ABOUT THE BOOK
India’s strategic role today is shaped by a unique blend of ancient
civilisational depth and modern pragmatism, demanding a fresh examination as
the global order shifts. Reimaging India’s Strategic Culture in the Emerging
World Order analyses how India’s strategic thinking has developed and how it
must adapt to meet new international challenges. Millennia of intellectual
traditions, geography, and diverse historical influences—from Hindu and Vedic
roots to Mughal, colonial, and modern eras—have formed a dynamic strategic
culture. While India has embraced modernity, democracy, and global integration,
it continues to value patience, endurance, strategic autonomy, non-alignment,
and diplomacy. These qualities have helped India navigate a complex
neighborhood but are sometimes misinterpreted as indecision. Contrary to such
perceptions, India’s strategic culture draws from ancient texts like the Vedas,
Mahabharata, and Arthashastra, blending realism with ethical principles. Facing
new regional and global dynamics—such as the rise of the Indo-Pacific, the
Quad, and China’s revisionism—India is shifting toward selective alliances and
greater global engagement. The book argues that India must evolve its strategic
culture by combining historical wisdom with forward-looking policies. It
provides valuable insights for scholars and policymakers, emphasising the need
for strength and innovation to secure India`s prosperity and leadership in a
changing world.
The book highlights India’s evolving approach, balancing tradition, autonomy,
and regional security challenges India draws on millennia of texts like the
Vedas and Arthashastra to inform its ethical and strategic decisions.
As global dynamics change, India is shifting towards selective alliances and
greater international influence. The analysis emphasizes the need for India to
adapt its strategic culture by integrating historical insights with future
policies.
ABOUT Author
Colonel Sachin Shankar Mahadik, VSM, Senior Research Fellow at the
United Service Institution of India, has over 25 years of active service across
varied terrain and operational conditions. The officer has also served in
the UNDOF on the Golan Heights. A keen observer of contemporary warfare,
the officer has been closely following the issue of the Strategic Culture
of India. His first book examines the important subject in great
details.