The primary aim of defence studies is to act as a link between civil society, business and the armed forces in dealing with peace and security issues of national and regional importance.

Its purpose is to study, promote debate, report and provide options on all issues relating to national and international defence and security.

Unfortunately for India, internal security has acquired high importance, with the emergence of radical groups in Indian polity, such as the People?s War Group or the Naxalites. With low-intensity conflict surmised as the main threat, a manpower-intensive military, but one with a high-technology defence establishment, is a necessity.

What do i have to do?

Research undertaken at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis includes military, political, economic, environmental, scientific and technological aspects of strategic developments. Strategy is defined in the broadest sense as embracing not only the control and application of military force, but also the peaceful settlement of disputes that could cause violence.

Defence analysts advise on the balancing of quality with quantity if India is to maintain a credible and affordable defence system. In India, almost 3,00,000 troops (nearly 25 per cent of the fighting force) are directly involved in internal security duties, the rest of the 1.3 million force being earmarked for external defence. Analysts say that informed evaluation of intelligence must be inculcated among the political leadership, security forces and the bureaucracy.

What should i study?

Defence, international relations and strategic studies are growing in popularity at universities. Students are studying a range of relevant courses locally and internationally. You should be a qualified graduate with a keen interest in defence.

What next?

International terrorism, non-proliferation and human rights, international relations, and the cross-border challenges facing India are some of the recent trends in defence studies and analysis.

The changing profile of national security concerns from external to internal threats is a significant development of the last two decades. The nature of threats, their causes and possible solutions need to be examined to evolve policy options. In military terms, India?s decision to test and declare itself a nuclear power will greatly influence its international relations. Growing security concerns in the south Asian region is a significant development that requires proper analysis. International perspectives on India and the region form an important part of this security analysis.

Military and civilian personnel working in defence and security concerns need a thorough understanding of the nature of conflict and the elements of successful military operations. Therefore, foreign and defence policy-making, and instruments of global influence are of great importance.

Those with adequate experience and knowledge can make it to the highest policy-making body ? the United Nations. Academics, including research and publishing books and articles, are other options.

Rapid changes in the defence environment, together with increasing demands on defence professionals, have become evident in recent years. Military personnel are increasingly called upon to operate in wider and less familiar roles, such as peacekeeping, truce-monitoring, conflict resolution, disaster relief and civil defence. They are expected to master the key elements of their profession early in their careers, and this basic professional training is provided within the defence forces.