Introduction:
The Deccan Council (DC) is the Hyderabad-based Think-Tank, which was earlier functioning under the name of the “Centre for Asia-Africa Policy Research” (CAAPR). The change in the name is necessitated to reflect more broader range of studies being undertaken by the centre and its geographical location.
The DC is part of the Trust, “Nallapati Foundation for Human Development” (NFHD), a non-profit organization registered under Section 32-A of the Registration Act of 1908, on the 7th day of December 2015 in Hyderabad.
The Council aims at studying broader international political, economic and security trends that impact Indian strategic interests and presenting appropriate perspectives. The institution is not affiliated with any political, governmental or corporate bodies and the research work is purely focused on developing neutral and objective analytical insights for the benefit of all those interested in strategic affairs.
The Council also undertakes assignments from government, business and corporate bodies for customized reports on political and security environment in selected countries/regions.
Some of the Focus Areas:
West Asia and Central Asia – India’s growing economic and security relations in the region and changing domestic and intra-regional dynamics in the GCC countries and Iran. Major power interests in Gulf security. Specific focus on India’s connectivity plans integrating Chahbahar port and North-South Corridor with Central Asia, Afghanistan and the Gulf region.
China – Broader India-China economic and security paradigms; Internal economic fault lines; and Chinese strategies in their outreach to the Indian subcontinent, Gulf and Africa regions.
Africa – Specific focus on Eastern Africa, its regional economic and security dynamics, and India’s interests in the region, besides major power competition.
Maritime Security – The growing significance of the Indo-Pacific region envisages bigger role for India in the Indian Ocean Region with many littoral states and other major powers like the US and Europe looking toward it as a Net Security Provider in the region. It is aimed at studying increasing maritime threats, major power competition and confrontation, and India’s strengths and faultlines in preparing to deliver its responsibilities.
Cyber Security – Virtual platforms are increasingly becoming the new ground for Information and Cyber warfare affecting not only security of the country but also security of corporate governance and individual liberties. Most countries are equipping themselves to acquire technical capabilities targeting their adversaries. DC aims at studying these capabilities and how India can cope with them.
Indian Diaspora – Indian diaspora is fast expanding worldwide, particularly in the US and Europe. Several complications have come up in coping with host environments, marital adjustments, etc., The Council has expertise to advise on these issues and prepare necessary guidelines in association with governmental agencies and Indian associations abroad.
History Project – New advances in technology in the study of astronomy, archeology, geography and climatic conditions have opened up scope for significant scientific research into historical developments that are pushing horizons of ancient Indian history farther into the past than hitherto understood. Besides, current history narratives are dominated by very few historical figures to the neglect of much higher achievements of other kingdoms, particularly in South India like Cholas, Chalukyas, etc. The Council proposes to organize activities around these new discoveries that give us greater pride in our past and produce audio-visual programs for wider circulation.
Consultancy – The Centre proposes to undertake consultancy work for private enterprises. Some of such customized reports that we visualize include study of political stability and security scenario that could impact economic engagement in select regions like the West Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia.