The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), is a non-partisan, autonomous body dedicated to objective research and policy relevant studies on all aspects of defence, security and international relations. Its mission is to promote national and international security through the generation and dissemination of knowledge on defence and security-related issues.

The core values that serve as guiding principles of the institute are:

• Integrity and Honesty
• Commitment
• Professionalism
• Pursuit of excellence
• Teamwork
• Innovation and Creativity

MP-IDSA has a well-qualified multi-disciplinary research faculty drawn from academia, defence forces and the civil services, representing a diversity of views. Research at the Institute is driven by a comprehensive agenda and by the need to provide impartial analyses and policy recommendations. Institute’s journals, monographs, briefs, and books are the principal mediums through which these analyses and policy recommendations are disseminated. In addition, the news media also carry the views of the institute’s experts in the form of op-eds, interviews and participation in debates.

Since its inception, the institute has served as a forum to debate important aspects of national and international security. The Institute conducts several national and international conferences every year, and regularly holds round tables and workshops on important developments. The Weekly Fellows’ Seminars also serve as a forum in which the institute’s experts interact with a cross-section of analysts, scholars, journalists, and policy makers.

MP-IDSA was established as a registered society in New Delhi on November 11, 1965. Its mission is to provide objective assessments of issues relating to national and international security. Commemorative Postage Stamp : To mark the 50th anniversary of the institute and its contribution to the nation, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp on December 30, 2015.

MP-IDSA provides annual training programmes to civilian and military officers of the Government of India. Lectures by experts from the institute and from outside form the core of these programmes.

MP-IDSA is governed by an Executive Council, whose members are distinguished personalities from various walks of life. The Council is headed by a President. It is supported by committees covering different aspects of the Institute’s work. Executive Council Committees include: Human Resources and Academic Committee, Membership Committee and Finance and Administration Committee. Members of the Council are elected for two-year terms at the Annual General Body meeting.

MP-IDSA is funded by the Indian Ministry of Defence. It functions autonomously.