances of being hit by enemy anti-tank weapons. India currently operates nearly 900 T-90 Bhishma MBTs, deployed along the country’s frontier with Pakistan.The new tanks will supplement the existing battle groups in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Punjab.

Talking at a press conference last week, the Army Chief had said that he confirmed the existence of the Cold Start doctrine “to communicate to the rank and file and field commanders of the kind of preparations they have to carry out for future combat”. This is the first time that a serving army chief has publicly confirmed the existence of the doctrine. Therefore, experts believe that the move is aimed at improving the army’s preparedness.

The Cold Start Doctrine, if ever implemented, will involve quick incursions into Pakistani territory using small Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) deployed near the border. To implement such a doctrine, the army needs mechanised infantry formations to cut through Pakistan’s defensive positions and move 60 to 80 kilometres inside Pakistan. Being the key offensive assets, tanks will play a pivotal role in launching limited but rapid armoured thrusts into Pakistani territory.