Water is emerging as one of the most critical strategic resources of the twenty-first century, shaping not only domestic development trajectories but also geopolitical landscape of entire regions. Nowhere is this more evident than in South Asia, where rising populations, rapid urbanisation, expanding economic activity and accelerating climate impacts are stretching freshwater systems to their limits. This book offers an in-depth examination of India`s water security challenges within this complex and evolving context.

Drawing upon contemporary hydrological data, policy debates and regional geopolitical dynamics, the book traces the gradual but alarming shift of India from water abundance to water stress. At the heart of the analysis is the recognition that water scarcity is both an environmental concern and a multi-dimensional challenge with social, economic, political and security implications.

Ultimately, this book serves as both an analytical study and a policy guide. It urges policymakers, scholars, water professionals and strategic thinkers to rethink India`s engagement with water, from domestic conservation and technological innovation to regional hydro-diplomacy. By presenting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead, the book seeks to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on securing India’s water future and ensuring long-term stability in the wider South Asian region.

Maj Gen Akash Kaushik, SM, PhD is a distinguished officer of the Indian Army and a strategic thinker with extensive expertise in defence, intelligence and national security. He is currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Transformation), where he is responsible for undertaking the transformation of the IndianDefence Forces to conduct and prevail in future conflicts and wars. This wide ambit includes technology absorption, facilitating civil-military fusion and conduct of major tri-service courses such as the Future Warfare Course as well as wide ranging dialogues on war, warfare and war fighting Ran Samwad. He is also responsible for conducting and interacting with dignitaries from academia as well as industry captains from the private sector, startups and MSMEs to boost Atmanirbharta in the defence sector.  

This book is an outcome of his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) research submitted to Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, in the field of Defence and Strategic Studies, under the supervision of Prof. S.P. Vats. The doctoral work focused on India`s water security and its strategic implications for national and regional stability. The research provided a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of both internal and external challenges related to water resources in South Asia. This book builds upon and expands that research, presenting it in an accessible format for scholars, policymakers, and general readers.

Maj Gen Kaushik has held several key appointments, including Chief of Staff (COS), Fire and Fury Corpsand service in the United Nations Operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). He completed the prestigious Aviation Officers Career Course at Fort Rucker (now Fort Novosel), Alabama and holds M.Phil. and Master`s degrees in Defence & Management Studies and Strategic Studies/Military Science.

Combining operational experience, academic scholarship, and strategic insight, Maj Gen Kaushik translates his expertise into actionable perspectives on water security, regional cooperation, and hydro-diplomacy. This book reflects the culmination of years of study, field experience, and research, making it a valuable contribution to understanding the nexus of natural resources, national security, and regional stability.