Shayesta Nishat Ahmed

Research Analyst , Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Shayesta Nishat Ahmed’s chapter ‘Beyond Bilateral: India, France, and the Multilateral Security Architecture of the Indo-Pacific; has been published in the book ‘Strategic Evolution of QUAD from ‘Ocean Froth’ to Asian NATO, Volume 1", edited by Sriparna Pathak, Monojit Das. Read Complete Article [+]

The India–Germany defence partnership is increasingly focusing on co-development, co-production, technology transfer and supply-chain resilience.

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed |
• June 24, 2026 |
• IDSA Comments

MP IDSA scholars, Dr R. Vignesh and Dr Shayesta Nishat Ahmed’s co-authored article ‘Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s trump card. Why has US superiority not secured the seas?’ has been published in ‘The Print’ on 31 March 2026. The article focuses on how the US-Iran war is redrawing global sea trade routes. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

The maritime theatre is increasingly shaping the strategic outcome of the US–Israel–Iran war.

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed, R. Vignesh |
• March 27, 2026 |
• Issue Brief

This article examines the legacy of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack and its role in accelerating global chemical disarmament through the CWC. It highlights ongoing risks from non-signatories and chemical misuse, stressing the need for stronger international enforcement and innovative tools like AI to address evolving threats

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed |
• July-December 2025 |
• CBW Magazine

Research Analyst Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Shayesta Nishat Ahmed’s article ‘Empowering Defence Start-ups: An Analysis of India’s iDEX Initiative’, was published in the Indian Journal of Public Administration.

The study examines the effectiveness of India’s defence start-ups in reducing import dependency and fostering indigenous innovation.

Read Complete Article [+]

Vision 2035 can be expected to evolve from a roadmap into a durable pillar of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed |
• October 01, 2025 |
• Issue Brief

India has increasingly become a key defence partner for North African nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, with significant potential for defence industry collaboration and arms exports. The North African region presents a strategic opportunity for India to expand its defence diplomacy and strengthen ties with the African continent. This article explores how India aligns with North African countries' defence modernisation goals and industrial cooperation efforts. Given North Africa's position as a gateway to Europe and Africa, fostering strong economic and defence ties could enhance India's regional influence through arms trade, industry partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed |
• January-June 2025 |
• Africa Trends

The Rafale-Marine deal between India and France marks a significant milestone in deepening strategic ties with a key Indo-Pacific partner.

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed |
• August 12, 2025 |
• Issue Brief

The strategic partnership between India and the United States has increasingly focussed on joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in the Indian Ocean Region. Cemented by India’s 2016 designation as a ‘Major Defence Partner’, this collaboration now includes joint military exercises, port visits and disaster relief missions. Given the Indo- Pacific region’s importance due to its population and key shipping routes, improved military interoperability and logistical coordination are crucial for tackling climate-related disasters. India’s strong HADR capabilities and capacity-building, along with the strategic support of the United States, have enhanced their bilateral and multilateral cooperation, vital for addressing regional challenges and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

• Shayesta Nishat Ahmed |
• January-March 2025 |
• Journal of Defence Studies