Vivek Chadha

Land Warfare in the Indian Context: Time for a Transformative Shift?

The Indian Army is in the process of a transformative effort, envisaging changes not only at the apex level, within the Army Headquarters, but also in the field, with the concept of Integrated Battle Groups likely to be implemented soon. The past record of major changes within the army suggests an incremental approach, and also disconnect between doctrinal thought and restructuring. The only exception were the changes post the 1975 military reforms.

Vivek Chadha |
July-September 2019 |
Journal of Defence Studies

Pulwama Attack: Time to Get the Messaging Right

Pakistan’s hybrid war is a reality. India’s efforts need to be oriented towards countering such a war.

Vivek Chadha |
February 20, 2019 |
Policy Brief

KARGIL: Past Perfect, Future Uncertain?

Publisher: KW Publishers

The Kargil conflict was fought 20 years ago. However, it continues to remain relevant for strategic analysts, military historians, academics, armed forces personnel and diplomats. This book, delves into the structures, planning processes and procedures adopted while pursuing diplomacy, higher direction of war and strategic communications, on both sides of the Line of Control during the Kargil conflict. In doing so, existing arguments are challenged and alternative conclusions drawn. This includes the debate around the decision not to cross the LoC during operations, the decision making process involved with the employment of air power and limitations of existing strategic communication structures of the armed forces, as observed during the conflict.

The second part of the book employs Kargil and the succeeding 20 years, as the basis for analysing the changing character of war. This includes a study of its implications on the notion of victory and shifts needed while pursuing diplomacy, higher direction of war and strategic communications. It also introduces the concept of finite and infinite game theory to conflicts in the sub-continental context, in an attempt to contextualise it through a fresh perspective.

ISBN: 978-93-89137-13-2,
Price: ?.880/-
E-copy available

Vivek Chadha |
2019 |
Book

Restructure of Indian Army must address defence challenges faced by country, not just its budgetary concerns

Research Fellow, IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article on restructuring of the Indian Army, titled ‘Restructure of Indian Army must address defence challenges faced by country, not just its budgetary concerns’ was published in ‘Firstpost’ on September 20, 2018.

There is little doubt that the Army's foundations have been built on the experiences forged by wars fought in past decades. It is equally critical, though, to look at national security through the prism of insurgencies and small wars that have bled India for this entire period. The restructuring process must address the conflicts we face, not merely be a band-aid to fix budgetary constraints, writes Col Chadha.

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Five contributions Atal Bihari Vajpayee made to India’s national security

Research Fellow, IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article on Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, titled ‘Five contributions Atal Bihari Vajpayee made to India’s national security’ was published in ‘Daily O’ on August 17, 2018.

The article offer a collective glimpse of the former Prime Minister's contributions and achievements.

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His Master’s Voice: Imran Khan is only the new mask on Pakistan’s old face

Research Fellow, IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article on Pakistan’s policies after elections, titled ‘His Master's Voice: Imran Khan is only the new mask on Pakistan's old face’ was published in ‘Daily O’ on August 1, 2018.

The article dubs Imran Khan’s position as one with little freedom to decide any policies on Kashmir, India, etc., sans the Pakistani military, and suggests that India must keep its responses real, knowing the latter's core beliefs.

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Linkages Between Crime and Terrorism: Need to Look Beyond the Surface

Research Fellow, IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article on the nexus between crime and terrorism, titled ‘Linkages Between Crime and Terrorism: Need to Look Beyond the Surface’ has been published in the July-August 2018 issue of India Foundation Journal.

The article analyses linkage between crime and terrorism which often tend to be treated and addressed in water tight compartments by organisations that tend to function in stove-piped channels, despite being a part of the same state apparatus.

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Nexus of Global Jihad

The emergence of Al Qaeda on the global stage marked a shift, in more ways than one. Amongst these, it was perhaps the ability to run a corporatised terrorist organisation, with global affiliates who owed allegiance to the mother ship, that set new standards for terrorism. This interlinked global footprint, of not necessarily like-minded organisations, presented a challenge to states, which were neither as quick to adapt, nor as willing to cooperate.

India should agree to Pakistan’s ceasefire proposal, but only on one condition

Research Fellow IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article on Pakistan’s Ceasefire proposal along the LoC, titled ‘India should agree to Pakistan's ceasefire proposal, but only on one condition’ has been published in ‘Daily O’ on June 1, 2018.

Peace must return not only along the LoC, but should extend beyond to areas where the terrorists continue with their violent activities.

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Rejection of ceasefire offer in Kashmir shows the Hurriyat’s anti-Islamic face

IDSA scholars, Col Vivek Chadha (Retd) Dr Adil Rasheed’s co-authored article on Hurriyat's rejection of non-initiation of offensive operations (NIOO), titled ‘Rejection of ceasefire offer in Kashmir shows the Hurriyat’s anti-Islamic face’, was published in 'Daily O' on May 20, 2018.

The article argues against the Hurriyat's decision to reject Indian government's ceasefire offer on Islamic grounds.

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