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.

China’s 2011 White Paper on Space: An Indian Perspective

Instead of decrying the edge China has achieved over India, it is important to critically evaluate the actual benefits that accrue from manned space flights and the Space Station.

Ajey Lele , Gunjan Singh
January 12, 2012
IDSA Comments

The Ghost of Chemical Weapons in the Arab Spring

Presidential candidate Mohamed ElBaradei tweeted that ‘Tear gas with nerve agent has been used against the Tahrir Square demonstrators’. This raises the suspicion of use of chemical weapons in the ongoing struggle for democracy in West Asia. This commentary analyses the relevance of chemical weapons in the Arab Spring.

Ajey Lele
November 29, 2011
IDSA Comments

The PSLV-C18 Mission and Indo-French Collaboration in Space

India and France must now develop a joint marketing strategy for satellite launches and also concentrate on the joint design and development of satellites for smaller developing countries.

Ajey Lele
October 14, 2011
IDSA Comments

DRDO Scientists as Heterogeneous Engineers: A Response to Vipin Narang

To say that DRDO scientists have no right to think or pass judgements over strategic doctrines may be correct in terms of policy requirements but is certainly not rich academically.

Yogesh Joshi
October 03, 2011
IDSA Comments

Issues Before the 7th Biological Weapons Review Conference

Given its record and its efforts to promote bio-security and bio-safety, India should adopt a proactive role in strengthening the BTWC further.

Arvind Gupta
August 30, 2011
IDSA Comments

China launches a communications satellite for Pakistan

China’s launch of Pakistan’s first communications satellite demonstrates a deepening of their technological cooperation.

Ajey Lele
August 24, 2011
IDSA Comments

Breivik’s Interest in Anthrax and Religious Extremism

The history of the use of biological agents by non-state actors indicates that radical groups, religious fanatics and even disgruntled scientists have engaged in bioterrorism

GSAT-12: Boosting Transponder Demand

The larger issue which the GSAT-12 launch brings to the fore is that of the mounting demand for satellite transponders and India’s capabilities in this regard.

Ajey Lele
July 19, 2011
IDSA Comments

Detecting Surgically Implanted Bombs

Aviation has been a favourite target for terrorist groups over the last three decades.

The Last Space Shuttle Flight

The US is stopping the shuttle programme by design and not for want of technology or money; nor does discontinuing the space shuttle indicate that the US has lost the space race.