Policy  ·  Research  ·  Impact

Shaping India's Future Through Evidence-Led Research

India has no shortage of reports. What it often lacks is research that's honest, independent, and built around what actually happens on the ground. That's what we try to do at RIAF — one study at a time.

Explore Research Our Consultancy
0+ Research & Consultancy Domains
Pan-India Coverage & Strategic Regions
Policy-First Implementation-Focused Research
Evidence-Led Mixed-Methods Approach

About RIAF

Independent research for governments, institutions, and communities

RIAF is an independent policy research organisation located in New Delhi. Our research spans a range of subjects, such as governance, security, gender issues, environmental matters, infrastructure, and digital policies. We rely on evidence, we are honest about our results, and we deliver our findings in a manner that is practical for others to utilize.

What We Study

14+ core domains driving our research

Government & Public Policy

Many issues related to governance are not enigmatic. They are foreseeable breakdowns in systems that have not been modernized in years. We analyze the functioning of public institutions on a daily basis, pinpoint where accountability deficiencies are present, and illustrate what genuine reform entails in implementation rather than merely in theory.

Women Empowerment & Gender

Although there has been genuine progress in gender equity in India, it remains inconsistent. We analyze the reasons behind this disparity. We investigate successful initiatives in certain states or areas, those that are failing, and what the statistics indicate about women's safety, economic chances, and political influence.

Health, Education & Human Development

We examine the intersection of health, education, and human development policies. Our research focuses on equitable access to services and the impact of interventions on vulnerable populations.

National Security & Strategic Studies

Discussions on security policy in India frequently occur without adequate robust evidence. Our goal is to fill this gap by generating research on defence, internal security, and strategic planning that is grounded in data, analytically sound, and clear about real-world complexities.

Foreign Policy & International Relations

India's place in the world is changing quickly. In order to assist institutions in interpreting ramifications and making wise strategic choices, we examine how these changes manifest in bilateral relations, multilateral forums, and diplomatic practice.

Water Resources & Environment

Water Resources and Environment: In India, livelihoods are changing due to water stress. We look at environmental policy, water governance, and climate adaptation with an emphasis on scalable, practical, and grounded interventions.

Infrastructure, Transport & Road Safety

Infrastructure, Transportation, and Road Safety: India's roads claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year, and decades of mobility and safety will be shaped by the infrastructure decisions made today. We research planning gaps, risk and cost distribution, and evidence-based reforms that can enhance results on a large scale.

Culture, Tourism & Heritage

Culture, Tourism, and Heritage: Although India's cultural heritage is an important national resource, it is frequently underfunded and subject to unequal governance. We create frameworks for genuine preservation, community involvement, and environmentally and financially sustainable tourism.

Tech & Digital Governance

Digital India has progressed swiftly, yet regulation and accountability have not consistently matched this speed. We analyze deficiencies in data policy, platform management, and digital public services, emphasizing the need to enhance systems to become more inclusive, transparent, and efficient.

CSR & Private Sector Advisory

A significant portion of CSR expenditures in India lacks effectiveness. We assist organizations in creating initiatives that are realistic, quantifiable, and catered to actual community requirements, ensuring that resources lead to significant resultsA significant portion of CSR expenditures in India lacks effectiveness. We assist organizations in creating initiatives that are realistic, quantifiable, and catered to actual community requirements, ensuring that resources lead to significant results.

Capacity Building & Training

Building Capacity and Training: Without the necessary skills, good intentions can only go so far. We provide practical, hands-on training to public officials, civil society teams, and development practitioners so they feel more empowered, supported, and capable of making a significant impact.

Border Areas, Desert & North-East India

North East India, the desert, and border areas are strategically significant but frequently disregarded. In order to give these areas more consistent attention and well-informed policy thinking, we concentrate on comprehending their distinct security realities, development challenges, and community needs.

Our Mission

Driving evidence-based policy across India

RIAF aspires to become a prominent national research, policy analysis, and consulting firm known for its honesty, analytical precision, and inventiveness. Influence national and state public policy; bolster national security and governance; advance social justice and community empowerment; and promote sustainable development throughout India.

  • Women empowerment & marginalized communities
  • Tribal populations & border regions
  • Desert regions & rural areas
  • Socio-economically disadvantaged areas

Our Vision

A leading national research organisation

RIAF envisions becoming a leading national research, policy analysis, and consultancy organisation recognised for its integrity, analytical rigor, and innovation.

  • Influence public policy at national & state level
  • Strengthen national governance & security
  • Promote social equity & empower communities
  • Advance sustainable development across India

Director's Vision

Bridging research
and governance

"At RIAF, we envision shaping India's policy landscape through evidence-based research and actionable insights. Our goal is to bridge research and governance, enabling informed decision-making that drives inclusive, secure, and sustainable development."
Moksh Pratap Singh Founder & Director, RIAF
Moksh Pratap Singh – Founder and Director, RIAF
Founder & Director

Our People

Advisory Board

Dr. Gyanendra Kumar

Dr Gyanendra Kumar

Registrar, Delhi Dental Council

State Program Officer, NOHP, DSHM

MDS, MFDS, RCPS (Glasgow, UK)

Senior Professor at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, specializing in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry.

Dr. Gyanendra Kumar is a senior Professor at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, specializing in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, he has expertise in dental laser applications and pediatric endodontics, and has contributed to research, teaching, and professional leadership.

Visiting Scholars

tarun

Dr Tarun Agrawal

Team Members

Jabar Singh

Jabar Singh

Nirmal Raj Dhakad

Nirmal Raj Dhakad

Harshita Rai

Harshita Rai

prakshali

prakshali

Ishaani Singh

Ishaani Singh

J

Jaishree

Consultancy

Strategic advisory services for institutions & organisations

We work with public institutions, development partners, and private organisations on applied policy and governance challenges.

Engage With Us
01

Policy and Legal Drafting

Support for policy and legislative drafting, legal analysis, and regulatory frameworks.

02

Programme Evaluation

Impact assessments, mid-term evaluations, and performance reviews of programmes and schemes.

03

Institutional Capacity Building

Leadership training, institutional reform support, and capacity enhancement programmes.

04

CSR Strategy & Public Interest Advisory

CSR programme design, ESG advisory, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

05

Regional Development Diagnostics

Spatial analysis, regional planning support, and development gap mapping.

06

Monitoring & Accountability Design

Results frameworks, MIS design, accountability mechanisms, and monitoring systems.

Impact

Outcomes & policy uptake

Governance

District process redesign toolkit adopted in pilot departments

Security

Border resilience framework integrated into planning consultations

Inclusion

Delivery framework launched for community-centred social programmes

Inclusion

Data dashboards improved targeting in welfare interventions

Work With Us

Partner with RIAF on research & policy initiatives

We work with public institutions, development partners, researchers, and organisations looking for rigorous analysis and implementation-oriented support.

01

Research Collaboration

Join multi-disciplinary studies, policy diagnostics, field research, and evidence synthesis projects across India.

  • Joint studies & publications
  • Field research partnerships
  • Evidence review support
02

Institutional Advisory

Work with us on governance reform, programme design, evaluation frameworks, and implementation strategy

  • Programme design & review
  • Monitoring & evaluation
  • Governance diagnostics
03

Fellowships & Internships

Collaborate as a researcher, fellow, or programme associate on live policy, field, and institutional assignments.

  • Policy research exposure
  • Mentored project work
  • Cross-domain learning
04

Strategic Partnerships

Build long-term collaborations for capacity building, advisory work, and implementation-focused research.

  • Government & civil society
  • Academic & institutional
  • Issue-based consortium

Let's Build Together

Design a collaboration model tailored to your goals — whether you're a government body, academic institution, or development partner.

Policy Research Advisory Support Capacity Building Impact Evaluation
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Contact

Let's collaborate on better policy outcomes

Registered Office L-29, Kalkaji, New Delhi - 110019

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