Understanding the Indo-Pacific: Past, Present, and Future

Summary of the Launch of the Indo-Pacific Studies Curriculum

Organized by: Centre for East Asian Studies, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru

In collaboration with: Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR), and the US Consulate General, Chennai

 Mode: Virtual

 Date: 25 June 2025

The Centre for East Asian Studies at Christ University, in collaboration with the Council for Strategic and Defense Research and the US Consulate General, Chennai, successfully hosted the launch of a new academic initiative titled “Understanding the Indo-Pacific: Past, Present, and Future.” This self-paced online course aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the Indo-Pacific region, incorporating strategic, geopolitical, and non-traditional dimensions. 

The session officially commenced with a welcome by Amba and Ashwin, who introduced the objectives and background of the course. Dr. N. Manoharan, Director of the Centre for East Asian Studies, delivered the opening remarks. He stressed the importance of approaching the Indo-Pacific as a complex and evolving region that requires informed academic engagement. He emphasized the regional relevance of the course and how it supports policymaking and educational development. 

Ambassador Ashok Kantha, former Indian diplomat and noted expert on Asian geopolitics, provided an insightful overview of the Indo-Pacific concept. He traced its origins to the 2007 speech by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed its growing adoption by countries like the United States, Australia, and members of ASEAN. He highlighted India’s inclusive and non-exclusionary approach, citing Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 vision of a "free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific." His address also touched on strategic balancing, regional cooperation, and the broader geopolitical implications of the Indo-Pacific framework. 

Dr. Gaurav Saini, Co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR), introduced the course in detail. He emphasized that the Indo-Pacific Circle (IPC) initiative and the online course aim to promote a nuanced understanding of the region through academic and policy-oriented content. The course offers modules on historical background, regional connectivity, governance, maritime issues, climate security, migration, and food systems. The course, hosted at www.ipcircle.org, is structured to be self-paced, enabling flexible access for learners globally.

Dr. Pavithra, a senior lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, discussed the collaborative process involved in designing the course modules. She shared her experience and noted the diverse regional representation in the workshops and the intellectual challenge of creating accessible, relevant content on complex issues.

The youth perspective was given by two students from Christ University, Ms. Akshaya Nair and Ms. Celestia Lal, who went through the course and shared their experience and perspective on the course. They mentioned the course’s structure and multidisciplinary nature. They further mentioned that non-traditional security themes, such as climate change, provoked interest in the topic. They noted that the course helped them to understand the Indo-Pacific region and helped shape their views about the region. The practical approach of the course contributed to their understanding and knowledge. 

Eric Atkins (Public Diplomacy Officer, US Consulate General, Chennai) provided critical feedback on the course’s structure and multidisciplinary nature. He appreciated the inclusion of non-traditional security themes such as climate change and noted the course’s potential to serve as a model for future academic collaborations between India and other Indo-Pacific countries. Mr. Atkins also highlighted the strategic alignment between the course objectives and broader US-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. He referenced recent Quad dialogues and joint initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, openness, and cooperation in the region.

Additional remarks from Prof. Vijayalakshmi and Dr. Manoharan emphasized the course's potential to bridge academic knowledge with practical policy considerations and called for continuous updating of content based on emerging geopolitical trends. Dr. Shreya Upadhayay shared her insights and reflected on the process of curriculum design. 

The event concluded with a discussion on the next steps for strengthening and expanding the Indo-Pacific curriculum:

Course Development Team: To revise and update the course in response to changing regional dynamics and participant feedback

• IPC Circle Team: To introduce advanced modules focusing on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cyber strategy, and climate diplomacy.

• CSDR Team: To design follow-up specialized courses based on stakeholder demands and strategic priorities.

• Christ University and CSDR: To gather and analyze learner feedback for course improvement and long-term impact assessment.

• Course Administrators: To provide seamless access to the course platform and manage enrollment through the official website.

• IPC Network Members: To offer regional insights, case studies, and expert contributions for future course iterations.

• Administrative Support Team: To continue assisting new registrants and providing necessary technical guidance.

The launch of the Indo-Pacific studies curriculum marks a significant milestone in regional academic cooperation and policy education. Through collective efforts from institutions, scholars, and diplomatic partners, this initiative is expected to enhance understanding of the Indo-Pacific region and equip learners with the knowledge required to engage meaningfully in regional and global affairs. The event concluded with optimism about the course’s future growth and its role in shaping informed perspectives on Indo-Pacific geopolitics.