What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5:30pm Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm Thursday 10am - 5:30pm Friday 10am - 5:30pm Saturday 10am - 5:30pm

Department of Defence and Strategic Studies

Home
India
Pune
Department of Defence and Strategic Studies

Welcome to the official page of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), SPPU! Stay updated on events, programs, and academic initiatives. course.

We focus on research, policy analysis, and education in defense, security, and strategic studies. The University Department of Defence and Strategic Studies was established in 1963. Titled as the Department of Military Studies it began as a department catering to the undergraduate courses in Defence Studies. In 1974 the Department began post-graduate teaching and research. Following the Candeth Co

mmittee recommendations, the teaching and research activities of the department underwent a major change. The Department came to be renamed as Department of Defence Studies and later on as Department of Defence and Strategic Studies in 1984. This Department has been engaged in teaching and research, having as its primary focus India’s national security. The approach to the study of national security is interdisciplinary and as such encompasses such aspects like geopolitics and military geography, science and technology, economics of defence, conflict management and conflict resolution, etc. The Department has also developed a linkage with the Indian Armed Forces with the institution of several programmes. The Indian Army has instituted the Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair in Policy Studies on 6th July,1994; a Scholars in Residence Programme under which several Officers from the Indian Army join the Department as Visiting Scholars and the General B.C.Joshi memorial Lecture,every year on 18th November. The Department admits students from all faculties for the M.A./M.Sc. In-service Officers of the Indian Armed Forces also join the Department on Study Leave. The Department encourages foreign students to join the post-graduate and research courses.

12/08/2026

Happy to inform you that the Deeksharambh 2026–27 Students' Induction Programme was jointly organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies and the Department of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Friday, 7th August 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the YC-NISDA Library Hall, SPPU.

The programme marked the beginning of a new academic journey for the incoming students, introducing them to the University's academic ecosystem, institutional values, and opportunities for learning, research, and holistic development. The sessions encouraged students to pursue excellence with dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

I extend my best wishes to all the newly admitted students for a rewarding academic journey and every success in their future endeavours.

09/08/2026

#नामविस्तार_दिन
#सावित्रीबाई_फुले_पुणे_विद्यापीठ

Happy to share that Namvistar Din was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Savitribai Phule Pune University on 9th August 2026.

On this occasion, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Pro VC, Deans, Directors, Heads and other members offered floral tribute to Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule at her statue. I was honoured to be present at the programme along with faculty members, officers, staff, and students.

The occasion commemorated the historic expansion of the University’s name on 9th August 2014, honouring the extraordinary contribution of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and her pioneering role in the movement for women’s education that began at Bhide Wada in 1848.

The legacy of Savitribai Phule continues to inspire us to uphold the values of education, equality, social justice, and empowerment. On this significant occasion, we reaffirmed our commitment to carrying forward her transformative vision and strengthening the University's journey towards academic and social excellence.

07/08/2026

Happy to share that I interacted with Prof. Bushra Saadoon Mohammed Alnoori, Almansour University, Iraq, on Tuesday, 5th August 2026 at the International Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), where we discussed opportunities for academic collaboration, faculty and student exchange, and strengthening institutional partnerships between Almansour University and SPPU.

On Thursday, 6th August 2026 at 10:00 a.m., I had the privilege of meeting Prof. Bushra Saadoon Mohammed Alnoori once again at the Vice-Chancellor's Office, Main Building, SPPU, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, SPPU. The interaction reaffirmed our shared commitment to expanding international academic cooperation and promoting global engagement.

Following the meeting, Prof. Bushra Saadoon Mohammed Alnoori also visited the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), SPPU.

20/07/2026

Happy to inform you that the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) successfully organised an insightful presentation by Col. Vikram Meloor on Monday, 20th July 2026 at 10:45 a.m. at the YC-NISDA Hall, SPPU, under the Resident Scholars' Programme (RSP).

The presentation on "Manifestation of Pakistan–China Collusivity and its Impact on Pakistan's War-Waging Potential" provided a comprehensive analysis of the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and China and its implications for regional security, military preparedness, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of South Asia.

The session witnessed active participation from faculty members, RSP officers, research scholars, and students, followed by an engaging discussion that enriched the understanding of contemporary defence and strategic affairs.

I sincerely appreciate Col. Vikram Meloor for delivering an insightful presentation and sharing his valuable professional expertise with the academic community.

14/07/2026

Happy to inform you that the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) organised an insightful presentation on "The Impact of Gender Integration on Military Performance and Cohesion" by Col. Rajkumar Chachra on Monday, 13th July 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, SPPU, Pune.

I had the privilege of chairing this academic session, which featured an excellent and thought-provoking presentation on the evolving role of gender integration in modern armed forces. The deliberations highlighted global experiences, operational effectiveness, leadership, inclusivity, and the strategic significance of gender diversity in enhancing military performance and organisational cohesion.

The interactive discussion with faculty members, researchers, RSP officers, and students made the programme highly enriching and intellectually stimulating. I sincerely thank Col. Rajkumar Chachra for sharing his valuable insights and practical experiences on this important contemporary defence issue.

13/05/2026

Happy to share that the final-year students of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), successfully organised a memorable Farewell Programme on Wednesday, 13th May 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at YC–NISDA, SPPU, in the presence of faculty members, RSP Officers, staff, and students.

The programme was filled with enthusiasm, reflections, and heartfelt moments as students, faculty members, RSP Officers, and staff gathered together to celebrate the academic journey of the outgoing batch. Various cultural interactions, speeches, and informal exchanges added warmth to the occasion and made it a memorable event for all present.

The farewell served as an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the students while extending best wishes for their future academic and professional endeavours.

25/02/2026

Happy to share that a Lecture-cum-Discussion on “Internationalisation of Higher Education” was delivered by Ms. Cristina Di Fabio, Journalism Studies, Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, 25th February 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune – 411007.

The lecture was jointly organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), International Centre, SPPU, and the Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.

During the session, Ms. Cristina Di Fabio offered valuable insights into the evolving dimensions of internationalisation in higher education, including academic mobility, cross-border collaboration, joint research initiatives, intercultural communication, and the strategic role of universities in fostering global engagement. She highlighted the importance of structured exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, interdisciplinary partnerships, and institutional frameworks that enhance global academic integration.

The interactive discussion that followed enabled faculty members, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue on best practices, policy approaches, and emerging challenges in the international higher education landscape. The session significantly contributed to strengthening academic cooperation and expanding the global outlook of the university community.

On this occasion, “Strategic Foresight – Volume 9,” the Annual Journal published by the International Centre, SPPU, was also presented to International students at the hands of Ms. Cristina Di Fabio.

The programme concluded with a note of appreciation for the enriching exchange of ideas and the continued commitment towards advancing international academic collaboration.

24/02/2026

Happy to invite you to attend a Lecture-cum-Discussion on “Internationalisation of Higher Education" by Ms. Cristina Di Fabio, Journalism Studies, Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Free University of Berlin, Germany on Wednesday, 25th February 2026, at 11.00 am at YC-NISDA Library Hall, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune – 411007.

This lecture is jointly organized by the Department of Defence And Strategic Studies (DDSS), International Centre and Institute for Media and Communication Studies, Free University of Berlin, Germany.

16/02/2026

I am pleased to share that the Valedictory Session of the Two-Day Interdisciplinary International Conference, organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, in memory of Late Prof. (Dr.) Arun S. Dalvi on his first death anniversary, was held on 8th February 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Sant Dnyaneshwar Hall, Main Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The conference on “Navigating Contemporary Global Conflicts: India–Europe Perspectives on Security, Diplomacy, Social Justice & Global Governance” was organised in collaboration with the International Centre, SPPU; Department of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Studies (DBAS); Indo-European Education Foundation, Poland; Strategic Culture and Security Foundation, Pune; and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences (BRAUSS), Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

The Valedictory Session was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. (Dr.) D. K. Verma; Dr. Sheshadri Chari; and Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar, who shared their reflections on the deliberations and appreciated the quality of scholarly discussions held over the two days.

Certificates were distributed to the paper presenters in recognition of their valuable academic contributions during the conference. The event concluded on a note of intellectual satisfaction, reaffirming the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration in addressing contemporary global challenges.

The conference served as a fitting tribute to the academic legacy of Late Prof. (Dr.) Arun S. Dalvi, inspiring continued scholarship in the field of defence and strategic studies.

13/02/2026

Happy to share that the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies (DDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, organised a Two-Day Interdisciplinary International Conference in the memory of Late Prof. (Dr.) Arun S. Dalvi on his first death anniversary.

The conference on “Navigating Contemporary Global Conflicts: India–Europe Perspectives on Security, Diplomacy, Social Justice & Global Governance” was held on 7th and 8th February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Sant Dnyaneshwar Hall, Main Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The conference was organised in collaboration with the International Centre, SPPU; Department of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Studies (DBAS); Indo-European Education Foundation, Poland; Strategic Culture and Security Foundation, Pune; and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences (BRAUSS), Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

The Inaugural Session was graced by the presence of Prof. (Dr.) D. K. Verma; Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kumar, University of Opole, Poland; Prof. (Dr.) Thoralf Gebel, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany; Mrs. Elena Bujor, Romania; Advocate Mr. Powel Tyla, Tyala Law Firm; Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Khare; Prof. Arvind Kumar; Air Marshal P N Pradhan; Lt. Gen. R. R. Nimbhorkar Prof (Dr.) Shrikant Paranjpe; Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Jha; Prof (Dr.) Imankalyan Lahiri; Prof (Dr.) Pratip Chattopadhya; Prof (Dr.) Debasish Nandy; Prof (Dr.) Mayurakshi Choudhary and Shri. Kuldeep Dagar.

The programme was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Priyankar Upadhyaya, UNESCO Chair for Peace & Intercultural Understanding, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, who provided deep insights into contemporary global conflicts and the evolving dimensions of peace, diplomacy, and global governance.

The conference brought together distinguished scholars, academicians, researchers, and students from India and abroad, creating a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange on security studies, social justice, diplomacy, and India–Europe relations. The deliberations served as a meaningful academic tribute to the legacy and scholarly contributions of Late Prof. (Dr.) Arun S. Dalvi, whose work continues to inspire critical and strategic thought.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all collaborating institutions, speakers, delegates for contributing to the grand success of this international academic endeavour.

Address

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (Humanities) Building, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind
Pune
411007

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	10am - 5:30pm
Thursday	10am - 5:30pm
Friday	10am - 5:30pm
Saturday	10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+912025621472

Website

http://www.unipune.ac.in/dept/mental_moral_and_social_science/defense_and_strategic_studies/default.htm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Department of Defence and Strategic Studies posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to Department of Defence and Strategic Studies:

Want your university to be the top-listed University in Pune?