Security and Strategic Affairs

The Security & Strategic Affairs Division is NITI Aayog's nodal platform for advancing national security and strategic policy through collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and other key government stakeholders. It supports policy development on defence, internal security, border management, foreign policy, emerging technologies, and evolving geopolitical and geo-economic issues by integrating research, strategic analysis, and cross-sectoral expertise. The Division also serves as the nodal vertical for NITI Aayog's engagement with the frontier States of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The Division promotes a whole-of-government approach by enabling institutional convergence, strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, and generating evidence-based policy recommendations. Through its work, it contributes to informed decision-making, enhanced national resilience, and the advancement of India's long-term security and strategic interests.
The Division's overarching goal is to strengthen India's strategic preparedness by fostering integrated policymaking, institutional collaboration, and a resilient national security ecosystem capable of addressing present and emerging challenges.

1. National Security & Defence

Generate analytical inputs on defence, internal security, border management, maritime affairs, critical infrastructure, and evolving risk landscapes to strengthen India's national preparedness.

2. International Relations & Geopolitics

Examine regional and global developments, foreign policy priorities, strategic partnerships, neighbourhood engagement, and geo-economic trends to inform India's external engagement.

3. Whole-of-Government Convergence

Enable seamless collaboration among the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, External Affairs, and other stakeholders to address cross-cutting national priorities through integrated approaches.

4. Research, Analysis & Foresight

Produce evidence-based studies, thematic assessments, and forward-looking recommendations that anticipate emerging challenges and shape long-term national priorities.

5. Border & Frontier Transformation

Promote integrated development of border regions by advancing initiatives that enhance connectivity, economic opportunities, public service delivery, and community resilience.

6. State Partnerships

Strengthen institutional capacity and governance outcomes through sustained engagement with States and Union Territories under flagship initiatives, including the State Support Mission, NITI for States, Aspirational Districts Programme, and Aspirational Blocks Programme.

7. Programme Appraisal & Evaluation

Review strategic proposals, investment projects, and development programmes to improve design, implementation, and measurable outcomes.

8. Emerging Technologies & National Resilience

Assess the implications and suggest reforms related to frontier technologies, digital ecosystems, supply chains, and critical sectors to build resilience against future risks.

9. Disaster Risk & Resilience

Advance integrated approaches to disaster preparedness, mitigation, recovery, and institutional capacity in partnership with national and state agencies.

10. Knowledge Networks & Institutional Engagement

Cultivate partnerships with government institutions, academia, industry, think tanks, and international organisations to facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, and informed public policy.

1. Ministry of Home Affairs

2. Ministry of Defence

3. Ministry of External Affairs

• Expanding Defence Production for Exports.
• Indigenisation of Propulsion Systems across Land, Air and Maritime Domains.
• Assessment of Strategic Minerals for India's Defence Sector.
• Reforms for Effective International Development Assistance.
• Impact of Security-related Restrictions on Tourism, Livelihoods and Infrastructure in Border Areas.
• Strategy for Enhancing India's Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Capabilities.
• National Skilling Strategy for the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Sector.
• Model Village Initiative – Zemithang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Strengthening Environmental Sustainability in the Indian Armed Forces.