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.

‘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.

Asymmetric Wars In The Indian Context

Strategic Interaction theory suggests that India must employ direct strategies towards a weaker Pakistan and indirect strategies towards a stronger China.

Mandip Singh
October 13, 2011
IDSA Comments

What Does Pakistan Hope to Achieve with Nasr?

The commentary addresses the pros and cons of Pakistan’s development of Nasr and concludes that it can be neutralised by India through innovative measures.

Ali Ahmed
August 17, 2011
IDSA Comments

Increasing Normalisation of the Turkish State

With the resignation of the service chiefs and Erdo?an’s consolidation of control, Turkey has taken a huge step towards political normalization and consolidating its democracy.

Rumel Dahiya
August 01, 2011
IDSA Comments

The Indian Navy Chief’s Visit and Indo-Russian Defence Cooperation

Given the legacy of defence cooperation and ongoing projects, Russia will remain for the foreseeable future India’s major defence partner.

Amit Kumar
July 29, 2011
IDSA Comments

Libya: Evaluating NATO’s Strategic Concept

An expanded role beyond its borders, including R2P, needs to be included in NATO’s concept to ensure its future relevance.

Faulty Manpower Policy in Indian Armed Forces: Time for Action

Faulty promotion policies and the unsatisfactory professional education of the officer corps deprive Indian military officers of the opportunity to master strategy and develop capacities for handling high level issues.