The Cholas: Some Enduring Issues of Statecraft, Military Matters and International Relations The article addresses the deficit in the indigenous, rich historical knowledge of south India. It does this by examining the military and political activities of the Cholas to understand the employment of various supplementary strategies. The article deals with the engagements and battles of the Cholas with other kingdoms of south India, and ‘externally’ with Sri Lanka. It begins with an exposition of various types of alliances that were an integral part of the military strategy of the time. P. K. Gautam | October 2013 | Journal of Defence Studies
Letter to the Editor My overall impression is that the Army has been unduly harsh and self-deprecatory regarding the present state of its moral health. As against this, the Army’s track record has been excellent through all wars and operations since independence, except in 1962. In addition, the Army has done sterling work in quelling or containing various insurgencies in Nagaland, Punjab and, above all, the virulent, decades old insurgency in Kashmir, which is still raging intensely. In spite of the most strenuous efforts made by Pakistan, Kashmir still remains under Indian control. H. C. Dutta | October 2013 | Journal of Defence Studies
September 26 Attacks in J&K: Assessing the Response The infiltration by a large group of terrorists in the Karen Sector, is a harsh reminder for the police, army and security planners in the country that the ongoing proxy war from Pakistan will continue to challenge the Indian state. Vivek Chadha | October 04, 2013 | IDSA Comments
Showdown between RIs and Pakistan Army: Implications for India The Pakistan army is caught in a cleft stick on the issue of dealing with the Radical Islamists. A section of the military establishment sympathizes and empathizes with the sectarian agenda of the RIs due to its own religious predilections. P. K. Upadhyay | October 04, 2013 | IDSA Comments
Provincial polls in Sri Lanka: A new dawn? Post-elections, one can now expect a meaningful political dialogue between the Sri Lankan government and the TNA on the feasible interpretation and application of the autonomy measures under the 13th Amendment. Gautam Sen | October 04, 2013 | IDSA Comments
Cut in Non-plan Expenditure and Impact on Defence Budget The services will have no option but to reduce the allocation under the heads where the impact is not immediately visible: maintenance of infrastructure, purchase of spares for maintenance of equipment, procurement of ammunition, etc. Amit Cowshish | October 03, 2013 | IDSA Comments
Peace Process: Pakistan will have to walk the talk The New York meeting between the two prime ministers has resulted in some new grounds being broken. Importantly the red lines and ground rules have been drawn thanks to some plain speak by the Indian leaders. Sushant Sareen | October 03, 2013 | IDSA Comments
Post-Morsi Egypt: Saudi Manoeuvring and Iranian Dilemma The issue brief analyses the changing patterns of relationship of Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two major players in the Gulf, with Egypt in the backdrop of the removal of Morsi. Prasanta Kumar Pradhan | September 27, 2013 | Issue Brief
Xi Jinping Carries Out First General Rank Promotions in PLA In the first round of promotions to the senior-most ranks of PLA, Xi Jinping signals building a younger, technological savvy military that needs to be honest and under the control to the party. Bijoy Das | September 25, 2013 | IDSA Comments
Maldives: Hiccups in Democratic Transition The Maldives presidential runoff election has been postponed indefinitely further widening the political dispute. The uncertainty highlights the challenges the young democracy faces, having held its first-ever multiparty election in 2008. Anand Kumar | September 25, 2013 | IDSA Comments
