Businessman Harsh Goenka sparked outrage on Saturday after calling for India to build “overwhelming military strength” amid global uncertainties. The remarks came days after the US ‘takeover’ of Venezuela, widespread protests in Iran and the United States and several other conflicts.
Sharing his thoughts, Goenka wrote: “America and Russia show how the world really works. India must build overwhelming military strength to protect its borders, its people, and its destiny. This must be done not to threaten the world, but to ensure that no one dares to threaten us (sic).”
America and Russia show how the world really works. India must build overwhelming military strength to protect its borders, its people, and its destiny. This must be done not to threaten the world, but to ensure that no one dares to threaten us. 🇮🇳⚔️
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) January 10, 2026
Goenka’s words quickly caught the internet’s attention, drawing thousands of reactions and sparking a wide debate on whether India should rethink its defence strategy.
Goenka didn’t point to any specific global flashpoint, but many users linked his comment to rising tensions in Venezuela, where both US involvement and Russia’s influence have become talking points. On January 3, the US launched a targeted military operation codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve.” US special operations forces conducted a raid in Caracas, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Netizens sparks debate on X
Few users questioned the risks of monopolies and misplaced priorities, others stressing the urgent need to catch up with global powers through advanced technology and reliable supply chains, and a few criticizing national focus.
A user on X questioned India’s ability to build such strength, writing: “How will you do that when you encourage monopoly and, instead of spreading the risk, concentrate it? All our enemies have to do is control the guys who run these monopolies, and puff – India is gone”.
A user criticised Goenka’s post saying, “Country where 75% population needs free ration, spending more on defence is a dumb advice!”.
Another user supported the idea but stressed how far ahead global powers are, “No other alternative before India. From the Venezuela operation, it is apparent that countries like the US are generations ahead in terms of tech. India needs to go big on building its strength not just through numbers but also through tech”.
A third user highlighted the importance of advanced technology in modern warfare, saying, “True that. Way more tech first though. Modern warfare is more about rocket science and advanced weapons rather than sheer military size and number of guns. Venezuela had all that. Only thing they lacked was advanced weapons,”.
Another comment focused on the need for reliable supply chains, “With independent supply chains that can’t be disrupted”.One more user criticised India’s priorities, saying, “But our docs iitians and bureaucrats are busy building their own overwhelming strength.. we don’t care what future offers”.