Programmes & events
Building India's next generation of strategic thinkers
Fellowships, mentorship and competitions for new researchers, and the dialogues where research meets practice. All programmes and events are in planning; dates will be announced here.
Programmes
Nine tracks for students, researchers, journalists and institutions.
Young Strategists Programme
For students, early-career researchers and young professionals
A pathway to publish, be mentored and engage with practitioners: essay competitions, debates, model strategic councils and campus correspondents.
Research Fellowships
For researchers, scholars, serving and retired professionals
Supported research on a defined theme, leading to a Defence Observer publication.
Defence Journalism Workshops
For journalists and journalism students
Responsible defence reporting: verification, sensitivity review and context.
Campus Research Network
For universities and academic centres
Universities and student groups working on strategic and security studies.
Essay & Research Competitions
For students and young researchers
Open competitions for fresh writing and analysis.
Researcher Mentorship
For early-career researchers
One-to-one mentorship with experienced practitioners and scholars.
Visiting Contributors
For subject experts, practitioners and academics
A route to contribute research, commentary and expert review.
Calls for Papers
For researchers and institutions
Public calls for papers and policy briefs on announced themes.
Internships
For students and recent graduates
Structured internships in research, editorial and knowledge-archive work.
Dialogues, summits & awards
Where policymakers, practitioners, researchers and industry meet.
| Event | Format | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Observer Dialogue | Annual flagship conference | Policymakers, practitioners, researchers and industry on India's strategic direction. | Planned |
| India Defence & Strategic Summit | Summit | Defence modernisation and strategic partnerships, with the national awards. | Planned |
| Border Security Dialogue | Dialogue | Frontiers, border communities and security on land and at sea. | Planned |
| Defence Industry Dialogue | Dialogue | Public, private, MSME and startup voices on indigenisation and exports. | Planned |
| Defence Technology Summit | Summit | AI, autonomy, counter-drone, cyber, EW and space. | Planned |
| Strategic Affairs Forum | Forum | Geopolitics, the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the neighbourhood. | Planned |
| Defence Diplomacy Forum | Forum | Agreements, exercises, exports and partnerships. | Planned |
| Future Warfare Conference | Conference | How technology and doctrine are changing conflict. | Planned |
| Bharat Raksha Parva | Public programme | Connecting citizens with the Armed Forces. | Planned |
| Sainik Samvad Yaatra | Outreach journey | Engagement with soldiers, veterans and military families. | Planned |
| Roundtables & Webinars | Series | Focused sessions on current defence questions. | Planned |
| National Defence & Strategic Leadership Awards | Awards | Leadership, innovation, research and welfare in defence. | Planned |
National Defence & Strategic Leadership Awards
Eleven categories of annual recognition.
- Defence Leadership
- Strategic Thinker
- Military Innovation
- Defence Industry
- Indigenous Technology
- Soldier Welfare
- Military Journalism
- Strategic Research
- Young Strategic Thinker
- Defence Startup
- National Security Contribution