IDSA’s Interface with Policy

Arvind Gupta
Dr Arvind Gupta was Director General of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) from January 05, 2012 to August 07, 2014. He holds a PhD in International Relations… Continue reading IDSA’s Interface with Policy read more
Volume:39
Issue:5
IDSA@50

The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) can look back at its 50-year journey with satisfaction and pride. Undoubtedly a premier research institution in the country, it occupies a distinctive place in the community of prominent global think tanks as a leading centre for strategic research.

In 1962, India had suffered a humiliating defeat in the war against China. The defeat shook the nation and exposed numerous shortcomings in the higher defence management. One of the glaring lacunae was the lack of institutional capacity in the government in strategic thinking. A need, therefore, was felt to set up a strategic affairs think tank in the country to provide independent, unbiased inputs to policy makers.