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National Security and Transparency Concerns: Alleged MSS Espionage at IDSA and Indian Military Intelligence Gaps

HomeNational SecurityNational Security and Transparency Concerns: Alleged MSS Espionage at IDSA and Indian Military Intelligence Gaps

Request for Institutional Inquiry and Transparency in Matters Affecting India’s National Security

Public Interest Note by Helpful Foundation

Introduction

Helpful Foundation places this article on record in the public and constitutional interest, with the sole objective of seeking institutional clarity, transparency, and due process in matters concerning India’s national security.

This article does not allege guilt, wrongdoing, or criminal intent by any individual or institution. It relies strictly on open-source material, official institutional records, and publicly documented events, and seeks an appropriate inquiry or clarification through lawful channels.

Background: Foreign-Linked Think Tanks and Strategic Engagements

Globally, strategic think tanks often serve as platforms for:

  • Policy dialogue
  • Academic exchange
  • Strategic signalling

However, international security literature also recognises that some state-linked research institutions operate at the intersection of academia, diplomacy, and intelligence gathering. This reality makes due diligence, prior clearance, and intelligence oversight essential when engagements involve core national security subjects.

One such institution frequently discussed in global strategic studies is the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), which is widely described in open-source analyses as being associated with China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).

Documented Interaction of Strategic Sensitivity

According to publicly available information, on 28 August 2019, Ravi Sawhney (Retd.) participated in a discussion with CICIR-affiliated scholars Dr. Lou Chunhao and Dr. Zhang Shujian.

The discussion reportedly covered matters of high strategic relevance, including:

  • India’s constitutional decision on Article 370
  • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
  • The Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar (BCIM) corridor
  • Agenda-related aspects of an upcoming India–China informal summit

These subjects fall within India’s core national security and foreign policy domain, making it reasonable to seek clarity on:

  • Authorization and prior approvals
  • Institutional oversight
  • Intelligence awareness and risk assessment

Institutional Dimension: MP-IDSA Record

The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) is India’s premier defence think tank and is funded by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Official archived records on the IDSA website state that:

  • Dr. Lou Chunhao served as a Visiting Fellow
  • His affiliation was with CICIR
  • His research focus was U.S.–China–India relations in the Indian Ocean Region
  • His broader work covered India, Nepal, and South Asian strategic issues

These records confirm formal institutional access and engagement, which—given CICIR’s global characterization—warrants clarity on safeguards and protocols followed.

Regional Continuity of Engagement (2021 Webinar)

Open-source documentation also shows that on 7 May 2021, a webinar was organised in Islamabad by the Pakistan-China Institute, focusing on CPEC and Pakistan-China cooperation.

Key features of the event:

  • Participation of Chinese and Pakistani policymakers and scholars
  • Strategic focus on regional connectivity and convergence
  • Dr. Lou Chunhao spoke on Pakistan-China cooperation and strategic opportunities

This demonstrates continued regional strategic engagement on projects that have direct implications for India’s neighbourhood and security environment Youth leaders see CPEC promotin….

Submitted Representation to Constitutional Authorities

A formal written representation has been submitted to constitutional authorities seeking:

  1. Clarification regarding meetings with CICIR-linked individuals
  2. Review of clearance and oversight mechanisms
  3. Examination of intelligence and institutional coordination

The representation is:

  • Respectful in tone
  • Based on documented facts
  • Anchored in public records
  • Intended to strengthen, not undermine, institutional credibility

Why an Inquiry or Clarification Is in Public Interest

Taken together, the documented material highlights:

  • Confirmed institutional access
  • Engagement on sensitive strategic topics
  • Cross-border regional policy activity
  • Absence of publicly available clarification on safeguards

In a democratic system, raising such concerns through lawful and transparent means is a civic responsibility, not an act of dissent.

Conclusion

Helpful Foundation believes that:

  • National security and transparency must reinforce each other
  • Institutional review strengthens public confidence
  • Procedural clarity protects both individuals and institutions

A structured inquiry or official clarification—if undertaken—would:

  • Establish facts conclusively
  • Address procedural gaps, if any
  • Reinforce India’s strategic resilience

Disclaimer

This article is based solely on open-source information, official institutional records, and publicly available documents. It does not assert guilt or wrongdoing and is published strictly in the public and constitutional interest.

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