The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, proposes to organize a three day international seminar on Greater Connectivity and Regional Integration in South Asia during 14-16 February 2013. The seminar proposes to involve experts–policymakers, scholars, bureaucrats and entrepreneurs of India and a few from South Asian neighbors to facilitate a debate on how greater connectivity could play a role in integrating the South Asian region and could play a significant role in Asia in the twenty first century. The seminar proposes to invite scholars/policy planners from abroad to elicit their (respective countries) perceptions on envisioning a new South Asia free from conflicts.

Sub themes:

- Discuss the intra and inter-state conflicts, which are seen as obstacles for South Asian regional cooperation;

- Focus on Non-traditional security issues in South Asia;

- Focus on neighbours perceptions of India as a peaceful rise or hegemonic power and India’s perception of neighbours;

- Focus on strategic capabilities/security concerns of countries in the region and how cooperation and other methods could lead to a secure and stable South Asian region;

- Focus South Asia’s economic growth/trade vis-à-vis other Asian countries and the advantages/disadvantages of conducting economic activity in South Asia;

- Discuss connectivity and regional integration in South Asia.

Website: www.southasiafoundation.org/saf_news-article-52022.htm

Contact: Professor Mohanan Pillai (madanjeet@safmail.org) or (mohapillai@gmail.com).