India's Leading Defence Analysts (2026)

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Lucknow: India’s defence and strategic affairs ecosystem is shaped by a distinguished group of military veterans, journalists, and policy experts whose analyses influence public discourse, government thinking, and international understanding of national security. Their expertise spans military operations, defence procurement, geopolitics, border security, emerging technologies, and foreign policy.

While no official ranking exists, the following list is based on professional credibility, military experience, research output, journalistic excellence, influence on strategic discourse, and public engagement.

1. Nitin A. Gokhale

A veteran defence journalist with more than four decades of experience, Nitin Gokhale is widely regarded as India’s foremost defence and strategic affairs analyst. Having reported from conflict zones including Kargil, Kashmir and the Northeast, he combines field experience with deep access to the defence establishment. Through BharatShakti and StratNewsGlobal, he continues to provide authoritative analysis on military modernisation, intelligence, foreign policy, and India’s strategic interests.

2. Ajai Shukla

A retired Indian Army officer and one of India’s most respected defence journalists, Ajai Shukla is renowned for his detailed coverage of defence procurement, indigenous military manufacturing, force modernisation and strategic policy. His analytical approach, backed by technical understanding and independent reporting, has made him an influential voice among policymakers and defence professionals.

3. Lt Gen H. S. Panag (Retd.)

Former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, Lt Gen H. S. Panag is a leading commentator on military reforms, operational preparedness, border management and national security. His extensive operational experience lends credibility to his assessments of India’s defence preparedness and strategic challenges.

4. Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.)

One of India’s most respected strategic thinkers, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain is internationally recognised for his expertise in counter-insurgency, Kashmir, military diplomacy and civil-military relations. A frequent speaker at global strategic forums, he combines operational experience with academic insight, making him one of India’s most influential military analysts.

5. Commodore C. Uday Bhaskar (Retd.)

A former Director of the Naval Academy and one of India’s leading strategic affairs experts, Commodore Uday Bhaskar specialises in maritime security, nuclear strategy, Indo-Pacific geopolitics and international security. His work has significantly influenced discussions on India’s role as a major maritime power.

6. Kartik Bommakanti

A Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Kartik Bommakanti is recognised for his research on military strategy, air power, China’s military modernisation, the Indo-Pacific and emerging defence technologies. His work is widely cited by policymakers, scholars and international think tanks.

7. Sandeep Unnithan

One of India’s finest defence journalists, Sandeep Unnithan has spent decades reporting on military operations, defence acquisitions and national security. His investigative work and exclusive reports have earned him a reputation for accuracy and credibility within India’s defence community.

8. Shiv Aroor

A prominent television journalist and author, Shiv Aroor has become one of the country’s most recognisable defence correspondents. His reporting on military technology, armed forces, defence procurement and live operational developments has made complex strategic issues accessible to a broad audience.

9. Vishnu Som

A senior television journalist with extensive experience covering wars, insurgencies and India’s armed forces, Vishnu Som is respected for his on-ground reporting and balanced analysis. His work spans military operations, border developments and international security issues.

10. Major Gaurav Arya (Retd.)

A former Indian Army officer, Major Gaurav Arya has emerged as one of India’s most widely followed defence commentators across television and digital platforms. Known for his energetic presentation style, he focuses on military affairs, geopolitics, terrorism and India’s national security challenges, reaching millions of viewers through online media.

Remembering Major (Retd.) Maroof Raza (1959–2026)

Until his passing on 26 February 2026, Major (Retd.) Maroof Raza was among India’s most recognised defence analysts. A former Indian Army officer, television anchor, author and strategic affairs expert, he played a pivotal role in bringing military and national security issues into mainstream public discourse. His programmes such as Line of Duty and Latitude introduced millions of viewers to the workings of the Indian Armed Forces and strategic affairs. His death marked the end of an important chapter in Indian defence journalism, and he is remembered as one of the pioneers of televised military analysis.