India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme 2025 For African Students

The India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme 2025 is an excellent opportunity for African scholars and researchers to collaborate with India’s leading research institutions. This fellowship, hosted by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), aims to promote mutual understanding of security challenges between Africa and India, and enhance research capacities on strategic security issues.

About the Fellowship

The India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme invites scholars from across Africa to interact with India’s research community. This is a chance to explore topics related to security challenges in Africa and potential collaborations for strengthening India-Africa security cooperation. Participants will work closely with MP-IDSA scholars and engage in meaningful research that may have a real-world impact.

Eligible Countries

This fellowship is open to applicants from African countries.

Host Location

The fellowship will take place in India, specifically at the MP-IDSA.

Eligibility Criteria

The India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme welcomes applications from:

Scholars and researchers affiliated with reputable universities,

Individuals working in think tanks or research organizations,
Government officials and members of the defence services, and
Persons of eminence with expertise in security studies or related fields.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants of the India-Africa Security Fellowship Programme will receive:

Monthly Fellowship Stipend: Rs. 50,000 per month to cover living expenses.
Economy Class Airfare: Fellows will receive support for travel to and from India.

Accommodation: Residential accommodation will be provided for the duration of the fellowship.
Office Space and Internet Access: Fellows will have access to office space, internet connectivity, and other necessary facilities at MP-IDSA.

Research Output Expectations

Fellows will be attached to MP-IDSA on a full-time basis for a period of 1-3 months. During the fellowship, participants will be required to produce one of the following:

An Occasional Paper or a joint research publication co-authored with an MP-IDSA scholar.
Alternatively, Fellows may produce original high-quality articles (4,000-6,000 words) that may be presented at a Fellows’ Seminar. These papers will be reviewed for publication in MP-IDSA’s flagship journal, Strategic Analysis.
Additionally, Fellows are expected to write at least one commentary for online publication on the MP-IDSA website.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are required to submit the following documents:

An 800-word research proposal outlining:

The relevance of the research to the fellowship’s goals,

Benefits to MP-IDSA and to India-Africa security cooperation,
Proposed time frame and expected end product of the research.

A 500-word statement of purpose explaining how the applicant will benefit from the fellowship.

Updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
Two Published Papers: Writing samples showcasing the applicant’s research work.
Two Letters of Reference: Professional or academic references from individuals familiar with the applicant’s work.

Completed applications should be sent by post or email to the Director-General of MP-IDSA at dg.idsa@nic.in at least three months before the intended start date of the fellowship.

Additional Information

Successful applicants will need to obtain a research visa for the duration of the fellowship. Upon acceptance, MP-IDSA will provide a letter of affiliation to assist with the visa application process. It is recommended that applicants reach out to their local Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate to obtain detailed information on visa requirements and timelines.

Good Luck!

This is an exceptional opportunity for African scholars interested in enhancing their research on security issues and contributing to a broader understanding of India-Africa relations.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Best of luck with your application!