Current Research Faculty

Dr. Vikash Kumar Thakur is an accomplished scholar with a deep expertise in the field of International Relations, specializing in East Asian Studies. He holds a PhD (2017-2023) from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Centre for East Asian Studies (Chinese Division), New Delhi, with a thesis titled "China Coast Guard and its Regional Dynamics, 2002-17". Dr. Thakur completed his M.Phil (2015-2017) from the same institution, focusing on "China Coast Guard and its Maritime Defense, 2000-16". He earned his M.A. in International Relations (2013-2015) from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Dr. Thakur's academic pursuits have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics and maritime security issues in East Asia.

Swayamsiddha Samal is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Chinese Studies and a doctoral scholar in Chinese Studies at the Centre for East Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her research interests centre around China's domestic politics. She holds an M.A. in Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a B.A. in Mandarin from Jawaharlal Nehru University. With a background in Chinese language and politics, she has gained experience as a Research Assistant at the Takshashila Institution and the United Service Institution of India. Additionally, she has worked as a Teaching Fellow at Ashoka University. She has authored short and long pieces for various esteemed outlets, including the Hindustan Times, Firstpost, and South Asian Voices.

Akshat Mayne is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Chinese Studies, and a doctoral scholar in Japanese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi He holds a Master's degree in East Asian Studies, with a specialisation in Japanese Studies, from the University of Delhi. His research looks at Japan's place in the broader East Asian international order. His research interests include Japanese domestic politics, security and foreign policy in the post war era, and the emerging dynamics between various players in the region, especially Japan and Taiwan. Beyond this, he is also interested in the historical interactions, and political and cultural exchanges between Japan and other East Asian states.