BHARAT HIMALAYAN INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC MANCH
Promoting Public Policy Research and Advocacy in India
- pr@bhism.org.in
- +91 86790 88003 , +91 92867 72336
GOVERNOR, UTTARAKHAND INAUGURAL MESSAGE
With a sense of pride, I announce the launch of Bharat Himalayan International Strategic Manch, on 13th February 2026, at the Lok Bhawan, Dehradun.
A strategic think tank at Dehradun will tap into the vast intellectual resources and wealth of experience that resides in this city. It will also put the State of Uttarakhand in its rightful place, at the forefront of strategic thinking. The launch of a think tank of this stature has long been awaited. My heartiest congratulations to the founding team, led by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff and Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, for making this a reality.
I graciously accept the patronage of BHISM and look forward to inter-disciplinary research, rigorous analysis and implementable policy advocacy.
Lt Gen Gurmit Singh,
PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd)
Governor, Uttarakhand
About Bhism
BHISM is a premier Indian think tank dedicated to fostering research and informed discourse on India’s development, evolving geopolitics, economic security, cultural depth, and defence strategy. BHISM aspires to serve as a nerve centre of strategic thought from the Indian Himalayan heartland—drawing upon Dehradun’s historic legacy as a centre of learning and leveraging the region’s rich intellectual capital across disciplines—to contribute to policy advocacy at both national and regional levels.
Organisational Overview
India—the world’s largest democracy and an emerging civilizational power—stands at a defining moment as it enters Amrit Kaal, the 25-year period between the 75th and 100th years of Independence. The Government of India has articulated a national vision for 2047 that envisages a developed, self-reliant, secure, and culturally confident Bharat. As India’s geopolitical and economic influence continues to expand, the strategic significance of Dehradun—owing to its proximity to the Himalayan frontier, a region central to the nation’s defence posture, strategic autonomy, and civilizational identity—assumes renewed importance. In this context, the establishment of the Bharat Himalayan International Strategic Manch (BHISM) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, as a world-class think tank is both timely and essential, positioned to contribute meaningfully to India’s strategic discourse and policy formulation.
Leadership Team BHISM
Our team comprises experienced leaders and young minds working together to advance strategic thinking and policy relevance. Guided by shared values, they bring depth, integrity, and purpose to every initiative.
General Anil Chauhan,
PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
Lt Gen AK Singh
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD (Retd)
Member National Security Advisory Board
Col (Dr) Girija Shanker Mungali (Retd)
Chairman and Founder of Sanskriti Group
Dr Sanjeev Chopra
IAS
Member Academic Council, National Center for Good Governance
Nitin Anant Gokhle
Strategic Affairs Analyst and Media Entrepreneur
What We do
Himalayan Geostrategic Centre
The Himalayan Geostrategic Centre (HGC) is a strategic research platform analyzing India’s geopolitical interests and security challenges in the Himalayan region within a multipolar world. It focuses on border dynamics, regional partnerships, strategic alliance, and multilateral cooperation to support stability, informed policy, and long-term strategic planning.
Defence & Security Studies Division
The Defence & Security Studies Division (DSSD) examines India’s defence modernization, military innovation, and security architecture to strengthen strategic autonomy and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Its research spans defence economics, indigenous manufacturing, emerging military technologies, border infrastructure, civil–military integration, and strategic stability to support resilient and future-ready national defence.
Mountain Sustainability Forum
The Mountain Sustainability Forum (MSF) integrates ecological security and sustainable development into Himalayan strategy, treating climate resilience and livelihoods as core defence imperatives. It focuses on climate security, disaster risk management, community-based adaptation, sustainable mountain economies, and environmental defence integration to strengthen long-term resilience and inclusive development.
Key developments, announcements, and engagements from BHISM
Media Releases and Updates
Launched on 13 February
The launch of BHISM on 13 February marks a significant step in strengthening strategic discourse rooted in the Himalayan region drawing from India's strategic culture. The platform will support informed policy dialogue aligned with India’s long-term vision.
Released Research Paper on India's Strategic Culture - Perspectives from Ancient India
India has a strategic culture shaped over more than 5,000 years, evolving through continuous learning and adaptation. This mature tradition holds significant potential to contribute to global peace, stability, and all-round development based on the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"