Ministry of External Affairs inaugurates Southeast Asian studies centre at Nalanda university

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India inaugurated the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University in Bihar’s Rajgir, with Secretary (East) P Kumaran leading the ceremony.

The event, held on Tuesday, was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, representatives from partner countries, vice chancellors of various universities, and faculty members of Nalanda University, as per the MEA official press release.

The initiative traces back to an announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, underscoring India’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia.

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Centre to strengthen ASEAN-India ties

As per the MEA official press release, the newly inaugurated centre will focus on ten interdisciplinary research areas, including climate change, maritime studies, trade, heritage, public health, migration, digital cooperation, and international relations.

The centre is expected to act as a knowledge partner for the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership plan of action for 2026–2030 and serve as a bridge to deepen academic collaboration and policy engagement between India and Southeast Asia.

Officials added that the initiative aims to further strengthen cultural and civilisational ties while promoting research and dialogue across regions.

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Jaishankar highlights global relevance

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended the convocation and praised the institution’s steady growth and global outlook.

In a post on X, Jaishankar Jaishankar said, "600+ Graduates. 31 Nations. One Shared Journey! Honoured to participate in the 2nd Convocation ceremony of Nalanda University today in Rajgir alongside Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji, and other dignitaries. Nalanda evokes memories of India's intellectual heritage & cultural grandeur, reminding the world that technology & tradition - vikas bhi, virasat bhi - must march hand-in-hand."

President Murmu addresses convocation

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the university’s second convocation ceremony, calling it a reflection of a civilisational commitment to knowledge and dialogue.

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"Its revival is a symbol of national and international commitment to re-establish the university's glorious heritage in a modern setting," Murmu said.

While conferring degrees, the President highlighted the deeper significance of education at the institution, saying students carry more than just academic recognition. "Students graduating from here receive two things -- a degree and an inheritance. While the degree is their personal achievement, the heritage of humanity they inherit here is a shared one," Murmu added.

She also noted with satisfaction that more than half of this year’s graduating batch consisted of international students representing over 30 countries.