Nalanda University in Rajgir inaugurated the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, aimed at strengthening India-ASEAN ties through research in areas like climate, trade, heritage, and public health. Attended by President Murmu and EAM Jaishankar, the event highlighted Nalanda’s historical legacy, international student presence, and its role in bridging tradition, technology, and global diplomacy.

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.