The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) inaugurated its India Study Centre (ISC) on February 7, 2020 at its premises. Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sohail Aman was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Other speakers at the inauguration included: Dr. Mujeeb Afzal, Associate Professor Quaid-e-Azam University, and Ambassador Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Director General South Asia and SAARC at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Introducing the India Study Centre, its Director Dr. Saif Malik said that this was the first ever research-based initiative by ISSI focusing exclusively on India and Indian policies specifically affecting Pakistan. He said that Pakistan cannot stay oblivious of the happening across the border, especially in the context of lethal Indian atrocities against the Kashmiris coupled with latest development in the context of Citizen Amendment Act. These developments in India need thematic sessions, in-depth study and analysis to propose policy options for Pakistan and the challenges emanating from India, particularly with regard to the rise of Hindu nationalism, promotion of Hindutva ideology and its impact on minorities in India, especially Muslims. Elaborating on the aims of India Study Centre (ISC), Dr. Malik said that the Centre will conduct focused research and analytical studies on multi-dimensional aspects of India, and promote policy discourse on India’s foreign, security and socio-economic policies along with implications for Pakistan and the region as well as India-Pakistan relations.
