Strategic & Defence Analysis

Advanced analysis of military strategy, operational art, hybrid warfare, emerging domains, and historical conflict studies shaping modern warfare theory and practice.

Navigating the Cautious Calibrations of Sino-Indian Relations

Navigating the Cautious Calibrations of Sino-Indian Relations Beyond the Reset: Interview of Maj Gen Dr Asthana by World Geostrategic Insight, Italy

The discourse surrounding India-China relations is often caught between the extremes of inevitable confrontation and optimistic reconciliation. However, the reality on the ground is a sophisticated "cautious re-engagement"—a strategic management of competition in an increasingly turbulent global order.

In my recent interview with an Italian international journal World Geostrategic Insights, I delve into why the 2025 "Tianjin Reset" between PM Modi and President Xi is more than just diplomatic optics. We explore the "special problem" India faces with its northern neighbor—a complexity that transcends trade and enters the realm of unsettled borders and collusive threats.

Strategy and Application of Operational Art in Operation Sindoor

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…

How is Iran Standing up to Trump? Decoding Strategies and Limits of Military Power

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.

Coexistence as Strategy in the India–China Reboot

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

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…

Evolution of Operational Art and Strategy: Application in Modern Conflicts        

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…

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