Rajneesh Singh

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Col (Dr) Rajneesh Singh (Retd) was commissioned in the Infantry in December 1989 and has varied operational, staff and instructional experience. He has commanded a Rashtriya Rifles company and battalion in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been a military observer in Congo for a year. His staff experience includes tenure in the Military Operations Directorate and in Military Secretary’s Branch. The officer has also been an instructor at the NDA, Khadakwasla and at DSSC, Wellington. During his service Col Rajneesh Singh (Retd) pursued PhD at the JNU, New Delhi and was awarded doctorate in 2019.

Post superannuation from the army, the officer was a Consultant for the Ministry of Defence for over a year before joining Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in January 2023. He is presently a Research Fellow at the Defence Economics and Industry Centre.

Colonel Singh’s areas of research include higher defence management and military studies. His current area of research focusses on self-reliance in defence production.


Research Fellow (SS)

Publication

Rajneesh Singh’s Opinion Piece ‘Iran crisis is another reason for India to harden defence manufacturing hubs’ Published in The Print

Senior Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col Rajneesh Singh’s opinion piece ‘Iran crisis is another reason for India to harden defence manufacturing hubs’ has been published in ‘The Print’ on 24 March 2026. India’s defence industries are no doubt being studied and war-gamed as targets by India’s adversaries, writes Col Singh. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Rajneesh Singh’s Article ‘India has moved beyond Huntington’s theory in modern war. It’s time to accept reality’ Published in The Print

Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA Col Rajneesh Singh’s article ‘India has moved beyond Huntington’s theory in modern war. It’s time to accept reality’ has been published in ‘The Print’ on 03 October 2025.

Military reforms in many countries are inspired by the US’s Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defence Reorganisation Act of 1986 (GNA). For some, the Act is a gold standard for military reforms, says Col Singh.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

The Uncertain War: Decoding India’s Two-Front War with China and Pakistan

This article examines the two-front war challenge for India against China and Pakistan. It highlights difficulties nations have faced in managing simultaneous wars, emphasising the complexity such a situation imposes on national defence. The article explores collusion and collaboration between China and Pakistan and the resultant enhancement in military cooperation and interoperability, nuclear collusion, and infrastructure connectivity between the two countries. It also evaluates recent advancements in military modernisation by China and India’s corresponding efforts in enhancing its defence capabilities and border infrastructure. The analysis suggests that while the threat of a two-front war is real, it remains a possibility rather than an inevitability. The article concludes that India must maintain high vigilance, continue strengthening its military posture, and simultaneously engage in proactive diplomacy. A calibrated strategy that balances robust defence preparedness with sustained diplomatic engagement offers the most effective means of safeguarding national security and regional stability.

ADAPTIVE DEFENCE: Navigating The Changing Landscape of Modern Warfare

  • Publisher: Pentagon Press
This book explores the evolving character of modern warfare and its profound implications on military doctrines, strategy, and operations. The multi-domain (land, air, sea, cyber, and space) nature of modern wars and advancements in military and dual use technologies are forcing the armed forces to adapt to the resultant complexities. The increasing complexity of military operations demands greater inter-agency coordination, adaptability, and resilience. In parallel, the book examines the significant organisational challenges faced by the armed forces due to emerging risks in defence resource management. The later sections of the book focus on the strategic dimensions of defence in India, particularly how the country can enhance its defence capabilities and achieve its goal of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
  • ISBN: 9788198748461 ,
  • Price: ₹ 1495/-
  • E-copy available

Getting Indian Army future-ready: Why lean, mean, modern military is need of hour

Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col Rajneesh Singh’s article ‘Getting Indian Army future-ready: Why lean, mean, modern military is need of hour’ has been published in First Post on 23 August 2024.

Military modernisation and human resource reforms cannot be divorced from each other. The two reforms require deliberate planning, financial resourcing, an implementation strategy extending over decades, and oversight at the highest level.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.