Nalanda University Launches Centre For Southeast Asian Studies To Strengthen India-ASEAN Ties

New Delhi: The Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, was inaugurated by the Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), P Kumaran, according to an official press release issued by MEA.

The event on Tuesday was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners, representatives of Nalanda University's partner countries, Vice Chancellors of various universities, and faculty members of Nalanda University, according to an official release.

The initiative traces its origins to an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025

According to the MEA, the centre is 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 is expected to serve as a knowledge partner to the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2026-2030.

It will also function as a bridge between India and Southeast Asia by strengthening academic research, supporting policy engagement, and deepening cultural and civilisational ties, the MEA said.

On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Nalanda University convocation ceremony. The President said that the convocation ceremony is a reaffirmation of a civilizational promise - a promise that knowledge shall endure, that dialogue shall prevail, and that learning shall continue to serve humanity.

She congratulated graduating students and said that their achievements are the result of perseverance, discipline, and intellectual commitment.

She noted that over half of the graduating cohort today comprises international students from more than 30 countries.

The President said that the ancient Nalanda University stood as a renowned centre of learning for nearly eight centuries. The decline of Nalanda constituted a monumental loss--not only for India but for the entire world. Nevertheless, the concept of Nalanda remained alive.

"Its resurgence in our times symbolises a national and international commitment to re-establishing that glorious legacy within a modern context," she said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended the Second Convocation of Nalanda University, praising the institution's growth and expressing pride in being associated with it.

He focused on the intersection of tradition, technology, and global diplomacy, emphasising the significance of the event for the university's future and encouraged graduates to contribute to its growth.

While speaking at the 2nd Convocation ceremony of Nalanda University, Jaishankar said that the Nalanda tradition can be a powerful influence in this democratisation of the global order.

In a post on X, 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."

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