Tezpur University (TU) has proposed the creation of a Joint Indo-Russian Think Tank on Strategic Policies for the Future of Education following discussions in Vladivostok during the Eastern Economic Forum held from 3–6 September 2025.
The TU delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and Director of International Affairs Subhrangshu Sekhar Sarkar, held meetings with Nikhilesh Giri, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Moscow, and Siddarth Gowrav, Consul General of India in Vladivostok, along with other senior officials. The talks focused on strengthening Indo-Russian cooperation in education.
Prof. Singh said the proposal for the think tank was at the centre of the discussions. He stated that it would go beyond academic collaboration and function as a policy and research hub to chart a structured roadmap for educational development across the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Singh, the think tank would draw on the experiences and best practices of both India and Russia, with an aim to design strategies aligned with regional development priorities. It is expected to promote joint research and innovation in areas such as aviation engineering, energy, oil and gas, environment, and digital transformation.
The initiative comes shortly after Tezpur University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), Vladivostok. Officials present at the discussions said the presence of Deputy Chief of Mission Giri underscored the strategic importance of the proposal.
Both the Embassy of India in Moscow and the Consulate in Vladivostok expressed support for the idea, noting that such a think tank could develop into a platform for regional educational planning. They said combining India’s dynamism with Russia’s scientific traditions could help build a future-ready educational ecosystem.
The Consulate General of India in Vladivostok noted that the proposal also builds on the momentum of the Eastern Economic Forum, where Tezpur University initiated new engagements with Russian institutions.
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