The Low Intensity Conflicts in India reflect the dynamics of its socio-political milieu.  The core of the problems rest on the domestic roots, with external influences generated by the regional political and security threats adding to the complexities.

The book analyses the genesis, growth and contemporary manifestations of the conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir, the North East and Punjab and suggests a framework for better management and resolution.  This is backed by the author's vast experience and knowledge of conflicts in these areas during his Service and as Governor of two of the turbulent States.

India is poised to enter the 21st Century on a confident note with the economy showing good signs of growth in the short term, even more in the medium and long term. If this pace is sustained for 10 to 15 years, India will emerge as one of the largest economies in the world and a regional power of some consequence. Central to the theme of economic resurgence are her maritime interests - her ports would be the gateway to the international trade, offshore oil and fisheries would meet the growing energy and food requirements, and she would also be in a position to exploit the mineral wealth of the seas. Her maritime interests would then have to be safeguarded. Threats are most likely to emerge from the northern neighbour and the threat from the western front would either continue to be of an existing irritant level or improve with time. The extra regional powers would continue to hold their interests in this area as a source of energy both from the Gulf and Central Asia. The Indian Navy thus has the responsibility of safeguarding the Indian maritime interests.

Naval forces are characterised by long evolutionary and development cycles that require a lead-time of 10 to 15 years after conceptualising. The mismatch between what one would like to do as a nation state, a strategic identity, and what one's resources would allow one to do is the central predicament of a middle power state such as ours. It is in this context that the book examines the geopolitical situation in the Indian Ocean region and the security implications for India in the future, with particular focus on the maritime security, the force structure options for India and the strategy to be adopted, in the light of changes in warfare and technology requirements within the ambit of the budgetary support, GDP, and Defence and Naval programmes. The author also gives an overview of the navies of the region and those of the extra regional powers. The study by Admiral Suri has delved into certain organisational aspects, and made recommendations covering higher defence management and manpower policies for a leaner service, training, and human resource development for engaging challenges of the future.

When a nation under-performs, it develops weaknesses in almost all vital areas. Some areas, such as national security, are more vital than others are - since national security directly concerns the survival of the nation-state. Other areas, such as education and environment, are also important and are entitled to equal attention, unless a warlike situation exists. Some claims on the nation's resources, as for poverty-alleviation and health, may be considered even more pressing. Since national resources are meager for an under performing nation, the conflict between rival interests can be acute; and policy makers, professionals (such as soldiers and teachers) and concerned citizens can begin to feel that their particular area of special interest has been singled out for neglect.
As various claims are pressed, dichotomies - some real and some only half-valid - begin to surface: defence vs. development, growth vs. equity, higher education vs. primary education. The directions of policy follow the zigzag resultants of various populist pulls and pressure, and the strength of advocacy of diverse interest groups. One dichotomy - long-term vs. short-term - is hardly ever mentioned: there is no one to speak for the long-term, while the pressures for the short-term are enormous and palpable.

National security, and within it Defence in particular, requires comprehensive and long-term perspectives. This study attempts to look at national security in all its interconnectedness, and to locate its main component - Defence - in its proper time-perspective. This leads to the concept of sustainability. Sustainable Defence seeks to meet the security needs of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future. In this quest a clarification of the nature of national security has to be the first step. Perhaps as a reaction against a narrow definition of security in military terms, there is now a tendency to include all threats to human well being in it - ignoring the criterion that such threats must be based on coercive action. A definition of national security has been offered which links it to the quality of life of the ordinary citizen, moving away from the usual State-centred viewpoint as well as from the indeterminate concept of 'core values'. 

In surveying the security scene and exploring the policy options there is a tendency to ignore the human element in decision-making. The competence and integrity of the decision-makers are of crucial importance for national security. Our study shows that there are grounds for grave misgivings in this matter. While the structures and processes of decision-making can be expected to improve within a reasonable time frame through organizational changes, declining trends in the quality and caliber of policy makers may be difficult to arrest.
What has been attempted in this monograph is not so much to suggest solutions to our security problems, as to suggest ways of viewing these problems. If India is to rise to its full potential in the years to come, our worldview will have to change. A more assertive and confident approach to questions of national interest, backed by greater national resolve and political will, alone can ensure that the citizens of India enjoy real freedom to pursue the objectives they have reason to value - implying a quality of life second to none in the world.

The book is a major contribution in assessing this facet of security. This uniquely comprehensive and in-depth analysis by Lt Gen RN Mahajan of the unattractive features of a career in the Armed Forces checks on the reasons that underlie the malaise, probes how to project the Armed Forces and the means by which to grapple with these problems affecting the Services. The idea is to identify them and make broad but actionable recommendations so as to provide a deeper understanding on the subject especially for the policy maker. To do this the author has held a survey of serving and retired officers and youth of recruitable age. The data generated, complemented by suggestions through discussions and analysis, display a comprehensive picture of the approach of these categories towards the Armed Forces and the attractiveness index of a career in the Armed Forces. The book grapples with the relevant perspectives of a career in the Armed Forces, isolates the elements that generate the unattractive features and suggests ameliorating measures.

Anything that threatens the growth of maritime enterprise almost by definition, threatens prosperity and security. The maintenance of order at sea is therefore crucial for all maritime states. India by virtue of its geography, size, large Exclusive Economic Zone, growing economy and maritime capabilities has played an important role in preserving order at sea. It has taken steps to improve co-operation with its maritime neighbours. These small but potent confidence building measures have enhanced regional security. This study investigates the risks and tensions in the maritime area from Makaran Coast in the West to Malacca Strait in the East and formulates a framework for naval confidence building and co-operative management of the security environment.among India's maritime littorals.

Operation Desert Storm reconfirmed the popularly accepted treatise that modern war is about technology. The country that has the technological edge has a distinct and disproportionate advantage over the one with inferior or obsolete technology. It is more so in the case of air power, where there is a continuous revolution in technology taking place. The pace of technological development is so fast that before one can perceive the impact of the new technology, a newer and more exciting one is already in the making. For example, when every country was contemplating going in for microwave landing system as standard equipment for the airfields, the emergence of GPS changed the whole scenario. The task of the planner in these circumstances becomes very difficult - not only in the field of acquisition, but also in visualising the challenges that one will have to face in future. There was thus a necessity to compile all the emerging technologies and study their likely impact. This opportunity was provided by the USI Centre for Research.

The Study examines the relationship between technology and air power, and brings out the necessity of evolving doctrines after taking into consideration the emerging technologies. The Study details the emerging technologies as they relate to combat aircraft. The shape of new aircraft, their capabilities, that of the weapons and of their sensors will bring about a sea change in the lethality and reach of air power. These have been discussed in four chapters, viz. 'Aircraft Related Technologies', 'Offensive and Defensive Weaponry', 'Defensive Countermeasures', and 'Information Warfare Technologies'.

Twenty First Century is likely to be dominated by aerospace. Though militarisation of space is not likely to take place in the next half century or so, all the same, space will play an even greater role in the coming decades. The space technologies that will have a major role in air warfare, especially in the field of reconnaissance and communications, need to be fully appreciated in this context. These find their place in the chapter 'Space: The Final Frontier'. 
Uninhabited combat aerial vehicles are one of the revolutions in military affairs in the making. They will play an increasingly greater role in air warfare not only in the field of reconnaissance, but in every operational role that the combat aircraft can possibly be employed in. The historical background of UCAVs, their developments taking place in various countries, and their future roles, have been discussed.

Weather influences all aspects of air operations. To look at the developments in this field, tends in weather forecasting and weather manipulation have been included in this Study.

No study can be considered complete without examining the ways and means by which India can catch up with the rest of the world in this vital field of aviation technologies. These suggestions may appear radical - but for leapfrogging and rapid progress, caution and following the well-treaded path is not the answer. It is hoped that the suggestions offered will help generate necessary debate, and thereafter a consensus can emerge on the path to be pursued.

This topical and important book comes at a time when India's position on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) has aroused controversy in international for a, when the international order and its attendant security compulsions are undergoing significant changes, and when the world's taking rapid technological strides,

Perhaps the first effort to articulate a coherent nuclear strategy for India, the book begins by providing a framework that rests on a theory of international relations in which the use of force is postulated. Admiral Menon then discusses the experience of Western countries in acquiring tactical nuclear weapons and Indian criticisms of Western nuclear doctrines. This is followed by a discussion of India's journey to acquiring nuclear weapons, which presents, for the first time, a coordinated analysis of the roles played by the military, the scientific establishment and diplomats combined with the technological and economic dimensions.

The next two chapters are devoted to strategy. The author introduces quantitative analysis into the nuclear debate as also discusses the little understood phenomenon of the technological pressures which influence the decision to introduce newer weapons, Admiral Menon describes India's arsenal and the rationale behind it and outlines deterrence theory, The book ends by locating India's nuclear strategy in the international environment in the light of the 1998 nuclear tests.

This valuable and timely book, with numerous firsts to its credit, will interest all those interested in the nuclear debate, strategic and military studies, international relations, science and technology studies, and contemporary Indian politics and diplomacy.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 
THE FUTURE WARFARE WEAPON
Lt Cdr A Anand, IN

Exploitation of technologies by developed countries is bringing about profound changes in the operational concept of warfare. Use of satellites, high altitude aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), sensors and digital communications in high intensity conflicts have brought in the new paradigm of Information Warfare. Countries that can leverage cutting-edge technologies in the development of weapon systems will have the strength to leapfrog obstacles they may encounter during war.

The book titled 'Information Technology: The Future Warfare Weapon' focuses on different facets of the information revolution and the impact it is having on the armed forces. Information networks, driven primarily by the rapid strides in information technology, have emerged as networks. The author, in this comprehensively researched book delves into the concepts and components that define this new facet of warfare.

Information operations practiced by potential adversaries of India have been analysed by the author to work out the threat perception against information infrastructure. The book also highlights some of the information warfare activities pursued by the American Armed Forces. The author has stressed the need to integrate various components of land-sea, land-air, surface-undersea and sea-air warfare with the electromagnetic spectrum to enhance operational capabilities during operations.

Laying the foundation of Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) at Bangalore on 23 December 1940 by Seth Walchand Hirachand was termed as the stepping stone in India's aviation industry. The first of indigenously built HT-2 basic trainer on 5 August 1951 was a landmark event in the history of HAL. More and more achievements followed. But the maiden flight of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), on 4 January 2001, was the most important milestone, signifying India's scientific capabilities and aerospace aspirations. However, in over sixty years of its existence, the aerospace industry (HAL) has turned out to be essentially a licence-manufacturer, with few indigenous exceptions. Although, it has met the need of the defence forces, mostly of the Indian Air Force, its external dependency was exposed after the disintegration of the Soviet Union and Pokhran II, when the LCA programme was threatened by the US sanctions. With practically no investment in the civil aviation sector, the nation continues to rely on the import of airliners, accessories and even maintenance. A robust indigenous aerospace industry with wellestablished core competencies is essential not only to build a nation's defence capabilities but also to generate substantial off-shore earnings.

This book attempts to analyse how India's aerospace industry can be restructured and diversified to cope with the future challenges in aerospace technology and, more importantly, the business competition in the global market.

SECURE OR PERISH
By Major General Yashwant Deva, AVSM (Retd)

At the global level, Internet is a vibrant reality. A New World Order is emerging with information as its plank. On the domestic turf, the country has set an ambitious agenda for action and aspires to emerge a superpower in Information Technology (IT) and Software Development (SD). Whereas Global Information Infrastructure (GII) and National Information Infrastructure (NII) are fast emerging as vehicles for socioeconomic emancipation; they also sculpt new models for security threats. The Internet offers fresh opportunities not only for cyber terrorism, but also for attack on sovereignty through economic exploitation, spying and destruction of critical infrastructure.

The book broadly examines recommendations of the Task Force for IT and SD and their likely impact on national security. Its other hallmarks are a chapter on cryptography - the new ball game, e-intelligence, e-commerce and a case study of how the Chinese plan to tackle the contentious issues. There is a need to evolve a clear and comprehensive national policy on information security and protection of critical infrastructure.

The author opines that security is not a one-time model, but is dynamic with shifting paradigms. He suggests development of a system of electronic civil defence before it is too late. He enjoins the decision-makers to sit up and take notice of what would happen if we ignore the writing on the cyberwall, 'Secure or Perish'.

Socio Ethnic Tension in North-East India:
 A Historical Perspective and Effect of These Tensions on
 National Integrity and Security.
By Lt Gen NS Narahari, PVSM
 

The North-East Region is a crucible where Aryan, Dravidian and Mongoloid races are intermixed. This region is about 2,65,000 sq. km. in area with a population of forty million. It is enveloped by Bhutan, Nepal and China in the North and North-East, and in the South by Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is connected to
the rest of India by the sole 20 km wide Siliguri corridor through which all lifelines to North- East pass. This region is therefore very sensitive from the point of view of national security and national integrity.

The remoteness of this region and its ethnic mix is further complicated by the influx of refugees and illegal Bangladeshi Muslims in large numbers. It has created socio-ethnic tensions, identity crisis and dilution of political power to indigenous people. These factors with the additive of lower economic growth and development have resulted in serious discontentment, insurgency and demands for secession. Some of the Neighbouring states have aggravated this problem that has now been raging for four decades or so.

This book traces the genesis of the problem that each state of the North East is going through and how they impact on national security. Certain options have been suggested to bring peace and prosperity to the region.
 

The Indian Air Force
 A Balanced Strategic and Tactical Application 
By Air Vice Mshl Vinay Kapila, AVSM, VrC(Retd.)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has played a significant role in the Nation's defence, right from the air lift of Indian troops into Srinagar airfield (1947-48), its Goa and Kutch operations; its remarkable air transport operations in the 1962 Sino-lndian War, the 1965 Indo-Pak War and its stellar performance in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The IAF has performed well notwithstanding its limitations in terms of type and capability of aircraft, weapon systems, the very rudimentary infrastructure at support bases and its communication systems. Low budgetary support, with the increasing manpower costs and the falling value of the Rupee, and the high rate of inflation have been major impediments. Its urgent requirements were either never met or delayed so much that their fruition was no major gain.

The IAF should emerge as a potent war winning force. The Pakistan Air Force and the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force of China are on the road to modernisation. It is opined that notwithstanding the planned induction of force multipliers, the present strength of the IAF will be inadequate to meet future challenges. The entire spectrum of equipment viz. combat, transport and helicopter aircraft, radar, surface to air missiles, communications systems, airfield and other ground support infrastructure need to be upgraded in the next 10 to 15 years. The underpinning perquisite of ensuring air superiority, in whatever measure, will have to be ensured.

Transforming to the Information Warfare Paradigm. 
By Col R K Bhonsle,SM
 

The Western world is increasingly resorting to sophisticated employment of information as a societal change agent in a knowledge conscious environment. At the international level, power focus of nations is shifting from land and mineral assets to technological capability, education levels and institutional flexibility. Spatial dimension of warfare is also shifting from the agro-industrial to the information domain. Thus, attainment of capability for full spectrum information warfare across the entire range, strategic, operational and tactical, will assume greater significance in the years ahead. It is not only a military but also a national strategic necessity. However, the contours of such a transformation are not yet clear. A remarkably clear visualisation of organisational adaptation for transformation to the information warfare paradigm is being presented which can well act as a blueprint for a structured and phased shift to the Information Warfare model.

Command and Control of Indian Nuclear Forces
By Lt Gen P K Pahwa, PVSM (Retd)

The nuclear capability of a country is severely degraded unless supported by a suitable, visible and survivable command and control system. This book has outlined the command and control structure of the USA and former Soviet Union in order to underline the rationale behind such a set up. The author has then analysed the nuclear strategy that the country is fashioning for itself. A step by step approach has been adopted to arrive at the proposed command and control system propounded here for India's security apparatus.
 

India's Land Forces: Structural Imperative
Brig Jaspal Singh (Retd)

The author identifies the Land Forces- the Army, and the Para-Military Forces maintained under the Ministry of Home Affairs and takes an objective view for their optimal employment.

The present book titled, "India's Land Forces: Structural Imperatives", is a bold exposition of gaping holes in our security systems that needs to be addressed and refined. Threats that now appear on the horizon are at a marked variance when viewed in the backdrop in the aftermath of independence. In this backdrop, Land Forces described in the book, include the Army, the Central Police Organisations (CPOs) and the Armed Police maintained by the states that positively need a review and an update in the missions assigned, objectives and goals. This has become essential to safeguard against and eliminate the prevalent duplication and overlapping of functions for ensuring the Principle of Economy through evolvement of the Task Optimised Structural and an adherence to the all important fundamental of the Unity of Command.

Human Resource Management in the Army: Planning for the Future
By Maj Gen SBL Kapoor, VSM (Retd)

India is facing an uncertain situation in the geo-political and military fields, with a vibrant economy, globalisation, rapid advancements in technology, a deluge of data and information, and a flourishing private sector, all offering innumerable opportunities. All these have a significant impact on 'human resource'. Developments in all fields mean moving rapidly to a society of knowledge workers i.e. in our case from a 'brawn force' to a 'brain force'. Transformation is a prime necessity in Service conditions, training and education, styles of leadership, working systems and management. At the core of all these is the increasing realisation that our 'people' are the most valuable asset, exploiting whose full potential will provide the 'Cutting Edge' and the 'Winning Ways'. With all organisations vying for the best, talent will be at a premium, attracting, retaining and motivating which will remain a constant challenge for the Army. Having all policies, selection system, training and development, appraisal, leadership styles and organisational climate, people oriented and transparent, will help in meeting that challenge.

Defence, Development and National Security
By Captain Sujeet Samaddar (IN)

This book debates the linkages between Defence, Development and National Security in the Indian context. Whilst every opportunity for larger allocations to the non-military sector must be welcomed, the primary prerequisite of a stable and secure environment conducive for fostering economic growth cannot be ignored. External threats and international turmoil will undermine investor confidence and large military expenditure will also not encourage investors. Balanced defence expenditure creates the appropriate security setting for the country to develop. To strike the right balance requires an interdisciplinary diplomacy, security and economics. The book introduces the concept of conversion whereby some defence facilities and resources can find civilian applications. Amongst them is the vast reservoir of military manpower, technical training institutions, land, and research and development facilities.

Defence expenditure can be leveraged for national security, economic growth and human development. Some strategies to achieve this objective are offered in this book.

Chinese Military Modernisation 
By Lt Gen C K Kapur , PVSM, AVSM (Retd.)

The phenomenal growth of the Chinese economy and its military might during the later part of the Twentieth Century are the two most significant events with global ramifications. Napoleon's prophetic words that China was a sleeping giant, which when wakes up will shake the whole world has proved accurate. With Its fanatic national fervour, China is all set to achieve its legitimate place -the Middle Kingdom syndrome -in the emerging multi- polar world order by 2050 AD. The most effective tool to achieve this is the Chinese Armed Forces -the PLA. Historically and traditionally, the centrality of the PLA in China's internal and external policies has always remained unquestioned.

China has recently embarked on a massive systematic programme for the modernization of its Defence Forces. Its short and long term objectives are yet to be assessed. The question now is, will a modernised professional military dance to the tune of the Chinese Communist Party? The impact of China's Defence modernisation on India's national security would be profound and direct. Are India and China natural rivals? What threats China poses for India? How should India respond to these challenges?

This book examines all these and other related issues, which should be of great interest to China watchers.

Space Warfare and Military Strategy. 
By Brig A K Lal
 

The present and the future technologies promise a dramatic revision in the way security and military planners will think about conduct of future war. Central to this revolution is the idea that technology is about to overcome the most difficult problem in warfare-'finding the opponent' .Future hostilities can be visualised as a struggle for information domination, where information manoeuvre multiplies the effect of firepower and physical maneouvre. Information and Intelligence domination would then become the key to strategy and shape the philosophy and art of war. The militaries of developing countries have no choice but to evolve a new military paradigm in which combat superiority would be measured through technology and not only by numbers. Space would provide the 'High Ground' in this technology era. It would give any nation an opportunity to adopt non- linear matrix for building military strength exponentially. We, therefore, have to realise and concretise the advantages that can accrue by military strategy of space and ground convergence.

Can we achieve global security by preventing an arms race in space? To what extent space domination will give victory on the ground? Are conventional wars already outdated? Space Warfare and Military Strategy attempts an answer to these questions.

India's National Security The Asymmetrical Challenges
By Brigadier Rahul K Bhonsle, SM

The continuum of conflict is ever expanding. Just as the World was settling to a three point paradigm of high, mid and low intensity conflicts, a fourth subtle nuance of asymmetrical warfare has emerged setting the tone for low lethality, slow burner wars gnawing at the very roots of civil society today. These conflicts cannot be called 'wars'; 'stratagems' may be more appropriate and are primarily being waged by non-state actors either independently or at the behest of inimical states. Their low ebb renders a nation purblind to their existence until these puff up to cause large-scale bloodshed and mayhem as has been seen in the state of Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade. Then, there are inherent insecurities due to poor governance and state infirmities, wherein the very dimensions of public management render a large margin of the population beyond the scope of a state's safety net and thus vulnerable to the vestiges of poverty, environmental disasters, disease and derivation. Finally, we have the paradoxes of technology information and non lethal warfare.

India, the vortex of the South Asian community is uniquely affected by these new threats. It appears that all forms of discord have affected the nation over the past few years. On the other hand, floods and heat waves kill hundreds every year, and man made environmental disasters and disease account for thousands. The need is, therefore, to review our very understanding of security and view these emerging threats, which have assumed diabolical proportions with the rigour reserved hithertofore for conventional wars. A detailed analysis of asymmetrical challenges to India's national security to include its political, social, economic and environmental dimensions is, thus, being carried out in this monumental work to throw fresh light on the security paradigms of today and of the future.

Environmental Security Internal and External Dimensions and Response.
By Col P K Gautam (Retd)
 

National security does not only imply the politico military aspects. In the 21st century it needs to embrace the understanding of the degradation of the ecology; natural capital and ecosystems. The threats to environmental security are not easily identifiable, nor are they overcome by a mindset of traditional realist based security thinking. A fine balance between sustainable development, economic growth and human security needs to be struck in addressing the aspirations of the people and getting rid of poverty. At the national, regional and international levels, many conflict situations, due to environmental reasons, need to be resolved with cooperation and foresight. Water, population growth, urbanisation, fragile ecology of mountain ranges, insurgencies due to environmental reasons and use of weapons of mass destruction top the list of concerns. Besides providing a glue to national integration, the military has now an important and unique role to perform in ecological restoration.

The Fourth Estate : A Force Multiplier for The Indian Army
By Col S C Tyagi

Force Multiplier effect of the Fourth Estate during Kargil conflict focuses on vital importance of enhanced synergy between the media and the military. Examination of their respective functional aspects. analysis of traditional military stance and apprehensions of the media lead to the current status of media-military relationship and the resultant environment. Thus, it is pertinent to know what both parties want from each other; areas of differences and common grounds and efforts required for a symbiotic relationship. Advancement and convergence in technology made 'live' viewing of Kargil battles in drawing rooms possible and media performed without any dry run, often with young and raw journalists. Distance from the border to hinterland in India disappeared and the country stood united in resolve and action. Can this success story of 'shaping up of the battlefield environment in Kargil' through multiples of media and the military be replicated elsewhere in future? What needs to be done? The book attempts to provide answers to some of the questions and suggests guidelines for future operations.

ARMING THE DEFENCE FORCES PROCUREMENT AND PRODUCTION POLICIES
By Lt Gen Chandra Shekhar, PVSM,AVSM (Retd)

The aim of Defence Procurement and Production is to ensure quality, timeliness and value for money in provision of defence equipment to the Armed Forces. The existing Defence Procurement Procedures have been operative since 1992, with only marginal updates or changes. These pertain to two processes - 'acquisitions' on the capital account and 'purchases' on the revenue account. Recently, new system and broad structures have been announced. However, the operating procedures have not been defined; these would necessarily need to be set out and modernised.

'Indigenisation and Self Reliance' have been the cardinal goals of India's policy of fulfilling defence requirements. To be self-sufficient, a country must not only have the material resources but also the expertise to undertake design and development. Do we have the right strategy for our defence R&D? Are our defence production agencies in the public sector functioning in the correct perspective? Is the private sector participation adequate? India's military expenditure in 1995 was $13 billion in the same period. India's defence budget, considering its size and security concerns, is one of the lowest. We need to carry out budgetary reforms. Our procurement apparatus, primarily dependent on imports, is both inadequate and in need of streamlining and modernisation.

Integrated Management of Maritime Affairs in India.
By Cdr Manoj Gupta

The increased focus on the oceans due to changing strategic, political, legal, environmental, economic, social and technological changes in the maritime environment calls for a shift in the management perception of maritime affairs. The challenge for ocean governance is the realisation that 'decision making' due to the complexity of the issue and inadequate 'knowledge' of the multidisciplinary and interdependent issues poses a problem. A maritime strategy requires nations to synthesise their political, legal, diplomatic and operational responses in the management of their maritime zones. India needs to synergise the trinity of policy spheres - economic development, environmental protection and maritime security. The emergence of the Integrated Management paradigm forms the basis for the sustainable development of India's maritime zone. It may be said that the management of maritime affairs is about strategic intent to meet the needs of all stakeholders across all maritime sectors.

The book brings together the economic, environmental and security trinity of ocean policy spheres that derive their growing integration from the regimen of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) defined under the UN Law of the Sea, to serve as the cornerstone of 'Ocean Governance' for the 21st Century. The book targets not only those who have responsibilities for  or are interested in India's maritime affairs (bureaucrats, industrialists, law enforcers, defence personnel, academicians, scientists, NGOs and citizen groups) but the people of India in general. The book provides an opportunity and the means to meet our obligation of providing a safe, clean, secure and sustainable maritime legacy.

China's Power Projection
By Air Commodore Ramesh Phadke

China's attempts to comprehensively overhaul and modernise its armed forces, and its emphasis on access to modern technology indicate the determination of the Chinese leadership to build an all-round military capability to fight well beyond its immediate periphery. Coercion, and it that fails, resorting to use of military force have been the logical and natural steps in China's Strategy. This marked propensity to use force makes one take note of China's fast burgeoning military capabilities. The rapid fire modernisation process of China's military would permit it to extend its influence and power well beyond its immediate proximity. This development has serious implications for India's security.

However, to exaggerate the "Chinese threat" is counter-productive, lest it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. While the PRC would like the world to respect it even if out of fear or awe, it is axiomatic that India guard itself against an overestimation of the threat while assessing its potential. The book attempts to search for ways to improve an understanding of China's rapidly rising power status in international politics and its possible implications for India's security.

Paradigm Shift in Training in the Army, including Joint Training.
By Brig B S Pama

Training for war is the sacred duty of all commanders in the chain of command. With the advent of new technologies, nature and concept of war fighting is undergoing rapid changes. Revolution in Military Affairs and nuclearisation of the region has added new dimensions to the type of warfare we likely to engage in future. This book examines various facets of training right from  'womb to tomb' and suggests ways and means to improve further under the existing circumstances. This book also gives suggestions that would be of relevance to all from company commander onwards.

The management of training needs a single point control like all other functions in the Army and evaluation of training can only give the clear picture of the state of training. In addition, issues such as recruitment, training of junior leaders, individual training, collective training, education system, joint training, wargaming and simulation have been analysed and ways and means suggested to optimise and improve further. The research carried out is an attempt to upgrade the training and the training system in consonance with the changing environment.

Role of the Coast Guard in the Maritime Security of India
By Prabhakaran Paleri

This is a full-scale research study on the Indian Coast Guard and its role in the maritime security of India in the post UNCLOS world that is cautiously pressing forward through the Cold War inheritance. Barring the United States Coast Guard, which is more than two centuries old, the concept of a coast guard itself is new and evolving for most of the maritime nations. The necessity of such an armed force is strongly felt around the maritime world lately.

Maritime security is a faction of national security at macro level. It is a complex and shifting paradigm in a planet ruled by the oceans. The maritime zones are the new "threat attracters" for law enforcement, safety, humanitarian support, environment sustainability, and good will interactions. In addition, a nation could also have "other interests" in the maritime zones. Against this background, India became one of the few maritime states in the region to create a coast guard tailor made to meet specific national maritime interests.

The coast guard has the capability to elevate the maritime standing of a littoral state in today's world, and also, the author believes, to build international goodwill by cooperative engagement in humanitarian activities and international law and treaty obligations.

This book is expected to be a valuable source of knowledge to the practitioners, armed forces, government, planners, scholars, media and students of maritime security. Its scope is not limited to India alone.
 

Defence Budgeting and Planning in India
The Way Forward
By Shri A K Ghosh

The Defence budgeting system in Indian is not linked to the medium-term planning and cannot, therefore, play a useful role as a management tool or help rational allocation of resources. How this link is established is elucidated in this book, in a meaningful way through an interactive process. Even for better expenditure control, the planning and management functions have to be made an integral part of the budgeting system. Reforms need to be brought about in the process of budgeting, giving adequate attention to the planning phase, for establishing foals and priorities for resource allocation. An analysis of the model of 'responsibility budgeting' through 'New Management Strategy' is a special feature of the book.

Modernisation and capability building of the Armed Forces are important goals of resource allocation for Defence. For this purpose, Defence budgeting has to be linked to Long-Term Defence Plan (LTDP). Or the perspective planning. Drawing up LTDP requires strategic vision and clear policy goals. Adopting a business model of decision-making for capability-building has been advocated in this book. The long and medium-term planning need comprehensive Defence Review. This is because capability-based approach in planning begins by asking questions regarding 'what do we need to do' rather than what 'equipments we need to replace'. Capabilities are to be identified based on an analysis of operational requirements and tasks to be performed as has been undertaken by many western countries in the post-cold war period. Only within such a framework, can Defence planning and budgeting aim at achieving efficiency and effectiveness, and accountability of higher management for 'outcome' can be established.

The author stresses the imperative need for conducting such a Defence review for establishing a framework as a major step towards achieving an effective Defence.

Strategy for Consequence Management of WMD Terrorism
by Col M S Patial

One of the debated aspects of the study of terrorism over the last few years has been the likelihood of using weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by terrorists. A rash of terrorist spectaculars, pushing as never before the possiblity of WMD use by non-state actors into the spotlight, has brought the immediacy of the question home. Aum Shinrikyo's sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in March 1995 represented the first large-scale use of mass-casualty weapons by a non-state actor for the express purpose of causing large numbers of deaths and injuries. These attacks make the question of potential use of WMD by terrorists an important and timely one, especially when considered in the light of the explosion in information technology availability and growing concerns over proliferation and material control issues. The level of physical destruction, injury and loss of life from these weapons is so great that the potential for acquisition and use by terrorists warrants serious consideration.

India has been facing insurgencies and terrorism since independence, and with the availability of WMD technologies in its neighbourhood, there is an urgent need for us to analyse the threat of WMD falling into the hands of terrorists and its likely use against the Indian people. Preparations for mitigating the consequences are in itself deterrence. India needs to evolve a strategy for consequence management of WMD terrorism.

Special Forces Employment in the Indian Context : An Appraisal
by Col Deepak Sinha

The increasingly complex nature of warfare from nuclear to low intensity to the unconventional requires the dependence on an elite band of troops: highly trained and motivated to ensure a measured response to sensitive politico-military situations. Special Operations Forces can meet unorthodox security needs that the conventional military find difficult to accomplish.

India has had extensive experience with such forces with different Services and ministries having a vast array of such forces with no national perspective for the raising or employment of such forces. This study addresses these very aspects along with their relevance in our context and suggests the way forward in the next decade.