Is India too defensive and tolerant when its core national security is
threatened? Has it been a 'soft state' in responding to terrorist provocations
from Pakistan and territorial encroachments from China? Does India lack
a strategic culture of raising the costs of aggression by its two principal
adversaries?
The past record of the Indian state has been questioned on such grounds. But
this changed during the prime ministership of Narendra Modi. Guided by a
'security first' vision and the doctrine of 'offensive defense', his government
sought to alter the strategic calculus of India's opponents by credibly
demonstrating a willingness to use commensurate military force and apply
diplomatic and economic pressure.
Crunch Time: Narendra Modi's National Security Crises offers a comprehensive
analysis of how 'new India' conducted itself during episodes of major national
security crises. It is a testament to how a strong-willed political leadership
with mass social support can transform a country's strategic culture and
deter its foes.
