Before independence, the defence services worked on a system of contract budget. The savings were not allowed to lapse. But after Sino–Indian Conflict in 1962 aroused a new defence consciousness in the country. After taking care of immediate post war requirements, systematic defence planning started in 1964. Defence requirements were assessed on a five year basis.

The book mainly deals with Defence Planning in India, Indian Defence Projects, DRDO : Providing the Technological Edge to the Indian Defence, Democracy and Defence Policy, India's Defence Purchase Policy, Indian Army's Modern plans, The Indian Navy in 2020, etc. etc.

Contents

1. History of Indian Defence Forces 2. Defence Planning in India 3. Indian Defence Projects 4. India Defence Industry 5. DRDO : Providing the Technological Edge to the Indian Defence 6. India : New Policy on Defence Contracts Offsets 7. Democracy and Defence Policy 8. India's Defence Purchase Policy Attracts Global Attention 9. New Defence Modernisation Challenges and Strategies 10. Indian Army's Modern Plans 11. The Indian Navy in 2020 12. The Defence Scene and the Budget 13. India's Defence Industry in the 21st Century 14. India–US Defence Pact-II : Commitments may Fetter Judgment 15. Indian Defence Industry : Domestic Production and Imports — The Future Balance 16. The Indian Experience in the Use of Military Helicopters 17. Indian Foreign Policy 18. India's Defence Minister : Improve Quality, or Else