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Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Dr. Rajeswari (Raji) Pillai Rajagopalan is the Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy & Technology (CSST) at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. 

Dr. Rajagopalan was the Technical Advisor to the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) (July 2018-July 2019). She was also a Non-Resident Indo-Pacific Fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre from April-December 2020. As a senior Asia defense writer for The Diplomat, she writes a weekly column on Asian strategic issues.  

Dr. Rajagopalan joined ORF after a five-year stint at the National Security Council Secretariat (2003-2007), Government of India, where she was an Assistant Director. Prior to joining the NSCS, she was Research Officer at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi.  She was also a Visiting Professor at the Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan in 2012.  

Dr. Rajagopalan has authored or edited nine books including Global Nuclear Security: Moving Beyond the NSS (2018), Space Policy 2.0 (2017), Nuclear Security in India (2015), Clashing Titans: Military Strategy and Insecurity among Asian Great Powers (2012), The Dragon’s Fire: Chinese Military Strategy and Its Implications for Asia (2009).  She has published research essays in edited volumes, and in peer reviewed journals such as India Review, Strategic Studies Quarterly, Air and Space Power Journal, International Journal of Nuclear Law and Strategic Analysis.  She has also contributed essays to newspapers such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Times of India, and The Economic Times.  She has been invited to speak at international fora including the United Nations Disarmament Forum (New York), the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) (Vienna), Conference on Disarmament (Geneva), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the European Union.  

Dr. Rajagopalan tweets @raji143.

Posts by Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
March 15, 2024

Maiden Test for India’s Agni-5 MIRV Missile

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
MIRV is a complex technology, and India’s test this week puts it among a small group of countries that have managed to develop it.

March 08, 2024

Once Again, Concerns Arise About China-Pakistan WMD Nexus

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Indian customs officials reportedly intercepted a Malta-flagged merchant ship carrying a computer numerical control machine en route from China to Pakistan.
February 29, 2024

India-Japan ‘Dharma Guardian’ Exercise 

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Military engagements between India and Japan have been on a steady growth path that mirrors the shared political and strategic goals of Delhi and Tokyo.

February 17, 2024

Why Russia’s Latest Space Weapon Is So Dangerous

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Bringing the nuclear element into space, be it a nuclear weapon or a nuclear-powered counterspace weapon, will have serious repercussions.

February 12, 2024

US Official Warns of China’s Growing Offensive Cyber Power

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
FBI Director Wray, in particular, sounded the alarm about China's targeting of U.S. critical infrastructure for potential cyber attacks.

February 05, 2024

Indian Foreign Secretary Visits Bhutan as New Government Takes Charge 

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The Indian foreign secretary’s visit came as the new Bhutanese government is preparing to work out its complex border issues with China.
January 29, 2024

China’s Nuclear Forces Continue to Expand

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
China’s nuclear expansion could lead to a spiraling arms race.

January 18, 2024

Maldives’ Muizzu Throws in With China

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Malé is playing India and China against each other and trying to get the best deal, but Muizzu appears to have gone a bit overboard this time. 

January 10, 2024

Aditya-L1 Mission: Another Feat for India’s Space Program

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
India’s maiden solar mission undertook a journey of around 1.5 million km from Earth, taking 127 days to reach its final destination.

January 05, 2024

India’s Russia Defense Gambit

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The uncertainty and possible further disruptions in the defense supply chain out of Russia could accelerate India’s diversification and indigenization efforts. 

December 28, 2023

Sino-Indian Border Infrastructure in the Indian Defense Ministry’s Year End Review

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Given the state of bilateral relations between India and China, New Delhi is doubling down on its efforts regarding strategic border infrastructure.
December 23, 2023

India Announces Republic Day Chief Guest: French President Emmanuel Macron

By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
New Delhi and Paris have a lot in common in terms of their strategic perspectives on a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

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