Analysis
Does finishing the job mean staying the course?
Does President Barack Obama's 'finishing the job' mean the same thing as staying the course in Afghanistan, as urged by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh? »
Caution advised for anti-Naxal Ops: COIN expert
The planned offensive against Naxals in the next few months has been a long time coming and is finally a sign of the government taking the problem seriously. But a COIN expert spoke to StratPost and advised caution and calculation, to prevent the operation from becoming counter-productive. »
India-China border ‘talkshop’ besieged by ‘too many issues’
"We probably had this round for no reason other than that it was scheduled. Otherwise this is hardly a good time to talk to China and get something substantial out of the process. There are just too many issues between us," said one brasshat. »
Indian Army tasking to Afghanistan faces multiple roadblocks
The Indian Army has catered for the contingency by earmarking the 18 Infantry Division (RAPID) of the X Corps for deployment if the need arises. But there are problems with geopolitics, logistics, finance and Indian Army strength levels. »
The opposition to a CDS
The issue of the creation of a Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) for the Indian armed forces is one who’s fate has been the hostage of usually reluctant government discussions and opposition from various quarters. StratPost analyzes this opposition to a CDS that has so far precluded jointsmanship and strategic planning. »
US report on Asian missile capabilities
A report issued by the US National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) on Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threats has put in perspective the range of Chinese, Indian and Pakistani capabilities in this regard.StratPost publishes extracts from the report. »
Information Operations: US deficient in Af-Pak
“The US has to transmit an effective message that they are here to stay till the local population can defend itself. These messages need to be tailored very carefully for maximum impact, understanding and acceptance.” »
India and China: Eastern Border and Indian Ocean
It is safe to assume that this lack of infrastructural parity on both sides of the border would give China a natural military advantage over India. It is important to recall, it was due to India’s abysmal border infrastructure, poor intelligence and shortage in military supplies, besides possibly flawed political and military leadership that... »
Network Security: India ill-prepared
'One would naturally think we’d be good, with our IT and knowledge economy. The fact is, we haven’t identified, trained and nurtured talent on an institutional basis. India may have a lot of whiz kids but we still haven’t tapped them as a force-multiplying resource.' »
India sees changed campaign with new US commander
The change in command of US forces in Afghanistan is been seen by Indian observers as the possible beginning of a smarter strategy in dealing with the Taliban. »
‘Pak Army against Taliban could become Pashtun versus Punjabi’
Observers in the Indian security establishment are concerned the current operations being conducted by the Pakistan Army may lead to a Pashtun-versus-Punjabi ethnic conflict. »
Pak nukes worry India
The speculation over US plans for securing Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, in the event of their capture by the Taliban, has not gone unnoticed by the strategic community in India. “India is obviously the most natural and most achievable target for them," says one brasshat. »
US, Russia worry about new government
The Ministry of Defense, closely watching the ongoing electoral exercise, has noticed the apprehensions of various countries regarding the eventual new government and their defense trade and strategic relationship with India. »
MoD bureaucrats worry about next boss
"Imagine Mayawati as Defense Minister," shuddered an officer, "Do we want to see cantonments converted into parks idealizing her with larger than life statues?" "Or Mulayam Singh," piped up another, "Do we stop using computers or writing in English?" »
‘The Ghost of Bofors resides in South Block’
An insider explains the legacy of the corruption scandal over the Bofors gun deal and how, while the Indian Army has always considered the weapon in question to be eminently satisfactory, the political and bureaucratic fallout continues to be such as to reduce any defense procurement to a crawl. »
Subscribe
