Colonel (retd.) Vivek Chadha served in the Indian Army for 22 years before taking premature release. He joined MP-IDSA in November 2011. His research focus covers counter insurgency, counter terrorism and terrorism finance. His publications include: "India's Counterinsurgency Campaign in Mizoram," in SumitGanguly and David Fidler, ed., India and Counterinsurgency – Lessons Learned (Routledge, 2009); Indo-US Relations – Divergence to Convergence (Macmillan, 2008); Low Intensity Conflicts in India(Sage, 2005); and Company Commander in Low Intensity Conflicts(Lancers, 1997).
Modi Govt Must Utilise the Pause Period in CDS Rawats Replacement and Fine-Tune the Role
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article ‘Modi Govt Must Utilise the Pause Period in CDS Rawat’s Replacement and Fine-tune the Role’, has been published in ‘The Print’ on 23 May 2022.
Two aspects deserve a closer look: Should India continue with the triple-hatted appointment of the CDS? What should be the scope of their operational mandate?, says Col Chadha.
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Politico-Military Strategy of the Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971
The Indian subcontinent marked 50 years of the 1971 Indo-Pak War or the Bangladesh liberation war: on 16 December 2021. While this event was commemorated in India and Bangladesh, it is a time for introspection for Pakistan.
Transformation of the Indian Armed Forces: Future Challenges
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article ‘Transformation of the Indian Armed Forces: Future Challenges’ has been published by the University of Pennsylvania, on 25 April 2022.
Russia fighting conventional war against unconventional Ukraine has a lesson for India
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col Vivek Chadha’s article ‘Russia fighting conventional war against unconventional Ukraine has a lesson for India’ has been published in ‘The Print’ on 24 March 2022.
A tank-versus-tank battle works when both countries are following a finite warfare strategy. But Ukraine’s objective is not the military defeat of Russia’s forces, says Col Chadha.
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CDS and Beyond Integration of the Indian Armed Forces
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col. Vivek Chadha’s book ‘CDS and Beyond Integration of the Indian Armed Forces’ has been published by KW Publishers.
The book undertakes a focussed assessment of the changes that commenced with the appointment of CDS. This includes the role and inter-se co-relation between major stake holders and defence departments.
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CDS and Beyond Integration of the Indian Armed Forces
The ongoing military reforms began with the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and creation of the Department of Military Affairs. Future changes are likely to include the creation of theatre commands, functional commands, restructuring of Army Headquarters and a number of other associated shifts in conjunction with these big bang reforms.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that these changes are perhaps the most far-reaching military reforms in India’s post-independence history.
The book undertakes a focussed assessment of the changes that commenced with the appointment of CDS. This includes the role and inter-se co-relation between major stake holders and defence departments. Keeping in view the need to enhance operational effectiveness, recommendations regarding the chain of command, rank structures and role of service chiefs have been made. The book will also analyse the structure and role of the future Air Defence and Logistics Command.
What Should Define Integration of Armed Forces?
Unless the armed forces and the security establishment take a singular approach to warfighting, which includes evolving a singular concept of warfighting, identifying threats and challenges, and medium and long-term capability development goals, differences that make headlines will continue to recur time and again.
India executed manoeuvre warfare in 1971. It has answers to China’s LAC misadventures too
Research Fellow, MP-IDSA, Col. Vivek Chadha’s article on ‘India executed manoeuvre warfare in 1971. It has answers to China’s LAC misadventures too’ has been published in 'The Print' on July 31, 2020.
Col. Chadha argues that while India should block China along the LAC, pressure can be built in the oceanic region. Block surfaces and hit the gaps, to create collapse of enemy intent, the essence of manoeuvre warfare.
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In mountains, China’s military prowess has a vertical limit. 1962 is a half truth
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col. Vivek Chadha's article titled 'In mountains, China’s military prowess has a vertical limit. 1962 is a half truth', has been published in ‘The Print’ on July 27, 2020.
Col. Chadha argues in favour of India's strength against China given its experience of fighting in mountains and the challenges an attacker faces. He also highlights past achievements that debunk ‘military strength through numbers’ logic often being quoted these days.
Galwan Valley’s Tactical Incident Will Have a Strategic Impact
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Col. Vivek chadha's article on Galwan Valley clash, titled 'Galwan Valley’s Tactical Incident Will Have a Strategic Impact' has been published by News18 on June 20, 2020.
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