  It is an exceptionally opportune time for Astrophysics when a number of
next-generation mega-instruments are poised to observe the universe across the
entire electromagnetic spectrum with unprecedented data quality. The Square
Kilometre Array (SKA) is undoubtedly one of the major components of this
scenario. In particular, the SKA is expected to discover tens of thousands of
new neutron stars giving a major fillip to a wide range of scientific
investigations. India has a sizeable community of scientists working on
different aspects of neutron star physics with immediate access to both the
uGMRT (an SKA pathfinder) and the recently launched X-ray observatory Astrosat.
The current interests of the community largely centre around studies of - a)
the generation of neutron stars and the SNe connection}, b) the neutron star
population and evolutionary pathways}, c) the evolution of neutron stars in
binaries and the magnetic fields}, d) the neutron star equation of state}, e)
the radio pulsar emission mechanism}, and, f) the radio pulsars as probes of
gravitational physics}. Most of these studies are the main goals of the SKA
first phase, which is likely to be operational in the next four years. This
article summarises the science goals of the Indian neutron star community in
the SKA era, with significant focus on coordinated efforts among the SKA and
other existing/upcoming instruments.
