Commentary

Find our newspaper columns, blogs, and other commentary pieces in this section. Our research focuses on Advanced Biology, High-Tech Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Indo-Pacific Studies & Economic Policy

Indo-Pacific Studies Manoj Kewalramani Indo-Pacific Studies Manoj Kewalramani

NDTV | India And China May Finally Be Warming Up To Each Other

By Manoj Kewalramani

It's not a thaw yet, but there are certainly signs of some warming in the India-China relationship. Of late, there has been an uptick in dialogue to resolve outstanding issues along two friction points in Eastern Ladakh. At the same time, there is a fresh debate underway within India on economic engagement with China

By Manoj Kewalramani

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Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena

Australian Strategic Policy Institute | Chinese soldiers gear up for winter warfare

By Anushka Saxena

China is putting great effort into developing its soldiers’ ability to operate in high-altitude and cold environments, increasing its military capacity relative to India. Skills as simple as shovelling snow have become part of combat training exercises. Equipment, facilities and procedures are being improved in what appears to be a highly systematic approach to mitigating the challenges of moving and fighting in the Himalayas and adjacent areas.

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Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena

Observer Research Foundation | Higher Defence Organisation Reforms in India

By Anushka Saxena

The concept of ‘revolution in military affairs’ (RMA)a incorporates the integrated capabilities of the armed forces to create a unified fighting force. In India, these efforts have resulted in Higher Defence Organisation (HDO) reforms in the past decade, notably in the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post, envisioning Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs), and incorporating ‘jointness’ efforts in the overall Indian military doctrine. With India’s national security interests being threatened by the highly integrated Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), India’s HDO reforms are a step in the right direction. However, these reforms are not without challenges.

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Indo-Pacific Studies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya Indo-Pacific Studies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya

NDTV World | Greater Expectations: Why China Is Going Nuclear 'Faster Than Ever'

Manoj Kewalramani

Recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that the world's nuclear powers are continuing to expand investment in strengthening their arsenals. While the total number of warheads around the world is declining, the number of operational nuclear warheads is increasing. The US and Russia, of course, account for an overwhelming majority of nuclear warheads. Read the full article here.

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Indo-Pacific Studies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya Indo-Pacific Studies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya

The Hindu | China’s ‘grey-zone’ warfare tactics against Taiwan

By Anushka Saxena

The story so far: Since the new Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te has assumed office, all eyes have been on the rocky start to his tenure. While China’s belligerent response to Mr. Lai’s “pro-independence” and “secessionist” statements was striking, it has now resorted to a sophisticated ploy to respond to Mr. Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This is often referred to as ‘grey-zone’ warfare, which comprises elements that frustrate Taiwan in a sustained manner. Read the full article here.

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Indo-Pacific Studies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya Indo-Pacific Studies Shrikrishna Upadhyaya

Indian Express | Chinese armed forces have been upgrading. India must keep up

By Anushka Saxena

As part of the reforms in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) since 2015, China has focussed on preparing for combat keeping conditions of the “Information Age” in mind. It is doing so by integrating its services, arms and systems into a joint, network-centric fighting force. The PLA Western Theater Command (WTC) has played a proactive role in securing China’s southern and southwestern borders, preparing for conventional and non-conventional warfighting, and acclimatising its personnel to the rough terrains and harsh altitudes of Xinjiang and Tibet. India is one of the principal operational directions in which the WTC is mandated to act. India needs to assess the WTC’s operational structure, training mandates and warfighting priorities, especially the theatre’s “multi-domain integrated joint operations” (MDIJO) efforts. Read the full article here.

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