Think tanks play a vital role in shaping public policy, providing research, and offering expert analysis on various socio-economic and political issues. Here is a list of top 20 think tanks in India in 2023, known for their contributions to policy-making, research, and advocacy:
- Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
- Centre for Policy Research (CPR)
- Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
- The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)
- The Centre for Civil Society (CCS)
- National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)
- Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations
- Development Alternatives Group (DA)
- Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
- The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG)
- The Takshashila Institution
- Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
- Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)
- Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
- The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC)
- Brookings India
- Strategic Foresight Group (SFG)
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)
- Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)
These think tanks cover a wide range of areas, including international relations, public policy, economic development, defense, environment, and technology. They contribute to shaping national and international policies, offering research-based solutions, and promoting informed debate on critical issues.
Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is one of India’s leading independent think tanks, focusing on public policy, international relations, economic development, and strategic affairs.
Established in 1990, ORF is headquartered in New Delhi, with centers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
ORF’s primary objective is to provide non-partisan, well-researched analyses and policy recommendations to decision-makers, academics, and the public. The organization conducts in-depth research and organizes discussions, conferences, and workshops to facilitate informed debates on crucial policy issues.
The think tank’s research areas encompass a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
- International relations and diplomacy
- Economic development and policy
- National security and defense
- Energy and environmental policy
- Science, technology, and innovation
- Governance and political reforms
- Urban planning and infrastructure
- Health and education policy
ORF collaborates with other prominent think tanks, government institutions, and international organizations to drive intellectual exchanges and global policy dialogues.
It also publishes research papers, policy briefs, and reports to disseminate its findings and analyses.
Through its multifaceted research, ORF aims to contribute to India’s policymaking process and help shape the country’s domestic and foreign policies in a way that promotes inclusive growth, global engagement, and sustainable development.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is a prominent think tank and research organization based in New Delhi, India.
Established in 1974, TERI focuses on sustainable development, energy, environment, and climate change, with the goal of providing knowledge and policy solutions that address global challenges.
TERI’s mission is to create innovative solutions for a sustainable future by combining research, policy advocacy, and capacity building. The organization works in a wide range of areas, including:
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Climate change and environmental protection
- Water management and pollution control
- Sustainable agriculture and biotechnology
- Sustainable habitats and urban development
- Waste management and resource efficiency
- Green transportation and mobility
TERI conducts interdisciplinary research and collaborates with government institutions, industries, academia, and other stakeholders to develop and implement innovative solutions.
The organization also provides consultancy services, conducts training programs, and organizes conferences and workshops to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
One of TERI’s notable initiatives is the annual Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS), which brings together world leaders, policymakers, experts, and representatives from various sectors to discuss and debate pressing global issues related to sustainable development.
By working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, TERI aims to contribute to the global sustainability agenda and help India and other countries transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
Centre for Policy Research (CPR)
Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is an esteemed independent think tank based in New Delhi, India.
Established in 1973, CPR is dedicated to addressing pressing social, economic, and political challenges through rigorous research, policy analysis, and innovative solutions.
The institution engages in interdisciplinary research encompassing a diverse range of topics such as governance, urbanization, international relations, law, environment, and education.
CPR fosters dialogue between scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders, hosting various discussions, seminars, and workshops. By disseminating its research findings in the form of publications, articles, and reports, CPR aims to contribute to informed public debate and policymaking.
Collaborating with other renowned think tanks and institutions, CPR strives to shape the future of India and the world by promoting sustainable development, equity, and social progress.
Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) is a premier policy research institution based in New Delhi, India.
Founded in 1981, ICRIER is focused on conducting policy-oriented research on international economic issues, with an emphasis on India’s role in the global economy.
The organization aims to provide valuable inputs for policy formulation by offering evidence-based analysis and recommendations.
ICRIER’s research areas encompass a wide range of topics, including international trade, finance, macroeconomics, development, agriculture, industry, services, and environment.
The institution collaborates with global think tanks, international organizations, and government agencies to contribute to the policy discourse on key economic issues.
In addition to conducting research, ICRIER organizes conferences, workshops, and seminars to facilitate knowledge sharing and informed debate among policymakers, academics, and industry experts.
The organization also conducts capacity-building programs for government officials, researchers, and students to enhance their understanding of international economic issues.
Through its interdisciplinary research and policy advocacy, ICRIER aims to contribute to the development of an economically vibrant and globally competitive India, capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)
The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) is a prominent think tank based in New Delhi, India, focused on defense, security, and strategic research and analysis.
Established in 1965, IDSA is an autonomous institution funded by the Indian Ministry of Defence, and its primary mission is to promote informed decision-making on matters of national security and strategic importance.
IDSA conducts research on a broad range of topics, including:
- Military strategy and doctrines
- International security and geopolitics
- Regional and country-specific security issues
- Terrorism and insurgency
- Arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation
- Defense economics and industry
- Cybersecurity and emerging technologies
The institute comprises a team of experienced researchers and analysts who produce policy-relevant research, which is published in the form of books, monographs, policy briefs, and articles. IDSA also publishes the Journal of Defence Studies, a peer-reviewed academic journal that covers security and strategic studies.
The Centre for Civil Society (CCS)
The Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is a non-profit think tank based in New Delhi, India, established in 1997. CCS focuses on promoting individual liberty, limited government, and free-market policies to create a more prosperous and inclusive society.
The organization’s mission is to advance social change through public policy by influencing policy formulation, fostering public discourse, and developing future leaders.
CCS works across a wide range of policy areas, including:
- Education and skill development
- Livelihood and entrepreneurship
- Governance and public administration
- Environment and sustainability
- Urban development and infrastructure
The organization conducts research, develops policy recommendations, and engages in advocacy efforts to shape policy debates and influence decision-makers. CCS also organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, academics, and civil society members.
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)
The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) is a prominent research institution based in New Delhi, India. Established in 1976, NIPFP is an autonomous organization that specializes in public finance and policy research.
The institute’s primary objective is to provide evidence-based policy advice to the government, policymakers, and other stakeholders, helping to shape sound public policies and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
NIPFP’s research areas include:
- Fiscal policy and macroeconomics
- Taxation and revenue mobilization
- Public expenditure and budget management
- Intergovernmental fiscal relations and decentralization
- Public debt management and financial markets
- Social sector policies, including health, education, and social security
- Governance, transparency, and accountability
The institute comprises a team of experienced researchers and experts who collaborate with government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions. NIPFP’s research outputs take the form of working papers, policy briefs, reports, and articles in scholarly journals.
Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations
Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations is a leading foreign policy think tank based in Mumbai, India. Established in 2009, the organization aims to engage India’s business and foreign policy communities to foster informed dialogue on India’s role in the global economy and international relations.
Gateway House focuses on several key areas of research and policy, including:
- International economics and trade
- Geopolitics and security
- Energy, resources, and sustainability
- Technology, innovation, and digital policy
- Regional studies, including the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East
The think tank conducts in-depth research and analysis on critical global issues, offering policy recommendations to government officials, business leaders, and the public. The organization also hosts conferences, seminars, and roundtable discussions to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, scholars, and industry experts.
Development Alternatives Group (DA)
Development Alternatives Group (DA) is a pioneering social enterprise and research organization based in New Delhi, India.
Founded in 1982, the group’s mission is to promote sustainable development, environmental conservation, and inclusive growth through innovative technologies, policy solutions, and capacity building initiatives.
DA works across a broad range of sectors, including:
- Sustainable livelihoods and job creation
- Green technology and resource efficiency
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Sustainable habitat and infrastructure
- Social and environmental entrepreneurship
- Inclusive governance and community-based decision-making
Development Alternatives Group comprises multiple organizations, such as Development Alternatives (DA), Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA), and TARAgram.
Each organization within the group focuses on different aspects of sustainable development, from technology innovation and dissemination to policy research and grassroots implementation.
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is a New Delhi-based autonomous policy research institution that focuses on issues related to international economic development, trade, investment, technology, and South-South cooperation.
Established in 1984, RIS aims to provide evidence-based policy advice and support informed decision-making in the context of India’s engagement with the global economy and other developing countries.
RIS conducts research on a wide range of topics, including:
- Multilateral trade negotiations and World Trade Organization (WTO) issues
- Regional economic integration and trade agreements
- International investment and technology flows
- South-South cooperation and development partnerships
- Global governance and sustainable development goals (SDGs)
- Global value chains and production networks
The organization comprises a team of experienced researchers and experts who collaborate with government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions to conduct interdisciplinary research and analysis. RIS’s research outputs take the form of working papers, policy briefs, reports, and articles in scholarly journals.
The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG)
The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) is a distinguished research organization based in New Delhi, India.
Established in 1952, the institute focuses on conducting advanced studies in economics and related disciplines to foster evidence-based policymaking and economic development.
IEG’s primary objectives are to generate insightful knowledge, promote policy discourse, and contribute to India’s sustainable growth and social transformation.
IEG’s research areas encompass a broad range of topics, including macroeconomics, development, labor, agriculture, industry, environment, health, education, and demography.
The institute collaborates with government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions to undertake interdisciplinary research.
In addition to research, IEG offers training and capacity-building programs for academics, policymakers, and researchers. It also organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops to facilitate intellectual exchange and informed debate on pressing economic issues.
The Takshashila Institution
The Takshashila Institution is an independent, non-partisan think tank and educational institution based in Bengaluru, India. Founded in 2010, its mission is to build the intellectual foundations of an India with global interests and contribute to public policy discourse.
Takshashila focuses on strategic affairs, public policy, governance, and economic development.
The institution conducts research and analysis on pressing policy issues, fostering informed debates and providing actionable recommendations to decision-makers. It also offers online and in-person educational programs in public policy, fostering a new generation of policy leaders and thinkers.
Takshashila collaborates with other think tanks, academia, government institutions, and civil society organizations to drive intellectual exchanges and policy dialogues.
Its research spans areas such as geopolitics, national security, technology policy, and urban governance, with a strong emphasis on the challenges and opportunities presented by India’s rise in the international arena.
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a leading research and advocacy organization based in New Delhi, India. Established in 1980, CSE focuses on promoting environmentally sound and equitable development strategies, addressing crucial issues related to the environment, pollution, and sustainability.
CSE’s mission is to provide knowledge-based solutions to protect the environment, empower communities, and influence policy change. The organization works across various domains, such as air pollution, water management, waste management, climate change, renewable energy, food safety, and sustainable urbanization.
CSE conducts in-depth research, publishes reports, and engages with policymakers and stakeholders to drive sustainable development. It also offers capacity-building programs, organizes workshops and conferences, and raises public awareness about environmental issues.
CSE’s efforts have contributed significantly to shaping India’s environmental policies and promoting sustainable development practices.
Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)
The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) is a leading research institution based in New Delhi, India.
Established in 1963, the center is dedicated to interdisciplinary research on politics, society, and culture in India and other developing countries. CSDS’s primary goal is to foster critical thinking and analysis of India’s complex social and political realities, especially in relation to democratic processes and institutions.
CSDS conducts research on a wide range of topics, including:
- Political participation and representation
- Social inequality and discrimination
- Caste and ethnicity
- Religion and identity
- Urbanization and migration
- Media and communication
- Environmental politics and sustainability
The center comprises a team of distinguished researchers, scholars, and academics who conduct cutting-edge research, publish books and academic papers, and organize seminars, workshops, and conferences.
CSDS’s research outputs have contributed significantly to public discourse and policymaking in India and other developing countries.
Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is a legal research and advisory organization based in New Delhi, India. Established in 2013, Vidhi aims to provide innovative solutions to pressing legal and policy issues, ensuring that law and policy serve the public interest.
The organization’s research areas include constitutional law, administrative law, criminal justice, and economic regulation.
Vidhi collaborates with government institutions, international organizations, and civil society groups to facilitate policy reform and strengthen the rule of law. The center’s work includes policy research, legislative drafting, capacity building, and advocacy efforts.
Vidhi’s team of legal experts, researchers, and analysts provides technical assistance to policymakers, legislators, and judges, helping to develop evidence-based policy solutions that promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Through its work, Vidhi aims to contribute to the creation of a just, equitable, and democratic society.
The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC)
The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) is a leading research institution based in Bangalore, India. Established in 1972, ISEC is dedicated to conducting research on social and economic development in India, with a focus on policy analysis, empirical research, and capacity building.
ISEC’s research areas encompass a wide range of topics, including:
- Agriculture and rural development
- Industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship
- Health and education
- Poverty and inequality
- Environmental sustainability
- Governance and public policy
- International trade and development
The institute comprises a team of experienced researchers and faculty members who produce research outputs such as books, monographs, working papers, and journal articles.
ISEC also offers training programs and consultancy services to government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations to enhance their capacity for social and economic development.
By providing rigorous research and policy analysis, ISEC aims to contribute to informed decision-making and promote sustainable, inclusive growth in India and beyond.
Brookings India
Brookings India is a research institution and policy think tank based in New Delhi, India. Established in 2013, it is a partnership between the Brookings Institution, a leading think tank based in Washington D.C., and the India Council on Global Relations (ICGR).
Brookings India conducts research on a broad range of issues relevant to India and South Asia, including economic growth, governance, energy and sustainability, and foreign policy.
Brookings India’s research is evidence-based, and it aims to provide policymakers and the public with independent, non-partisan analysis and policy recommendations.
The institution is committed to fostering open and informed dialogue among policymakers, experts, and the public to help advance India’s social and economic development.
In addition to its research activities, Brookings India regularly organizes events, seminars, and workshops to facilitate dialogue on critical policy issues.
The organization also collaborates with other research institutions, think tanks, and policymakers in India and around the world to promote knowledge sharing and research collaboration.
Strategic Foresight Group (SFG)
Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) is a think tank and strategy consultancy based in Mumbai, India. Founded in 2002, SFG focuses on promoting peace, security, and sustainable development through strategic foresight, risk analysis, and conflict resolution.
The organization’s approach is based on the belief that the world’s most pressing challenges require innovative, long-term solutions that are grounded in rigorous research and analysis.
SFG’s research areas include:
- Water diplomacy and security
- Energy security and sustainable development
- Geopolitics and regional security
- Cybersecurity and digital governance
- Countering violent extremism and terrorism
- Migration and human security
SFG’s research outputs take the form of reports, policy briefs, and academic articles, which are disseminated to policymakers, government officials, academics, and the public.
The organization also conducts capacity-building programs, training, and workshops to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex global challenges.
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)
The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) is a premier research institution based in Mumbai, India. Established in 1987, IGIDR is an autonomous organization focused on interdisciplinary research and advanced training in the fields of economics and related social sciences.
The institute’s research areas include:
- Macroeconomics and monetary policy
- Public finance and fiscal policy
- Development economics and poverty alleviation
- Environment and sustainability
- Agriculture and rural development
- Trade and globalization
- Financial markets and institutions
IGIDR’s research is distinguished by its analytical rigor, empirical foundations, and policy relevance. The institute’s faculty members comprise leading researchers and scholars who are widely recognized for their contributions to the field of economics.
In addition to research, IGIDR offers a range of academic programs, including a doctoral program, a master’s program in economics, and various training programs for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
The institute also hosts conferences, seminars, and workshops to facilitate dialogue and knowledge-sharing among academics, policymakers, and industry experts.
Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)
The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is a leading public policy think tank based in Kochi, India. Established in 2004, CPPR is dedicated to promoting research-based policy analysis and advocacy, with the aim of contributing to the socio-economic development of India and other emerging economies.
CPPR’s research areas encompass a wide range of topics, including:
- Governance and public administration
- Education and skill development
- Healthcare and social welfare
- Urban development and transportation
- Economic reforms and trade policies
- Energy and environment
- Security and geopolitics
CPPR collaborates with government agencies, industry bodies, academic institutions, and international organizations to conduct research and disseminate its findings. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts, hosting conferences, workshops, and seminars to create awareness among policymakers and stakeholders.
Through its research and advocacy, CPPR aims to promote evidence-based policymaking and help create a more equitable and prosperous society in India and beyond.
In conclusion, India is home to a vibrant and diverse think tank landscape, with a wide range of institutions dedicated to research and policy advocacy across various sectors.
The top 20 best think tanks in India for 2023, as highlighted above, cover a broad spectrum of topics, from economic development and policy to international relations, security, environment, and social issues.
These think tanks play a crucial role in shaping public policy, offering research-based solutions, and contributing to the intellectual landscape of the country.
Through their research, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts, these institutions are helping to promote evidence-based policymaking, foster public discourse, and drive positive change in India and beyond.
