K. Subrahmanyam and Indian Strategic Thought

In the end an intellectual’s life is judged not only by those who mourn his passing, but also by those who challenged his ideas. K. Subrahmanyam, the undisputed doyen of India’s strategic community, had his share of both, and his death at the age of 82 on 2 February 2011 leaves behind an immeasurable void. In his professional career, K. Subrahmanyam faced much criticism for his views, at various times, from within the military and among civil servants, the academic community and foreign observers. The criticism – a badge of honour of sorts – was primarily because he had the courage to challenge conventional wisdom and speak truth to power in a passionate desire to influence policy. Over time, however, most of his detractors came to grudgingly respect him and his ideas. This comes across clearly in the large number of personal tributes and recollections written by his colleagues and followers in India and abroad.