USI Team conducted Exercise Kootneeti for students of Higher Command Course- 48 (HCC-48) as a Strategic Gaming Ex (SGE) at Army War College, Mhow on 30-31 July 2019.

The USI Team led by Lt Gen PK Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Director USI conducted Exercise Kootneeti for students of Higher Command Course- 48 (HCC-48) as a Strategic Gaming Ex (SGE) at Army War College, Mhow on 30-31 July 2019. The scenario was set around the dynamics of balance of power in IOR and its implications on peace and security and formulation of comprehensive response strategy in keeping with national interests. The sub themes played were as under:-

  • Free and Open Indo-Pacific as a Strategy.
  • Geostrategic importance of IOR – Areas of contestation and cooperation.
  • Chinese strategic interests and forays in the IOR with particular reference to BRI/MSR and development of critical infrastructure.
  • Strategic interests and roles of extra regional players in IOR.
  • Dynamics of Balance of Power in IOR and India’s strategic interests and initiatives to maintain peace and security.


The participants were divided into various syndicates and were mentored by the following:-
  • 1. Lt Gen AK Sahni, PVSM, UYSM, SM, VSM (Retd)- India
  • 2. Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd)-China
  • 3. Maj Gen RPS Bhadauria, VSM (Retd)- Control & East Africa (Djibuti, Tanzania, Kenya & Mozambique)
  • 4. Vice Adm Shekhar Sinha, PVSM, AVSM, NM** (Retd) -UK and France
  • 5. Vice Adm Satish Soni, PVSM, AVSM, NM (Retd)- Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles
  • 6. Rear Adm Sudarshan Y Shrikhande (Retd) – Bangladesh and Myanmar
  • 7. Amb SR Tayal, IFS (Retd)- ASEAN
  • 8. Amb Sharat Sabharwal, IFS (Retd)- Pakistan & Iran
  • 9. Amb Ajai Malhotra, IFS (Retd) – Russia
  • 10. Amb AK Singh, IFS (Retd)-USA
  • 11. Amb Anil Wadha, IFS (Retd) -Japan & Australia

The participating syndicates had vigorous interaction with respective mentors. Each syndicate made presentations on the allotted themes which were followed by free flowing discussion.
The event was highly appreciated by the mentors, faculty and the participants.


Address by Lt Gen PK Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd)

Address by Maj Gen BS Dhanao, Cdr, HC wing

The Mentors

The Participants