India\'s Defence and Security : Intra-Regional Dimension

Contents: Foreword. 1. National security. 2. Security and strategic environment. 3. India\'s defence and security options. 4. Indo-Nepal relations: security and strategic dimensions. 5. India and Bhutan: security and strategic understanding. 6. Indo-Sri Lankan Relations: where lie strategic aberrations? 7. India and Bangladesh: security issues. 8. Indo-Pakistan relations: roots of security problems. Summing up. Appendix. Select bibliography. Index.

"India\'s Defence and Security Policies towards South Asian States occupy a seminal importance in the Post-Cold War geopolitical and geostrategic environment. The paradigmatic shifts in the emerging world order necessitate the rethinking over old security and strategic doctrines. The changing parameter of the security concept call upon the ruling elites in South Asia to focus their attention on economic and social security, on cultural and ethno-religious harmony, on the cross-border drug trafficking, harco-terrorism, smuggling and extremist activities in the interest of a durable peace, security and development in the region.

The study addresses the multiple dimension of security by examining the volatile security and strategic environment as well as economic and political conditions obtaining in the region. An in-depth discussion on theoretical paradigms is an attempt to understand the complex and critical security and strategic relations of India with South Asian Countries. The study examines the security issues in a holistic perspective and suggests the modalities and methods to overcome the problem in a spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation. Besides, the author has systematically offered a critique of options for strengthening India\'s defence and security in the given strategic milieu at global, regional and domestic levels. How India should cope with security and strategic problems with the South Asian States? The author attempts to answer them." (jacket)