IMPHAL, June 14: Manipur University has signed a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, to strengthen academic and policy research collaboration. The MoU was formalized on June 3 during the International Conference on Triangular Cooperation and South-South Cooperation organized by RIS.
This new agreement positions Manipur University among 21 Indian universities participating in the RIS-led “University Connect Hub” initiative, which promotes collaborative research, information exchange, and joint academic publications in mutually relevant fields.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of RIS. The renewed collaboration is expected to elevate the university’s research profile, particularly in areas focused on Southeast Asia.
Prof. Lokendra Singh emphasized Manipur University’s strategic role in regional research, especially with its academic engagements centered on Myanmar through the Centre for Myanmar Studies. He called the agreement a “promising step” towards advancing academic and policy-focused dialogue and fostering broader regional understanding.
This second MoU builds on the initial agreement signed in January 2025, which primarily focused on Indo-Pacific affairs. The Centre for Myanmar Studies played a central role in both agreements, reflecting the university’s continued commitment to cross-border academic engagement.
University officials also confirmed that Prof. M.C. Arun is coordinating the RIS University Connect Hub at Manipur University, helping link academic efforts with national-level policy research.
