Manipur University has entered into a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, aimed at deepening academic and policy research collaboration. The agreement was signed on June 3, 2025, during the International Conference on Triangular Cooperation and South-South Cooperation organized by RIS.
With this development, Manipur University has joined a select group of 21 Indian universities under the “University Connect Hub” initiative led by RIS. The initiative is designed to promote collaborative research, information sharing, and joint academic publications across areas of mutual interest.
The formal signing was carried out by Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of RIS. Officials stated that the partnership is expected to enhance the university’s research profile, particularly in areas concerning Southeast Asia.
Prof. Lokendra Singh was reported to have highlighted the strategic role of Manipur University in advancing research with a focus on the Southeast Asian region, especially Myanmar. He had pointed to the university’s ongoing academic engagement in the region through teaching and research, including contributions made by the Centre for Myanmar Studies.
The Vice-Chancellor described the renewed collaboration as a promising step that would open new avenues for academic and policy-oriented research. He also expressed confidence that the partnership with RIS would lead to a meaningful exchange of ideas and contribute to a broader regional understanding.
The latest agreement builds on an earlier MoU signed between the two institutions in January 2025, which had focused on cooperative work in Indo-Pacific affairs. The Centre for Myanmar Studies was a key component in that earlier agreement as well.
University officials further informed that the RIS University Connect Hub is being coordinated at Manipur University by Prof. M.C. Arun, who is facilitating ongoing engagement between academic institutions and national-level policy research efforts.
Manipur University signs second MoU with RIS to strengthen Research Collaboration
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