Gautam Das Gautam Das (Retd) holds an M.A. in Defence Studies from the University of Madras and served in the Indian Army from 1968 to 1991. An officer of the Combat Arms, he commanded troops across major operational areas and held key General Staff appointments in operations and intelligence at divisional, corps, and command headquarters. A proud officer of the 11th Gorkha Rifles (2/11 GR), he served through the 1971 India–Pakistan War, including a politico-military liaison role in Dhaka during the post-war phase of Operation Cactus Lily. His service also included field operations in Nagaland’s Chakhesang region during Operation Orchid, border-sealing duties during Operation Dusk in northern Rajasthan, and command of a combat team of tanks and infantry during Exercise Brass Tacks IV-Operation Trident. His practical experience, coupled with a deep study of Indian military history—both pre- and post-Independence—gives him a distinctive perspective on Indian defense.