Dear Readers,
We take great pride and responsibility in presenting the third edition of the United Service Institution (USI) of India Journal for 2024. For over a century and a half, the USI has been a trusted source of insightful analysis on key issues related to national security, international affairs, military history, United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping, and geopolitics.
This edition features 12 meticulously researched articles covering a wide array of topics. These include the use of sea drones in maritime warfare, the implications of India’s new criminal laws, the role of India’s soft power, defence industrialisation, and ammunition management. Additionally, two China-focused articles explore China’s impact on India’s outreach to Tibet and India’s strategies to counter China. We also present two articles on the Indian Air Force (IAF). The first discusses the expansion of the IAF’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), while the second delves into tactical transport operations along India’s northern border. Lastly, this issue includes the runner-up entry from the USI Gold Medal Essay Competition 2023, which examines the military lessons for India from the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The featured article, ‘Jointmanship: The Way Ahead’ by Gen Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, the Chief of Defence Staff, explores the ongoing efforts to enhance cross-service cooperation through jointness, a concept fundamental to the restructuring of military operations. It examines the creation of theatre commands, the evolution of military tactics from single to multi-domain operations, and the convergence of traditional and emerging warfare domains. Following this, Vice Admiral AK Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, PhD (Retd), in his article ‘Sea Drones in Maritime Warfare: The Ukraine Experience’, examines the immense potential of sea drones, highlighting their successes and limitations, using the Ukraine conflict as a case study.
The third article in this series, written by Wing Commander (Dr) UC Jha (Retd), titled ‘New Criminal Laws in India’, explores the recent legal reforms introduced by the Indian government, which have comprehensively overhauled the existing system to meet the evolving needs of the administrative and judicial frameworks. He also underscores the need for a complete revision of military laws, advocating for a unified legal code across all three branches of the armed forces. The following article, 'Enhancing India’s Soft Power: A Strategic Imperative' by Vinayak Sharma, analyses India’s global soft power projection, drawing comparisons with the strategies employed by the United States and China. The author further provides recommendations on how India can institutionalise and strengthen its soft power mechanisms on the global stage.
In the fifth article ‘Defence Industrialisation in Developing Countries: An analysis of India’ by Commander Raghvendra Chaturvedi (Retd) and Dr M Venkatesan assess the challenges facing India’s defence production and outline a roadmap for achieving self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector. The sixth article, Ammunition Management in Modern Warfare: Analysing Recent Conflicts and Their Strategic Implications’, by Brigadier Biju Jacob, VSM provides insights into optimising ammunition management in modern warfare, using case studies from Ukraine, Israel, and Armenia. The article also delves into the broader implications of ammunition management on defence policies, addressing key factors such as resource allocation, international alliances, and arms trade regulations.
In the article ‘The Dragon’s Shadow: Understanding China’s Impact on India’s Approach to Tibet’, Dr Beena examines how China is consolidating its influence in Tibet through infrastructure development, military presence, and cultural assimilation. She further explores how China’s policies in Tibet are reshaping regional dynamics and compelling India to reassess and revamp its own approach. The eighth article, which is the second part of his article in the Apr-Jun issue of the USI Journal, ‘The Elephant’s Trumpet for Taming the Dragon Part II’, by Air Commodore Shirish Dhakate, focuses on China’s current and future trajectory. It highlights the systematic reorganisation of China’s command structures and their significant implications, stressing the need for a comprehensive analysis. The article outlines strategic measures India can adopt to effectively address these developments. The following article, ‘China’s Influence in the United Nations: An Evolving Role’, by Colonel DCS Mayal (Retd), discusses how China views the UN as a strategic to tool to advance its ‘Middle Kingdom’ vision. The author explains how Beijing has furthered its agenda by positioning nationals and proxies in key UN roles, providing financial support, and launching aligned programs, thereby, enabling China to shape global agendas and build coalitions that challenge western dominance.
The next article, ‘Increasing Indian Air Force’s Footprint in the Indian Ocean Region’, by Wing Commander AS Singh and Squadron Leader Umang Gupta, explores the strategic significance of the IOR, a crucial maritime zone where global powers vie for influence due to its strategic location and abundant resources. This competition has intensified naval activities, defence partnerships, and geopolitical manoeuvring. The authors contend that an expanded IAF presence in the region could prove to be a game-changer, enhancing India’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives. The penultimate article, ‘Tactical Transport Operations Along the Northern Border’, by Air Commodore Kunal Kala, Wing Commander Rathiesh NM, Squadron Leader Dasari Abhishek, and Squadron Leader Prashant Kumar P Gitte, addresses the challenges and opportunities the IAF faces in the mountainous northern region. The hostile nature of India’s northern neighbours presents significant tactical challenges, requiring the IAF to operate at the tactical level. The article underscores the critical importance of tactical air operations along the Northern Border.
The final and 12th article, ‘Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Military Lessons for India’, by Group Captain (Dr) Swaim Prakash Singh, which earned the 2nd Runner-up position in the Gold Medal Essay Competition, explores the key lessons India can draw from the Russia-Ukraine war. The article highlights how the multifaceted nature of the conflict has transformed modern warfare, incorporating conventional military strategies, hybrid tactics, and strategic considerations. It offers India valuable insights to strengthen its military preparedness and adapt to evolving warfare dynamics.
The final section of the Journal features a review article and a brief book review of two titles acquired by the USI library. These include:
- ‘Maharajas, Emperors, Viceroys, Borders: Nepal’s Relations North and South’ by Sam Cowan; Reviewed by Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd).
- ‘Vision Courage and Service: Life and Times of General TN Raina, MVC’ by Brigadier Satish K Issar; Reviewed by Dr Jyoti Yadav.
In conclusion, this edition of the USI Journal offers a rich and insightful collection of articles and reviews that thoroughly examine contemporary military and geopolitical challenges. Each contribution reflects the expertise and commitment of our authors, providing nuanced perspectives on the critical issues shaping the current global landscape.
We sincerely thank the Indian Council of Social Science Research for their generous financial support, and our authors without which this publication would not have been possible. We hope this edition of the USI Journal serves not only as a valuable repository of knowledge but also as a guiding light through the intricate landscape of national security and geopolitics.
As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Happy reading, and may the discussions within inspire thoughtful reflection as we navigate the challenges of the year ahead.
Major General
Sanjeev Chowdhry (Retd)
Director Editorial
Author : Maj Gen Sanjeev Chowdhry (Retd),
Category : Journal
Pages : 357 | Price : ₹CLIV/637 | Year of Publication : July 2024-September 2024