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Hafiz Usama Hameed


Research Associate

Areas of Research:

India’s Domestic Politics, Society, and Governance; South Asian Politics; Maldives; Bhutan

Usama Hameed is a Research Associate at the India Study Centre, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). He holds an MPhil in International Relations from the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, where he also completed his undergraduate studies in the same discipline. In addition, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the International Islamic University, Islamabad.

Before joining ISSI, he served at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, where he held various research and editorial positions from 2018 to 2024. His research interests focus on India’s domestic politics, society, and governance, as well as the broader political dynamics of South Asia, with a particular focus on the Maldives and Bhutan. He has also published research on regional political developments.

Issue Brief on “Politics of Defections in India: What lies ahead?”

Introduction On 24 April, 2026, seven Rajya Sabha —Upper House of the Indian Parliament— members of the Aam Admi Party (AAP) announced their defection...

Issue Brief on “The Recent Election Outcomes: Another Decisive Moment in India’s Political History”

Introduction The recent results of legislative assembly elections in four Indian states – Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal – and the Union Territory of...

Issue Brief on “Upcoming State Elections in Assam: From Electoral Alliances to Communal Divides”

Introduction April 2026 is bound to be the most happening month of this year for India’s electoral journey as more than 220 million of its...

Issue Brief on “India in 2025: A Glance through the Key Political, Constitutional, and...

Introduction With the last sunset of 2025, the first quarter of the 21st century has come to an end. 2025 proved a momentous year for...

Issue Brief on “Bihar State Elections: Electoral Dynamics, Key Debates, Possible Outcomes”

Introduction Bihar, the third most populous state located in eastern India, is set to witness one of most intense state elections in its political history....

Issue Brief on “RSS Chief’s 3-Day Lectures: A Changed RSS or Just a Public...

Introduction The year 2025 marks the 100th year since the Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in Nagpur, India. The centenary celebrations...

Issue Brief on “Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations: What lies ahead?”

Introduction Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar has recently concluded a historic 2-day official visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh. What makes...

Issue Brief on “India’s Multilateral Dilemma: Assessing the Void between Ambitions and the Reality”

Introduction In a global environment marked by uncertainty and intensified quest for influence, the world is also witnessing a drift towards multipolarity. Multiple power-centers are...

Issue Brief on “Foiling Bilateral Peace through “Saffron Terror”: Samjhauta Express Blasts Revisited”

Introduction Owing to bilateral efforts for good-neighbourly relations, reinforced by encouragement from international partners, the first decade of the 21st century generally witnessed a visible...

Issue Brief on “Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025: Another Blow by the BJP Government to...

Introduction As if the so-called ‘bulldozer justice’ drive was not enough to dispossess the Indian Muslims of their rightful properties, the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party...