NEW DELHI: Manipur University has taken another significant stride in bolstering its research capabilities and regional influence, inking its second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System (RIS), New Delhi, on June 3, 2025. This landmark agreement solidifies the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and places it within an exclusive network of 21 Indian universities collaborating with RIS under its prestigious University Connect Hub initiative.
The signing ceremony unfolded amidst the intellectual fervour of the International Conference on Triangular Cooperation and South-South Cooperation, held in New Delhi from June 3-4, 2025. This latest MoU is designed to foster extensive collaboration, encompassing joint research ventures, seamless information exchange, and the co-publication of academic and policy-oriented works on subjects of shared interest. The historic document bore the signatures of Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, the distinguished Director General of RIS, a leading think tank dedicated to addressing development issues and crafting solutions for the Global South.
Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh, expressing his optimism, hailed the MoU as opening a “new horizon” for Manipur University. He underscored the immense potential for a wider exchange of ideas and synergistic collaboration in the realm of policy research. Prof. Singh thoughtfully highlighted the strategic geographical advantage of Manipur University and its focused engagement with South East Asian and Myanmar affairs. He passionately articulated that this renewed partnership would not only elevate academic research but also strategically expand its scope into critical policy matters, thereby enhancing the university’s impact on regional and international discourse.
It is worth recalling that Manipur University’s initial foray into collaboration with RIS commenced in January 2025 with an MoU specifically targeting Indo-Pacific Affairs. That pioneering agreement notably singled out the Centre for Myanmar Studies at Manipur University, underscoring its pivotal strategic importance in the region. The ongoing and deepening collaboration with RIS unequivocally reaffirms Manipur University’s unwavering dedication to advancing robust research within this vital geopolitical landscape.
This fresh MoU is poised to significantly augment the University’s existing research infrastructure and cultivate profounder connections within the broader academic fraternity. By aligning itself more closely with RIS, Manipur University envisions a substantial boost in its research output and a heightened influence in crucial regional policy deliberations, especially those pertaining to the nuanced dynamics of the Global South. This strategic partnership unequivocally positions Manipur University as a frontrunner in regional research and policy formulation. Through such impactful collaborations, the University is resolutely committed to making invaluable contributions to discussions and studies that will shape the future of South East Asia and the expansive Indo-Pacific region.