Singapore thinktank plans extensive studies on India

A top Singapore-based thinktank today said it plans to conduct an in-depth research on India and other South Asian nations to understand their historical and cultural heritage and their relevance to modern politics.
The Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) said it plans to extensively cover India-led South Asian states in its studies from this year to boost its profile as an autonomous global "view-point maker" on the region.
"We will be widening our research on India, and the other states of South Asia doing in-depth studies of society, economy, governance and international relations, for more understanding of the culture, politics and economic trends, historical and cultural heritage of South Asia and their relevance to modern politics," director Subrata K Mitra said.

The thinktank supports Singapore's growing interest in South Asia where India is a dominant player with its deep history and culture and is also the fastest growing economy.
India and Singapore last year celebrated their 50 years of diplomatic relations and upgraded their ties to the 'Strategic Partnership' level which will see the prosperous city-state participating in many economic development projects in India.
"We will work on complementing Singapore's Strategic Partnership with India by doing in-depth studies on subjects focusing on the two countries' initiatives," Mitra said.

He said India is an international market while Singapore is seen as a platform offering a wide range of opportunities to global business groups. Singapore has also drawn a master plan for Andhra Pradesh's new capital city Amaravati.

"ISAS must focus on Singapore's growing role in India's economic development initiatives which have become the biggest attraction to global investors," he said.
"The deeper understanding we have of South Asia, particularly India, the better we will be in presenting opinions and views to the global investors. It will make ISAS the place to better understand the region," he said.
Established in July 2004, ISAS provides insights into Indian societies, politics and economics to visiting Indian and South Asian ministers. It hosts annual international conferences, workshops, and discussions on the region.
"We will (from) now on build ISAS into a global thinktank on the region especially incorporating the Indian market perspectives," Mitra said.