Dr. Samir Saran is a prominent Indian policy thinker, author, and global governance expert who serves as the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Under his leadership, ORF has solidified its standing as one of Asia's most influential public policy think tanks, shaping international dialogue on technology, climate, and geopolitics. His extensive research and strategic vision have positioned him as a leading authority in contemporary foreign policy and global strategic affairs.
Early Life, Education, and Career Beginnings
Samir Saran completed his undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Manipal Institute of Technology. He later pursued higher education in media and policy, earning a Master's degree in Media Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He completed his doctoral research at the Global Sustainability Institute in the United Kingdom, laying a strong academic foundation for his research pursuits.
Before dedicating his career to public policy research, Dr. Saran acquired valuable experience in the Indian private sector. He worked at Reliance Industries, serving across diverse verticals including petrochemicals, power, media, and telecom. This corporate background provided him with practical insights into regulatory frameworks, industrial growth, and economic policy.
Leadership at Observer Research Foundation
Dr. Saran joined the Observer Research Foundation and initially led its outreach and international partnerships as Vice President. His strategic efforts were instrumental in expanding the organization's global footprint and fostering collaborative research networks. He was eventually appointed President, taking charge of ORF's overall research agenda and global convening initiatives.
As President, Dr. Saran curates the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship annual conference on geopolitics and geo-economics co-hosted with the Ministry of External Affairs. He also established CyFy, an influential annual platform dedicated to cybersecurity, technology policy, and internet governance. Through these initiatives, he has helped elevate global discussions on multilateralism and digital transformation.
Global Advisory Roles and Strategic Contributions
Beyond his leadership at ORF, Dr. Saran actively contributes to major international platforms and policy councils. He serves as the Chair of the Global Future Council on Geopolitics at the World Economic Forum and participates on the WEF Global Risks Advisory Board. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors for ORF America and serves as President of ORF Middle East.
His advisory expertise extends to global cybersecurity and technology governance initiatives. He previously served as a Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. Dr. Saran also sits on the Board of Governors of the East-West Center, furthering cross-regional policy dialogues.
Publications and Public Thought Leadership
Dr. Saran is an accomplished author who has co-written and edited several influential books on global governance and geopolitics. Among his notable publications are The New World Disorder and The Indian Imperative, co-authored with Shashi Tharoor, and Pax Sinica: Implications for the Indian Dawn, co-authored with Akhil Deo. He has also co-written GeoTechnoGraphy, examining the intersection of technology and national power.
He is a regular commentator in international print media, academic journals, and broadcast networks. His analysis frequently covers climate change, energy transition, digital economy, and India's evolving foreign policy strategy. Through his writings and speeches, he remains a vital voice in shaping contemporary global policy discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Samir Saran? Samir Saran is the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a premier Indian public policy think tank focused on global governance and foreign policy.
What key initiatives has Dr. Samir Saran established? He curates the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship geopolitical conference, and founded CyFy, an annual conference on cybersecurity and internet governance.
What is Dr. Samir Saran's educational background? He holds an engineering degree from Manipal Institute of Technology, a Master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a doctorate from the Global Sustainability Institute.