The CNSS was established with effect from 1 July 2023 under the MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS), Bengaluru, India. MSRUAS is a top private University in Bangalore, Karnataka, founded in December 2013, under the Karnataka University Act.

The aim of CNSS is to emerge as a leading Centre of Excellence in research and policy advocacy matters pertaining to India’s comprehensive national security. The Centre aspires to achieve this through an independent and bipartisan approach. The areas of focus for the Centre are emerging and critical technologies, maritime security narratives including issues pertaining to Indo-Pacific Region and climate change and sustainability challenges and the impact of all these issues on national, regional and global security. The centre intends to evolve policy and its reform on pertaining to above areas through proactive collaboration with thinks tanks national and international repute in these areas.