Strategic Affairs Division

About the Division

The Strategic Affairs Division is the principal research arm dedicated to the study of national security, defence, military affairs, and strategic competition in an increasingly complex international environment. The division undertakes interdisciplinary and policy-oriented research that examines both traditional and non-traditional security challenges affecting India and the wider Indo-Pacific and global strategic landscape. It seeks to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and public policy by producing rigorous research, strategic assessments, policy briefs, and analytical publications that contribute to informed decision-making. Recognising that contemporary security extends beyond conventional military threats, the division adopts a comprehensive approach encompassing defence policy, geopolitical developments, emerging technologies, intelligence, cyber and space domains, maritime security, energy and economic security, and internal security challenges. Through collaboration with scholars, practitioners, defence professionals, government institutions, and civil society, the division promotes evidence-based policy dialogue, strategic awareness, and innovative thinking on issues of national and international importance. The division also serves as a platform for developing future strategic thinkers through seminars, conferences, workshops, research projects, and capacity-building initiatives. By fostering independent analysis and encouraging informed debate, it aims to contribute meaningfully to India's strategic discourse and strengthen resilience against evolving security challenges.

Areas Covered

The division's research encompasses the broad spectrum of strategic and security studies. It examines national security policy, defence planning, military affairs, and strategic thought while analysing geopolitical and geostrategic developments that shape regional and global power dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging domains of security, including cyber security, space security, defence technology, and intelligence studies, alongside traditional areas such as maritime security and internal security. The division also investigates terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies, energy and economic security, and the strategic implications of technological innovation, enabling comprehensive analysis of the contemporary security environment.

• ✓National Security Policy & Defence Planning
• ✓Military Affairs & Strategic Thought
• ✓Geopolitical & Geostrategic Regional/Global Dynamics
• ✓Cyber Security & Space Security
• ✓Defence Technology Integration & Intelligence Studies
• ✓Maritime Security & Internal Security Challenges
• ✓Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Strategies
• ✓Energy & Economic Security Strategy
• ✓Strategic Implications of Technological Innovation