Srinagar, July 22: The Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir (KU), on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day national seminar on 'The Political Dimensions of India's Foreign Policy: State, Society and Cultural-Economic Relations with Central Asia' in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research–North Western Regional Centre (ICSSR-NWRC).

The seminar seeks to examine the evolving dynamics of India's engagement with Central Asia by exploring the political, social, cultural and economic dimensions of these relations. It has brought together academicians, researchers and policymakers from across the country to deliberate on emerging regional developments and opportunities for cooperation.
Addressing the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan said the study of foreign policy requires continuous academic engagement in view of changing regional and global realities.
"Universities have an important responsibility to facilitate informed discussions on issues of regional and international significance. Such academic forums promote research, dialogue and a deeper understanding of India's engagement with neighbouring regions and beyond," she said.
Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada highlighted Central Asia's strategic and cultural importance in India's foreign policy and stressed the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand the historical and contemporary dimensions of these ties.
Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal said such seminars provide valuable opportunities for scholars and students to engage with diverse perspectives on global affairs and strengthen academic discourse.
Dean, School of Social Sciences, Prof. Sabeha Mufti, underscored the importance of sustained research on India's evolving relationship with Central Asia, noting that universities play a key role in producing evidence-based scholarship on regional and international issues.
In his welcome address, Director, CCAS and Seminar Convenor, Prof. Wahid Nasaru, outlined the objectives of the seminar and said it provides an important platform for meaningful academic exchange on India's growing engagement with Central Asia.
The two-day event features keynote lectures, research paper presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions focusing on various aspects of India's foreign policy and its relations with Central Asia.
On the occasion, the latest edition of the Central Asian Digest was also released.
The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Zohra Batul, while Dr. Parvana Bhatt proposed the vote of thanks.