Spring Intern, Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is offering a paid, in-person internship with the India Chair. The role emphasizes research coordination, outreach across India and the U.S., and policy analysis.

Start date is January 4, 2026, with a 4-month tenure and potential extensions based on performance. The intern works in-office four days per week (Monday-Thursday) and may work remotely on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills are critical.
• Must have strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and commit 35 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Engage and coordinate with stakeholders in India and the United States.
• Assist in research for ongoing projects, longer papers and briefs.
• Help draft newsletters, social media posts, and event invitations.
• Support in event logistics and administrative tasks.
• Maintain program website databases and the India Reforms Scorecard 3.0.

Skills

Strong writing

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

International Economics, International Relations, International Business, Finance, South Asian Studies or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics (India Chair) aims to unlock the full potential of the U.S.-India relationship and leads the Center's work on India. The India Chair serves as an independent platform to pursue policy changes that strengthen bilateral ties, placing special emphasis on accelerating economic development in India and promoting greater business and economic engagement between the two countries. The CSIS Chair has also become the world’s leading authority on state-level political-economic issues in India, leading multiple funded projects to expand subnational engagement with India.

CSIS is currently seeking a candidate for full-time, paid and in-person internship with the India Chair. There is a 4-month tenure (January to April) to the internship, though extensions are occasionally possible on the grounds of exceptional performance.

The role will primarily focus on (but not limited to) our work related to promoting growth-oriented state-level business and economic reforms in India. Secondary focus areas include federal economic reforms in India, U.S.-India commercial relations, India's urbanization journey, healthcare partnerships, defense ties, and technology partnerships.

The intern is expected to be in the office for 4 days (Monday to Thursday) per week and has the flexibility to work from home on Fridays. We do not accommodate virtual internships. Interns must be prepared to shift to working from the office 5 days per week if CSIS management requires it.

The first date of the internship will be Monday, January 4, 2026. The start date is non-negotiable.

The intern will be responsible for consistent engagement, coordination, and communication with a variety of stakeholders in organizations and governments in India and the United States and across CSIS projects.

The hired candidates will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

• Database maintenance for the programs website, particularly the Engaging Indian States microsite and the India Reforms Scorecard 3.0.
• Helping in prepare our Indian States Weekly Newsletter.
• Drafting social media posts for the program.
• Assist staff in research (for ongoing projects) for longer papers and briefs and help in copyediting and note transcription (from virtual events and programs).
• Supporting event logistics and general administrative tasks.
• Assist in drafting newsletters, researching news relevant to India, press releases, briefing materials, and event invitations.
• Any other duties, as assigned.

The intern will report to the Associate Fellow, Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics but will be expected to develop a good working relationship with every member of the team.

Knowledge, Education, And Experience

• Applicants who have already graduated from a college degree program are highly preferred. Current students who can commit to full-time, in-person work may also apply.
• Applicants with a degree in International Economics, International Relations, International Business, Finance, South Asian Studies, or related field(s) preferred.
• Computer and mobile phone/technology sufficient to work from home.
• Solid knowledge of the Indian economy, political system, and main policymaking bodies required.
• Baseline understanding of the character of U.S.-India commercial ties is helpful.
• Understanding of the political economies of Indian states is helpful.
• Strong writing skills are critical.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and commit 35 hours per week.
• Must have strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Must have the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Must have demonstrated experience managing competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Salary Range : $18.40 USD - $20.40 USD

Physical Requirements And Work Conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.