Gunners Shot

This is the seveth article on threatrisation.  Previous articles can be accessed by clicking on the following titles    The Core of Theatrisation Thoughts on a Webinar on Theatrisation Jointmanship – Pluck The Low Hanging Fruits Some Ideas From The Nichols-Goldwater Act Theatrisation - Are We Ready ? Prickles of Theatrisation of Commands Shapes of Theatres Multi Domain Operations (MDO) are changing battle spaces and the way wars are fought.  The shift towards non-contact warfare is a palpable trend. In this milieu, India’s theatrisation drive has hit a speed bump with the ‘Supporting Arm’ issue.  As warfare is changing, the traditional roles of Armed Forces, their constituent Arms and Services are also changing in the multi domain scenario. Understanding these changed roles and their integration in the larger scheme of things is important for successful theatrisation. For example cyber warfare is gaining new ground daily. Cyber space is ...

In this edition of the 'Neighbourhood Watch',  Aadi and I discuss the evolving situation   in Afghanistan, its effect on Pakistan and what should India's outlook be. Very clearly there are  opportunities ahead as there are pitfalls. We need to evolve clear strategies to navigate the rocky road ahead.   

The discussion on theatrisation of commands is a contemporary topic which has multiple hues. In the first part of this discussion we gave out an overview of the process and what it involves. In this part , we discuss certain specific issues which need to be ironed out and put them in the correct perspective.  To see Part 1 Please Click Here  

There is a lot of discussion going on about Theatrisation of the Armed Forces. Many reports give different versions and most give only the current status and decisions. We have now put together the whole concept of Theatrisation of the Armed Forces in two parts. In the first part we discuss Theatrisation in general and explain what it involves and why we need it. In the second part we will touch upon specific issues of concern which are dominating public discourse. This is the first part, which was actually recorded prior to the issue taking centre stage. The second part will follow in a couple of days. Happy viewing.     To see Part 2 @ Please Click Here

This is the sixth article on threatrisation.  Previous articles can be accessed by clicking on the following titles    Thoughts on a Webinar on Theatrisation Jointmanship – Pluck The Low Hanging Fruits Some Ideas From The Nichols-Goldwater Act Theatrisation - Are We Ready ? Prickles of Theatrisation of Commands Shapes of Theatres   A high-level committee of the Vice Chiefs of the three Services, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff , and representatives of other Ministries are to undertake wider consultations to implement Theatrisation.  It is well known that while the Army and Navy are fully onboard with the concept of Theatrisation, the IAF still has certain reservations. These reservations were always there and have only resurfaced. The public impression being generated  is that there is no solution except ‘shoving it down the throat’ and to implement it by a date in the near future. Such a thought is detrimental to national sec...

  India was a poor country in the decade prior to 1971. Two debilitating wars with China (1962) and Pakistan (1965), truant monsoons, high inflation, food shortages and imports  dominated headlines.  Five-year plans were suspended from 1966 to 1969 due to lack of resources. Prime Ministers Nehru and Shastri died in quick succession to cause political instability.  Rupee devaluation (1966) triggered huge price rises. Banks were nationalised in 1969.  There was a huge refugee problem throughout 71. The economy was in complete tatters. Despite all this India did not flinch when it came to funding for defence. Post 1962, we started to  arm to defend ourselves. Indian politico military leadership prioritised the integrity of the nation irrespective of the cost.  The outlook came good in 1965. Our historical GDP and defence spending tell their own story (see graphs). In 1971, India could ill-afford a war. However, it deliberatel...

This is an interesting discussion I had with Aadi Achint on China being its worst enemy. The noteworthy and interesting part is that the issues identified are autarkic and will run their course. In my opinion China has turned from being "aided" to "impeded" in its growth cycle. Most importantly on its own doing.  They have a lot to introspect upon.