Asian Confluence, the leading think tank based in Northeast India, is establishing the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies to promote research, dialogue, and collaboration on the region’s shared future. The Centre aims to serve as a platform for fostering “third space” cooperation among stakeholders from the states and nations of the Bay of Bengal region.

The Inaugural Session of the Centre will be held on October 30, 2025, at the Asian Confluence Centre, Shillong. The Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, H.E. Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and deliver the Inaugural Address. H.E. Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), will deliver the Keynote Address. Shri CSR Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC and SAARC), Ministry of External Affairs will be delivering the special remarks.

The session will feature a high-level panel discussion on “Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal: Envisioning a Resilient and Prosperous Future – Opportunities and Challenges.” The event will also mark the launch of a souvenir, a compendium of articles exploring the various dimensions of the Bay of Bengal under four thematic areas:

1.    Reimagining the Bay

2.    The Bay of Bengal and the Hinterland of Northeast India

3.    Connectivity and Trade in the Bay of Bengal

4.    The Bay of Bengal — Geopolitics and Geoeconomics 

Other eminent speakers (in alphabetical order) for the event are: Shri Abe Noraike, Minister, Councillor (Political), Embassy of Japan, India; Shri Ambika Prasad Joshi, Counsellor (Minister), Embassy of Nepal, India; Shri M.P. Bezbaruah, Former Member, North Eastern Council and Chairman, Governing Council, Asian Confluence; Shri Jigme Thinley Namgyal, Consul General of Bhutan to Guwahati; Shri Prithvish Nag, Former Surveyor General of India and Advisor, Asian Confluence; Shri R.K. Ranjan, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, and Advisor, Asian Confluence; Shri Tshewang Dorji, Director (Bhutan), BIMSTEC; Smt. Patricia Mukhim, Padma Shri awardee and Editor, Shillong Times; and Smt. Preeti Rahman, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Bangladesh, India.

This initiative is a continuation of Asian Confluence’s mission to advance research-driven dialogue and regional cooperation across the Bay of Bengal. Bridging South and Southeast Asia, the Bay of Bengal lies at the heart of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the BIMSTEC framework—offering vast opportunities for development, connectivity, and sustainable growth. Through both online and in-person engagements with policymakers, businesses, universities, research institutions, and think tanks, the Centre seeks to enhance regional understanding, promote trust, and catalyse collective action on the manifold issues shaping the Bay of Bengal.