The recent sail with the Philippines is best seen as a gesture: One that signals India’s interest in regional stability and support for a partner under pressure, without upending its longstanding policy of cautious engagement
War, however cathartic it may seem, would be an error without strategic purpose. India needs to undertake a patient, determined campaign — one that imposes costs, builds leverage, and denies the adversary strategic space
Even if the time is ripe for India to act on the attack by Houthis, the question is: How? Anti-drone warfare is complex and few navies have the means to effectively combat air-and-sea-borne drones.
Creative use of available war technology, crew competence, ship design and ability of leaders to think in non-linear ways are some takeaways for naval heads.
The limiting of naval manoeuvres to non-disputed regions of the South China Sea is likely to have been perceived by some as a concession to Chinese vanity
Abhijit Singh writes: Should India demand special rights in its near-seas, especially in circumstances when international law does not fully account for foreign activity that could imperil its national security?
