Abhijit Singh

The Settebello attack signals a dangerous new era at sea

June 16, 2026 14:29 IST

The core tenets of freedom of navigation, the protection of shipping, and restraint in the use of force came under strain from the very power that once claimed to defend them but did not hesitate to target neutral-flagged vessels in pursuit of strategic ends

Great power games have a new variable: ChokepointsSubscriber Only

April 28, 2026 16:48 IST

The transit passage concept of the UNCLOS was intended to ensure that narrow waterways such as Hormuz are not subject to unilateral control; the right it establishes is non-suspendable and legally binding. Yet, as so often happens in moments of acute crisis, the law has yielded to force

Is India stepping in to China’s maritime backyard? The answer is complexSubscriber Only

August 07, 2025 17:03 IST

The recent sail with the Philippines is best seen as a gesture: One that signals India’s interest in regional stability and support for a partner under pressure, without upending its longstanding policy of cautious engagement

Framing the narrative war against PakistanSubscriber Only

June 02, 2025 14:14 IST

India refused to confirm any losses until last week, when the CDS tacitly acknowledged that a jet (maybe more, unspecified) had been downed

After Pahalgam, why India should use prudence to project strengthSubscriber Only

May 02, 2025 11:14 IST

War, however cathartic it may seem, would be an error without strategic purpose. India needs to undertake a patient, determined campaign — one that imposes costs, builds leverage, and denies the adversary strategic space

UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal: Crossroads for India’s strategic autonomySubscriber Only

October 09, 2024 12:25 IST

Chagos’ handover to Mauritius is exactly the outcome India had long hoped for. Yet, there are deeper nuances to consider

Terrorism, militancy and pirates: Gulf of Aden hijacking underlines naval challengesSubscriber Only

January 10, 2024 16:45 IST

In the past six weeks, attacks on merchant ships have become increasingly common, and regional navies are struggling to keep up

Drone strike in Arabian sea: A new challenge for the NavySubscriber Only

December 25, 2023 16:02 IST

Even if the time is ripe for India to act on the attack by Houthis, the question is: How? Anti-drone warfare is complex and few navies have the means to effectively combat air-and-sea-borne drones.

On Navy Day, lessons for India from the Russia-Ukraine warSubscriber Only

December 04, 2023 14:19 IST

Creative use of available war technology, crew competence, ship design and ability of leaders to think in non-linear ways are some takeaways for naval heads.

Indian Navy in South China Sea: Naval drills may have helped improve interoperability, but they are strategically inconsequentialSubscriber Only

May 25, 2023 17:04 IST

The limiting of naval manoeuvres to non-disputed regions of the South China Sea is likely to have been perceived by some as a concession to Chinese vanity

Armed drones in Indian military: Can machines understand the rules of war?Subscriber Only

January 05, 2023 16:59 IST

Despite their growing usage in armed conflict, artificially intelligent unmanned combat systems raise questions of law, ethics and accountability

INS Vikrant sets sail: Why it is key to India’s maritime strategySubscriber Only

September 02, 2022 17:46 IST

Abhijit Singh writes: Despite rising costs and vulnerability, the aircraft carrier continues to be at the heart of India’s maritime strategy

Chinese ship at Hambantota calls for New Delhi to look closely at its maritime strategySubscriber Only

August 18, 2022 21:23 IST

Abhijit Singh writes: Should India demand special rights in its near-seas, especially in circumstances when international law does not fully account for foreign activity that could imperil its national security?