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.

A Missile in the Monkey’s Shadow?

Iran’s investments in space should not be viewed only through the narrow prism of a nuclear threat but as a nascent attempt to challenge the West’s technological domination.

Ajey Lele
January 31, 2013
IDSA Comments

India’s New Science Policy is about Innovation

STI 2013 envisages the creation of a word-class infrastructure for R&D and skill development as well as encouraging the scientific community by providing adequate opportunities and better career options.

Ajey Lele
January 09, 2013
IDSA Comments

The Indian Space Programme in 2012: A Review

While 2012 saw ISRO’s 100th space mission, its continued dependence on a single operational launch vehicle in the form of the PSLV has meant dependence on foreign launch services for heavier class satellites.

Radhakrishna Rao
January 02, 2013
IDSA Comments

China to Launch Satellite for Sri Lanka: India’s Missed Opportunity?

India has much to learn from China with regard to using space as an ‘instrument of influence’ and also needs to expand the global footprint of its expertise.

Ajey Lele
November 16, 2012
IDSA Comments

Some takeaways from the Budapest Conference on Cyberspace

Even as imagined and real cyber security threats scale new heights, the story coming out of the recently concluded Second International Conference on Cyberspace in Budapest was one of a widening gulf between countries, notwithstanding the stated intent of bridging differences through dialogue.

Cherian Samuel
October 11, 2012
IDSA Comments

GSAT-10 is a success but ISRO needs to advance its Launch Capabilities

India’s inadequacies in the space arena are not limited to how much weight its launch vehicles can carry into space but also extends to the number of launches that ISRO can carry out in a year.

Ajey Lele
October 01, 2012
IDSA Comments

The Invisible War in West Asia

The two recent malware attacks on energy companies in West Asia are particularly worrisome since they represent a rapid escalation in capabilities and intent on the part of the perpetrators.

Cherian Samuel
September 07, 2012
IDSA Comments

Robot now, Human Later: America’s Mars Dream

The US will undertake a manned mission to Mars to once again demonstrate its supremacy as well as to demonstrate the limitations of China’s rise.

Ajey Lele
August 09, 2012
IDSA Comments

China Consolidates the Rare Earth Industry and Builds Strategic Reserves

China’s success in the rare earth industry is the result of both careful thought and consideration at the highest policy making levels which have constantly expedited reform in the industry.

Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Conflict

It is expected that the Syrian inventory could contain several thousand aerial bombs filled mostly with the chemical agent Sarin, and between 50 and 100 ballistic missile warheads.