How a Delhi think-tank became a powerhouse for India's national security and policy
In short: Established in 2009, the Vivekananda International Foundation has evolved from a research institute into a significant intellectual hub. Its influence on Indian governance is notable, with several former staff members moving into high-level government positions. Understanding this organization offers a window into the intersection of policy, strategy, and nationalism.
The Vivekananda International Foundation was founded in December 2009 by the organization Vivekananda Kendra. It operates from a Delhi location that was originally granted to the Kendra by the government led by P. V. Narasimha Rao in 1993. While the institution officially maintains that it is a non-partisan entity without formal ties to the Bharatiya Janata Party or the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, observers frequently note the presence of Hindu nationalist themes within its published materials.
The think-tank gained significant attention during the 2011–2012 period for its role in the anti-corruption movement. It served as a base for the group known as Team Anna, which included figures such as Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, and Baba Ramdev. Critics and media outlets, including the magazine Tehelka, have suggested that the foundation provided the intellectual framework for the 2014 election campaign of Narendra Modi and played a part in challenging the United Progressive Alliance government.
The foundation's impact on the current administration is evidenced by the career paths of its leadership. Ajit Doval, the institute's founding director and a former Intelligence Bureau chief, was appointed as India's National Security Advisor in 2014. Additionally, key figures such as Nripendra Misra and P. K. Mishra transitioned from roles at the foundation to senior positions within the Prime Minister's office. The organization continues to produce research through monographs, reports, and its journal, National Security, while hosting regular discussions on strategic and administrative topics.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Vivekananda International Foundation
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