Dear Readers,
As we embark upon a new year, it is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that we release the first edition of the USI Journal for 2024. For over a century and a half, the USI has consistently provided readers and military personnel with an in-depth analysis on key issues related to national security, international affairs and geopolitics. This current issue includes 11 thoroughly researched articles addressing a variety of subjects. These range from charting a course for the tri-services and the nation for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) to analysing the ramifications of Ukrainian General Valeri Zaluzhny’s ousting, and the evolution from tactical to strategic leadership within the military’s upper echelons. The issue also sheds light on recent events in the Israel-Palestine conflict and their wider effects on the Middle East. Featured as well are two articles on domestic defence production, highlighting Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) processes, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in bolstering national security. Additionally, two articles scrutinise China’s international diplomatic tactics and its sway over the global information realm. The role of cyber diplomacy in altering the landscape of global politics is also discussed. Concluding the journal are two analyses on the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict, focusing on military tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as the consequences for mechanised warfare.
The featured article, ‘Multi-Domain Warfare: Are we Geared for it?’ by Lt Gen Dushyant Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), addresses how India finds itself entangled in multifaceted warfare encompassing various domains beyond the traditional land, sea, and air. The emergence of digital technology has further expanded the battlefield to include space, cyber, and information domains, demanding a paradigm shift in military strategy. The author makes a case for effective MDO to counter the warfare enacted upon India by the Pak-China nexus. Subsequently, Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd), in his article explores the implications of General Zaluzhny’s ousting from his leadership role in the Ukrainian military. His analysis brings to the forefront the potential strategic consequences that such an abrupt decision could have in the midst of the Ukrainian conflict, while also casting a light on the dynamics of civil-military relations and divergent approaches to military strategy during wartime.
The third article in the series, penned by Lt Gen DP Pandey, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, is entitled ‘Transition from Tactical to Strategic Leadership: Challenges and Shifting Roles for Senior Military Leaders.’ This article delves into the complex journey that senior military officials experience as they transition from a focus on tactical operations to a broader, strategic leadership perspective with their advancement to higher ranks. The subsequent article, written by Maj Gen (Dr) Atanu K Pattanaik, VSM (Retd) and titled ‘The Middle East in Flames,’ examines the repercussions and wider geopolitical consequences of the 07 Oct attack on Israel by Hamas, as well as the inaction of the United Nations to successfully mediate the conflict and bring the hostilities to an end.
In the article ‘A Case for Developing an Indigenous Drone Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Ecosystem in India.’ Rahul B. Wankhede emphasises the need for India to establish a domestic drone production and MRO network. He discusses the benefits and challenges associated with creating such an ecosystem and outlines the strategic approaches necessary for achieving autonomy in the drone MRO industry. The sixth article, ‘Spread of the Chinese Dragon’ by Maj Gen VS Ranade (Retd), surveys the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region as a focal point of international rivalry. The piece scrutinises China’s initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the String of Pearls, aimed at broadening its regional sway. It further stresses the imperative for India to strategies against China’s influence and spotlights the contributions of entities like Association of South East Asian Nations and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in supporting India’s strategy to address China’s expanding footprint.
In the following piece, ‘China’s Shaping of the Global Information Environment and Winning without Fighting’, Col DCS Mayal discusses how China leverages its considerable financial resources and human capital to fulfil the worldwide need for cost-effective surveillance and communication technologies. This strategy has allowed China to subtly exert its influence through information diplomacy. The article further explores how China’s control over the information space has significantly improved its capacity to alter international narratives, utilising propaganda, spreading false information, and imposing censorship as tools that could enable it to prevail in conflicts without traditional warfare. The eighth article, ‘Tiny AI: Atmanirbhar Approach to National Security’, by Brig Pawan Bhardwaj and Col Gaurav Shahi, proposes the creation of sophisticated mapping systems featuring artificial grids to aid navigation. These systems would provide a dependable alternative for navigation in the event of failures in conventional communication and global positioning system technology, thus ensuring uninterrupted operations for government and military forces in the absence of standard navigation tools.
The ninth article in the journal, ‘Cyber-Diplomacy: A Crucial Step Forward in the International Relations of India’, authored by Dr Preethi Amaresh, delves into the profound technological evolution of the 21st Century and the increasing significance of emerging technologies in the realm of international relations. The author posits that ‘Cyber Diplomacy’ has become essential for maintaining effective communication between countries. She underscores the vital role of cyber diplomacy in safeguarding the integrity and longevity of cyberspace, particularly in the face of escalating cyber threats from various nation-states.
The final pair of articles are focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Col Ratnadeep Das, in the penultimate article, uses the conflict as a case study to suggest changes in tactics, techniques, procedures and technology. He challenges the continued reliance on conventional military platforms and promotes the integration of advanced technology through a pragmatic approach to equipment and organisational reform to bolster combat proficiency. The last article by Col Kapil Khanduri, entitled ‘Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Implications for Mechanised Operations in the Indian Context’, analyses the impact of cutting-edge weaponry, the strategies of hybrid warfare, and the role of technology in modern combat. The piece offers valuable lessons and strategic considerations for India’s mechanised infantry units.
In conclusion, this edition of the USI Journal presents a compelling array of articles that collectively offer a deep dive into current military and geopolitical challenges. Each article in this edition is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our contributors, who bring nuanced perspectives to the pressing issues of our time.
Following the articles section of the Journal, we proceed to the winning essay from the 2022 USI-War Wounded Foundation Joint Essay Competition written by Cdr Arun Kumar Yadav with the theme ‘The State of War Wounded Personnel in India: An Appraisal’. This award-winning essay is grounded in thorough research into the circumstances of India’s war-wounded servicemen and women. Drawing on the experiences of these individuals, the essay addresses the challenges they face and proposes strategies for facilitating their smooth transition from the recovery phase to the subsequent stages of their lives.
The final section of the Journal is collection of review article and short book reviews of the various books acquired by the USI library. These are:
- Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories from Battlefields by Probal Dasgupta; Reviewed by Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd).
- The Dragon’s Bite: Strategic Continuum and Chinese People Liberation Army’s Evolving Fire and Teeth by Maj Gen Rajiv Narayanan; Reviewed by Dr Roshan Khanijo.
- China: Courts, Criminal Law and Criminal Law Procedure by Wg Cdr UC Jha; Reviewed by Gp Capt Sharad Tewari, VM (Retd).
- India and the UN Peace Operations: In Service of Humanity and Global Peace by Col (Dr) KK Sharma (Retd); Reviewed by Maj Gen (Dr) AK Bardalai (Retd).
- The Legacy of Shivaji the Great: Military Strategist, Naval Supremacy and the Maratha Empire by Col Anil Athale; Reviewed by Col Ravinder Kumar Sharma (Retd).
- The Army Way by Sartaj Kaur Chaudhary; Reviewed by Ms Komal Chaudhary.
- Maritime Operations Law by Wg Cdr (Dr) UC Jha and Kishore Kumar Khera; Reviewed by Vice Adm AK Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM (Retd)
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Council of Social Science Research for their financial support, without which this endeavour would not be possible. We hope that this edition of the USI Journal serves as both a repository of wisdom and a beacon that guides us through the complex terrain of national security and geopolitics.
As always, we look forward to your feedback and suggestions. Happy reading, and may the discussions within inspire and provoke thought as we navigate the year ahead.
Major General Sanjeev Chowdhry (Retd)
Director Editorial
Author : Maj Gen Sanjeev Chowdhry (Retd),
Category : Journal
Pages : 1 | Price : ₹CLIV/635 | Year of Publication : January 2024-March 2024