Indian Defence Review

Factors Affecting Outcome of War

What were the causes for Hindu defeats? The simple and short answer is ‘Military non-performance of the Hindus’. To examine the reasons of that non-performance, we have first to understand the nature of war, i.e. the factors that determine the outcome of war. ‘War’ is a three-letter dirty word, involving death...

Why Maoist Insurgency Will Flourish in India

It was amusing to view the Singh Duo RPN Singh, Minister of State for Home Affairs and RK Singh, Home Secretary describing the Maoist attack on a train in Bihar as “Frustration” on the part of Maoists due to the “Pressure” mounted on them post the Chhattisgarh attack of 25th May on the Congress convoy killing...

The way to Regional Power status

The Sin that is Committed by Killing One, Who Does Not Deserve to Be Killed, Is As Great as the Sin, of Not Killing One Who Deserves to Be Killed. Mahabharat Udyoga Parva. Chapter 72, Verse 18 We entered the 21st century with Y2K bust. Visionaries who predicted doomsday had to redeem their stature and come up...

Make most of Japan’s overtures

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Japan from May 27 to 30 was opportune as the circumstances today are more propitious than ever for India and Japan to forge a solid strategic partnership. To deal with the emerging Chinese threat, Japan has to develop a new mix of diplomatic and military tools. …Japan’s ties...

Surreal China - Lessons from Myanmar

Myanmar helped China seize the opportunity to integrate more with Myanmar militarily, politically and economically, Chinese strategists having visualised the long-term need for reaching out to the Indian Ocean, in quest of multiple supply routes to meet future energy requirements. Myanmar itself is rich in natural...

The time to trust Pakistan is long gone

Nawaz Sharif set media wires buzzing when he proclaimed soon after the results of Pakistan’s elections were announced last month that he aims to (a) make peace with the terrorist outfits in Pakistan and (b) make peace with India. The two statements are inherently contradictory for India and immensely illogical from...

Factors Affecting Outcome of War

The way to Regional Power status

Time To Walk A Thin Line

In a season where scams are tumbling out of Lutyens’ Bhavans with an embarrassing regularity, it may appear that the AgustaWestland helicopter graft case has receded from public memory. Rather than let criminal law take its own course, we are being led to believe that the weakness actually lies in higher policy....

Why Maoist Insurgency Will Flourish in India

Terrorism as an Instrument of Power Projection

It seems there is no change in the policy of the Pakistan army in matters related to Kashmir. The top brass, along with a crop of retired generals, still believes that India should not be allowed to live in peace till it agrees to accept a solution to the Kashmir problem as visualised by Pakistan. Realising its...

Fight Maoist strategy and not the forces...

The ‘Gandhians with Guns’ as they may be referred by the people like Arundhiti Roy, however the fact is that they are armed rebels working against the interestsof the union of India and its democratic fundamentals. There may be a many flaws in our system and various policies of the successive governments at the...

European Defence Agency launches e-Quip, the on-line defence market

The European Defence Agency (EDA) today officially launched e-Quip, its government to government electronic market place for surplus defence equipment. Through e-Quip national governments can exchange information on available assets ranging from Defence Systems and equipment, ammunition, or even space systems to...

Boeing Transfers 1st C-17 to Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) flew its first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III to India today, becoming the newest operator of the leading airlifter. “The C-17 will equip the Indian Air Force with amongst the world’s most advanced humanitarian and strategic capabilities,” said Air Vice Marshal SRK Nair, Assistant Chief of Air...

Defence production- a battle between free market and state control

1971 War: Battle of Poonch

Poonch and its surroundings were formerly a part of a Hindu principality in the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Dogra rule. Its political importance to Pakistan lies in its large Muslim population with ethnic affinities with dwellers across the line of control, and its economic importance in its large tracts of...