Advanced analysis of military strategy, operational art, hybrid warfare, emerging domains, and historical conflict studies shaping modern warfare theory and practice.
As India recalls the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam claiming lives of 26 civilian tourists, I take the opportunity to share my analysis regarding strategies, application of operational art in Operation Sindoor successfully launched by India. Besides the right strategic…
The Iran–Israel–US conflict highlights a critical lesson in modern warfare: tactical military success does not guarantee strategic victory. Despite overwhelming airpower, the US–Israel coalition has struggled to achieve decisive political outcomes against Iran’s resilient, asymmetric defence model. By leveraging geography—especially the Strait of Hormuz—Iran has turned energy flows into a strategic weapon with global consequences. The conflict is accelerating a shift toward a multipolar world order while exposing vulnerabilities for energy-dependent nations like India. Ultimately, without a clear political end-state or exit strategy, even the most advanced military campaigns risk becoming long-term strategic setbacks.
My latest article in Business Standard Blueprint (Defence & Geopolitics) analyses how and why India and China have moved towards a limited tactical reset since late 2025. I argue that the current engagement “is a product of necessity amid global turbulence, not trust” and is best seen as “cautious re‑engagement, not reconciliation.” The reset offers breathing space from US tariff pressures and global uncertainty, but it does not resolve the underlying structural rivalry or the unresolved boundary dispute.
The War of Narratives: Towards an Indian Doctrine for Information and Narrative Warfare By Major General (Dr.) S. B. Asthana, SM, VSM, PhD (Veteran)International Strategic and Military Analyst “Integrating strategic communication and media including social media with kinetic war has…
Sharing a chapter of mine published in a book jointly published by United Service Institution of India, New Delhi (Oldest Think Tank in India) and Army War College, Mhow, India, titled “Modern Conflicts and Changing Character of Warfare: Implications for…
Introduction In a bold demonstration of its growing defence preparedness, Taiwan concluded its longest-ever Han Kuang military drills on 18 July 2025. Spanning 10 days of intense live-fire exercises, the Taiwanese military rehearsed responses across varied battle spaces—starting with countering…
