Reset of Regional Geopolitical Order

Nation-state, sovereign autonomy, national interest, comprehensive national power, elements of national power, war is politics by other means, balance of power, strategy-operational art-tactics, hegemony. These terms are not clichés but dominate the lexicon of the current global and regional geopolitical churn. In the various articles in this compilation, these terms have been discussed so as to comprehend the larger geopolitical and strategic mosaic with focus on India and its barbed relations with its two belligerent neighbours.

Territorial disputes between nations generally become a generational issue. China's claims over Tibet is rooted in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), which was established by the Mongol Empire. China maintains that this period marked the beginning of Tibet's incorporation into Chinese territory. Its irredentist claims are passed on for centuries. China has laid claim on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This claim will be etched in stone for future generations to fulfil. India has to be prepared for such an eventuality.

On the other hand, India is reluctant and sort of apologetic about its claim of Aksai Chin and POK. War in J&K was not pursued to recapture POK in 1947-48. Gains made into POK in 1965 were given up under diplomatic and political pressure. At the Shimla Conference in 1972, 93,000 Prisoner's on War who had surrendered in 1971 War which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, were returned to Pakistan without any political/diplomatic/strategic conditions being imposed on Pakistan. Peace is by product of strong military and a robust diplomacy. If the powers that be think otherwise, it is political pusillanimity.

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Lt Gen JS Bajwa, superannuated in March 2013 after 39 years of service in the army. He had served in most of India's borders areas and in Counter Terrorist operations in J&K. Between 1998 and 2000 he was the Army's representative in the Experts Group which was part of the Joint Working Group formed to address the India-China LAC. He had served as Chief of Staff Eastern Command. He has been the Commandant of Officers Training Academy, Chennai and later of The Infantry School, Mhow before taking over as Director General Infantry at the Army Headquarters, New Delhi.

He is the recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal and Sena Medal.

A post graduate in Defence Studies and MPhil in Defence and Management Studies and Doctorate in Defence and Strategic Studies. He has authored three books with focus on China. He was the editor of the prestigious Indian Defence Review from 2014 to 2024.