India's Wars: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of India's Wars, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
India's first war came immediately
Subramaniam describes how, soon after independence, India sent troops to Kashmir to repel raiders and Pakistani forces.
The newly divided army and air force had to fight with limited resources.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Police actions completed integration
The book describes military operations to bring Hyderabad and later Goa into India.
Subramaniam explains how these campaigns were planned and why they ended quickly. Both were short campaigns lasting only days.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
1962 exposed serious weaknesses
Subramaniam describes the war with China, in which Indian forces were poorly prepared and badly led at higher levels.
He examines the political and military mistakes that led to defeat in the Himalayas.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
1965 was a hard-fought stalemate
Subramaniam describes the war with Pakistan, including tank battles in Punjab and air combat.
He argues that the armed forces performed better than in 1962 but missed chances for a decisive result.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
1971 showed planning and coordination
Subramaniam describes the war that led to Bangladesh's creation as a model of planning.
The army, navy and air force worked together, and political and military leaders coordinated well. Victory came within two weeks.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Air power was often underused
As a former air force officer, Subramaniam pays special attention to air power.
He argues that India sometimes hesitated to use its air force fully, especially in 1962, and learnt lessons over time.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Services must work as one
Subramaniam stresses jointness, the ability of different services to plan and fight together.
He argues that wars went best when the services coordinated closely and worst when they acted separately.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Military history must be studied
Subramaniam argues that India has neglected its own military history.
He believes careful study of past wars helps leaders avoid old mistakes and prepares the nation for future challenges. Records must be opened.
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