Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, ED CISS AJK, participated as a Speaker at ISSI Seminar on 27th February 2025.

She explained that indian strategic culture provides valuable perspectives of state’s behavior and policy choices.

Indian strategic culture, shaped by Hindu Brahmin traditions, mythological texts, classical realism, and geography, emphasizes statecraft, military preparedness, complete destruction of the enemy, and regional supremacy.

She rejected the famous notion that India had lacked a strategic culture, considering such claims a myth.

She stated that Indian strategic culture is inherently defensive. The sacred books of Hinduism mainly glorify and legitimize war.

India perceives threats from the north/northwest and considers it a disruptor of its envisioned Hindu-centric South Asia.

India is a state with a revisionist tendency, prioritizing dominance.

She concluded that this culture rejects the balance of power, viewing peace as a sign of weakness.