No Easy Answers brings together for the first time in a single volume the history of the development of the modern navies of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

A particular strength is its comprehen�sive examination of the evolution of naval force structures and the accompanying development of truly national doctrine and policies. The tensions of relations with the British Royal Navy in the years after the independence of India and Pakistan and the search within both nations for a coherent naval strategy which did not rely upon received Western thought is dealt with at length, as are the efforts made by the two navies to obtain modern ships and weaponry in the 1960s. The 1971 war at sea receives comprehensive treatment with the benefit of material from both India and Pakistan, as well as from external observers within the region. New insights are given on the submarine campaign and into the successful attacks by Indian missile craft on targets at sea and ashore.

No Easy Answers continues with an analysis of the later progress of the Indian and Pakistan navies and all examination of the problems they currently face in developing and maintaining operational capabilities in an increasingly complex and demanding maritime environment. On a smaller scale, but no less interesting, is the history of the Sri Lanka Navy, as well as that of the new navy of Bangladesh.

The efforts of these services to meet demanding strategic requirements with minimal, at times reducing, resources contain lessons for armed services all over the world.

Well-illustrated and extensively footnoted, this book will be valuable not only for those interested in the history of Indian Ocean Navies and navies in general but current policy-makers in the areas of defence and maritime affairs.