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.

Rafale Wins the MMRCA Competition

The Rafale’s upkeep and maintenance would demand a very high level of training and skills both by the pilots and technical personnel. Above all, stupid mistakes must be avoided by bringing about a fundamental change in our outlook to peacetime operations.

Ramesh Phadke
February 06, 2012
IDSA Comments

The Persian Gulf Cul-de-Sac

With growing tensions between the US and Iran leading to a drawing of maritime red lines, the Iranian threat to close the straits of Hormuz and the US response could affect future maritime issues, oil supplies and the world economy.

Ten Pointers for Transformation

The Indian Army is undergoing the process of transformation. This, if realised, would become one among the critical factors that will assist India achieve the ability to secure its national interests. A few issues are worth flagging, even as the process is underway.

Vivek Chadha
December 20, 2011
IDSA Comments

General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs): Need to Address Gaps in Formulation

A possible solution to preventing any avoidable increase in the lead-time of procurement caused by the voids/lacunae in the GSQRs is to put in place an expert system that is equipped with adequate Knowledge Base (KB) and Management Information System (MIS).

Mahendra Prasad
December 19, 2011
IDSA Comments

Islandic Hop Scotch in the Indian Ocean Region

The island hopping game being played out is an indication of China’s strategy for gaining access to the IOR by developing the capabilities of “reach”, “presence” and “sustainability”.

Integrated Joint Operations by the PLA: An Assessment

In recent years the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been undergoing a series of transformations at various levels in keeping with its changed military doctrine which emphasises upon fighting `local wars under conditions of informationalisation`.

Mandip Singh
December 11, 2011
IDSA Comments

The Indian Army: What the stars foretell for 2012

The Indian Army can be expected to deliver on the strategic challenges it faces, although how it does this depends on how it measures up to internal change.

Ali Ahmed
December 07, 2011
IDSA Comments

‘Heart as a Weapon’: A Fresh Approach to the Concept of Hearts and Minds

The recent 'heart as a weapon' initiative in Jammu and Kashmir has been received favourably both by critics of security forces and by the state government.

Vivek Chadha
November 16, 2011
Policy Brief

Elevate Human Rights as the Core Organising Principle in Counter Insurgency

The Indian Army’s Doctrine for Sub Conventional Operations does an admirable job in balancing human rights protection with operational demands. However, there is a degree of dissonance in the approach to human rights brought about by the perspective that protecting human rights is a means to an end.

Ali Ahmed
November 14, 2011
Policy Brief

Back to the Basics: Foot and Hoof Mobilty in the Mountains

This Brief argues that foot mobility is central to mountain warfare. It first uses historical evidence to show the advantageous use of this capacity by the victor. It then argues for preserving this ‘military biodiversity’ by including indigenous breeds of animals.