Developments in the outer space arena post the erstwhile USSR launching the first man-made satellite Sputnik in space on 4 October 1957 have transformed the world significantly. In order to ensure the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959. Subsequently, this committee led to the foundation of the “Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies”. This treaty is commonly known as the Outer Space Treaty (OST). This treaty was opened for signature on January 27, 1967 as a binding legal instrument. On January 27, 2017, this treaty competes 50 years. Over the years this treaty has largely ensured responsible conduct of space activities. This book attempts to examine and contextualize the treaty and its relevance in the 21stcentury while tracing its journey over the last fifty years.

This book is an in-depth study conducted about Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, examining the past and the current (increasingly) deteriorating political, security and economic situation. Among various facts that unfold during the course of this work, what comes to light is that, at times, the out-dated and miscalculated policies of the governments, especially those of Pakistan, have played a major role in the current disharmonious situation; that the authorities seem to be oblivious of the great potential and common opportunities/challenges that exist, if only the above-mentioned countries join hands to work in rhythm and harmony towards achieving peace and prosperity rather than tearing each other, and themselves, apart. “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain perpetually a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?”(Marcus).

In the course of our long history that goes back thousands of years, our region has witnessed a great past, founded by the great sons and daughters of this land. Their all-knowing vision, philosophy and thinking are still, and will remain relevant for this and other generations to come. They have left behind a legacy of great culture, tradition and values. Philosophically, Sayed Jamalludin Afghani, Alama Iqbal and Swami Vivekananda are examples, among many, who have added immense knowledge and innovation to our world. Economically, the 3,000km-long Great Trunk Road (known as the GT Road) pioneered by an Afghan Emperor Sher Shah Suri in 16th century, which links India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, is a shining example of our wisdom and potential for collective prosperity. Therefore, as a guiding principle, we must strive towards reviving and retaining the glory, which was once a way of life for us all.

In over a century since the first manned flight, air power has made spectacular progress. Every conflict since World War II has seen an increasingly bigger role of air power, but despite this, to a general reader, air power continues to be esoteric. The study highlights major air power lessons of all the major conflicts, and explains air power roles and missions. It frankly yet fairly discusses the somewhat contentious subject of air power in support of surface forces and traces the IAF’s contribution in war and peace in the last 68 years since independence. It critically examines if use of air power in the Indian subcontinent is indeed escalatory. The subject of security is dealt with by analysing India’s response to the many crises that it has faced. The book then goes on to examine the whys and wherefores of threat assessment and the development of IAF force structures. The study candidly assesses if IAF’s on-going modernisation is indeed sustainable. The book takes a broad overview of issues relating to transfer of technology, economy, budgets, human resources, and ‘jointness’, all so vital to air power employment and concludes that without national resolve and a robust declaratory national security strategy, and above all, genuine joint planning, the task of India’s defence would continue to pose major challenges.