New Delhi was the venue for the Chintan Research Foundation's (CRF) inaugural Foundation Day celebration on June 19, 2025, marking a year of significant contributions to policy research and thought leadership. The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including diplomats, policymakers, and academics, highlighting the foundation's growing influence. The release of CRF's first Annual Report, which detailed its foundational achievements and future goals, coincided with the celebration.
Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of CRF, emphasized the organization's commitment to actionable research, stating, "We believe in reflection that leads to action—Chintan that leads to Prayaas.” CRF's work is structured around three core themes: climate change, global trade and economy, and international relations. The foundation is dedicated to rigorous research, evidence-based policy recommendations, and collaborative partnerships.
Mr. Amitabh Kant, a prominent figure in Indian public policy and governance, praised CRF's dedication to practical ideas. He emphasized the importance of think tanks like CRF in addressing India's complex challenges with interdisciplinary solutions. "Think tanks like CRF are critical in a country like India, where complex challenges require interdisciplinary solutions," Kant stated. He urged new-age research institutions to transcend traditional boundaries and connect global discussions with local realities, drawing on his experience with NITI Aayog and the G20 Presidency. Kant also noted that India's progress should encompass inclusive development, climate leadership, and the representation of the Global South's aspirations and that CRF has the potential to be a leader in this area.
Mr. Pranav Adani, Director of Adani Enterprises, offered an entrepreneurial perspective, emphasizing the deeper purpose behind establishing CRF. "We didn't want to create another think tank—we wanted to create a thinking institution," he said. Adani stressed the importance of long-term thinking in a rapidly changing world, noting that issues like climate change, food security, and digital transformation require bold, original thinking, which CRF aims to provide.
The CRF's focus extends beyond Delhi, aiming for people-centric development that considers the diverse needs and voices of different regions within India. Pranav Adani advocated for measuring growth not just in numbers but in improved lives. He sees CRF's mission as driving change and contributing to India's rise in a way that uplifts every section of society and helps shape a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Amitabh Kant supported this vision, emphasizing the need for think tanks to provide constructive feedback to the government.
CRF's research addresses critical issues such as climate change, energy transition, the global economy, trade, investment, geopolitics, and strategic affairs. Shishir Priyadarshi highlighted the importance of think tanks being more than just observers, creating a space for a better, more inclusive, and sustainable world where every voice drives action for people-centric development.
CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi described the think tank as "an invitation to do chintan – to reflect." He outlined three core tenets: climate change, energy transition, and trade and economics. "At CRF, we want reflection to lead to action; and action to lead to a meaningful change, and finally, this change would lead to a people-centric development," said Priyadarshi.
The Foundation Day event marked a key moment for CRF, signifying the start of its operations and dedication to involving key stakeholders in shaping policy and promoting India's role on the global stage. Adani Enterprises Director Pranav Adani stated that CRF's research would concentrate on important topics, including climate change, fair energy transition, the changing global economy, crucial supply chains and trade relations and the geopolitics that will determine the world's future.
