Funding think tanks is a strategic imperative

India's increasingly assertive role in international affairs necessitates a robust and independent intellectual foundation.

- Ajay Khanna

In a world where geopolitical and geoeconomic complexities are reshaping alliances and policies, India's voice must be clear, confident, and rooted in its own insights. As Joseph Nye said, true power transcends mere resources; it lies in the capacity to shape ideas, influence perceptions, and set the terms of debate. This is the precise domain where independent think tanks prove invaluable. While India is home to over 600 think tanks, placing it among the top three nations globally in terms of numbers, a significant challenge remains. Few Indian institutions are influential in shaping global policy or offering truly transformative thought leadership.

The issue is not one of quantity, but of quality, strategic vision, sustained credibility, and consistent long-term support. The prevalent model of project-based funding, often reliant on short-term assignments and foreign philanthropic or corporate donors, severely limits the capacity of Indian think tanks to undertake deep, long-term research. This dependency poses legitimate questions regarding their perceived independence and influences the trajectory of their work.

A critical question arises: Why has India Inc. largely remained disengaged from consistently supporting domestic think tanks, especially when foreign counterparts benefit from strong governmental and corporate backing? Several factors contribute to this gap.