The idea of a unified military isn't something I've plucked out of thin air:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/...tain-to-merge-itsArmy-Navy-and-Air-Force.html
http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2014/01/21/air-force-farley
http://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-...ort-functions-on-jbc-begin-merging-under-ioc/
The Navy can operate the Air Force as part of an extended 'department'. I firmly believe that it's in India's interests to have a strong navy, but I guess this is up for debate.
The advantage for courting Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka is:
1. a unified sub-continent, without fear of war or foreign intervention
2. a soft form of foreign aid, since India is subsidizing their military costs
3. more allies on the global field. it will be harder diplomatically for these countries to turn their backs on India
Australia has several defense treaties with useless neighboring islands. I think India should do something similar.
It's part of my bigger plan to see an enlargement of India, and bring these countries into India's fold. It's a good time to progress since Modi is very politically active, and relations with these countries can only get worse.