Singh, who presented his book *General’s Jottings: National Security, Conflicts, and Strategies* to Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, pointed out that traditional defence strategies have been focused on threats from the western and eastern borders
Lieutenant General (Retired) K J Singh has urged India to reassess its security strategies in light of the growing economic importance of its peninsular regions, particularly cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Speaking at a media interaction in New Delhi, the military veteran highlighted the need for a robust security framework to protect these burgeoning economic hubs.
“The peninsular India risk profile needs to be assessed,” Singh stated. “The rising economic profile of India needs a security template. The regional economic growth centres need security assessment with robust security arrangements.” He emphasised that as India’s economic engines shift towards the south, security considerations must adapt accordingly.
Singh, who presented his book *General’s Jottings: National Security, Conflicts, and Strategies* to Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, pointed out that traditional defence strategies have been focused on threats from the western and eastern borders. However, he argued that safeguarding the economic centres of peninsular India is now an essential aspect of national security. “Conventionally, the armed forces are aligned for the threat perceptions at the national borders. But amid economic security becoming a key aspect of strategic affairs, the armed forces should make adequate changes to safeguard the economic centres in peninsular India against any external threats,” he said.
Singh also called for the establishment of strategic think tanks at the command centre level to develop specialised expertise. “We have some beginnings, but we need to investigate the finer aspects and introduce a higher degree of professional outlook. Care should be taken that duplicity is not done at the think tanks that have come up at several centres,” he added.
Drawing on his experience as the former head of the Sikkim Corps of the Indian Army, Singh highlighted the need for a realignment of forces to address security challenges on the eastern border. He also stressed the importance of empowering the Centrally Armed Police Forces to manage evolving threats effectively.
In his book, Singh delves into global conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, observing that fatigue is setting in among Ukrainian forces, while Western allies remain reluctant to commit troops. “The first defining trend is that the application of kinetic force has limited effect and utility. It is certainly not adequate for a decisive end-state,” Singh wrote. He noted that Russia’s “special operation” to capture Kyiv has now entered its third year, far exceeding initial expectations.
Singh further analysed the broader geopolitical landscape, suggesting that protracted military conflicts are becoming more common. He highlighted the emerging competition between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a “clash of corridors.” He remarked, “Geo-economics is being leveraged through sanctions, especially in energy security. It also appears that between BRI and IMEC, the world is moving literally towards a clash of corridors.”
Singh’s insights offer a comprehensive view of the evolving security landscape, both within India and globally, emphasising the need for adaptive strategies in a rapidly changing world.
