Tezpur University Advocates Indo-Russian Think Tank to Promote Education and Research

Tezpur University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, recently undertook a visit to Vladivostok, Russia, where he met with Indian embassy officials to discuss the establishment of a joint Indo-Russian think tank focused on strategic policies, particularly in the domain of education. The university delegation accompanying him included Prof. Subhrangshu Sekhar Sarkar, Director of International Affairs, highlighting the significance of the visit and the collaborative nature of the initiative. The meetings involved discussions with high-ranking officials of the Indian Embassy, including the Deputy Chief of Mission, Nikhilesh Giri, and the Consul General in Vladivostok, Siddharta Gowrav, along with other senior personnel. This delegation represented Tezpur University’s commitment to advancing its international engagement and fostering educational collaborations with global partners.

The central objective of the discussions was the proposal to establish a joint think tank that would serve as a policy and research hub to address strategic educational policies. Prof. Singh emphasized that the think tank is envisioned as an institution that would chart a structured roadmap for the advancement of education across the Asia-Pacific region. By bringing together expertise and insights from both India and Russia, the think tank aims to create a comprehensive framework for educational progress that is aligned with regional development priorities and national objectives.

The think tank will leverage the extensive experience and best practices of India and Russia, countries that share a long-standing tradition in higher education, research, and innovation. Both nations have a history of producing skilled human capital and advancing scientific knowledge, which the proposed collaboration aims to further utilize. The initiative seeks to promote joint research and innovation in sectors that are critical to both countries’ growth and development, including aviation engineering, energy, oil and gas, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation. By fostering collaboration in these areas, the think tank will not only enhance educational and research outcomes but also strengthen bilateral cooperation in fields that have broader economic, technological, and societal implications.

Additionally, the Consulate General of India highlighted that this initiative builds on the momentum generated by prior interactions during the Eastern Economic Forum. At the forum, Tezpur University had already initiated meaningful engagements with Russian counterparts, laying the groundwork for more structured collaboration. The forum facilitated preliminary discussions that informed the current proposal, emphasizing shared priorities in education and strategic development. By extending these discussions into a formal think tank, the university aims to institutionalize the collaborative process, ensuring sustained engagement and measurable outcomes in educational policy research and implementation.

In conclusion, the proposed Indo-Russian think tank represents a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral educational ties while addressing contemporary challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. By combining India’s and Russia’s expertise in higher education, research, and innovation, the initiative is poised to create a hub that will foster policy development, knowledge sharing, and collaborative research. Through targeted focus on key sectors such as aviation, energy, oil and gas, environmental management, and digital transformation, the think tank is expected to contribute not only to the academic and research landscape but also to practical policy applications and regional development strategies. The initiative reflects Tezpur University’s proactive approach toward international collaboration and underscores the importance of leveraging global partnerships to advance education and strategic research.