IDSA’s Interface with Policy

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.