Should Corporations Be Granted Access to National Defence Assets?

The Indian Air Force’s Role in Anant Ambani’s Pre-Wedding Extravaganza

Newsreel Asia Insight #193
April 16, 2024

It has been reported that the recent pre-wedding celebration of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, involved extensive coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to manage an extraordinary level of air traffic for more than a week. This unprecedented use of a military facility for a private event raises several questions and concerns.

The event was attended by numerous celebrities and dignitaries globally, and over 600 aircraft movements were recorded in just five days, as reported by The Hindu, which says the spike in air traffic was handled by transforming the Jamnagar airfield in Gujarat into a 24/7 operation from Feb. 23 to March 4, under the direct request of Reliance Group to the Defence Secretary, who then coordinated with the Chief of Air Staff.

The significant deployment of the IAF resources to manage a private event raises concerns about the prioritisation of military assets. Typically, military resources and infrastructure are reserved for national security and defense purposes. Utilising these for a private function, especially one involving such a high volume of air traffic and requiring extensive logistical support, diverts these resources from their primary defense obligations. This diversion could impact military readiness.

The involvement of the IAF in a private celebration sets a precedent that could lead to future requests from other private entities seeking similar support. This could potentially open the gates to increased civilian use of military facilities, which might lead to operational disruptions and conflicts between state and private interests. The criteria and decision-making processes for such engagements need to be transparent and robust to prevent misuse.

There are financial aspects to consider, including the cost incurred by the IAF and the government in supporting the event. While Reliance may have contributed to some of the expenses, the use of military personnel, equipment and facilities likely involved public funds. This raises questions about the economic implications of using taxpayer money to support private events.

The ability of a wealthy private entity to leverage military and government resources for a private celebration could be viewed as an ethical issue, particularly in terms of equity and access. The could be perceived as an example of preferential treatment afforded to wealthy individuals and corporations, potentially leading to public discontent and questions about fairness.

Further, the involvement of military personnel in non-military functions could have implications for morale, especially if the personnel perceive their involvement as inappropriate or secondary to their primary roles. Military involvement in civilian activities must be appropriately managed and justified within the bounds of national security interests.

In terms of the business environment in the country, the event reflects the influence that large corporations and wealthy individuals can wield within governmental and military spheres. This could affect the perception of fairness in the business environment, suggesting that access to government resources can be influenced by wealth and connections rather than public interest or economic priorities. Such perceptions can deter smaller enterprises and new entrants who may feel they cannot compete on an equal footing.

The demonstration of close ties between large corporations and government or military entities can also create an environment where such ties become a perceived necessary strategy for success, potentially distorting market practices and competition.

To the investors, the apparent ease with which private interests can leverage state resources might raise concerns about governance standards and the equitable treatment of businesses, potentially affecting investor confidence.

The influx of visitors and activity around the event likely provided a temporary boost to the local economy in Jamnagar, including hospitality, transport and retail sectors. However, such events can also create disparities in local development, focusing on short-term gains rather than sustainable economic growth.

Furthermore, the event coincided with temporary operational adjustments at Mumbai airport and the special designation of Jamnagar airport as an international airport to accommodate international guests, according to the Hindu newspaper. These measures, while necessary for the smooth conduct of the event, reflect a significant alteration of normal operations, impacting regular air traffic and resource allocation.