North America & Strategic Technologies

About Centre

The Centre focuses on issues related to strategic technologies that have a potential impact on national security. Its main focus is on critical technologies and space technologies. The Centre is engaged in tracking and trend analysis of issues related to Space Security and Cyber Security. The other mandate of the Centre is to undertake research on Biological and Chemical Weapons with a focus on studying the dangers of proliferation and terrorism. The Centre is responsible for the publication of the CBW Magazine – a bi-annual magazine which covers a wide range of issues related to Chemical and Biological Weapons.

God forgives, would Google?

At present, the entire debate on ‘right to be forgotten’ is mainly focused on individual freedom and individual rights. However, it is important to look at this issue from a security angle too.

Ajey Lele
June 06, 2016
IDSA Comments

Cyber Menace and Elections in The Philippines

The cyber-attack on the election commission of The Philippines demonstrates the need for democracies to have a strong cyber security mechanism in place for the smooth conduct of elections.

Ajey Lele
May 12, 2016
IDSA Comments

India’s Space Security Policy: A Proposal

It is time India devised a cohesive national policy to guard its interests in space and effectively address existing and emerging challenges.

Ajey Lele
April 28, 2016
Policy Brief

Social Media and the Encryption Challenge

The need of the moment is an encryption policy that does not come in the way of innovation but at the same time reduces undue opportunities for criminal and terrorist activities.

Arul R
April 22, 2016
IDSA Comments

Satellite for SAARC: Pakistan’s Missed Opportunity

SAARC satellite was an opportunity for Pakistan to display its enthusiasm for space cooperation with India, but its strategic calculations appear to have ‘jammed’ its vision.

Ajey Lele
April 19, 2016
IDSA Comments

Moving Cyber from the Orbit to the Nucleus of the Nuclear Security Summit

Along with physical and system operational security at nuclear power plants, cybersecurity of electronic assets and computer/ICS networks have also become a major concern.

Munish Sharma
March 30, 2016
IDSA Comments

Bangladesh Bank: The Billion Dollar Breach

Even if the investigations reveal the technical reason behind the breach, issues of jurisdiction, accountability and dearth of international laws governing cyber or money laundering crimes would await another billion dollar breach.

Munish Sharma
March 23, 2016
IDSA Comments

Lashkar-e-Cyber of Hafiz Saeed

Terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba are increasingly taking to social media to further widen their outreach. By integrating social media with self-developed android apps, Lashkar is also turning from mere technology user into a product developer.

Munish Sharma
March 21, 2016
IDSA Comments

North Korea: Launching a Satellite to Demonstrate ICBM Capability

North Korea may not have reached the level of expertise to develop an ICBM indigenously. But, in terms of declaration of intent, it has achieved all that it wants.

Ajey Lele
February 18, 2016
IDSA Comments

Rocket Launchers for Small Satellites

The increase in demand for small satellites is not supported by the best launch options. Various existing options have huge limitations. It is believed that ‘proliferation’ of small satellites technology is possible only if reliable and cost-effective launch options are made available.