India is shaping its future on the global stage, and the thinkers guiding its strategic direction are essential in navigating the complexities of geopolitical and economic change. The intellectuals featured in this list are not just academic experts, but individuals whose work is influencing both policy and public discourse. If you’re eager to stay ahead of the curve and want to understand who will shape India’s strategic affairs in the next decade, keep reading.
India’s Strategic Affairs Thought Leaders for the Next Decade
India’s global influence is growing, and so is the intellectual discourse around its future. As the world grapples with geopolitical tensions, technological revolutions, and economic shifts, strategic thinkers are emerging who will shape India’s future. India’s strategic affairs thinkers will guide how the country manages its relations, security, and economic strategies. Here’s a rundown of the leading intellectuals in the field of strategic affairs to watch out for in the next decade.
Amitabh Mattoo: The Scholar-Pioneer Shaping Indian Foreign Policy
Amitabh Mattoo, the Dean of the School of International Studies at JNU, is one of India’s foremost thought leaders. His career has spanned international relations scholarship, university administration, and policy think tanks, creating a unique blend of academic insight and real-world application. He has significantly contributed to the discourse on India’s foreign policy and security, ensuring that India remains not just a participant in global diplomacy but a thought leader.
His deep understanding of the changing dynamics in global power relations, especially in the context of India’s growing influence, has shaped many policy decisions. As India emerges as a key player in international relations, Amitabh Mattoo’s voice will continue to resonate deeply within the country’s strategic framework.
Dhruva Jaishankar: Rising Star in Indian Foreign Policy
Dhruva Jaishankar, the Executive Director at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America, is a rising star in Indian foreign policy circles. Known for his razor-sharp insights, Dhruva’s work on the intersection of Indian and global foreign relations has gained significant traction. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping how India perceives its relationship with the United States, China, and other global powers.
A frequent commentator on international relations, Dhruva’s deep analysis of India’s foreign policy challenges will prove invaluable as the country navigates the complexities of an increasingly multipolar world.
Garima Mohan: A Thought Leader Bridging India’s Ties with Europe and the US
Garima Mohan, a Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, is carving a niche for herself in the academic and policy circles focused on India’s relations with Europe and the United States. With the shifting dynamics of global politics following events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Garima’s expertise in Europe’s political landscape will play a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy in the coming decade.
Her research and articles, which have appeared in major publications like The Hindu, The Wire, and DW, will continue to shape how India redefines its ties with the West and Europe, making her an intellectual to watch.
Happymon Jacob: Developing a Unique Indian Perspective on Global Affairs
At the forefront of independent thinking on Indian foreign and diplomatic policy is Happymon Jacob, an Associate Professor at JNU. He’s a key intellectual whose work focuses on arms control, disarmament, and India’s role in global security. What sets him apart is his ability to develop a distinctive Indian perspective on international issues, an essential trait as India continues to assert its position on the global stage.
Jacob’s focus on regional and global foreign policy challenges from an Indian vantage point will make him a key voice in the discourse on security and diplomacy.
Manjeet Pardesi: Historical Insights on India’s Grand Strategy
Manjeet Pardesi, an Associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, is one of the foremost scholars on India’s grand strategy. His research on the historical roots of India’s foreign policy and its role in shaping global governance structures will be crucial as India asserts itself as a global power. His expertise in the evolution of the international system and India’s place within it will help policymakers and academics understand the historical context that shapes current and future strategic decisions.
As India’s geopolitical influence grows, Manjeet’s scholarship on India’s global role will be essential for anyone following the country’s strategic trajectory.
Pranay Kotasthane: The Tech-Savvy Policy Expert on Geopolitics
Former technologist turned policy expert, Pranay Kotasthane, Deputy Director at the Takshashila Institution, is one of the leading thinkers bridging the gap between technology and geopolitics. His work on semiconductors, technology supply chains, and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the US-China relationship is critical in understanding how technology shapes global power dynamics.
Pranay’s research on technology’s role in global geopolitics is a game-changer, making him one of the most relevant intellectuals in the coming decade.
Sreeram Chaulia: Championing India’s Global Rise
As Dean of the Jindal School of International Affairs, Sreeram Chaulia is a nationalist intellectual who has brought fresh perspectives to India’s foreign policy. His vision for India’s rise in the 21st century is not just about asserting power but establishing global partnerships that align with India’s long-term strategic goals.
His recently released book, Friends: India’s Strategic Partners, lays the foundation for how India should approach its diplomatic and strategic alliances in the coming decades. As India solidifies its place in the global order, Sreeram’s ideas on global partnerships will become more influential.
The Next Generation of Indian Intellectuals Shaping Strategic Affairs
The future of India’s strategic affairs will be shaped by a new generation of thinkers who are challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of traditional foreign policy thinking. These individuals are making strides in academia, think tanks, and governmental policy circles to ensure India remains ahead of the curve.
With their innovative ideas, they are tackling global challenges from an Indian perspective, carving out a space for India to lead in the 21st century.
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