The India Factor

The India Factor highlights how personal experience shapes an understanding of geostrategy and smart power. Drawing from the author's tenure as Defence Attaché in Hanoi in 1996, with responsibilities extending to Laos and Cambodia, it reflects the respect India commanded across its extended neighbourhood.

This period coincided with pivotal events such as the 1998 nuclear tests, developments in the South China Sea, ASEAN expansion in 1999, and Operation Vijay. Together, these moments offered a clear view of India's emerging smart power and the constructive role played by its armed forces.

The narrative also underscores India's strategic outreach through energy exploration and defence cooperation. ONGC Videsh's continued presence in the South China Sea despite pressure, and the export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, reinforced India's credibility.

In conclusion, the book argues that India's rise depends on smart power rooted in strategic partnerships and military diplomacy, especially across the Afghanistan–Indo-China arc.

**************************************

In an era defined by geopolitical flux, this book offers a critical military-strategic analysis of India's burgeoning influence and consolidating partnerships across its extended neighbourhood.

From the bustling corridors of the G-20 presidency to the contested borders of the Himalayas, from the strategic waterways of the Indian Ocean to the evolving dynamics of post-Taliban Afghanistan, Maj Gen PK Chakravorty provides an exhaustive analysis of India's neighbourhood relations.

The author examines India's ties with ASEAN, BIMSTEC and key maritime partners and shows how India leverages its unique position and philosophy, encapsulated by the Act East Policy's 4 Cs (Culture, Commerce, Connectivity, Capacity Building) and the SAGAR vision (Security for All and Growth for All) to translate into concrete initiatives in trade, connectivity, crisis response and security cooperation.

Chakravorty argues that the strategic application of Smart Power, the strategic integration of hard and soft power, is essential for India to secure its national interests and foster greater resilience among its partners.

Written with the perspective of a seasoned military thinker, this book is an indispensable read for anyone seeking to understand why India matters more than ever to the region's peace and prosperity.

— Maj Gen P K Mullick, VSM, Former Senior Directing Staff at National Defence College and Defence Analyst