KU establishes International Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies – Times of India

Prof VN Attri has been the former chair in Indian Ocean Studies (CIOS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Republic of Mauritius and an Alumni of KU.

The establishment of this think-tank is important for providing necessary inputs to the government for improving trade relations and geo-strategic diplomacy, said the KU officials.
The main objective of the Center is to evolve the construct of Indo Pacific as a New Paradigm of Peace, Security and Sustainable Development focusing on Trade and Investment, maritime connectivity, Maritime Security, Climate change, Cyber security, environmental protection and clean energy.

The joint statement of 14 countries’ economic grouping named Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity given on May 23, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan focuses on economic competitiveness in the long run defined by the ability to harness technology, promote innovation, participate in the digital economy, justly transition energy systems and achieve energy security, and tackle the climate crisis in a manner that produces equitable, inclusive Socio-economic welfare. The countries India, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam of the Indo-Pacific region account for 40 % of global GDP.

The International Center for Indo- Pacific Studies aims at promoting the Academic and research standing of the university at Global level by enhancing capacity-building and generating decent employment opportunities among the students of the university. It will also promote interdisciplinary research in the faculty members of the university.

Prof VN Attri retired from department of economics, KU with his vast economic, strategic and diplomatic experience at Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has been appointed Director of the ICIPS. It is hoped that the center will soon become self- reliant financially soon under the dynamic leadership of the Vice- Chancellor.