Top 10 Military Books to Understand the Indian Armed Forces

Major General Ian Cardozo’s life itself reads like a tale of courage—famously, he amputated his own leg during the 1971 war after stepping on a mine. In Beyond Fear, he curates true stories from soldiers, officers, and veterans, capturing the moments where courage had to overcome instinctive fear.

The book moves beyond battlefields to show everyday bravery—whether it’s a soldier rescuing civilians during floods, or a young officer standing firm under enemy fire. Cardozo’s narrative has a warmth that reminds readers these are not just warriors, but humans with families, dreams, and vulnerabilities.

Also read: 5 Must-Read Books on the 1999 Kargil War: India’s Operation Vijay Against Pakistan

Known for his pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, Lt Gen Dhillon’s, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM, memoir is both candid and unapologetic. He narrates his journey from a young cadet to a senior commander facing some of the most complex security challenges India has seen in recent decades.

His years in the Valley bring stories of tense encounters, humanitarian outreach, and the delicate balance between force and compassion. What stands out is his deep empathy for the people caught in the conflict, alongside his firm resolve to protect national integrity.

General Bipin Rawat’s PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, posthumously PV (Padma Vibhushan) career spanned decades of service, culminating in his appointment as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff—a role in which he sought to modernise and integrate the armed forces. His biography by Rachna Bisht Rawat captures his journey with nuance, highlighting his strategic thinking, operational expertise, and his moments of quiet humanity. We see him not only as a leader making critical defence decisions, but also as a family man, a mentor, and someone willing to challenge conventional thinking for the greater good of the forces.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Arjun Subramaniam, AVSM, brings scholarly depth to his chronicle of India’s early post-independence conflicts. Covering the first Kashmir war, the 1962 war with China, the 1965 Indo-Pak conflict, and the 1971 liberation of Bangladesh, the book offers both battlefield narratives and strategic analysis. Subramaniam’s work is meticulous in research yet accessible in style, allowing readers to understand not just what happened, but why decisions were made and how they shaped India’s military doctrine.

While military history often focuses on battles and strategies, Anubhav Roy turns the lens towards diplomacy—how wars are ended, prevented, or shaped by negotiations. His exploration reveals how India’s armed conflicts have been intertwined with its foreign policy, from ceasefire agreements to strategic partnerships.

The Diplomatic Dimensions of Military History bridges the gap between the soldier’s battlefield and the diplomat’s negotiation table, showing that victory is often as much about conversation as it is about combat.

Packed with thrilling yet heartwarming stories, Shoot. Dive. Fly. is a celebration of the adventure and camaraderie that comes with army life. Rachna Bisht Rawat writes in a way that makes readers feel like they are right there—jumping out of aircraft with paratroopers, trekking through Himalayan passes, or navigating dense jungles during training exercises.

While aimed at inspiring younger readers to consider a career in the Armed Forces, its appeal extends to anyone curious about the human side of military life.

Decision-making at the highest levels of military command can be a lonely process. In Alone in the Ring, General NC Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, former Chief of the Army Staff, shares the pressures and responsibilities that come with making calls where the stakes are national security. From handling crises on the borders to coordinating massive disaster relief operations, his accounts reveal the mental, moral, and operational challenges of leadership. It’s a masterclass in thinking under pressure, relevant to both military and civilian leaders.

This two-volume set is a treasure for history enthusiasts. Through photographs, maps, and illustrations, Shiv Kunal Verma traces India’s military evolution from ancient battles to modern warfare. The visual storytelling makes the narratives come alive—allowing readers to not just read history, but to see it unfold. It’s the kind of collection that can be read cover-to-cover or dipped into for specific eras, making it as much a reference work as it is a storytelling masterpiece.

Sometimes, the most engaging way to learn is through a challenge. These quiz books are filled with questions ranging from regimental mottos and war heroes to historic battles and military technology. They turn military history into an interactive experience, appealing to enthusiasts, aspirants preparing for defence exams, and anyone keen to test their knowledge of the Armed Forces.

Now serving as India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan offers a forward-looking vision for the Armed Forces in an era of rapid technological change and shifting geopolitical realities. Ready, Relevant and Resurgent is both a critique of existing systems and a detailed plan for reform—covering everything from joint operations between services to the adoption of new defence technologies. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in where India’s military is headed in the coming decades.

Taken together, these books form a mosaic of the Indian Armed Forces—past, present, and future. They reveal the bravery of soldiers, the burdens of command, the interplay between war and diplomacy, and the need for constant evolution. They are not just about battles, but about values: integrity, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to the motto Naam, Namak, Nishan—honour, loyalty, and the flag.

For the reader, these works offer more than information. They provide an emotional connection to the men and women who stand watch over the nation, and an appreciation of the complexities that come with defending a country as vast and diverse as India.