This book is a critical, contemporary view of the modern Indian Army: at 1 million strong, "the largest volunteer army in the world and also the only apolitical army in the third world without any Cromwell or Napoleon having risen from its ranks to acquire power a powerful visible army, but little-known or understood."

Starting with a concise history of the army since its inception, the book reviews in depth India's military relationships with China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Among the aspects covered are: a dispassionate look at past conflicts, the likelihood of future wars, including the possible use of nuclear weapons. The army's interaction with its political masters, its experience o tackling various insurgencies, its relationship with the media, and the emerging prickly issue of arms production and procurement are also closely examined.

An analysis of the ethos and traditions of the army reveals many an interesting insight and anecdote. some surprising and unpleasant facts emerge as well. Timely cautionary alarms are sounded with regard to the possible impact upon it of the militant Sikh and Gorkha agitations. A peep into the future shows a third world army only partly equipped with high technology weapon systems and but poorly poised to lend support shou8ld the country adopt a more venturesome foreign policy.

About the Author

Rajesh Kadian comes from a military family and has keenly observed the Indian Army at close quarters for a numbers of years. Two years of exhaustive research in three continents went into the writing of this authoritative readable account about Indian and its army.

"The right book at the right time Excellent, lucid and full of information

"A quick but discerning scan of the Army's evolution from the East Indian Company's Watchmen to the Standing army that it is today."

"Kadian has provided useful books for anyone interested in South Asian military Affairs."

"An extremely good job in bringing out thought-provoking issues with an unbiased mind."