Changing Geographical Factors in Planning and Conduct of Indian Military Operations

P. K. Gautam

Consultant Email:  pkgautam2003[a]yahoo[dot]co[dot]in Phone:  +91 11 2671 7983 Archive data: Person was Consultant at IDSA A veteran of 1971 Indo-Pakistan War in Bangladesh and Operation Meghdoot (Siachen glacier) and a… Continue reading Changing Geographical Factors in Planning and Conduct of Indian Military Operations read more

The changing nature of geography plays a critical role in the planning and execution of military missions. Geography as a subject combines both the physical and human elements and the rapid transformation of the landscape owing to climate change, and the corresponding cultural impact has to be seriously considered in the environment-security link. Lessons from military history point to the fact that ‘geographical ignorance’ can be perilous. This article analyses from the Indian context some of the specific geographical factors and their relationship and influence in planning and conduct of military operations.