Global Affairs Division
Division Motto
"Connecting Nations, and Advancing Global Understanding"
About the Division
The Global Affairs Division is dedicated to the study of international politics, diplomacy, foreign policy, and global governance in an increasingly interconnected world. The division conducts interdisciplinary research on regional and global developments, analysing how political, economic, strategic, and institutional changes influence international relations and foreign policy. Its primary objective is to generate evidence-based policy research that supports informed engagement with global affairs while advancing understanding of India's role within the evolving international order. The division examines contemporary geopolitical transformations, regional dynamics, multilateral institutions, international law, and the changing distribution of global power. Particular attention is given to the Global South, emerging powers, development cooperation, and conflict resolution, recognising their growing significance in shaping twenty-first-century international relations. Through policy analysis, academic research, and strategic dialogue, the division seeks to provide practical recommendations for governments, academic institutions, civil society, and international stakeholders. In addition to producing scholarly publications and policy briefs, the division promotes dialogue among diplomats, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners through conferences, lectures, collaborative research, and public engagement initiatives. By encouraging informed debate and comparative perspectives, it contributes to stronger international cooperation and a deeper understanding of global challenges and opportunities.
Areas Covered
The division explores international relations through the study of foreign policy, comparative politics, diplomacy, international law, and global governance. Its research analyses the functioning of international organisations, the strategic behaviour of major and emerging powers, and the evolving role of the Global South in international affairs. It also examines conflict and peace studies, development cooperation, and the Blue Economy, providing comprehensive insights into regional and global political, economic, and diplomatic developments.
- ✓Foreign Policy & Comparative Politics
- ✓Diplomacy, International Law & Global Governance
- ✓Functioning & Reform of International Organisations
- ✓Strategic Behaviour of Major and Emerging Powers
- ✓Evolving Role of the Global South in International Affairs
- ✓Conflict and Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution
- ✓Development Cooperation & Global Treaties
- ✓Blue Economy & Marine Resource Governance
Regional Centres
Centre for Asian Regional Studies
The Centre for Asian Regional Studies is dedicated to the comprehensive study of Asia's political, strategic, economic, and security dynamics, with particular emphasis on India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. As Asia continues to shape the global balance of power, the Centre examines regional developments, interstate relations, geopolitical competition, economic integration, and emerging security challenges across South, Southeast, East, Central, and West Asia. It seeks to generate policy-oriented research that strengthens understanding of regional affairs and supports informed decision-making on India's neighbourhood and Indo-Pacific engagement. The Centre promotes interdisciplinary research through strategic assessments, policy briefs, regional studies, dialogues, and collaborative projects involving scholars, diplomats, policymakers, and regional experts.
Centre for European Studies
The Centre for European Studies focuses on the evolving political, security, and economic landscape of Europe and its implications for global governance and India's strategic interests. The Centre analyses the European Union, NATO, Russia, and broader European security architecture while examining Europe's role in international diplomacy, defence cooperation, technological innovation, energy transition, and global economic governance. Through evidence-based research and policy dialogue, the Centre contributes to a deeper understanding of Europe's changing strategic environment and the opportunities for strengthening India-Europe partnerships.
Centre for African Studies
The Centre for African Studies promotes research on Africa's political, economic, developmental, and strategic transformation. Recognising Africa's growing importance in international affairs, the Centre examines regional integration, governance, peace and security, sustainable development, and the continent's expanding role within the Global South. It also analyses India's partnership with African countries alongside the increasing strategic engagement of external powers. The Centre aims to strengthen scholarly understanding and policy engagement between India and Africa through collaborative research, dialogue, and knowledge exchange.
Centre for American Studies
The Centre for American Studies examines political, economic, strategic, and diplomatic developments across North and Latin America. The Centre studies the foreign policies of major regional powers, regional organisations, democratic governance, economic integration, technological innovation, and security cooperation while assessing their implications for global politics and India's international engagement. Through policy research and comparative analysis, the Centre contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the Western Hemisphere and its evolving role in international affairs.
Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies
The Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies is dedicated to research on one of the world's most significant geopolitical regions. The Centre examines the strategic, economic, maritime, and diplomatic developments shaping the Indo-Pacific while analysing regional security architectures, connectivity initiatives, maritime governance, and the evolving balance of power among regional and extra-regional actors. The Centre seeks to provide policy-relevant research that supports India's vision for a free, open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Centre for Polar Studies
The Centre for Polar Studies focuses on the strategic, environmental, scientific, and geopolitical significance of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. As climate change, technological advancement, and resource competition reshape the polar regions, the Centre examines emerging governance frameworks, environmental security, scientific cooperation, maritime routes, and the strategic interests of major powers. It also studies India's expanding engagement in polar research and international scientific collaboration. The Centre aims to advance policy research that connects environmental sustainability with strategic and geopolitical considerations in the polar regions.