PROFILE. (Visit website- https://asthanawrites.org/ )
Globally acknowledged Strategic and Defence Analyst and a Veteran Indian Army General with 45+ years of experience in leadership across military operations, global strategic affairs, international diplomacy, and UN peace operations. PhD from JNU, author of over 500 publications, and contributor to major global media outlets. A sought-after speaker and analyst featured in over 5000 TV interviews and debates worldwide. Recognized for strategic insight, global conflict resolution, and thought leadership. Currently serves as Director at India’s oldest defence think tank, shaping officer education and policy discourse.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Strategic & Military Affairs | Defence Policy & Security Strategy
- Geopolitics & International Relations
- UN Peacekeeping & Multilateral Diplomacy | Global Conflict Resolution
- Media Commentary Editorial Analysis & Strategic Communication
- Leadership & Military Training of officers
- China & Indo-Pacific Security
KEY POSITIONS & AFFILIATIONS
- International Strategic & Military Analyst (Free Lance)
- Director, Centre for Professional Military Education, United Service Institution of India (USI) – Leading India’s oldest think tank in officer education. Conducting largest online and correspondence military officer courses for the past decade for Indian Military
- Former Director General of Infantry, Indian Army | HR development | Training | Modernisation | International military cooperation| for 400,000+ infantry personnel.
- Former Chief Logistics Officer / DCISS (UNMEE) at UN
- Board & Advisory Roles:
- Foreign Policy Research Centre, India
- Confederation of Educational Excellence (CEE)
- Global Advisors Consultants Corporation
- Bharat TV Network
- International Organization for Educational Development (ECOSOC Consultative Body) | UNCESDA | IPC India
- Amity University
- Bharat Centre of Canada (BCC) – Distinguished Expert
- Member/Expert Roles:
- Institute for Defence and Strategic Analyses (IDSA),India
- Centre of Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS),India
- Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network (EPON, Norway)
- Challenges Forum (Sweden) | SWEDINT (Swedish Armed Forces Int’l Centre)
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA APPEARANCES
- Publications in:
Indo-Pacific Defence Forum (USA), Modern Diplomacy (EU/World),Washington Post, SCMP, Korea Times, Asia Times, Economic Times, Global Review (Germany), FDI (Australia), RIAC (Russia), Indian Defence Review, and over 50+ major platforms across US, EU, Asia, and Australia and India. - Featured in over 4500 TV Interviews/Debates on:
Al Jazeera, Russia Today (RT), TVP Poland, BBC, Doordarshan, DDIndia, Rajya Sabha TV, WION, Republic, AajTak, CNN News18, Sansad TV, , IndiaTV, NewsX, among others. - YouTube Channel: Maj Gen Asthana
SELECT INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
- Speaker at UN Headquarters (New York) – Seminars on UN Peace Operations
- Indian diplomatic delegation to Bulgaria
- Leadership Workshop at ZIF Berlin, Germany (2020)
- Strategic talks in universities, think tanks, military & civil service forums, premier Institutes across India and abroad (USA, China, Russia, Germany, Uzbekistan, Sweden)
- External Examiner – Panjab University, IIPA New Delhi
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- PhD in Strategic Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- MPhil (Twice with Distinction) | Public Administration | Management
- PGDHRM, Defence & Management Courses from IIM, Indore
- Advanced Professional Program in Public Administration, IIPA
- National Development Course, Taiwan
- Higher Command Course – Army War College, India
- UN Peace Operations Training – United Nations
HONOURS & AWARDS
- Sena Medal (SM) & Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – Twice decorated by President of India | Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, twice by Indian Army
- Two-time awardee by United Nations
- Excellence Award for Nation Building, by Governor of Haryana
- Twice honoured for International Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution by IOED & International Police Commission (IPC, India) by former Prime Minister of Maldova
Social Media:
Twitter: @asthana_shashi | Facebook: Shashi Asthana | Instagram Shashiasthana3 | Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@GenAsthanaAnalyses
Detailed Resume is given below:-
Maj Gen Shashi Bhushan Asthana, SM, VSM, PhD
International Strategic & Defence Analyst | Former DG Infantry, Indian Army | Director, USI | PhD International Affairs | 500+ Publications | Global Media Commentator | UN Peace Operations
Contact: shashiasthana29@gmail.com | +91-XXXXXXXXX | www.asthanawrites.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shashi-asthana-4b3801a6 | Twitter: @asthana_shashi
Globally recognized strategic and defence analyst with 45+ years of distinguished military leadership, international diplomacy, and UN operations experience. PhD holder with extensive expertise in defence policy, geopolitics, and national security strategy. Authored 500+ publications on military affairs and international relations in premier global platforms. Sought-after media commentator with 5000+ TV interviews and debates across major international and Indian news networks. Ideal candidate for newspaper advisory board roles requiring deep defence expertise and credible strategic perspective.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEFENCE ADVISORY ROLE
Defence & Strategic Expertise:
- Former Director General of Infantry, Indian Army (2011-2014): Macro-managed policies for 400,000+ soldiers including administration, training, equipment, modernization, and strategic planning
- PhD in Strategic Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University specializing in geopolitics and defence strategy
- Extensive experience in UN peacekeeping operations, international diplomacy, and global conflict resolution
- Deep knowledge of Indian defence architecture, regional security dynamics, military modernization, and strategic planning
Authoritative Voice & Publications:
- Authored 500+ publications on military affairs, geopolitics, and security strategy in globally renowned platforms including Washington Post, South China Morning Post, Korea Times, Modern Diplomacy, Indo-Pacific Defence Forum (USA), Economic Times, and 50+ international publications
- Frequent strategic analysis contributor on India-China relations, terrorism, nuclear security, and regional conflicts
- Regular editorial contributor and opinion writer on defence policy and international affairs
Credibility & Media Authority:
- Featured in 4500+ TV interviews/debates on major networks: Al Jazeera, BBC, Russia Today, CNN, Doordarshan, WION, Republic TV, Rajya Sabha TV, and leading Indian media
- Frequently consulted as expert commentator on defence, geopolitics, and military matters
- Established thought leader on Indo-Pacific security, China strategy, and Indian defence modernization
International Strategic & Military Analyst
Freelance | June 2014 – Present
- Provide strategic analysis on global defence, security, and geopolitical issues
- Regularly publish research articles, opinion pieces, and strategic commentaries in international and Indian publications
- Consulted by think tanks, media organizations, and academic institutions for defence and strategic analysis
- Maintain active engagement with global media platforms for expert commentary and analysis
Director, Centre for Professional Military Education
United Service Institution of India (USI) | July 2014 – Present
- Lead the oldest and most prestigious defence think tank in India with responsibility for military education programs
- Conduct strategic research and publish findings on military modernization, defence policy, and strategic affairs
- Train 2,000-2,500 Indian military officers annually on professional military subjects, strategy, and leadership
- External examiner for postgraduate programmes at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and Panjab University
- Deliver lectures on strategic affairs, defence policy, and leadership in premier universities and forums globally
Director General of Infantry, Indian Army
Ministry of Defence | September 2011 – May 2014
- Formulated and managed policies for 400,000+ infantry personnel covering administration, manpower planning, training, modernization, and budgeting
- Oversaw regimental centres and major training institutes across India
- Coordinated joint training with militaries of multiple countries
- Responsible for force structure optimization and strategic planning at highest military level
Head of Training, Defence Services Staff College
Wellington, India | May 2009 – May 2011
- Directed training doctrine and curriculum development for tri-service officer training
- Developed policies and training programs for selected officers from Indian defence services and foreign militaries
- Conceptualized strategic training frameworks for higher command responsibilities
Tripura, India | March 2007 – May 2009
- Senior military commander responsible for security, crisis management, and conflict resolution in disturbed areas
- Successfully led multi-agency operations and counter-insurgency campaigns
- Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal by President of India for exceptional operational performance
Director Operational Logistics, Ministry of Defence
Indian Army Headquarters | December 2002 – July 2005
- Managed macro logistics and supply chain operations for Indian Army across all borders
- Coordinated logistics for Indian military contingents deployed to UN missions globally
- Awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards for outstanding performance
Chief Logistics Officer & Deputy Chief Integrated Support Services
UN Mission in Ethiopia & Eritrea (UNMEE) | December 2001 – December 2002
- Served in senior UN logistics management position during mission establishment phase
- Oversaw engineering, construction, and logistics operations for international peacekeeping mission
- Awarded Special Representative of Secretary General Commendation Card for outstanding contribution
PhD in Strategic Studies – Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Specialization: Infrastructure Development by China and Strategic Implications for India
MPhil (Public Administration) – Panjab University | Outstanding Grade
MPhil (Advanced Professional Programme) – Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management – Indian Institute of Management, Indore
National Development Course – National Defence University, Taiwan
Advanced Professional Program in Public Administration – IIPA, New Delhi
UN Peace Operations Training – United Nations
- Advisory Board: Global Advisors Consultants Corporation
- Governing Council Member: Confederation of Educational Excellence (CEE)
- Security Council Member: International Organization for Educational Development (ECOSOC Consultative Body)
- International Police Commission: IPC India & UNCESDA
- Advisory Role: Amity University, Foreign Policy Research Institute
- Life Member: United Service Institution of India (USI), Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
- Distinguished Expert: Bharat Centre of Canada (BCC)
- Member: Institute for Defence & Strategic Analyses (IDSA)
- Member: Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network (EPON), Norway
Military Decorations:
- Sena Medal (SM) – Awarded by President of India for gallantry and exceptional service
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – Awarded by President of India for distinguished service (Awarded Twice)
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card – Awarded twice by Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army
- GOC-in-C Commendation Card – Awarded by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief
International Recognition:
- UN Commendation Card – Special Representative of Secretary General, UNMEE
- UN Awardee – Recognized twice by United Nations for international service
- Excellence Award for Nation Building – Governor of Haryana
Diplomatic & Professional Honours:
- International Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution Award – International Organization for Educational Development (IOED)
- International Police Commission Award – By former Prime Minister of Moldova
Defence & Strategic Analysis: Defence policy, military modernization, strategic planning, force structure optimization, armed forces modernization
Geopolitics & International Relations: India-China relations, regional security dynamics, Indo-Pacific strategy, terrorism and counter-terrorism, nuclear security strategy
Military & Operational Expertise: Military leadership, counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping operations, military logistics, strategic command
International Affairs: UN operations, international diplomacy, multilateral relations, global conflict resolution, peace operations
Media & Communications: Strategic commentary, opinion writing, editorial analysis, media expert consultation
KEY PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA PLATFORMS
International Publications:
Washington Post, South China Morning Post, Korea Times, Modern Diplomacy (EU), Indo-Pacific Defence Forum (USA), Global Review (Germany), FDI (Australia), Economic Times, Asia Times, International Business Times, Strait Times (Singapore)
Indian Publications:
Indian Defence Review, The Sunday Guardian, Business World, Financial Express, DNA India, Business Standard, The Indian Wire, Outlook, Quint, India Times
Media Appearances:
Al Jazeera, Russia Today, BBC, CNN, Doordarshan, WION, Republic TV, Rajya Sabha TV, CNN News18, ABP News, AajTak, NewsX, TV9, India Ahead, Zee News, IndiaTV
- Global Strategic Network: Extensive connections with defence think tanks, military institutions, and policy organizations across USA, EU, Asia, Russia, and ASEAN
- Speaking Engagements: Regular speaker at UN Headquarters, international universities, military forums, and strategic conferences globally
- Academic Credibility: External examiner for postgraduate programs at premier Indian institutions
- Content Generation: Prolific writer capable of producing timely, insightful analysis on defence and strategic issues
- Research Capability: Ability to conduct in-depth research and provide data-driven strategic analysis
- Multilingual: Fluent in English and Hindi
Social Media:
Twitter: @asthana_shashi | Facebook: Shashi Asthana | Instagram Shashiasthana3 | Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@GenAsthanaAnalyses
