Abstract Creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Department of Military Affairs was a historical moment for the Indian Armed Forces and has infused the Military into National Security Mechanism. Government of India, as of 1st Jan 2020, carved out Allocation of Business (AOB) Rules for the Secretary DMA, directly tasking the CDS to restructure the Military Organisation and create Theatre Commands.

On 24 May 2023, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in partnership with the World Bank, organized a workshop on “Bluer, Greener, and Inclusive Growth on the Sundarban through an Ecosystem-based Approach.” The workshop was attended by officials from the Government of Bangladesh, Government of India, Government of West Bengal, key think tanks, and civil society organizations. The objectives of the workshop were as follow:

… China has been successful in its hidden agenda of utilising the Indian market for its trade expansion .. and not moving constructively in resolving the border dispute. It’s rare in the world scene where two countries have fought an intense battle .. and yet India still chooses to play into China’s hands… China’s Land Boundary Law is intended to justify conflict escalation with India .. apparent with current events …

This paper seeks to make a case for the utility of drone warfare in securing India’s national interests. It begins by establishing how drone proliferation acts as a threat and opportunity in the context of India’s security objectives and discusses the importance of drone warfare capacity building in countering the security threats faced by India. It then highlights the benefits and areas of operation where the Indian military could use drone warfare to achieve its objectives from ISR and Dull, Dirty and Dangerous’ missions to counter-terrorism and logistics.