Military Affairs

About Centre

The Centre for Military Affairs comprises of a mix of serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces and civilian experts. The Centre adopts an inter-disciplinary approach to various issues that impinge upon India’s national security in general and the armed forces in particular. Its research focus is on issues that impact upon national security and capacity-building of the Indian armed forces. Specific areas of focus include: emerging contemporary challenges in warfare, jointness, defence co-operation, maritime security, and military training needs. In addition, the Centre also addresses China- and Pakistan-related issues with a bearing on their interface with Indian security. The Centre closely interacts with military establishments in India and abroad and contributes to policy making by conducting research in areas of significance for the armed forces.

A Perspective on Regional Air Power

In light of the build up of Pakistan’s and China’s air power capabilities, India has little choice but to complete its procurement as quickly as possible if the IAF is to be ready to face a conventional conflict.

Ramesh Phadke
February 10, 2010
IDSA Comments

Nuclear Implications of the ‘Two Front’ Formulation

The nuclear ‘backdrop’ carries dangers even in a single front let alone a ‘two front’ situation, particularly since a move to rescind the NFU tenet of doctrine may be necessary.

Ali Ahmed
January 29, 2010
IDSA Comments

Soldier in War – Positive Perspective

A soldier may not bother about the causes of hardship, but one always cares for his close comrades, their safety and welfare and most importantly, their opinion of him as a friend and as a man

K C Dixit
January 08, 2010
IDSA Comments

The PLA on Diplomatic Front in 2009

The participation of the PLA Navy in escort missions in foreign waters is a radical departure from the historical point of view because this is the first time that the PLA Navy is carrying out such tasks not in national waters.

Ongoing Revision of Indian Army Doctrine

The point of significance is that even as the Army prepares for the worst case, it would be a political-diplomatic-strategic exercise to ensure that such a scenario does not arise.

Ali Ahmed
January 06, 2010
IDSA Comments

Japan Beefs up its Naval Capability

To assuage fears, Japan might see merit to take India on board in the form of a naval cooperation framework to secure peace at sea. Developments in the past 4-5 years in India-Japan relations point towards that direction.

Rajaram Panda
January 05, 2010
Issue Brief

Vietnamese Defence White Paper 2009

Vietnam’s third national defence white paper shows its commitment to greater transparency in defence modernization and strategic planning.

Pankaj K Jha
December 31, 2009
IDSA Comments

Tackling Insurgency

Commanders and troops must understand that they are operating in a No Win situation and their overall aim will always remain achievement of a more perfect peace.

K C Dixit
December 29, 2009
IDSA Comments

IAF Training: The role Flying Clubs can play

The IAF should consider utilising the available aircraft and infrastructure at flying clubs for imparting basic training to its pilot trainees before sending them to the Kiran HJT-16.

Ramesh Phadke
December 24, 2009
IDSA Comments

Stress in Sub-Conventional Operations

Suicides/fratricides in operational areas mainly take place due to domestic problems of the affected individual rather than because of any undue stress resulting from job-related stress in the operational environment.