MOTTO
Strengthening India’s Economic, Cultural and Political Engagement with Central Asia
VISION
The Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS) envisions promoting rigorous interdisciplinary research and informed understanding of the economic, scientific, technological, cultural, social and contemporary issues of Central Asia. The Centre aims to emerge as a leading hub for scholarly research, academic exchange, and policy engagement, fostering deeper cooperation between India and the countries of Central Asia in pursuit of sustainable, inclusive and mutually beneficial development.
In an era characterized by fragmented global production chains, rapid technological change, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, enhanced regional collaboration among regional economies has become crucial for achieving economic growth, technological upgrading and social inclusion. The Centre seeks to examine Central Asian countries through an interdisciplinary perspective drawn from the social sciences, humanities and languages, with the objective of understanding their economic, historical, social, cultural, political, ecological and technological dimensions.
Through sustained research, academic exchange, and policy engagement, CCAS aspires to evolve as a key reference point for information, knowledge and analysis on Central Asian economies for scholars, policymakers and practitioners.
The Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS) focuses on understanding the relationship of India and Five Central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Centre aims to contribute to the deepening of knowledge and the dissemination of information on the opportunities and challenges involved in strengthening India’s economic, cultural and political ties with the five Central Asian countries.
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Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh
The Centre for Central Asian Studies represents a significant academic and strategic initiative to further strengthen India’s engagement with Central Asia across economic, cultural, political and technological domains.
With an interdisciplinary focus, the Centre is dedicated to advancing rigorous research, academic exchange, and informed policy dialogue related to the India-Central Asia partnership. It seeks to promote inclusive and mutually beneficial growth through South-South cooperation, guided by the teachings of our Gurus, particularly the principle of Sarbat da Bhala, meaning the welfare of all.
Punjab has historically served as a gateway, fostering close connections with Central Asia through the Silk Route, which facilitated the exchange of ideas, culture and trade. In the present context, it is important to rejuvenate these ties with our extended neighborhood in Central Asia, thereby creating new opportunities for students and the younger generation in trade, commerce, education, tourism and cultural engagements.
The Centre adopts a focused approach to exploring complementarities between Punjab and the Central Asian countries. With Punjab’s strong agricultural and manufacturing base and Central Asia’s rich resource endowments, there is considerable untapped potential for mutually beneficial collaboration. The Centre aims to play a pivotal role in identifying such opportunities and facilitating meaningful partnerships.
I am confident that the Centre for Central Asian Studies will evolve into a centre of excellence, contributing significantly to academic scholarship and policy discourse.
I convey my best wishes for the success and sustained growth of the Centre.
Dr. Swati Mehta
The Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS) at Guru Nanak Dev University has been established as a dedicated academic platform to promote interdisciplinary research, informed dialogue, and policy-relevant engagement related to India and Central Asia.
In line with India’s vision of Central Asia as part of the extended neighborhood, and underpinned by deep-rooted civilizational linkages and growing strategic convergences, the Centre seeks to contribute to strengthening multifaceted engagements and partnerships with the region.
The Centre focuses on economic, social, cultural, political, and technological dimensions of Central Asian countries, with an emphasis on evidence-based research and academic exchange. It aims to serve as a bridge between scholarship and policy, supporting informed understanding and engagement.
The Centre will undertake academic sessions, policy dialogues, invited lectures, cultural exchanges, and collaborative research projects to foster deeper regional engagement.
I express my sincere gratitude to the Honourable Vice Chancellor and esteemed officials for their guidance and support in establishing this Centre. Scholars, researchers, and institutions are warmly invited to engage with CCAS in advancing knowledge and understanding about the region.
Chief Patron
Professor Karamjeet Singh
Vice Chancellor
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Academics
Professor Sachin Chaturvedi
Vice Chancellor
Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar
Professor Nagesh Kumar
Director
Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) New Delhi
Professor Sharad Kumar Soni
Associate Dean, School of International Studies
Chairperson, Centre for Inner Asian Studies
Jawaharlal National University (JNU), New Delhi
Diplomats
Ambassador Navdeep Suri
Indian Foreign Service (Retd.)
Ambassador Gitesh Sarma
Indian Foreign Service (Retd.)
Ms. Anita Nirody
Senior United Nations Executive (Retd.)
Think Tank
Professor Charan Singh
Chief Executive and Founding Director
Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare (EGROW), New Delhi
Sh. Nandan Unnikrishnan
Distinguished Fellow
Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Coordinator
Dr. Swati Mehta
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Event - 30 July 2026