Life & Work

Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Retd) was Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi and Adjunct Fellow, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington, D.C. He was former Director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi (January 2008-March 2012). He has co-founded two Delhi-based think tanks: Forum for Strategic Initiatives (FSI) and the South Asian Institute for Strategic Affairs (SAISA).

Brig Kanwal commanded an infantry brigade in the high-altitude Gurez Sector on the LoC with Pakistan in northern Kashmir (Operation Parakram, 2001-03) and an artillery regiment in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir Valley (Operation Rakshak, 1993-94). He has served as Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training) at HQ IDS, New Delhi; Director MO-5 in the Directorate General of Military Operations at Army Headquarters (dealing with threat, strategy and force structure); United Nations Military Observer in UNTAG, Namibia; Brigade Major of an infantry brigade and Instructor-in-Gunnery at the School of Artillery, Devlali.

He opted for voluntary retirement in December 2003 and joined the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), New Delhi, as Director, Security Studies and Senior Fellow. He has also served as Senior Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi; and, Senior Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi. He has been a Visiting Research Scholar at the Cooperative Monitoring Centre (CMC), Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, USA, and in other think tanks in London and Singapore.

The books authored by Brigadier Kanwal include: “Nuclear Defence: Shaping the Arsenal”; “Indian Army: Vision 2020”; “Pakistan’s Proxy War”; “Heroes of Kargil”; “Kargil ’99: Blood, Guts and Firepower” and, “Artillery: Honour and Glory”. He has also edited and co-edited several books. the most recent being “The New Arthashastra: A Security Strategy for India”. In November 2012, he was nominated among 50 Thought Leaders by Mail Today. He was awarded the COAS Commendation Card twice. He has contributed extensively to various journals and leading newspapers, including a column in the Statesman for over two years. He was a regular speaker at well-known international think tanks and military institutions.

Honours

Beginning of career
Gurmeet Kanwal at school, NCC
Gurmeet Kanwal as Second Lieutenant
Gurmeet Kanwal as Second Lieutenant
1980
In front of KLP Field Wing
Gurmeet Kanwal as Battery Commander in 80 Field Regiment, Allahabad.
1981-1985
Deolali, ACCCS cell
1993
Commanding Officer, 150 field regiment
As CO with officers in Sharshali Kashmir Valley
1994
As CO with officers in Sharshali Kashmir Valley
As CO with officers in Sharshali Kashmir Valley
As CO with officers in Sharshali Kashmir Valley
As CO with officers in Sharshali Kashmir Valley
1995
Amritsar, 150 field regiment. Handing over Command to the incoming CO, Col Balbir Singh
1996
Combat MHOW (MP) Course Serial HC-24
2000
Kargil '99: Blood, Guts and Firepower book launch
sep - oct

Participated in the month-long Symposium on East Asian Security organized by the United States Pacific Command at Honolulu, Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing along with 25 other international participants from the Asia-Pacific region.

2001
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - On Assumption of command - Having word with officers
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - On Assumption of command - A Look at latest weapons
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - On Assumption of command - Ho Ki Hoi Na
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - On Assumption of command - Khukri prsented by CO 3/5GR (FF)
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - On Assumption of command - At Glasshut
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - On Assumption of command - Signing Visitors Book
2002
Brigade Commander Gurmeet Kanwal with Gurezis - 109 Infantry Brigade
Brigade Commander Gurmeet Kanwal with Gurezis - 109 Infantry Brigade
Brigade Commander Gurmeet Kanwal with officers from 109 Infantry Brigade
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Saluting the Martyr - Paying tributes to late RFN Anwar Choupen
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Saluting the Martyr - Consoling w/o Late Anwar Choupen
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Saluting the Martyr - Presenting cheque to w/o Late Anwar Choupen
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Visit of MAJ GEN MC Nanjappa, AVSM, YSM - Along with MAJ GEN MC Nanjappa, AVSM, YSM
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Visit of MAJ GEN MC Nanjappa, AVSM, YSM - Along with MAJ GEN MC Nanjappa, AVSM, YSM and CO3/5GR (FF)
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Visit of MAJ GEN MC Nanjappa, AVSM, YSM - Escorting him during his departure
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - On Arrival at Kanzalwan
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - On a round to unit
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - Introduction with Officers
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - Having a word with JCOS
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - At Officers Mess
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - Light dicussion over lunch
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Annual Inspection 2002 - Signing Visitors Book
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Dassain - Greeted at Koragbal
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Dassain - Having look at Preparations
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Dassain - Welcome by drama party
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Dassain - Leaving Koragbal after function
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Visit of GOC 28 DIV MAJ GEN JK MOHANTY, SM - With MAJ GEN JK MOHANTY, SM during his visit at Kanzalwan
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Visit of GOC 28 DIV MAJ GEN JK MOHANTY, SM - GOC Having view of landmarks from helipad of Kanzalwan
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Visit of GOC 28 DIV MAJ GEN JK MOHANTY, SM - With GOC at Rana
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Post Arty Shelling visit at Kanzalwan
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Promotion Ceremony - Pipping the Kanzal Tiger COL RS THAKUR
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Farewell Visit
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Farewell Visit
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Farewell Visit
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Farewell Visit
Reminiscence of Kanzalwan - Adieu
2004
apr

Paper on “Emerging Trends in Military Intervention” posted on United Nations Foundation “Global Security Initiative” website

apr 19-23 | new delhi

Appointed facilitator (Force Commander) in international seminar war-game on “Emerging Peace Operations”, organised by the Centre of Excellence, Hawaii at the United Service Institute, New Delhi

jun 29 - jul 1 | Monterey, ca, usa

Presented paper on “Command and Control of India’s Nuclear Weapons” at the Conference on “Strategic Stability in South Asia” at the Centre for Contemporary Conflict, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey

oct 6-8 | uk

Presented paper on “India’s Security Concerns and Prospects for Peace and Stability” at the Conference on “Strategic Stability in South Asia”, the launch conference of “South Asia Strategic Stability Unit” (SASSU) at the University of Bradford, U.K. 

2005
apr

Paper on “Emerging Trends in Military Intervention” posted on United Nations Foundation “Global Security Initiative” website

apr 19-23 | new delhi

Appointed facilitator (Force Commander) in international seminar war-game on “Emerging Peace Operations”, organised by the Centre of Excellence, Hawaii at the United Service Institute, New Delhi

jun 29 - jul 1 | Monterey, CA, USA

Presented paper on “Command and Control of India’s Nuclear Weapons” at the Conference on “Strategic Stability in South Asia” at the Centre for Contemporary Conflict, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, USA

oct 6-8 | uk

Presented paper on “India’s Security Concerns and Prospects for Peace and Stability” at the Conference on “Strategic Stability in South Asia”, the launch conference of “South Asia Strategic Stability Unit” (SASSU) at the University of Bradford, U.K.

aug | Albuquerque, USA

Presented paper on “India’s Nuclear Doctrine and Force Structure” at the Cooperative Monitoring Centre, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, USA

2006
Summer workshop on Defence Technology and Cooperative Security in South Asia, Marawila, Sri Lanka
july 3-14 | canberra, australia

Gave lectures on “The Emerging Doctrine of Intervention”, “Emerging Trends in UN Peacekeeping” and “Training Challenges for UN Peace-support Operations” at the International Peace Operations Seminar (IPOS), conducted by the Australian UN Training Centre

sep 2-12 | colombo

Visiting Faculty for the Twelfth Summer Workshop on “Defence, Technology and Cooperative Security in South Asia” conducted by the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS). Lecture subjects: “Indo-US Nuclear Deal: Implications for Non-proliferation” and “Weapons technology and Disarmament”

nov 1 | london

Gave a talk on “India’s Counter-insurgency Experience” at King’s College, London

nov 6 | london

Gave a talk on “India’s Internal Security Challenges” at the London School of Economics, London

nov 9 | london

Made a presentation in a round-table on “Demilitarisation of Siachen Conflict Zone” at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London

dec 8-10 | taipei

Presented a Paper on “Modernisation of the PLA: Implications for Asian Security” at the joint RAND-CEIP (Carnegie)-CAPS conference on The PLA in the Asia-Pacific Region: Implications for the Evolving Regional Security Order

2007
9th Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers
jul 23 | washington d.c.

Invited to speak at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to the South Asia team on “India’s Higher Defence Organisation, Civil-Military Relations and Military Modernisation”

jul 24 | washington d.c.

Addressed a round-table at the Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C., on the “Indo-US Nuclear Deal, India-Pakistan Rapprochement and India’s Military Modernisation”

aug 6 | singapore

Addressed a round-table on “India-Pakistan Rapprochement” at the Institute for South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore

aug 7 | singapore

Presentation on the “Changing Nature of Warfare” at the Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers – 2007, at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies

2008
Directors Conference
mar 17 | washington d.c.

Presentation on “India’s Military Modernisation Challenges” at the US-India Business Council

mar 20 | Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Presented paper on “India’s Emerging Operational Environment” at a conference organised by HQ TRADOC, US Army

India-US strategic cooperation in Southern Asia
Central Command LWE Seminar
may 29-30 | Monterey, California, USA,

Presented paper on “India’s Cold Start Doctrine” at the Centre for Contemporary Conflict, Naval Post-graduate School

july 23 | singapore

Lecture on “Indian Army’s Counter-insurgency Experience” at the Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS), at the Rajaratnam School for International Studies (RSIS)

july 23 | nus, singapore

Lecture on “India-China Security Relationship” at the Institute for South Asian Studies (ISAS)

july 24 | brunei

Lecture on “Modernisation Plans of Indian Armed Forces” at the Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)

oct 19-20 | shanghai, china

Presentation on “India-China Strategic Relations” international conference organised by the Academy for World Watch

2009
Transactional to transformational leadership at junior level
feb 12-13 | honolulu, usa

Presentation on “Command and Control of India’s Nuclear Forces” in international conference on a “Decade of Nuclear Learning” organised by the Centre for Contemporary Conflict, Naval Post-graduate School, Monterey, California, USA

sep 2-3

Presentation on “Tackling Terrorism: Perspectives from India” at the King’s College, London round-table discussion on “A Regional Strategy for South Asia: Limitations and Possibilities”

oct 5-7 | bangkok

Presented paper on “Demilitarisation of Siachen: An Idea whose Time has Come” at IPCS India-Pakistan round-table discussion

sep 4 | shrivenham, uk

Lecture on “India’s Internal Security Challenges and Counter-insurgency Experience” at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, UK

oct 8-9 | singapore

Presentation on “India-China Nuclear CBMs and Cooperation in Space” at IPCS India-China round-table discussion

oct 29-30 | washington d.c.

Paper on “India’s Strategic Perspective” at the Brookings Institution, seminar on “Myanmar/Burma: Outside Interests and Inside Challenges”

2010
Wilton Park
dec | dubai

Presentation on “Afghanistan – US War Strategy: India’s Concerns”, at the Frederick Foundation round-table discussion during an India-Pakistan track two dialogue

oct

Presentation on “India-US Strategic Partnership” at the Albuquerque Committee on Foreign Relations

oct 18-23 | Albuquerque, USA

Presentation on “South Asia Strategic Outlook: View from India” in conference on “South Asia Strategic Review” at the Cooperative Monitoring Centre, Sandia National Laboratory

mar-apr

Presentation on “Strengthening Deterrence: The Strategic Rationale for Dismantling Obsolete Systems” during Wilton Park Conference on Verified Dismantlement of Strategic Missile

jun 17-18 | washington d.c.

Presentation on “India’s Cold Start Doctrine and its Impact on Strategic Stability” at the National Bureau of Asian Research Conference

sep 15-16 | colombo

Presentation on “Elimination of SRBMs from Nuclear Arsenals of South Asia”, at second meeting of the Colombo Group (sponsored by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA, USA)

South Asia Strategic Review
2011
nov 10-11 | new jersey, usa

Presentation on “Military Challenges and Defence Cooperation” at the Third Annual Symposium on “India and America: The Future of a Strategic Partnership”, hosted by the Wilson Centre at Princeton University

oct 10-11 | dubai

Presentation on military CBMs at “India-Pakistan: A Peace Process”, a conference hosted by Frederick Foundation, New Delhi

oct 4-5 | stockholm

Paper on “SALW: Production and Export in South Asia” at a conference jointly hosted by Small Arms Survey, Geneva, and SIPRI, Stockholm

jul 25-27 | sofia, bulgaria

Presentation on “Elimination of SRBMs from Nuclear Arsenals of South Asia”, at third meeting of the Colombo Group (sponsored by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA, USA). Also attended an exercise on verifiable and transparent dismantlement of SRBMs at the Sofia Military Museum.

jun | new delhi

Presentation on “Precision Guided Munitions and ISTAR” in conference “Future Artillery India”, IQPC, New Delhi. Also conducted a workshop and participated in a panel discussion

jun 2011 | washington d.c.

Presentation on “Indo-US Strategic Partnership: Challenges and Prospects” at the “Indo-US Relations Working Group” meeting organised by the Lexington Institute, Washington D.C.

mar | singapore

Presentation on “Development of Soldier Systems: Current Challenges and Technologies”, IQPC conference “Soldier Modernisation Asia”. Also conducted a workshop.

mar | Lake Como, Italy

Presentation on “Is Military Force a Viable Option for India” in workshop on “Enhancing Strategic Stability in South Asia”, organised by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington D.C. at the Bellagio Centre, Lake Como, Italy

feb | singapore

Paper on “India’s Nuclear Forces” presented at a workshop on “The New Indian Military”, Rajaratnam School for International Studies (RSIS), Singapore

jan | como, italy

Presentation on “Preserving Military Stability in South Asia: Regional Dynamics and Extra-regional Influences” at a round-table discussion organised by Landau Network Centro Volta (LNCV)

2013
apr 2013 | Pennsylvania, USA

Participated in the Annual Strategy Seminar at the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, USA; presented a paper on “Great Power Rivalry in Asia: An Indian Perspective”

california, usa

Participated in round-table discussions and workshops on “Elimination of SRBMs from the Nuclear Arsenals of South Asia” organised by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), California, USA, 2011-13. The project culminated in a short film on the subject.

ottawa, canada

Participated in the “Ottawa Dialogue” round-table discussions on “India-Pakistan Confidence Building Measures in the Military and Nuclear Fields” hosted by the Ottawa University

2015
Oct 26-28 | tal aviv, israel

Participated in conference on “Living with Difficult Neighbours – Lessons Learned from the Israeli Experience”, at the Institute for National Security Studies

Sep 15-17 | Monterey, California, USA

Participated in conference on “Escalation Management and Crisis De-escalation in South Asia”, organised by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Naval Post-graduate School

July | California, New Mexico and Washington, D.C.

Undertook a lecture tour of the US; spoke on the theme “Strategic Stability in South Asia” at well-known centres and think tanks in California, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., including the Brookings Institution, CEIP, CSIS, NDU and the Atlantic Council.

july | washington, d.c.

Participated in a seminar on ISIS and West Asia at the National Defence University (NDU); spoke on “ISIS in India”

Participated in several discussions/ workshops, simulations/table top exercises on “Strategic Stability in South Asia” attended as part of control as well as team member.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Berlin and New Delhi

Provided consultancy support to the India Policy Group of the Frederick Foundation, New Delhi for its project on Rebuilding Afghanistan, participated in several conferences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Berlin and New Delhi

2016
The New Arthshastra book launch with Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister (2014-2017)
The New Arthshastra book launch with Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister (2014-2017)
2018
Sharpening the Arsenal book launch with Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister (2017-2019)
Sharpening the Arsenal book launch with Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister (2017-2019)
Sharpening the Arsenal book launch with Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister (2017-2019)