Authors

Aavriti Chauhan is an intern at the Centre for New Age Warfare Studies, working on issues related to modern warfare and national security. With an academic grounding in Political Science and Journalism, she focuses on irregular conflict, information operations, and evolving strategic cultures. Her perspective is shaped by a familiarity with defence environments and an appreciation for the practical realities of the field—steady, clear, and grounded.

Abdulkhaliq Ferdaus is a Kabul-based scholar. He is an Associate Professor with the Institute of Law and Political Science, Academy of Sciences of Afghanistan. Dr. Divya Malhotra is a Senior Research Associate with Centre for New Age Warfare Studies (CNAWS). She had been associated with India’s National Security Council’s Advisory Board (NSAB) as a researcher.

Alakshendra Singh is a Young Research Fellow at CNAWS. He is a third-year B.A. (Hons.) Global Affairs with a specialisation in national security and defence and a minor in Public Policy. He is an aspiring China specialist with A1 level proficiency in Mandarin, along with extensive research into the South China Sea, South Asian Power Dynamics, and Indian hard power capabilities. He is further exploring his interest in OSINT as a supplement to conventional IR.

Anushka is an OSINT/WEBINT Analyst at Alice, an AI security company, and a researcher in Defence and Strategic Studies. She has a keen interest in studying the evolving political and security dynamics of South Asia and exploring aspects of the UNSC’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Her research focuses on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, terrorist networks in South Asia, and internal security challenges, particularly separatist insurgencies in the North-east.

Ashutosh Kumar Singh is a researcher and academic with a strong interest in international relations, strategic studies, and West Asian geopolitics. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at University of Allahabad and is a three-time NET-qualified candidate. His academic and research work focuses on foreign policy analysis, regional security dynamics, and contemporary geopolitical developments in West Asia. He is particularly interested in strategic affairs, diplomacy, and emerging political trends shaping the Middle East and global politics, with a commitment to evidence-based research and policy-oriented analysis.

Avalokit Singh Palhawat is an International Relations researcher with a strong interest in strategic studies, defence modernisation, military technology, and national security. His research explores the evolving character of warfare, network centric operations, emerging defence technologies, and the institutional challenges of military integration and security governance. Beyond academia, Avalokit is an accomplished squash player, having won 25 national titles, represented India at multiple international events, secured a bronze medal at the Hong Kong Open, earned a bronze medal at the Khelo India Games, and achieved a career best world ranking of 45th at the World Junior Squash Championship.

Balaji is a freelance writer with an MA in History and Political science and has published articles on defense and strategic affairs and writes book reviews. He tweets @LaxmanShriram78. Views expressed are the author’s own.

Bhanavi Mathur is an undergraduate student of International Relations with a multidisciplinary academic and professional background. Her research interests include geopolitics, regional security, hybrid warfare, political economy, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and strategic communication. She is particularly interested in examining how information, perception, and emerging technologies influence contemporary international affairs.

Bhaskar Jha is a master's student in OP Jindal Global University. He is a budding researcher who has prior research experience gained at research centres and think tanks like the The Indian Netizens Co. And Center For Land Warfare Studies. He is a Political Science Gold Medalist and takes keen interest in Geopolitical hedging and Security Studies. Chandan Vishwas is a postgraduate researcher currently pursuing a Master’s in Diplomacy, Law & Business at O.P. Jindal Global University, with an academic background in History and Political Science. His work focuses on geopolitics, international relations, defence studies, and policy-oriented research. He is currently engaged in multiple research internships across academic and policy institutions, where he contributes to regulatory research, regional analysis, news monitoring, and humanitarian-focused projects. His research experience includes work on European regulatory frameworks, Northeast Asia (including China, Taiwan, Tibet, and Mongolia), contemporary geopolitical developments, and trade-for-peace initiatives related to migration and conflict-affected communities.

Bhavya Chaturvedi is a Senior research fellow at the Department of Political Science, University of Rajasthan. His research interests include energy security, solar diplomacy, hybrid warfare, strategic studies, and contemporary geopolitical competition. His ongoing research focuses on the comparative foreign policy approaches of India and China in the field of renewable energy and the growing role of solar diplomacy in global geopolitics. He is also interested in the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, including information warfare, OSINT, cyber influence operations, strategic infrastructure vulnerabilities, and non-conventional security challenges. His work examines the intersection of energy transitions, foreign policy, and emerging strategic threats in the contemporary international order.

Charani is an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. She is a Research Analyst (Actg) and Research Assistant at the Institute of National Security Studies, with specialisation in national security, which includes peace building, counter terrorism, preventing violent extremism, gender, cyber and environmental security. She holds a Masters in Conflict and Peace Studies (Distinction, Gold Medalist) from the University of Colombo and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), second class from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. She also holds a Distinction pass in the Advanced Diploma in Transitional Justice from the Bandaranaike Center for International Studies. She has experience in legal research, lecturing, reviewing, and policy analysis. Charani has won the Best Paper Presentation Award at the First International Conference on Business Sustainability by the University of Colombo in collaboration with ZPMC in November 2024 under the track social sustainability and the Best Poster Presentation Award at the 17th International Research Conference 2024 by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University under the track Defence and Strategic Studies. She has represented Sri Lanka on international platforms virtually and in person. She is an alumna of the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, Washington DC. She is also a visiting lecturer, a research supervisor and an independent reviewer as well.

Strategic Analyst at CNAWS specializing in emerging security architectures and regional stability.

Strategic Analyst at CNAWS specializing in emerging security architectures and regional stability.

Colonel KK Venkatraman (Retired) was commissioned in the Indian Army in December 1997. An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has served extensively in Counter Terrorist Operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Counter Insurgency Operations in Assam and along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Theatre. He has served in General Staff appointments in the Eastern, Central and Northern theatres. While in service, the author was part of an in-service Study Group on “Teachings of Sun Tzu and its impact on Modern Day Polity, Society and Psyche” which piqued his life-long interest in China Studies. He holds an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Punjabi University, Patiala. His MPhil dissertation entitled, “International Dynamics of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): An Analytical Study”, analyses the BRI and its impact at the global, regional and national levels. He is currently pursuing his PhD in International Affairs at OP Jindal Global University, Sonepat, where he is working on China’s Holistic Approach to National Security. Previously, he was Research Fellow at Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi where he researched on ‘Application of Artificial Intelligence by PLA and its Implications on Warfighting’. The officer was NASC Fellow (Non-Resident) of 2023 and 2024 cohorts at The Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru where he researched on the PLA’s Western Theatre Command and the PLA Army Aviation respectively. He is a mentor at Atma Nirbhar Soch, independent think tank on Strategic Studies, and has delivered guest lectures at Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru and Delhi University. His weekly newsletter titled, “Tracking the PLA” covers happenings in the People’s Liberation Army of China.

Dr. Lauren Dagan Amoss is a researcher specializing in India's foreign and security policy, with a regional focus on the Indo-Pacific. She is a fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA) and a lecturer at Bar-Ilan University. Dr. Dagan Amos is a member of the Deborah Forum, which promotes women in Israel's foreign and defense policy community.

Dr. Lauren Dagan Amoss is a researcher specializing in India's foreign and security policy, with a regional focus on the Indo-Pacific. She is a Senior Research Fellow at CNAWS. She is also a fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA) and a lecturer at Bar-Ilan University. Dr. Dagan Amos is a member of the Deborah Forum, which promotes women in Israel's foreign and defense policy community. Brigadier General (Res.) Ran Kochav (RanKo) served as the Commander of Israel's Air and Missiles Defense forces until 2022. Throughout his distinguished military career, General Kochav progressed through various leadership positions including Battery Commander, Unit Commander, Battalion Commander, and Air Defense Wing Commander. He also served as Head of the Doctrine and Training Department and Commander of the Israeli Air Defense's Advanced Academy. As a professional Air Defense warrior, General Kochav has been at the forefront of developing multi-layered air and missiles defense concepts and is recognized as an international expert in advanced air defense against various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and UAVs. During his tenure as Commander of Air Defense, General Kochav was responsible for combat doctrine and command of the entire national defense array. He built regional defense capabilities in partnership with the United States through CENTCOM and EUCOM, commanding joint operations for regional defense in the Middle East. His operational experience includes defending against ballistic missiles from Iran, Gaza Strip, Syria, and Lebanon, with thousands of successful interceptions during military operations and wars. His leadership was instrumental in establishing and implementing Israel's sophisticated multi-tier air and missiles defense systems. Currently, General Kochav is engaged in investigating and debriefing the "Iron Swords War" (October 2023) and analyzing lessons learned from this regional conflict. His extensive military background also includes service in the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where his strategic insights contributed to national defense planning. His expertise in developing integrated air defense systems and commanding complex operations has established him as a leading authority in modern warfare against aerial threats, making him an asset in both military and defense consultation capacities. General Kochav served briefly as a research fellow at RUSI (Royal Unites Institute Research) co-authored several professional papers with Dr. Siddharth Kaushal on the missile warfare between Russia and Ukraine and Israeli lessons that could be used to establish a multi-layered air and missiles defense system in Europe

Gaurav Sen is a Senior Research Fellow at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is the author of the book ‘Peril of the Pacific: Military Balance and Battle for Taiwan’. Tang Meng Kit is a Singaporean freelance analyst and commentator who works as an aerospace engineer. He graduated from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU, Singapore in 2025.

Himanshu Kulkarni is a political economist, researcher and writer. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Socio-Economic Policy from University of Canberra (Australia), a Master’s in International Relations, Security and Strategy from OP Jindal University and a Master’s in Political Economy of Development from SOAS University of London, UK. His research areas are Political Economy, Geo Economics, Non-traditional Security and Resource politics.

Jaggari Veera Sai Krupakar is passionate about technology, public policy, and international relations, especially the role of emerging technologies in shaping India’s growth and national security. He previously worked with the Confederation of Indian Industry as a Public Policy Associate and also served as a Research Intern at Indian Institute of Public Administration. His interests include Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, digital governance, and the impact of disruptive technologies on defence and global affairs. He enjoys exploring how India can use innovation and technology to strengthen its strategic and global position in a rapidly changing world.

K. N. Dhruv Ramesh works with the Office of the CEO at C2C Advanced Systems Ltd., a publicly listed defense technology company specializing in C5ISR systems. In this role, he supports initiatives related to defense technology, strategic planning, and emerging security challenges. He holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from VIT Chennai and previously interned with the Security and Law Division of NITI Aayog. Having completed an Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) certification hosted by CNAWS, his research focuses on military aviation, defense procurement policy, unmanned aerial systems, space initiatives, cybersecurity, and C4I networks. He is particularly interested in how the intersection of technology, policy, and strategy shapes India’s future security environment.

Kalpesh Bhagoji Khandekar is pursuing his Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies at Rashtriya Raksha University and is currently in his final year. His research interests centre on the dynamics of drone warfare and the transformation of modern battlefields through unmanned systems. Kalpesh is keen on contributing to the study of air power, drone warfare, and strategic innovation in future warfare.

Khushi Jain is a Research Fellow at the Centre for New Age Warfare Studies (CNAWS). She is a researcher specialising in information warfare, extremist narratives, and South Asian security dynamics. She holds an MA in International Relations from King's College London, where her dissertation examined how Egyptian leaders strategically employed identity narratives as tools of statecraft. She has conducted open-source intelligence research on militant organisations in Kashmir, focusing on propaganda strategies and recruitment mechanisms. She has over 2 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations.

Khushi Kaur Arora is a Research Intern at the Centre for New Age Warfare Studies (CNAWS). Her research interests span strategic affairs, geopolitics, national security, emerging technologies, and strategic foresight. She is particularly interested in examining the intersection of technology, policy, and security, and their implications for future conflict and governance.

Lieutenant General A B Shivane, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), is an NDA alumnus and a second-generation Armoured Corps officer with over 39 years of distinguished military service in key staff and command roles. He is the former Strike Corps Commander and Director General of Mechanised Forces. He also served as a Military Observer in the UN mission in Guatemala. As a scholar-warrior, he has authored over 350 publications on national security, geopolitics, defence technology, doctrines, and defence matters, as well as five books, and is an internationally renowned keynote speaker. The General was a consultant to the Ministry of Defence (Ordnance Factory Board) after superannuation. He was the Distinguished Fellow and held the COAS Chair of Excellence at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies from 2021 to 2022. Additionally, he was a key member of the Indian Army Study Team on Technology Induction 2025. He currently serves as a strategic advisor and board member to several organisations and think tanks. He is also a strategic advisor to the private drone industry. Gen Shivane currently serves as Strategic Advisor to Centre for New Age Warfare Studies (CNAWS).

Lt Gen Gautam Banerjee (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, YSM is a Senior Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), India. He has served as the Chief of Staff, Central Command, and former Commandant of the Officers' Training Academy, Chennai.

Mahima is an International Relations researcher with a keen interest in cognitive warfare, sentiment analysis, strategic studies, and policy governance within the security domain. Her work explores how information ecosystems, public sentiment, and strategic narratives shape national security, governance, and decision-making in an increasingly complex world. She is passionate about bridging academic research and practical policy discourse to address emerging security challenges.

Major Parjanya Bhatt comes with experience in national security, policy research, and media. With over eight years as a journalist and four years as a policy researcher, he brings a rare blend of practical field exposure, academic rigor, and communication skills to the study of contemporary security challenges. As a journalist, Maj Bhatt worked with the DNA and Free Press Journal and worked as a Research Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), where his research work focused on the subject of terrorism and information warfare in Jammu & Kashmir, and conceptualised the special project Kashmir Tracker. His insights have been published across leading platforms such as Deccan Herald, Firstpost, Free Press Journal, CENJOWS, and ORF, among others. He has also authored a chapter on Terrorism and Technology. An alumnus of the University of Manchester, where he completed his Master’s in International Politics, at CNAWS, Major Bhatt contributes his unique expertise at the intersection of strategy, communication, and counter-terrorism to shape informed, impactful analysis of India’s evolving security landscape.

Manish Dhankhar is a postgraduate student pursuing an MA in International Relations and Peace Studies at Nalanda University. His research interests include international relations, national security, geopolitics, terrorism and counterterrorism, and strategic affairs. He is experienced in policy research and academic writing on contemporary security and geopolitical issues.

Meng Kit Tang is a Singaporean freelance analyst and commentator who works as an aerospace engineer. He graduated from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU, Singapore in 2025.

Mohit Vashisth is a Doctoral Research Fellow at Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India. He was earlier associated with Max Security Solutions as a coordinator at Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC). At MAX, he was responsible for intelligence gathering, analysis, travel & security operations, and risk mitigation on a global scale during routine and emergency. He also has three years of experience working in the renewable energy sector. He is an engineering graduate with a major in Electronics and Communications and holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Affairs. His research areas are critical and disruptive defence technologies, counter-terrorism and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).

Mohit Vashisth is the Founder and Executive Director (Intelligence) at CNAWS. Bhaskar Jha is a master's student in OP Jindal Global University. Chandan Vishwas is a postgraduate researcher currently pursuing a Master’s in Diplomacy, Law & Business at O.P. Jindal Global University, with an academic background in History and Political Science.

Mohit Vashisth is the Founder and Executive Director (Intelligence) at CNAWS. Sushant serves as the Lead Intelligence Analyst for the Pakistan Desk at CNAWS, specializing in the Balochistan insurgency and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Prashail Tripathi is a Research Analyst at CNAWS.

Neha Sethi specializes in East Asian security and strategic studies, with foundational proficiency in Mandarin. Her academic and research interests focus on India–China strategic competition, and regional security dynamics.She has also developed a strong interest in examining asymmetric warfare and cyber operations conducted by both state and non-state actors against democratic states, particularly through disinformation campaigns, cyber-enabled influence operations, and other forms of hybrid warfare. Her broader research interests include geopolitical competition, military modernization, arms races, and emerging security challenges.

Nikita Vats is a PhD candidate in International Relations at the Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, India. She previously served as a Research Associate at the National Maritime Foundation, where she contributed to maritime and strategic policy research. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry from the University of Delhi and an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Punjab University. She also holds a second Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. Her research interests span strategic affairs in the Indo-Pacific, India’s energy security, critical minerals, climate diplomacy, and emerging technology-related security issues. Her current doctoral research focuses on the geopolitics of energy transition and India's strategic imperatives in contemporary world politics.

Nupur Gautam is a third-year International Relations student at Amity University, with a keen interest in geopolitics, modern warfare, and the role of emerging technologies including AI & cybersecurity in shaping contemporary security dynamics

Boykaboy leads a team of OSINT Analysts at CNAWS.

Pranoti Bankar is a Defence and Strategic Studies Post-graduate Student from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (Integrated BSc + MSc). Her core interests include national security, international relations, military strategy and space security. During her Postgraduate, she has conducted academic work(Dissertation) on China’s Space Strategy and its implications on global security. She is inclined towards research-driven assessments and OSINT-based analysis, with an interest in studying threat landscapes, adversary behaviour and evolving warfare domains. She aims to build a career in strategic research and contribute to informed policy thinking in India’s national security ecosystem.

Prashail Tripathi is a Research Intern at CNAWS. He has completed his post graduation (M.A.) in National Security Studies from the Central University of Jammu. As an avid researcher, he has been affiliated with think tanks like IMPRI and KIIPS as a research intern. His core interests lie in understanding contemporary geopolitical scenarios, civil-military relations of India’s neighbouring countries, energy security, war studies among others.

Priyal Jain is a former Indian Air Force Flying Cadet having rigorously trained for 2 years at the National Defence Academy. In addition to her core experience in the security, defence, and strategy domain, she is also an avid learner of Economics, Geopolitics and International Relations. She currently progresses in the field of public policy, consultation and strategy design.

Raghav Singhal is a second-year undergraduate student of International Relations and Security Studies, with a specialization in Arabic, at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. He is also a Research Intern at the Centre for India’s Neighbourhood and Internal Security Studies (CINISS), RRU. His research interests include Pakistan, West Asia, and India’s internal security.

Rahul Kumar Tiwari is a Doctoral Candidate in Political Science at Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India. He holds a B.A. (Honors) in Political Science (2019) and an M.A. in Political Science (2021) from the University of Delhi, India. He qualified for the University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) with a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in 2022. His research interests include geopolitics, security and Hybrid Warfare studies.

Sanjay Panicker Reghulal is an undergraduate student at the Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce with a strong interdisciplinary interest in international security, conflict analysis, and strategic technologies. His work spans OSINT-based research, geopolitical analysis, and policy-oriented writing, with a particular focus on emerging warfare, regional security issues, and the evolving nature of conflict. He has also contributed to Project Khthon, where he has worked on documenting war crimes and conflict-related human rights abuses using open-source and satellite-based methods. Broadly, he is interested in the intersections of law, security, and technology, and is especially drawn to questions involving hybrid warfare, CBRN threats, counterterrorism, and strategic policy.

Satyajit Lall is a master's student in Threat Intelligence with a specialization in Financial Crime Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. His first book, 1971 Strategy Campaign, Valor, a comprehensive history of the Bangladesh Liberation War, was launched by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary in 2024. His present focus explores the strategic and doctrinal dimensions of cyberwarfare and informationised warfare.

Sharon Ekka is a Research Intern at CNAWS and a postgraduate scholar pursuing an MA in Diplomacy, Law and Business at the Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, with a specialisation in Indo-Pacific and East Asian affairs. She concurrently pursues an MA in Journalism and Mass Communications at Amity University. She has also served as an Editorial Intern at the Jindal Centre for Global South. Her research interests centre on contemporary maritime security, with a focus on undersea infrastructure vulnerability, unmanned naval systems, and India's strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region.

Shubhi Malhotra is a researcher in Defence and Strategic Studies with interests in geopolitics, hybrid warfare, emerging defence technologies, and international security. She has authored analytical articles and research papers on strategic affairs, regional geopolitics, and policy issues. Her work focuses on contemporary security challenges, OSINT-based research, and the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.

Sunil Kumar Kalidindi is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sigma Advanced Systems. He is also the Co-Founder and Director of Indrajaal Drone Defence India Private Limited, reflecting his wider leadership role across India’s defence and security sector. At Sigma, Sunil is closely involved in guiding the company’s engagement with complex, mission-critical aerospace and defence programmes, ensuring a strong balance between technical ambition, disciplined execution, and long-term commercial sustainability.

Sushant serves as the Intelligence/ Lead Analyst for the Pakistan Security Desk at CNAWS, specializing in the Balochistan insurgency and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). His work spans monitoring the broader regional security environment , including insurgency trends, militant networks, and cross-border dynamics, to assess their impact on stability across South Asia. Beyond terrorism analysis, Sushant tracks Pakistan's evolving political and security landscape, delivering insights that inform regional stability and India's national security priorities.

Sushant serves as the Intelligence/ Lead Analyst for the Pakistan Security Desk at CNAWS, specializing in the Balochistan insurgency and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). His work spans monitoring the broader regional security environment , including insurgency trends, militant networks, and cross-border dynamics, to assess their impact on stability across South Asia. Beyond terrorism analysis, Sushant tracks Pakistan's evolving political and security landscape, delivering insights that inform regional stability and India's national security priorities. Mohit Vashisth is Founder and Executive Director (Intelligence) at CNAWS. He is a Doctoral Research Fellow at Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India. He was earlier associated with Max Security Solutions as a coordinator at Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC). At MAX, he was responsible for intelligence gathering, analysis, travel & security operations, and risk mitigation on a global scale during routine and emergency. He also has three years of experience working in the renewable energy sector. He is an engineering graduate with a major in Electronics and Communications and holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Affairs. His research areas are critical and disruptive defence technologies, counter-terrorism and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).

Taha Ali is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Migrant Studies, University of British Columbia, and a Research Fellow at the Takshashila Institution. He holds an M.A. in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia. His research focuses on South Asian security, nuclear policy, political violence, Islamist movements, and the geopolitics of West Asia. His work has appeared in leading policy and academic platforms, including the Middle East Forum, South Asian Voices, South China Morning Post, United Service Institution of India, Modern Diplomacy, and the Journal of Peace Studies.

Vaibhav Singh is a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. His research interests include India–Russia strategic relations, defence technology, military innovation, and contemporary security studies.

Vansh Pincha is a Research Intern at the Centre for New Age Warfare Studies, where he focuses on the evolving landscape of 21st-century conflict. A candidate for a B.A. (Hons) in Global Affairs with a minor in Public Policy at O.P. Jindal Global University, he is currently an exchange student at Sciences Po, Le Havre.

Varda Dalal is an intern at CNAWS. She holds a Master's Degree in International Relations from Brunel University London. Her dissertation is a comparative study of intelligence failures prior to the Kargil War (India) and October 7 attacks (Israel). Varda's interests include International security, global affairs, policy and South Asian geopolitics.

Violina Sarmah is Research Fellow at CNAWS. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Gauhati University and completed her Master's in International Relations at South Asian University, New Delhi. She is currently pursuing her PhD from South Asian University, New Delhi. Her research interests center on China, East Asia, and hydro-diplomacy, with a particular emphasis on transboundary water politics and its linkages to regional security and international relations.

Vivetha Jayaseelan is an International Relations specialist analyzing power shifts within the emerging international world order, with a focal point on Indo-Pacific security architecture. She is currently a Research Intern at CNAWS. She holds a fully funded MA in International Relations from the University of York and conducts independent research, including publications with notable think tanks.

Wg Cdr (Dr.) Manoj Kumar (Retd.) is a distinguished Indian Air Force veteran, a product leader, and a leading authority in AI and autonomous systems. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing India's indigenous defence capabilities and strategic autonomy. As a renowned thought leader and frequent speaker, Dr. Kumar is a well-known voice in the drone ecosystem and is at the forefront of policy discussions on drone technology and the dual-use applications of unmanned aerial systems. He is a key advocate for the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia to accelerate innovation. With more than 15 years in defence innovation, Dr. Kumar has a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects. He spearheaded the transformative Mehar Baba Swarm Drone initiative, securing substantial funding and driving the development of over a dozen indigenous UAV technologies. He also played a critical role in the multi-national induction of platforms like the AH-64 Apache, C-17 Transport Aircraft, SPYDER-MR, and the Heron Mk II UAV fleet, along with small arms like the IWI Negev LMG and Tavor X95. His work is recognised for its tangible results, including contributions to mission-critical platforms used in high-stakes operations like Balakot and Galwan. He holds several patents in AI and machine learning, a testament to his technical expertise and innovative mindset. Dr. Kumar's leadership extends beyond the military, as he has successfully built an extensive ecosystem with over 129 startups and industries to accelerate technology adoption. He is an alumnus of the Indian Air Force Academy, the Weapon School, and BITS Pilani, where he earned his Ph.D. in Technology Integration. He holds a PMP certification from PMI and a Certificate in Generative AI and Prompt Engineering from CDAC. He is also an explosive and Hazardous material-trained officer from the USAF and a DGCA-certified drone pilot. In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Kumar is an accomplished endurance athlete, including being an Ironman triathlete and a PADI-certified scuba diver. His remarkable feat of swimming 2,600 km of the Ganga River underscores the resilience and discipline that define his approach to leadership and innovation.

Yash Chandan is a research intern at CNAWS and a penultimate-year BA-LLB student at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, with a strong blend of legal and policy expertise and extensive experience in research, analysis, and international affairs. Selected as a United Nations Millennium Fellow for 2024, with multiple publications and write-ups on global governance, gender equity, and international affairs, he is keen to leverage legal training and policy expertise in research, governance, and international development opportunities.

Yashashri Dattaraj Saidam is an intern at CNAWS. She is a final-year Master’s student in Defence and Strategic Studies at Rashtriya Raksha University. Her academic interests include national security strategy, terrorism, and military intelligence. She aspires to build a career in the field of strategic research and national security policymaking.