A two-day International Conference on “Rethinking India’s Engagement with Southeast Asia” commenced at Tetso College, Dimapur on 6th November 2025. The conference is jointly organized by the Department of Political Science, Tetso College, under the sponsorship of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi.
The session opened with a ceremonial performance of the College Anthem by Bachelor of Music students. This was followed by the symbolic "Watering of the Tree of Wisdom," a ritual conducted by Professor Chintamani Mahapatra, the keynote resource person and Founder-Chairman of the Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies. He was accompanied by Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, Principal of Tetso College; Dr. Teshu Singh, Fellow of the Indian Council of World Affairs; and Dr. Salikyu Sangtam, the Conference Convenor.
Dr. Hewasa L. Khing subsequently delivered the Welcome Address, formally receiving the distinguished guests, speakers, and delegates. In her remarks, she underscored the conference's significance within contemporary geopolitical discourse.
A formal overview of the ICWA's institutional mandate was then provided by Dr. Teshu Singh. Her address delineated the Council's objectives in facilitating academic and policy-oriented dialogues concerning India's external engagements.
The keynote address was presented by Professor Chintamani Mahapatra, who also serves as the Editor of India Quarterly. Speaking directly to the conference theme, Professor Mahapatra traced the deep-rooted civilizational linkages between India and Southeast Asia, illustrating his analysis with references to shared cultural symbols evident in temple architecture and artistic traditions. Concluding his address, he posed a critical question to the assembly: “Why should India rethink its engagement with Southeast Asia?” This provocation served to frame the subsequent deliberations, urging a rigorous examination of India's evolving strategic priorities in the region.
Following the inaugural session, the conference agenda advanced to a series of parallel technical sessions, which engaged with critical themes in contemporary international relations. The day's scholarly exchanges culminated in an Afternoon Keynote Session delivered by Dr. Pradeep Taneja, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
