Mission Statement

To develop an alternative and independent framework for peace and security studies in South Asia

Who We Are

The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), founded in 1996, is a premier South Asian think tank which conducts independent research on and provides an in-depth analysis of conventional and non-conventional issues related to national and South Asian security including nuclear issues, disarmament, non-proliferation, weapons of mass destruction, the war on terrorism, counter terrorism and armed conflict and peace processes in the region. Our research promotes greater understanding of India's foreign policy especially India-China relations, India's relations with SAARC countries and South East Asia.

Through close interaction with leading strategic thinkers, former members of the Indian Administrative Service, the Foreign Service and the three wings of the Armed Forces - the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, - the academic community as well as the media, the IPCS has contributed considerably to the strategic discourse in India.

We have the youngest researcher profile in the region

Research at IPCS

The Institute conducts independent research on conventional and non-conventional security issues in the region and shares its findings with policy makers and the public. It provides a forum for discussion with the strategic community on strategic issues and strives to explore alternatives. Moreover, it works towards building capacity among young scholars for greater refinement of their analyses of South Asian security.

Research carried out by IPCS is organized between three programmes and one Centre.

China Research Programme

The China Research Programme of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is aimed at achieving a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary socio-economic and political changes taking place in China. The primary focus is to enhance the understanding on internal developments within China. More

Nuclear Security Programme

Since its inception, the IPCS has been working on various issues related to disarmament, especially Nuclear Disarmament. We are the only research institute in South Asia that focuses on all aspects of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), including Chemical, Biological and Radiological weapons. More

Southeast Asia Research Programme

The Southeast Asia Research Programme (SEARP) at the Institute of Peace and Conflict studies (IPCS) aims to promote research on Southeast Asia in India, map the existing nature and dynamics of India - Southeast Asia relations, and highlight current political, economic and security developments of mutual concern. Through a combination of discussion-based events and research work, this programme seeks to achieve its goal of creating avenues for collaboration and fostering understanding between India and the ASEAN. More

Centre for Internal and Regional Security

The Centre for Internal and Regional Security (IReS) at the institute was inaugurated by Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon, the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India and Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath, Principal, Lady Shri Ram College and Honorary Director, WISCOMP. The Centre aims to conduct research on issues of internal security with special emphasis on Naxal issues and regional security with the focus countries of 2012 being Iran, Afghanistan and Myanmar. The centre also has two successful projects pertaining to South Asia to its credit, namely the Armed Conflicts in South Asia (ACSA) and the Consortium of South Asian Think-Tanks (COSATT). More  

Faculty at IPCS

The IPCS faculty consists of the Executive Committee, Distinguished Fellows and Research Staff. Our research staff, many doctoral candidates, represents a young and dynamic group coming from varied disciplines. The Executive Committee and Distinguished Fellows consist of leading strategic thinkers and academians, former members of the Indian Administrative Service, the Foreign Service and the three wings of the Armed Forces. IPCS is an equal opportunities employer and values staff diversity. For more information, click here.


Commitment to Independence

The IPCS is dedicated to independent, non-partisan research and analysis. While IPCS receives funding from various government agencies and private sources, its policy recommendations do not subscribe to any particular political views or interests.