Dealing with gladiator syndrome in Khaki
The current month has been disastrous for the reputation of police forces, with the ongoing sordid drama of Mumbai police, followed by Bijapur ambush. It is more painful as I had the privilege of ample opportunities to not only work with the police but also serve on deputation with AR, the only PMF. In the […]
Territorial Army model, youth as enablers in tough times of pandemic
The country is battling a health emergency triggered by the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. Two years ago, during a talk on national security challenges, where the likelihood of a pandemic was flagged, students asked if a relatively minor threat was being overhyped? Should it even make it to the list? However, last year, just […]
Re-imagining nat’l security in post-pandemic times
May is turning out to be a very ominous month indeed due to the recurring crisis, a “triple whammy” of sorts. In May 1999, we were jolted by Pakistan’s intrusions in Kargil. Last year, during the first wave of Covid, China unleashed a diabolic coercive strategy to grab territory in Ladakh, leading to confrontation, just […]
Saluting spirit of empowered citizen warriors in Covid times
As India limps back to a semblance of normalcy, some heartwarming stories shine through the pall of gloom and despair. Three examples of administrators readily come to mind: Iqbal Singh Chahal in Mumbai, Gagandeep Singh Bedi in Chennai, and Dr Rajendra Bharud in Nandurbar, who decided to take responsibility and discover their legacy. In Army […]
Standoff in Ladakh: Defining reality check
One year after the Ladakh stand-off, it is axiomatic to take stock, analyse shortcomings and options to chart the way forward. Unfortunately, major focus is skewed in favour of Galwan and Kailash, bordering largely on self-adulation. There is concurrent need to learn appropriate lessons and apply correctives. It will be fair to admit that the […]
Theaterisation imbroglio requires resolution post-haste
It was indeed bold, on part of the government, to kick-start delayed reforms for integration of defense forces. Institution of combined defence services (CDS) and creation of department of military affairs (DMA), came in only way possible in our system, ‘topdown’, directly announced by the Prime Minister. Even in USA, it was Goldwater–Nichols Department of […]
Indian role in Afghan peace process
Tokyo summer Olympics got off to somewhat hesitant start, under the looming shadow of obstinate pandemic. Media attention, however, is divided, focused on another round in the never-ending great game, unfolding in the killing fields of Afghanistan. It also brings back fading memories of Moscow Olympics of July 1980, ironically boycotted by United States of […]
Recalibrating South Asian alliances
China recently launched China Poverty Alleviation and Cooperation Development Centre (CPAC-DC), as part of CCP centenary celebrations. It managed to incorporate diplomatic representatives, of all South Asian nations, except India, Bhutan and Maldives. It was another attempt, to tap latent angst against India, for keeping South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), in a state […]
Seeking clarity on Taliban 2.0 and Afghan-Pakistan situation
Great game is an addictive affliction, having engineered ignominious defeat of most external forces, except Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In Higher Command (2001-02), my dissertation was ‘Containment of Jihadi Fundamentalism in Afghanistan’. Prescriptive initiatives included forging strategic linkages with Iran and (central Asian regions) CAR, backed up with connectivities. Chabahar, rail/road links, air bases in CAR […]
We should aim for Sams and Sagats for top brass
Media reports indicated that government intends to adopt merit as the new criteria for selection of top leadership in armed forces. This assertion itself is baffling to say the least and likely motivation could be to generate signals to prospective candidates, to fall in step. But as we celebrate Golden Jubilee of 1971 war, it […]