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Securing India The Modi Way: Pathankot, Surgical Strikes and More
In Securing India the Modi way - Pathankot, Surgical strikes and More, Nitin A. Gokhale provides the most intimate and sweeping account yet of Team Narendra Modi's approach to national security and foreign policy initiatives. Drawing on internal memos, as yet classified information, meeting notes and hundreds of hours of interviews with key players in the national security team, Gokhale brings alive inside stories of decision-making at the highest levels in the government. Painstakingly researched, the book details hitherto unknown aspects of the planning and execution of the surgical strikes, revamping of New Delhi's policy towards China and Pakistan, India's renewed global policy focus on Middle East, Prime Minister Modi's attempt to leverage the Indian diaspora worldwide and his attention to smallest of details besides focusing on some small but far-reaching steps taken to secure India in every possible way -on land, space, cyber and maritime domains.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2017
36 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Nitin A. Gokhale
13 books38 followersNitin A. Gokhale , one of South Asia’s leading Strategic Analysts, is a renowned author, media trainer and founder of a specialised defence-related website BharatShakti.in.
After working for 32 years as a media practitioner across print, web and broadcast mediums, during which he reported on India’s North-East, focusing on the different insurgencies there, the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan and the Sri Lankan Eelam War IV to name a few, he is now a full-time author and part-time media entrepreneur since December 2014.
Author of five books so far on insurgencies, wars and conflicts, he is visiting faculty at all Indian Defence training institutions like the National Defence College, all the three war colleges, the College of Defence Management and the Defence Services Staff College, besides being a popular speaker at various seminars and symposiums on civil military relations, insurgency/terrorism, Asian security Affairs and military-media relations. His previous books include Beyond NJ 9842:The Siachen Saga, 1965 Turning the Tide: How India won the War and Sri Lanka: From War to Peace.
Gokhale also appears on News Channels as a commentator and writes regular columns for various publications besides hosting a television show—India First—for India’s national broadcaster, Doordarshan.
After working for 32 years as a media practitioner across print, web and broadcast mediums, during which he reported on India’s North-East, focusing on the different insurgencies there, the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan and the Sri Lankan Eelam War IV to name a few, he is now a full-time author and part-time media entrepreneur since December 2014.
Author of five books so far on insurgencies, wars and conflicts, he is visiting faculty at all Indian Defence training institutions like the National Defence College, all the three war colleges, the College of Defence Management and the Defence Services Staff College, besides being a popular speaker at various seminars and symposiums on civil military relations, insurgency/terrorism, Asian security Affairs and military-media relations. His previous books include Beyond NJ 9842:The Siachen Saga, 1965 Turning the Tide: How India won the War and Sri Lanka: From War to Peace.
Gokhale also appears on News Channels as a commentator and writes regular columns for various publications besides hosting a television show—India First—for India’s national broadcaster, Doordarshan.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 18, 2018
This is an excellently written book. The author, Nitin Gokhale is one among India's foremost defence, strategy, and security experts and in this book, through a combination of meticulous research and excellent presentation of facts, he details the efforts the present Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken to secure India in all possible ways. The previous UPA government had left India in a big mess as far as defence sector is concerned. For too long, India had been meek with respect to the general aggressive tactics adopted by India's chief rival, the People's Republic of China. PM Modi's approach has been in sharp contrast to his predecessors.
By appointing one of India's decorated IPS officers and former director of the Intelligence Bureau, Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA), PM Modi's approach has been proactive as compared to reactive approach of his predecessors. With Doval who shares his vision for a stronger and more secure India, the duo have ensured that the nation has taken long strides to reach that goal. Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in his three year term did a phenomenal job in overhauling the defence sector which had been left in a critical condition by his predecessor AK Antony's indecisive and lackadaisal approach.
The book covers India's response to the Uri attack which was one of the deadliest attacks on an Indian Army camp by Pakistan backed terrorists in 2016. India responded by launching an audacious but yet gritty operation through its armed forces who ventured into the enemy territory, in this case, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and dismantled three terror camps over there in a brilliant surgical strike operation. The details of the entire operation are excellently covered by the author. A similar operation was done in Myanmar a year before and that too is covered well by the author. Similarly, how the Indian intelligence agencies prevented a disaster and reduced the impact of the terrorist strike on the Pathankot airbase is interesting to read. The Doklam standoff in which India on behalf of Bhutan faced off with China and refused to back down and the whole new approach in dealing with China is really wonderful to read.
The new approach to foreign policy under PM Modi which has resulted in a better relationship vis-a-vis the Middle East, neighbouring countries, the United States, and the strategically important countries located in the Indian Ocean are well described by the author. In the current context, it is very important to read about the Rafale deal which has kicked up a storm now with the main opposition party, the Congress calling it a "scam". In the event, it is clear by reading the book that the duo of Modi and Parrikar actually navigated through a mess that was left behind by the previous UPA government and ensured that the Indian Airforce got the best possible deal and the whole charge of the opposition seems hollow after reading this narrative which is based on solid research.
How the government has utilised the services of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for strategic and security purposes is again a joy to read. The book finally ends by describing the newest challenge that Indian faces at the moment as far as security is concerned, i.e. cyber security. Overall the book is really well written and highly recommended for both the admirers and the detractors of the current government. There are many aspects in which this government can be criticised but as far as keeping India secure is concerned, the government has done a phenomenal job and a lot of credit for this goes to PM Modi, NSA Doval, ex-DM Parrikar, the military leadership, and most importantly, to Indian intelligence agencies and our armed forces who continue to perform their job outstandingly well.
By appointing one of India's decorated IPS officers and former director of the Intelligence Bureau, Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA), PM Modi's approach has been proactive as compared to reactive approach of his predecessors. With Doval who shares his vision for a stronger and more secure India, the duo have ensured that the nation has taken long strides to reach that goal. Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in his three year term did a phenomenal job in overhauling the defence sector which had been left in a critical condition by his predecessor AK Antony's indecisive and lackadaisal approach.
The book covers India's response to the Uri attack which was one of the deadliest attacks on an Indian Army camp by Pakistan backed terrorists in 2016. India responded by launching an audacious but yet gritty operation through its armed forces who ventured into the enemy territory, in this case, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and dismantled three terror camps over there in a brilliant surgical strike operation. The details of the entire operation are excellently covered by the author. A similar operation was done in Myanmar a year before and that too is covered well by the author. Similarly, how the Indian intelligence agencies prevented a disaster and reduced the impact of the terrorist strike on the Pathankot airbase is interesting to read. The Doklam standoff in which India on behalf of Bhutan faced off with China and refused to back down and the whole new approach in dealing with China is really wonderful to read.
The new approach to foreign policy under PM Modi which has resulted in a better relationship vis-a-vis the Middle East, neighbouring countries, the United States, and the strategically important countries located in the Indian Ocean are well described by the author. In the current context, it is very important to read about the Rafale deal which has kicked up a storm now with the main opposition party, the Congress calling it a "scam". In the event, it is clear by reading the book that the duo of Modi and Parrikar actually navigated through a mess that was left behind by the previous UPA government and ensured that the Indian Airforce got the best possible deal and the whole charge of the opposition seems hollow after reading this narrative which is based on solid research.
How the government has utilised the services of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for strategic and security purposes is again a joy to read. The book finally ends by describing the newest challenge that Indian faces at the moment as far as security is concerned, i.e. cyber security. Overall the book is really well written and highly recommended for both the admirers and the detractors of the current government. There are many aspects in which this government can be criticised but as far as keeping India secure is concerned, the government has done a phenomenal job and a lot of credit for this goes to PM Modi, NSA Doval, ex-DM Parrikar, the military leadership, and most importantly, to Indian intelligence agencies and our armed forces who continue to perform their job outstandingly well.
February 1, 2019
This book is a good consolidation of all the developments and steps that have been taken, under the Modi government in the last few years, to strengthen India's national and strategic defenses. Whether it qualifies as fair praise, fact or propaganda I am not well placed to comment. Although, from reading some of the direct quotes from key interviews in the book, one grows to appreciate Modi's bold approach in handling defence and security, strategic and diplomatic concerns keeping India's interests above everything, always. So, kudos to that. It does feel good to understand how India's might is being re-inforced, changing the tone from passive to active, a sense of being ever prepared to tackle and handle an eventuality.
For me the book was an accumulation of information on all the incidents and key developments that have taken place with regard to terrorism, dealing with Pakistan and China, strengthening the armed forces, expanding the space program, etc. Use this book to update your knowledge about India's current status on all these aspects. The most interesting bits are ofcourse the first-hand, although filtered, accounts of the major terror strikes that have happened and how coordinated efforts led to swift and effective responses. It is good to get that behind the scenes peek.
What really peeved me about this book was the poor editing. The writing seems rushed and dry, the editing non-existent. There are duplicate words in several places, complete missing sentences (esp. when the author starts the sentence to give you 3 conclusions and only states the first and third!). It seems like someone copy pasted from a final track-changed version and ended up keeping a lot of the omitted words as well. Not the standard one expects from Bloomsbury. I think by the end of the book even the author lost interest (as did I - the chapter on cyber security put me to sleep) and just wanted to finish.
For me the book was an accumulation of information on all the incidents and key developments that have taken place with regard to terrorism, dealing with Pakistan and China, strengthening the armed forces, expanding the space program, etc. Use this book to update your knowledge about India's current status on all these aspects. The most interesting bits are ofcourse the first-hand, although filtered, accounts of the major terror strikes that have happened and how coordinated efforts led to swift and effective responses. It is good to get that behind the scenes peek.
What really peeved me about this book was the poor editing. The writing seems rushed and dry, the editing non-existent. There are duplicate words in several places, complete missing sentences (esp. when the author starts the sentence to give you 3 conclusions and only states the first and third!). It seems like someone copy pasted from a final track-changed version and ended up keeping a lot of the omitted words as well. Not the standard one expects from Bloomsbury. I think by the end of the book even the author lost interest (as did I - the chapter on cyber security put me to sleep) and just wanted to finish.
December 16, 2019
Good book to understand the power of diplomacy.
Now we can understand why Modi went to so many countries to build a strong relationship with them.
Now we can understand why Modi went to so many countries to build a strong relationship with them.
September 9, 2021
Factually presented. Under Modi's leadership India has taken significant and critical decisions towards strengthening the National security. We witnessed some of the events in the last few years where timely responses have also hinted that now at global level India will deal with its issues of National security potentially by itself and independently. The courage has shown and proven some remarkable changes, the budget allocation, fastening the purchase of Rafael and many more are mere examples that as common people we know. But after reading this book it says much more to details where how the direction is guided.
September 6, 2019
Here's why this book is a must read .
small accounts mentioned of how Modi's acute sense of foreign policy , national security and his sense of implementation has played a huge role in making India more secure.
You get insights as to how Modi thinks , communicates , helps implement.For those, who want to understand his style of working , this book gets closer.
small accounts mentioned of how Modi's acute sense of foreign policy , national security and his sense of implementation has played a huge role in making India more secure.
You get insights as to how Modi thinks , communicates , helps implement.For those, who want to understand his style of working , this book gets closer.
January 4, 2018
Awesome book.
January 12, 2018
A Good read on Modi Government's Security Strategy..
Our "Intellectuals" may discard this book as Modi Bhakti but it has some very good insights..
Our "Intellectuals" may discard this book as Modi Bhakti but it has some very good insights..
June 10, 2019
An excellent analysis of India's security problems and the solutions for the same by the people who head India's security apparatus.
September 30, 2019
GREAT WORK
Excellent book
Gives an insight into the international level of govt dealing and how the lobbying or strategic management is done
Excellent book
Gives an insight into the international level of govt dealing and how the lobbying or strategic management is done
November 19, 2019
Good book overall. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about some of the key actions/ decisions Modi has taken after coming to power. But wouldn't recommend it to someone who follows nitin gokhale and has read all his past editorials on politics and modi. This book appears to be a collection of his past articles and opinions.
April 26, 2020
The book is very well written. The author has done a lot of research to write this book. The information provided in the book is followed by solid evidences.
The content of the book is about how PM Modi has taken strategic steps to strengthen India's security. The strategies are wholistic covering many areas like defense, diplomatic policies, cyber security, space etc...
The content of the book is about how PM Modi has taken strategic steps to strengthen India's security. The strategies are wholistic covering many areas like defense, diplomatic policies, cyber security, space etc...
July 24, 2019
Okay
This book will give you some insight into India’s current foreign policy; however, you really only need to read half the book to get the gist. I can’t rate the book higher, because the author is such a blatant Modi cheerleader. It gets annoying.
This book will give you some insight into India’s current foreign policy; however, you really only need to read half the book to get the gist. I can’t rate the book higher, because the author is such a blatant Modi cheerleader. It gets annoying.
October 17, 2020
Nice one
Gives a detailed account of the incidences, planning, risks and ofcourse of the valor of our Indian military personnel during the surgical and air strikes.
A must read one for the young Indians.
Gives a detailed account of the incidences, planning, risks and ofcourse of the valor of our Indian military personnel during the surgical and air strikes.
A must read one for the young Indians.
May 15, 2020
Engaging, learnt a lot of things about using ISRO's knowledge base in multiple aspects. However the book is more like a information bulletin rather than analysis
July 4, 2020
Quite interesting inside look in security thinking of Modi's cabinet. Gokhale is Modi's supporter, so he was able to get some previously unreleased information.
Read
September 27, 2022An interesting account of the various military operations written in a very simple and easy to understand language.
October 23, 2023
The book
“Securing India The Modi Way”
by Nitin A Gokhale provides most a detailed account of team Modi's approach towards national security and foreign policy initiatives in the first 3 years of his government. In this book Nitin Gokhale has shown how Military diplomacy has also becoming more integral to India’s civilian-dominated foreign policy matrix which has resulted in creating a new doctrine itself.
This book details unknown aspect of the planning and execution of the surgical strikes, revamping of New Delhi’s policy towards China and Pakistan, India’s renewed global policy focus on the Middle East. This book “give a glimpse into the highs and lows, the successes and failures, and new initiatives and abandonment of old ways in the realm of national security.” (Loc:417-418 ) and shows how Modi’s doctrine overlaps with Reagan Doctrine’s ‘peace through strength’ formula to secure India.
This book if read in conjunction with Shiv Aroor & Rahul Singh’s book India’s most fearless where he dwells more with personal account of the Surgical strikes in Pakistan and Myanmar, would give a complete picture of surgical strike as Nitin Gokhale in this book focused more on the broader context of what was going on behind the scenes in Delhi echelons.
This is a must-read book to understanding how Modi and his team has not only transformed India’s foreign policy but also has proven to be more successful than his predecessors in handling the country’s key relationships and challenges.
This book details unknown aspect of the planning and execution of the surgical strikes, revamping of New Delhi’s policy towards China and Pakistan, India’s renewed global policy focus on the Middle East. This book “give a glimpse into the highs and lows, the successes and failures, and new initiatives and abandonment of old ways in the realm of national security.” (Loc:417-418 ) and shows how Modi’s doctrine overlaps with Reagan Doctrine’s ‘peace through strength’ formula to secure India.
This book if read in conjunction with Shiv Aroor & Rahul Singh’s book India’s most fearless where he dwells more with personal account of the Surgical strikes in Pakistan and Myanmar, would give a complete picture of surgical strike as Nitin Gokhale in this book focused more on the broader context of what was going on behind the scenes in Delhi echelons.
This is a must-read book to understanding how Modi and his team has not only transformed India’s foreign policy but also has proven to be more successful than his predecessors in handling the country’s key relationships and challenges.
June 19, 2019
Book is good. It will give you the insight that sometimes we question - why the govt is not taking a decision against terrorism or other critical issues. This book will help us in giving the whole picture. Although the book is completely boasting BJP strategies and the administration competency if we read this by keeping politics ideology aside, there is a lot to learn from this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews