ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that India has continued, till recently at least, to follow an unworkable appeasement policy towards China. Appeasement has been brought about less by lack of military realism, particularly at the tactical and operational levels, and more because of a lack of strategic vision and direction from India’s political leadership. Coupled with a deficit in bureaucratic expertise, the lack of vision and direction has result in a defence structure wherein each Service defines its own doctrines, strategy and force structures with obvious adverse effects on effectiveness. While discussing realism, the chapter confines itself to the practical aspects of the decisions and actions at the tactical levels, based on the prevailing environment. The chapter concludes with some recommendations to overcome the problems.
