Premvir Das

US warship deployment through India's Exclusive Economic Zone was more than just a perfunctory action

Recognition of the predominantly tactical environment is fundamental to our being able to play China at its own game

With its stock nowhere near what it was a year ago, New Delhi has turned to defence as a lever of foreign policy - a strategy that can at best yield limited dividends

Careful thought has to be given by the decision-makers on the needs of those serving in the police force

With Chinese warships maintaining a near-permanent presence in the Indian Ocean, India needs to beef up its navy and become a key player in the region

Integral to the Chief of Defence Staff concept is the placement of operational theatre commands under his charge

Naval Assemblies are more than just about pomp and show

Wisdom lies in giving Hindustan Aeronautics every encouragement. The Air Force should work closely with it, just as the Navy does with public sector ship-building enterprises

The armed forces have their share of both strengths and shortcomings, and the country's first woman defence minister has her work cut out

India needs a Chief of Defence Staff who will be the principal military advisor to the government

The former Air Chief appears more sinned against than sinning

Military cooperation must be seen as a useful tool for promoting foreign policy goals

With Beijing outpacing New Delhi on different fronts, the emerging security environment is not very conducive to India's interest

Instead of isolation, India should respond militarily to every act of terrorism assessed to have come from across the border, unilaterally declare Pak a State that supports terrorism

The ability to take tough decisions and act strongly will determine India's position in the emerging world order

The recently concluded India-US logistics agreement is neither sinister nor a strategic game changer

Since half of India's overseas trade passes through the South China Sea, freedom of navigation in these waters, and peace and tranquility in the region is important to us

The continuing diminution of the armed forces in terms of parity of status with the civil services and the erosion in their pay and allowances may fuel resentment among the men in uniform

Cementing relations with a rising China and yet ensuring that Asia's foremost military power remains within acceptable boundaries are among India's major strategic challenges

To develop credible maritime assets and capabilities, India should structure itself essentially as an Indian Ocean Region player, rather than seek a broader Asia-Pacific profile