The Centre for Southeast Asian Studies was inaugurated at Nalanda University on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s academic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.
The Centre was inaugurated by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in the presence of ambassadors, high commissioners, representatives from partner countries, vice chancellors, and faculty members.
The initiative follows an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ASEAN-India Summit 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.
Structured around ten interdisciplinary research clusters ranging from climate and maritime studies to trade, heritage, public health, migration, digital cooperation and international relations, the Centre aims to function as a knowledge partner to the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2026–2030.
The MEA said that the Centre will serve as a bridge between India and Southeast Asia by strengthening academic research, supporting policy engagement, and deepening cultural and civilisational ties.
