India is poised to play a significant role in the 21st century multipolar world. The fulcrum of geostrategic power play is shifting towards the East, where China and India together account for more than one third of humanity and more than a quarter of global trade. Security threats abound in the contemporary world, which could either be overt or covert, and may manifest in the external or internal dimensions. They may be from hostile States or non-State actors, and could be military or economic or both. The scourge of terrorism and radicalization has now diffused widely like a hydra-headed monster. Threats to Nations' Internal security are therefore more devious and worrisome than external aggression. Hence, security against the wide array of threats also has to be multi-dimensional to cover all bases. In the emerging geopolitical environment, it is imperative that India takes a holistic view of all the challenges in its internal and external dimensions. It needs to urgently evolve a coherent National Security Doctrine and strategy to meet those challenges effectively. The National Security Paradigm proposed in the book is a comprehensive conceptual model that integrates all dimensions in the Nation's internal and external environments that have a bearing on National security. Although the model can be applied generically, it has been adapted to India's context. Based on it, an in-depth anaysis is carried out of all the elements that impact India's security. Internal security has been analyzed through the prisms of National will and ethos; Political stability and morality; Social cohesion; Economic strength with inclusive growth; and Integrity of institutions. Based on a comprehensive review of the Global geopolitical environment, India's external threats are analyzed under the dimensions of National Security Doctrine and strategy, Military power, Defence budget, Military-industrial complex, Foreign policy and Soft power. Internal stability, social cohesion and inclusive growth, along with a strong National ethos provide the strong foundation that boosts India's strength and capability to ward of all external challenges. Citizens and Soldiers are together in this mission to make India strong internally as well as against external threats. Together they are keeping India's tryst with destiny.
About the Author: Deepak Sethi earned his PhD in International Business Strategy, Organizational Studies, and Management from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2001. He also holds the Master of Management Sciences and Master of Science degrees, as well as Post-graduate Diploma in Management from leading universities in India. Since 2001, he has been a professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, Oakland University in Michigan, and Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Dr Sethi's research has been published in top academic journals such as Journal of International Business Studies, International Business Review, Journal of International Management, European Business Review, and the Asia Pacific Journal of Management. He writes extensively on geopolitical and International Business issues, focusing especially upon South Asia, China, and the USA. Prior to entering academia in the United States, he served in the Indian Army for 31 years, and took early retirement in the rank of Brigadier General in 1997. A veteran of the India-Pakistan War of 1971, he later commanded an Artillery Regiment in a high-altitude sector on the India-China border, and an Artillery Brigade on the border with Pakistan. During his military career, he also held several important Staff and Teaching appointments, and has been the Editor of The Artillery Journal. He scripted, anchored, and produced a motivational film for the Army; Pause to Ponder: Ethics Values and the Soldier, for which he interviewed Bharat Ratna JRD Tata and Nani Palkhivala among others. He is a recipient of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation from the Indian Army, and Best Dissertation Award from the College of Defence Management. He published his memoir, He Opens another Door in 2013, and "Operation Jantar Mantar" in September 2015.