Research Affiliates

Vaishnavi Gangadhar is a Research Affiliate and design coordinator at CEAS. She is currently coordinating the Centre's design and related work. Vaishnavi worked under logistics for the project 'U.S.-India Strategic Partnership: How Does it Matter?' in collaboration with George Washington University (GWU), Washington D.C., and the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai. She is pursuing her Master's in International Studies and her research interests include Cultural History in South Asia and Southeast Asia and Indo-China relations throughout the years, China's influx in the Indo-Pacific Region, Human security issues during Wars. She is currently keen on researching the similarities between the geisha system in Japan and the devadasi system in India and its influence on society. 

Diya Parthasarathy is a Junior Research Affiliate at CEAS, currently pursuing a Bachelor's in History and Political Science Honours with Economics. She is an Editor and Proofreader for research. Her Research interests include Ancient and Medieval History of the Indian Subcontinent and how to improving the Indo-Pacific monitor. She is currently researching on the Impact of the Cholas Overseas and the History of Bharatnatyam. 

HM Greeshma is a  Junior Research Affiliate at  the CEAS. Currently, she is working on an industry connect project, assisting in building and   strengthening ties between CEAS and relevant industry stakeholders. She is  currently pursuing a degree in History and Political Science, with a minor in Economics, at Christ University. She is keen on deepening her knowledge in diplomacy, international relations, and research. Her primary research interests lie in East  Asian geopolitics,  international law in the Indo-Pacific region, and sustainability in global governance. She is currently researching Cross-Border Cooperation in Renewable Energy Transitions Across the Indo-Pacific Region.

Varsha S is a Junior Research Affiliate at CEAS. She is pursuing her Bachelor's in Arts with  Economics and Sociology, with research interests in gender studies, economic sociology, and the intersection of religion and social structures.

Pijush Das is a Junior Research Affiliate at the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), Christ University. He undertakes administrative and research tasks assigned by the Centre and works under the mentorship system, participating in regular review meetings. Concurrently, Pijush is enrolled in the final year of his B.A. in History & Political Science at Christ University and is actively engaged in CEAS’s activities. His research interests focus on the impact of colonial legacy on inter-ethnic relations in Myanmar, examining how historical colonial policies continue to influence contemporary ethnic dynamics and conflicts in the region. He is also conducting comprehensive research on Theravada Buddhist nations and their socio-political evolution.

Nischay M K is a Junior Research Affiliate at CEAS. He is currently coordinating the CEAS Application and the USICC website. Nischay is pursuing his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering, with research interests in Defence Technology, Military History, and Terrorism. 

Rishabh Nalte is a Research Affiliate at the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS). He is currently pursuing a Master's in Arts in International Studies, where his academic focus lies in international affairs and Indian foreign policy. He completed his undergraduate degree in Bachelor's in Business Administration from Christ University ( Bannerghatta campus) and also has five years of corporate work experience behind him. His present research examines and studies Indian coastal security and its challenges. His broader areas of interest include maritime and military affairs, particularly in relation to their historical evolution and future.

Yash Kumar is a Junior Research Associate at the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS). He is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology with a minor in Political Science at Christ University, Bangalore. His research interests include Conflict Studies, Strategic Studies, International Trade, Foreign Policy, and Diplomacy. He is presently working on a research project titled “Nuclear Arms and Doctrines: A Comparative Study of India and China,” which aims to analyze India’s deterrent capabilities in the context of the growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. 

Pavani Swetha Vallem is a Junior Research Affiliate at CEAS. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Arts with History and Political Science as Majors and Economics as a Minors at CHRIST (deemed to be) University, Bengaluru. Her interests lie in Public Policy, Administration, International Relations, Security Studies, Diplomacy, Strategic Dimensions of the Indo-Pacific Region. She loves engaging in meaningful conversations that bridge diverse perspectives. 

Shree Vardhani is a Research Affiliate at the Centre for East Asian Studies. Currently, she is a postgraduate student in International Studies at Christ University. She is interested in India’s foreign policy and, specifically, India-China relations. She has taken up the research work on ‘Public Diplomacy of India’, focusing on the changing dynamics of diplomacy and the strategies adopted for the advocacy and exchanges of ideas, culture, and information. 

Harishraddha P is a Research Affiliate and Editor for Perspectives at the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS). In this capacity, she contributes to the Centre’s research activities and oversees editorial responsibilities for the Centre’s publication. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in International Studies at Christ University, where her academic focus lies in international relations, Indian foreign policy and regional studies. Her present research examines cross-border communication in South Asia, with an emphasis on the intersections of cultural exchange, connectivity, and regional cooperation. Her broader areas of interest include South East Asia and South Asia, particularly in relation to transnational interactions, communication flows, regional integration, foreign policy and global political economy.

Shilpa R Patil is a Research Affiliate at Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), Christ University. She is currently pursuing her postgraduate Degree in International Finance at Christ University.  She is keenly interested in “Border Diplomacy and Conflict Management in INDIA –CHINA Relations”, with a focus on the evolving dynamic of territorial disputes and the strategies adopted to manage tensions along the Line of Control (LOC). Her interest future extends to understanding how strategic rivalry coexists with economic interdependence, shaping one of the most complex and significant bilateral relationships in the world today. 

Christelle Maria Carneiro Alphonso is a Research Affiliate at the Centre for East Asian Studies. Currently, she is pursuing her Postgraduate Degree in International Studies at Christ University. Her passion includes exploring the relations within the global order, while emphasizing on the relevance of the United Nations in the 21st century. Her research interest focuses on the various dimensions of the East Asian and European countries in shaping International Affairs. 

Ankita Dey is a postgraduate student in International Studies at Christ University.  She is also a Research Affiliate at the Centre for East Asian Studies. She is interested in conflict studies & global political culture with a primary focus on eastern and central Asia. She has taken up the research work on ‘The Speed of Revolution’, focusing on the strategies, methodologies and the evolving force of rebellion against a regime. 

Shakeez Ayubee is presently a Junior Research Affiliate at the Centre for East Asian Studies and also enrolled as a Masters student of International Studies at Christ University. He completed his undergraduate in Political Science and Communicative English from St. Joseph’s University. Shakeez is currently engaged in the study of financing of separatist militant groups in the North-Eastern states of India, particularly Assam. His interests also include study of trade and conflict in EU states and in South America, particularly Argentina and Colombia. He likes to bring his background in the study of political philosophy and journalism into better understanding current transnational conflicts.

Akshaya R Nair is a Research Affiliate at CEAS and currently she is coordinating the social media and content designing for CEAS and IPC. She is pursuing her Masters in International Studies at Christ University, Bangalore. She has a strong research interest in National and Maritime Security, International Cooperation, Climate induced Migration and Indo-Pacific Strategy.