SIYECH.
Profile

Research Experience

A timeline of roles across policy, academia, and security analysis.

Senior Researcher · Equi
2024 – Present · London
  • •Led and supervised a team of three researchers
  • •Interviewed several members of the political and NGO space
  • •Produced seminal research on South Asian diasporas in the UK as well as British Muslims
  • •Helped conceptualize and conduct polls, focus group discussions and interviews
  • •Disseminated research via policy reporting and Newspaper Op-eds
  • •Presented results to the UK government and Members of Parliament
Research LeadershipPolicy ReportingQualitative Analysis
Research Consultant · Institute for Security Dialogue
2023 – 2024 · London
  • •Coordinated with teams of researchers in UK, Europe, USA, Middle East, and the Indo Pacific
  • •Worked on Chinese propaganda in India and Pakistan
  • •Analysed Russian misinformation campaigns in the Middle East
  • •Drew on Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic sources to conduct research
  • •Presented works to stakeholders in government offices
  • •Used social media analytical tools such as Brandwatch and Tableau to conduct big data analysis
Big Data ResearchSocial Media AnalysisBrandwatchTableau
Data Co-ordinator · Henry Luce Foundation, Princeton University and Science Po University
2021 – 2024
  • •Designed research agenda on Political Islam and Hindu right-wing extremism in India
  • •Coordinated data on topics related to Political Islam and Hindutva in India
  • •Presented findings at SciencePo, France (2021, 2022 and 2024) and Princeton University (2023)
  • •Arranged multiple field trips across India with Bernard Haykel (Professor, Princeton University)
  • •Produced Journal Articles and Op-eds from the research conducted
Research DesignData CoordinationAcademic Writing
Non-Resident Associate Fellow · Observer Research Foundation
2021 – 2024 · New Delhi, India
  • •Worked on various articles and reports on South Asia and the Middle East
  • •Engaged with Policy Makers and academics across India
  • •Held and moderated talks on various topics pertaining to South Asia
ResearchOrganizing TalksModerationProject Management
Consultant · Malaysia Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
2021 – 2023 · Singapore
  • •Conducted research on Malaysia and Political Islam
  • •Engaged in fieldwork with various individuals and organizations in Malaysia
  • •Produced reports on celebrity Muslim preachers, Muslim brotherhood and Salafism in Malaysia
  • •Analyzed historic and present impact of Islamic movements from South Asia in Malaysia
FieldworkIslamic MovementsSoutheast Asian Politics
Senior Analyst / Research Analyst · International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, RSIS
2015 – 2023 · Singapore
  • •Monitored terrorist incidents, and charted implications for domestic and international security
  • •Researched on issues in South Asia and the Middle East
  • •Conducted in-depth research and analysis, put up reports and gave briefings regularly
  • •Provided training and presentations to various organizations globally
ResearchPresentationsWritingEditingNetworkingData Collection
Publications

Selected Works

Open-access Journal Article · 2025
Annual threat Assessment of India (2024)
Open-access assessment of key terrorism and security trends affecting India for 2024.
Long Policy Report · 2024
Salafism and Pragmatic Politics in India
Hudson Institute report analysing how Indian Salafi groups pragmatically engage with democracy and secularism.
Policy Article · 2024
British Muslims and Loneliness: Insights into the community
Policy report framing loneliness as a public-health issue and noting that British Muslims face disproportionate isolation.
Archive

All Research

92 results
Open-access Journal Article · 2025
Annual threat Assessment of India (2024)
Open-access assessment of key terrorism and security trends affecting India for 2024.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Long Policy Report · 2024
Salafism and Pragmatic Politics in India
Hudson Institute report analysing how Indian Salafi groups pragmatically engage with democracy and secularism.
Published in Hudson Institute
Policy Article · 2024
British Muslims and Loneliness: Insights into the community
Policy report framing loneliness as a public-health issue and noting that British Muslims face disproportionate isolation.
Published in Equilibrium House
Book Chapter · 2025
The Kerala Nadwatul Mujahideen
Accepted book chapter (forthcoming) in The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Reform Movements; public link not available.
Published in Oxford Handbook of Islamic Reform Movements
Book Chapter · 2025
Indian Muslim responses to the BJP
Accepted book chapter (forthcoming); public link not available.
Published in Indian Muslims (edited volume)
Work in Progress · 2025
New Trends in the Insurgency in Kashmir
Forthcoming study (not yet published) analysing evolving insurgent tactics in Kashmir.
Work in Progress · 2025
Vigilante Justice in India: Manufacturing offense taking
Ongoing research (not yet published) on vigilante justice and grievance politics in India.
Peer-reviewed Article · 2025
Hizb ut Tahrir in Australia
Co-authored piece examining Hizb ut Tahrir’s activities in Australia; not yet published.
Published in Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs
Peer-reviewed Article · 2025
The Muslim Vote Campaign in Britain: A Social Movement Analysis
Submitted journal article analysing how campaigns mobilise British Muslim voters; currently under peer review.
Published in Religions
Article / Analysis · 2024
The Muslim Vote Project in the UK
Article listed; public link not found.
Published in New Lines Magazine
Article / Analysis · 2024
Modi’s Third Term: Understanding the 2024 Indian Elections
Analysis of India’s 2024 general election dynamics and implications.
Published in FARAS
Article / Analysis · 2024
How a Muslim Tech Fest plays a role in decolonising the tech industry
Article describing London’s Muslim Tech Fest and its decolonial aims and ethics focus.
Published in Middle East Monitor
Op-ed / Essay · 2024
How tech firms can do their part to end migrants’ suffering
Op-ed urging tech platforms to counter misinformation and reduce migrant harms.
Published in South China Morning Post
Op-ed / Essay · 2024
Fiery debate over TikTok ban puts America’s culture wars in spotlight
Op-ed analysing US attempts to ban TikTok and related free-speech concerns.
Published in South China Morning Post
Op-ed / Essay · 2024
China-Russia alliance is going strong but unlikely to unseat the US
Op-ed discussing the China–Russia partnership and its limits.
Published in South China Morning Post
Op-ed / Essay · 2024
Britain’s China policy under the new government
Op-ed arguing how UK policy toward China will be shaped by economic needs, US pressure, and values.
Published in South China Morning Post
Commentary · 2024
Emerging role of public opinion and social media in Middle Eastern politics
ORF Expert Speak commentary on how public opinion and online activism shape Middle Eastern politics.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2024
Understanding the BDS movement and its impact
ORF Expert Speak analysis of boycott dynamics and economic impacts after the Gaza war.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2024
A Potential Hezbollah–Israel war: Rationale and implications
ORF Expert Speak commentary outlining possible Hezbollah–Israel conflict scenarios and regional implications.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2024
Tracing Pakistan’s response to the Israel–Palestine issue
ORF Expert Speak analysis of Pakistan’s response to Israel–Palestine and related domestic constraints.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2024
How the Gaza conflict influenced Trump’s victory
ORF Expert Speak commentary arguing that the Gaza war shaped US electoral dynamics and contributed to Donald Trump’s victory.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Policy Article · 2024
British Muslim Contributions to the UK’s Economy and the risk of exodus
Policy brief estimating British Muslims’ annual contribution (~£70 billion) and warning that discrimination could spur emigration.
Published in Equilibrium House
Article / Analysis · 2023
How the Indian Far-Right is Using the Israeli Conflict to Spread Islamophobic Disinformation
Analysis of how far-right accounts exploit the Israel–Hamas war to push anti-Muslim disinformation.
Published in GNET
Commentary · 2023
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula: Exploiting the climate crisis in Yemen
ORF Expert Speak analysis of AQAP’s exploitation of water scarcity and food insecurity.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2023
Understanding the current stalemate of the Turkish elections
ORF Expert Speak commentary on the high-stakes 2023 Turkish elections and political polarization.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2023
Understanding the Bangladesh Jamaat e-Islami’s return
ORF Expert Speak commentary on Jamaat-e-Islami’s return and ideological roots.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2023
The centrality of Qatar in the Israel–Hamas war
ORF Expert Speak analysis of Qatar’s mediation role and foreign-policy balancing.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Long Policy Report · 2023
Islamic State Online: A Look at the Group’s South Asian Presence on Alternate Platforms
GNET report documenting how Islamic State supporters migrated to alternative apps and platforms.
Published in GNET
Long Policy Report · 2023
Exploring the Impact of Zakir Naik in Malaysia
Hudson Institute report listed, but the public page is currently unavailable (removed/404).
Published in Hudson Institute
Book Chapter · 2023
Salafism and Violence: Comparing India and Pakistan
Book chapter comparing trajectories of Salafist movements and their propensity for violence in India vs Pakistan.
Published in Springer
Article / Analysis · 2022
What the Ongoing Diplomatic Row Tells Us About Right-Wing Extremism in India
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in European Eye on Radicalization
Article / Analysis · 2022
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent: After the Return of the Taliban
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in European Eye on Radicalization
Article / Analysis · 2022
Dancing on a Tight Rope: India’s strategic interests and the Russo-Ukrainian War
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in FARAS
Op-ed / Essay · 2022
Examining the Islamic State Resurgence in Iraq and Syria
Analysis of Islamic State resurgence dynamics in Iraq and Syria.
Published in Sharq Forum
Op-ed / Essay · 2022
The Truce in Yemen: A Ray of Hope or Another Failed Opportunity?
Analysis of prospects and risks around Yemen’s truce.
Published in Sharq Forum
Op-ed / Essay · 2022
Understanding India’s Neutrality in the Israel–Palestine Issue
Analysis of India’s balanced position on the Israel–Palestine issue.
Published in Sharq Forum
Commentary · 2022
Houthi attack on the UAE: Mapping the impact of the Yemen conflict on India
ORF Expert Speak commentary linking the Houthi drone attack to broader regional conflict implications for India.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2022
Israel and a changing Middle East
ORF Expert Speak analysis of normalization dynamics and shared Gulf concerns about Iran.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2022
The United Arab Emirates’ dilemma in the Ukraine war: To vote or not to vote
ORF Expert Speak commentary on the UAE’s balancing between Washington and Moscow.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2022
Saudi Arabia: Remerging as the leader of the Islamic world?
ORF Expert Speak analysis of Saudi diplomatic repositioning and leadership claims.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2022
Saudi Arabia’s religious pruning: Will there be an Islamic hegemon anymore?
ORF Expert Speak commentary on Saudi reforms and their impact on religious leadership.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Long Policy Report · 2022
Chinese Hegemony, Economic Ties and National Security: Explaining China’s ties with Armed Non-State Actors in the Muslim world
Analysis of how China engages armed groups to further trade and security interests.
Published in Sharq Forum
Book Chapter · 2022
State Support of non-state actors: A brief look at South Asia
Book chapter examining how states indirectly support violent non-state actors across South Asia.
Published in Palgrave Macmillan
Policy Article · 2022
The Return of the Taliban: ‘Foreign Fighters’ and Other Threats to India’s Security
Assesses India’s security challenges after the Taliban’s return to power, including potential foreign fighters.
Published in ORF Issue Brief
Policy Article · 2022
Poverty, Criminality, Extremism: The Interrelated Sources of Insecurity in Maldives
Links income inequality and crime to the rise of extremism in the Maldives.
Published in ORF Issue Brief
Peer-reviewed Article · 2022
Salafist approaches to violence and terrorism: The Indian case study
Religion Compass article exploring how Indian Salafi organisations view violence and terrorism.
Published in Religion Compass
Article / Analysis · 2021
Terrorism in South Asia After the Fall of Afghanistan
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in War on the Rocks
Article / Analysis · 2021
Pragmatic Steps: Tackling Chinese–Taliban Relations
Article listed; public link not found.
Published in Futures
Article / Analysis · 2021
Salafism and Violence in India
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in European Eye on Radicalization
Commentary · 2021
Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State’s rivalry in South Asia
ORF Expert Speak commentary listed; public link not available.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2021
Targeting of a former president highlights the growing challenge of extremism in Maldives
ORF Expert Speak commentary listed; public link not available.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2021
Exploring India’s ties with Yemen
ORF Expert Speak piece on the history and strategic significance of India–Yemen relations.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2021
North Africa in the Indian foreign policy matrix
ORF Expert Speak commentary on India–North Africa links and engagement opportunities.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Long Policy Report · 2021
The Popular Front of India: Looking Beyond the Sensationalism
Essay examining the PFI’s ideology and arguing against sensationalist portrayals.
Published in Hudson Institute (Current Trends in Islamist Ideology, Vol 28)
Peer-reviewed Article · 2021
India’s Foreign Fighter Puzzle
Examines why few Indians join foreign conflicts despite increased global jihadist recruitment.
Published in South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies
Peer-reviewed Article · 2021
An Introduction to Right-Wing Extremism in India
Explains ideology, strategies and the growth of Hindu nationalist extremism in India.
Published in New England Journal of Public Policy
Article / Analysis · 2020
How the Anti-CAA protests reflect Global Protests
Article listed; public link not found.
Published in Deccan Herald
Article / Analysis · 2020
India’s Foreign Fighter Absence
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in European Eye on Radicalization
Article / Analysis · 2020
How Singapore dealt with the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for Policy Makers
Article listed; public link not found.
Published in FARAS
Article / Analysis · 2020
Hatred is Spreading Faster in India than COVID-19
Article listed; public link not accessible.
Published in European Eye on Radicalization
Op-ed / Essay · 2020
How the Kuala Lumpur Summit Complicates India’s Gulf Relations
Explains how the Kuala Lumpur Summit affected regional dynamics and India’s Gulf ties.
Published in The Diplomat
Op-ed / Essay · 2020
How COVID-19 Affects Complex Conflicts: War and Postwar Implications in Yemen
Analysis of how the pandemic impacted conflict and postwar dynamics in Yemen.
Published in Sharq Forum
Commentary · 2020
Understanding the Indian foreign fighter lacuna
ORF Expert Speak commentary listed; public link not available.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2020
Learning from Covid-19: Preparing for the impact of climate change on conflict and terrorism
ORF Expert Speak commentary listed; public link not available.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2020
Indian Muslims and jihadist failures: Past and future
ORF Expert Speak commentary listed; public link not available.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Commentary · 2020
Terror in a renewed era of interstate conflict — Bringing climate change center stage
ORF Expert Speak commentary listed; public link not available.
Published in ORF Expert Speak
Open-access Journal Article · 2020
Annual threat Assessment of India (2019)
Open-access annual assessment of terrorism and security trends affecting India for 2019.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Long Policy Report · 2020
Climate Change and Security implications in the MENA region
Explores how climate change exacerbates security challenges across the Middle East and North Africa.
Published in Sharq Forum
Peer-reviewed Article · 2020
AQIS in India and Bangladesh
Compares Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent’s activities in India and Bangladesh.
Published in Journal of Policing, Intelligence & Counter Terrorism
Peer-reviewed Article · 2020
India’s Counter-Terrorism Co-operation with UAE and Saudi Arabia
Analyses India’s growing security partnerships with the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Published in India Review
Article / Analysis · 2019
Whither Indian Military Interventions
Article listed; public link not found.
Published in Geopolitics
Op-ed / Essay · 2019
India–Iran Relations
Analysis of India–Iran relations and related strategic considerations.
Published in Sharq Forum
Op-ed / Essay · 2019
Explaining the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s Response to India’s Abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir
Analysis of Gulf responses to India’s Article 370 decision.
Published in Sharq Forum
Open-access Journal Article · 2019
Annual Threat Assessment of India (2018)
Annual CTTA threat assessment entry listed; public page currently unavailable.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Open-access Journal Article · 2019
The Pulwama Attack: An Indian Perspective
Open-access analysis of the Pulwama attack and its implications.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Long Policy Report · 2019
India’s Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North African Region
Analysis of India’s MENA policy and related security and diplomatic dynamics.
Published in Sharq Forum
Book Chapter · 2019
Terrorist Narratives and Recruitment in South Asia: The India Factor
Book chapter on recruitment narratives in South Asia with a focus on India.
Published in SAGE
Policy Article · 2019
The ISIS threat in Kerala
Analyses Islamic State influence in Kerala and associated security risks.
Published in ORF Issue Brief
Peer-reviewed Article · 2019
Beef-Related Violence in India: An Expression of Islamophobia
Explains how cow-protection narratives can fuel anti-Muslim violence in India.
Published in Journal of Islamophobia
Peer-reviewed Article · 2019
Exploring the nexus between Arms Smuggling and Terrorism in India
Links arms-trafficking networks to terrorist violence in India.
Published in Studies in Conflict & Terrorism
Article / Analysis · 2018
Illegal arms manufacturers and the continuing threat to India’s internal security: An explainer
Explainer listed; public link not found.
Published in Firstpost
Open-access Journal Article · 2018
Annual Threat Assessment of India (2017)
Open-access annual CTTA threat assessment for India (2017).
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Open-access Journal Article · 2018
Why Has the Islamic State Failed to Grow in Kashmir?
Open-access analysis of Islamic State’s limited traction in Kashmir.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Book Chapter · 2018
Examining the Rise of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
Book chapter listed in a UTM Press volume; no public link available.
Published in UTM Press
Peer-reviewed Article · 2018
A Typology of Insurgent, Terrorist and Extremist Threats in India
Creates a typology of violent threats facing India.
Published in Journal of Policing, Intelligence & Counter Terrorism
Open-access Journal Article · 2017
Annual Threat Assessment of the MENA Region
Open-access CTTA annual threat assessment focused on the MENA region.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Open-access Journal Article · 2017
Salafism in India: Diversity and Challenges
Open-access CTTA article discussing Salafism in India and key challenges.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Open-access Journal Article · 2017
The Islamic State in India: Exploring its Footprints
Open-access CTTA article exploring Islamic State’s presence and footprints in India.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Journal Article · 2017
Exploring The Contribution of Islam Towards Global Governance: Locating Ethics Within the Discourse of Policy
Journal article listed, but public link is not accessible.
Published in Aegis: Journal of International Relations
Open-access Journal Article · 2016
A Comparative Analysis of ‘Islamic State’ & Al Qaeda in Yemen
CTTA article listed; public page currently unavailable.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Open-access Journal Article · 2016
Terrorist Attacks: The Politics of Claiming Responsibility
CTTA article listed; public page currently unavailable.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)
Open-access Journal Article · 2016
Islamic State: Sowing the Seeds of its Own Destruction
CTTA article listed; public page currently unavailable.
Published in Counter Terrorism Trends and Analyses (RSIS)