The Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organization for collaborative research, networking and interaction on strategic and international issues pertaining to South Asia. The main objectives of the Centre are to:

• provide a centre for studies and research in South Asian Strategic Studies.
• sponsor and coordinate such research on strategic and security related issues;
• promote interaction among scholars and other professionals in this region and beyond engaged in South Asian strategic and international studies; and
• foster linkage and collaboration between institutions devoted to studies on issues related to conflict, conflict resolution, cooperation, stability and security in South Asia.

The ICES vision is animated by five themes:

* Peaceful resolution of inter-group conflict
* Corruption-free democratic governance
* Sustainable and equitable development
* Social justice and fundamental human rights
* International co-operation and understanding