Indian leaders displayed surprising
indifference to national security in the first
few decades after independence, with the
posts of the Indian Naval and Air Force
Chiefs being occupied by British officers for
more than a decade after independence.
Despite having faced an armed invasion by
its recently excised neighbour within sixtyeight
days of its independence, the Indian
State failed to internalize the vital
importance of a firm foreign policy backed by
military strength, for safeguarding the
interests of the nation. This resulted in
numerous wars with China and Pakistan.
These wars and other changes in the
international arena such as the dissolution of
the USSR made Indian policy makers
introspect and adapt to the changing times.
The book presents the reader with a
fascinating mosaic of India’s external
relations and security perspectives in both
the immediate and the extended
neighbourhood. While being candid and
sometimes critical of current policy, the
notable feature of the seminars has been the
thrust on presenting viable policy options for
the furtherance of India’s national interests.
For over a decade, Asia Centre, Bangalore
has held regular seminars on India’s external
relations and security environment.
The former Governor of
Karnataka, T.N. Chaturvedi is its Chief
Patron and A.P. Venkateswaran, former
Foreign Secretary, is its Chairman; and Vice
Admiral (Retd) R.N. Ganesh is its Director.
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