Opting for Lean and Mean Armies

Even if Indian forces induct technology aggressively, the nature of threats, terrain and multiplicity of tasks call for a large standing army, albeit technologically matching its prime opponents at least. Insurgencies require boots, as the Americans learnt in Afghanistan. For Indians, with insurgencies being within the country, the tolerance for collateral damage is zero, with boots replacing firepower. Numbers also remain relevant in the Indian context till budgets allow a technology leap.

Syrian Spring Rolls Over

India’s vote in favour of the west also antagonizes Russia. In the choice between the West and the rest, India has chosen pragmatism over principles. China and Russia are noticing these repeated Indian efforts to protect its short term economic goals and efforts to shore up support for the UNSC with concern. By siding with the West we have opened up another vista in playing balancing games between US and SCO.

Kashmir: Analysing “Heart is My Weapon” Doctrine

The strategy aims at managing the mathematics of terror at the Line of Control, creation of a strong intelligence network in the hinterland to isolate and neutralize the militants and spreading the message of hearts through credible and genuine actions.

Pax Indica..or is it?

Despite its dense narration, the book is a “unputdownable” narration of the strengths and weaknesses of Indian foreign policy. It must be on every book shelf that aspires to understand the enigma called India in an interdependent world. The book also underscores the need for a much wider debate to shape India’s policies, both domestic and foreign, in times to come.

Obama’s Kashmir lesson

It is true that any solution to Kashmir problem has to come out of an agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad albeit with the representation of views of people of Jammu and Kashmir, but to garner support at public level in both India and Pakistan for a formidable solution is the duty of these leaders who see more towards the world powers than to the real constituencies in the South Asia.

The Indian Army’s Greatest Tragedy!

By Nitin Gokhale In the mad race to boost circulation and viewer ratings, the media may have, in one go, started the process of demolishing one of the last institutions that has stood rock solid in defence of idea that is India, says NDTV’s Security and Strategic Affairs Editor Nitin Gokhale. In my three decades [...]

Iran-Pakistan Relations and India

Iran is key to India’s Middle East and Central Asia policies, apart from being a major contributor to India’s growing energy needs. In terms of connectivity, it is the major hub through which India draws strength to meet its ambition of connecting with Central Asian Republics (CAR) and Afghanistan.

There are two major impediments to realisation of these ambitions. First, the US – Iran relations where sanctions by US have deeply affected India’s latitude to deal freely with Iran. The second is the Iran – Pakistan relations in the light of deteriorating US – Pakistan matrix which is being exploited by Russia, China and Iran to form an axis against US in the region. A similar equation holds good in view of Syria’s political turmoil leading to an impending or arrived civil war.

Nepal: Why a New Constituent Assembly must Deliver

Brig SK Chatterji has suggested a referendum should the Nepalese constituent assembly, after the scheduled elections, fail to deliver a constitution again.

The TIME Cover – The Underachiever: India Needs a Reboot

We should overlook this agenda driven yellow journalism, and, instead, put our house in order soonest for our own national good.

Synergising our Security

First response in an integrated intelligence environment is crucial to protect mega cities.

Next Page »