Sanjeev Chowdhry

The volume underscores that war is no longer confined to land, sea, and air; instead, it now extends into cyber, space, and cognitive realms. Emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems are transforming not only battlefield tactics but also the very nature of operational art and strategic decision-making. Equally, it cautions that while technology may act as a force multiplier, it introduces new risks, ethical dilemmas, and vulnerabilities that require careful management.

As the global order undergoes tectonic shifts and the boundaries between war and peace, diplomacy and coercion, technology and doctrine increasingly blur, this volume brings clarity, depth, and vision. It captures the breadth of India’s strategic challenges and opportunities—reimagining its global role, reinforcing internal resilience through inclusive governance, countering adversarial alignments, recalibrating regional engagement, navigating the emerging digital battlefield, and transforming defence capabilities for future warfare.

The Joint Publication between the United Service Institute of India and the Army War College, which will be published yearly, focuses on the subject Indias Strategic Thought and Multi-domain Warfare Perspectives.The publication is a culmination of insightful articles and analyses from serving and retired officers of the three services. It highlights India`s strategic thought, deeply rooted in its rich history, cultural heritage, and geopolitical realities, reflecting a nation with diverse strategic interests and a commitment to regional stability, understanding both traditional and non-traditional domains of warfare. The current landscape also witnesses multi-domain warfare and greyzone conflicts, prompting a serious reflection. The analysis in the publication delves into the influence of spiritual beliefs on Indian strategic thought, drawing from ancient scriptures and philosophies to advocate for a holistic national approach. It also explores multi-domain operations, emphasising innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in modem warfare, with a focus on India`s context. It addresses the emergence of grey zone operations, technology-driven victories, and the role of air power and maritime domain, advocating for effective mechanisms to manage these challenges, while emphasising the need for enhancements to international legal frameworks.