The Editorial Section at the United Service Institution of India (USI) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the institution's reputation as a leading think tank on strategic and defence studies. Established with the launch of the USI Journal in 1871, one of the oldest and most prestigious military journals globally, the section has been instrumental in curating, editing, and publishing high-quality content, including research articles, policy papers, and strategic commentaries. Initially aimed at British Indian military officers, the journal evolved post-independence to address the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and the broader strategic community, publishing insightful analyses on national security, military history, international relations, and defence strategy.
Post-1947, the Editorial Section expanded its scope to include contemporary issues relevant to India’s strategic priorities. It played a critical role in documenting India's wars, counter-insurgency operations, and peacekeeping missions, preserving valuable lessons for future generations. Over the years, the section diversified its output to include monographs, occasional papers, books, and joint publications, alongside embracing digital publishing to enhance accessibility and global outreach. Rigorous peer review processes and adherence to scholarly standards ensure the quality and credibility of its publications.
Among its key milestones are the launch of the Strategic Year Book in 2016, which provides comprehensive analyses of India’s strategic environment and global security trends, and collaborative efforts with institutions like the Army War College to produce specialised publications on aspects of warfare and strategic thought. Through its publications which also includes occasional papers and monographs, the section continues to contribute significantly to the discourse on defence and security, fostering knowledge and understanding in these critical fields. The editorial team also disseminates insightful analyses on contemporary security issues, contributing to national and international discussions, and upholding USI’s legacy as a hub of military scholarship and strategic thought.
Since its inception in 1871, when the first journal was published, the Deputy Director and Editor oversaw the editorial responsibilities at USI. This structure remained unchanged until 2020, when the designation was revised to Head, Editorial Team, and the role of Deputy Director became a separate appointment. However, from 2021 onward, the position has been redefined and is now known as Director, Editorial.
Aim
To manage and oversee all publishing, IT, and social media-related activities for USI.
Objectives
- Publish the USI Journal, Strategic Year Book, occasional papers, and monographs.
- Collaborate with academic experts to publish books.
- Coordinate publication efforts with other organizations.
- Upload strategic perspectives.
- Regularly update and manage the USI website.
- Handle all aspects related to IT and social media platforms.
- Develop and distribute podcasts and videos on platforms like YouTube and other social media channels.
- Organise and execute the USI Gold Medal and US-Chief of Air Staff Essay Competitions.
Contact Details
Mail ID: direditorial@usiofindia.org
Telephone: +91-11-20862315