From the Editor-in-Chief | INDERJIT BADHWAR

THIS month’s cover story is not a call to arms, a prescription for an arms race, or an advocacy of jingoism. Even though the headline uses the word “war” in capital letters, the inside package on which it is based is a comprehensive attempt to analyse whether the governance of the nation’s defence sector has kept pace with the demands that accompany changing threat and security perceptions.
We have not created war scenarios or invited writers to construct war games. That is a totally different exercise. What we have done is to look at our preparedness in the 21st Century. Has our government learned anything from the past and current conflicts that have plagued our borders with Pakistan and China? Is it now in a state of readiness to ward off Kargil-like surprises after all the soul-searching that has taken place in the post-war scenario? Do we have any credible deterrence – in addition to the traditional geopolitical posturing and diplomacy and economic measures – for China’s new assertiveness in our region? The future demands futuristic responses and whether India has a solid 21st Century security mindset is what the cover story is all about. It is not just about bravery and soldiering which, thank heavens, India has in abundance. It is also about whether the defence establishment, bureaucracy and politicians are capable of matching the gallantry of our soldiers with courageous governance.
Perhaps the most comprehensive article on this subject is by security analyst Deba Mohanty. For reasons of space we had to omit some of his main observations and recommendations. But, since they represent the thread that is common to all the other articles in our cover story package, I thought it better to summarize them in this editor’s note.
He argues, quite correctly, that trends in the global defence industry have unleashed a set of challenges and opportunities ranging from adjusting to the competitive nature of the arms trade to forming partnerships in production. It is imperative that India formulate a policy document on defence procurement, and lay out a roadmap for the defence sector. Governance must focus on reforming higher defence management with the objective of achieving self-reliance in defence as well as protection of the national interest. So far, issues related to defence procurement have largely been the monopoly of government circles. But, as Mohanty observes, in today’s rapidly changing scenario, many stakeholders – academe, private industry, think tanks — have emerged, and their participation is vital in ushering in 21st Century preparedness.

From the Editor-in-Chief | INDERJIT BADHWAR

THIS month’s cover story is not a call to arms, a prescription for an arms race, or an advocacy of jingoism. Even though the headline uses the word “war” in capital letters, the inside package on which it is based is a comprehensive attempt to analyse whether the governance of the nation’s defence sector has kept pace with the demands that accompany changing threat and security perceptions.
We have not created war scenarios or invited writers to construct war games. That is a totally different exercise. What we have done is to look at our preparedness in the 21st Century. Has our government learned anything from the past and current conflicts that have plagued our borders with Pakistan and China? Is it now in a state of readiness to ward off Kargil-like surprises after all the soul-searching that has taken place in the post-war scenario? Do we have any credible deterrence – in addition to the traditional geopolitical posturing and diplomacy and economic measures – for China’s new assertiveness in our region? The future demands futuristic responses and whether India has a solid 21st Century security mindset is what the cover story is all about. It is not just about bravery and soldiering which, thank heavens, India has in abundance. It is also about whether the defence establishment, bureaucracy and politicians are capable of matching the gallantry of our soldiers with courageous governance.
Perhaps the most comprehensive article on this subject is by security analyst Deba Mohanty. For reasons of space we had to omit some of his main observations and recommendations. But, since they represent the thread that is common to all the other articles in our cover story package, I thought it better to summarize them in this editor’s note.
He argues, quite correctly, that trends in the global defence industry have unleashed a set of challenges and opportunities ranging from adjusting to the competitive nature of the arms trade to forming partnerships in production. It is imperative that India formulate a policy document on defence procurement, and lay out a roadmap for the defence sector. Governance must focus on reforming higher defence management with the objective of achieving self-reliance in defence as well as protection of the national interest. So far, issues related to defence procurement have largely been the monopoly of government circles. But, as Mohanty observes, in today’s rapidly changing scenario, many stakeholders – academe, private industry, think tanks — have emerged, and their participation is vital in ushering in 21st Century preparedness.