South Asian University
A University established by SAARC Nations
Research Scholar
Email: at anupkumarsaha@students.sau.ac.in
Anup Kumar Saha is presently a Doctoral Candidate at the Department of International Relations, South Asian University, New Delhi, India. His doctoral research looks at culture in the riverine borderland. He is broadly interested in water security, governance, and diplomacy, with a specific focus on the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Basin. He is awarded the SAARC Silver Jubilee Scholarship (SJS) by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to support his doctoral degree. Anup is also associated with some of the projects run by IHE Delft, the British Academy, and IUCN. Some of his writings have been recently published in the Journal of South Asian Studies, the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), the South Asia Monitor, the KRF Centre for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA), etc. He can be reached at anupkumarsaha@students.sau.ac.in
Research Scholar
Binita Adhikari is a doctoral research scholar at the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. Her research, marked by a profound commitment to critical analysis, centers around a comprehensive case study of Nepal. Specifically, she critically examines the policies of International Organizations related to disaster management and post disaster reconstruction through a Gender lens. A diverse array of research interests underpins her scholarly pursuits. She is particularly passionate about Feminist International Relations, delving into the intricate dynamics of Gender and Foreign Policy. Her expertise extends to Regionalism, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), small states, and Agriculture. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has actively engaged in practical initiatives that reflect her commitment to social causes. She has experience coordinating Human rights-related training and campaigns in rural districts of Nepal. She was an ambassador for advocating SDGs for a non-profit organization named YUWA in 2018. She was also a social mobilizer and action planner for the “Free HIV-testing project” conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal, for Terai districts of Nepal in 2019. Her journey exemplifies a harmonious blend of rigorous academic inquiry, social activism, and practical engagement as a dynamic and influential scholar committed to making a meaningful impact on global affairs.
Research Scholar
Daniel’s academic credentials include MBA, PGDHRM, M.A. (Peace and Conflict Resolution), and M.Sc. (Ecology and Environment Studies). He is UGC-NET qualified in Management Studies, Peace Studies, and Environmental Sciences. He has earlier worked with IBM India/South Asia and served the United Nations system in India and East Africa. His professional engagements and collaborations have focused on sustainability and systems approaches around the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. He hopes to leverage interdisciplinary tools and perspectives to advance IR research in South Asian contexts. His overarching goal is to make meaningful contributions to the existing knowledge system that shapes policies, technologies, and behaviours, fostering regional cooperation in harmony with constraints in South Asia. He strongly believes in channelizing his professional and academic experiences to serve the larger interest of society— it is always about impact, diversity, and infinite experiences.
Research Scholar
Pulami has worked as a Public Policy Fellow in National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal. He was also a Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. He has been awarded with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Scholarship (2019) and a freeship from the South Asian University. Mr Pulami is the post-graduate Gold Medallist in International Relations and Diplomacy of Tribhuvan University in 2018-2020 academic calendar and also has been awarded with ‘DuBaSu’ medal at the 48th Convocation of TU for academic excellence. He has received few small research and travel grants from different institutions. He has published several original researches in reputed journals, presented academic papers at different conferences, and continuously write op-eds on different regional and international issues.
Some of the publications are:
Bhattarai, G., & Pulami, M. J. (2021). The Neo- Kautiliyan Facet of Modi’s Neighbourhood Policy: A Non- Western Perspective. Stosunki Międzynarodowe- International Relations (2), 39-65. https://doi.org/10.7366/020909612202003
Research Scholar
Md. Daloar Hossain is a PhD student, joined the cohort of 2020 at the Department of International Relations. His research area in PhD is on Media Portrayal of the Trajectory of Bangladesh-China Relationship from 2004 to 2023, where he is looking into the analyses of six Bangladeshi newspapers (English and Bengali) about China’s engagement in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh-China bilateral relationship.
He obtained MPhil from the Department of International Relations at South Asian University, where he researched on the topic “Trans-National Online Activism: A Reflection On India-Bangladesh Relationship”. Prior to that, he studied Political Science in MA at University of Delhi (with ICCR Scholarship from 2018 to 2020). He graduated with BSS and MSS from the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Dhaka in 2012, and 2013 respectively. In Bangladesh he worked as a Newsroom Editor with a renowned 24/7 news channel.
Md. Daloar Hossain has co-authored an article “Pandemic-Led Challenges for Rural Students in Bangladesh” published in 2023 by IAFOR Journal of Education. He presented papers titled “Understanding Online Discourses on India-Bangladesh Trans-regional Connectivity” at 3rd South Asian Border Studies Conference, in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India; and “Killing along India-Bangladesh Border: Exploring Online Activists’ Perspectives” at GenEd Young Scholars Seminar-2023 organized by the School of General Education, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
His research interests broadly lie in the media-interpretations of inter-state issues, focusing on Bangladesh-China, and Bangladesh-India relationship, digital discourse on inter-state relations.
Daloar can be reached at daloardu17@gmail.com
Research Scholar
Mohammad Alam Amin is presently pursuing a doctoral degree, and his research focuses on “Studying the Taliban and the USA-Taliban Peace Agreement through the Lens of Indian and Pakistani Newspapers”. He holds a particular interest in Theories of International Relations (IRT), Foreign Policy, and Global Politics. Additionally, he has earned an MPhil degree from the Department of International Relations at South Asian University. Mohammad Alam Amin has recently submitted several articles to various journals for potential publication: “The Afghan Peace process and US-Taliban peace deal: Assessing the Discourse in the Afghan Media (2017-2020)” “Media and International Relations: A case study of Afghanistan Times and Pajhwok Newspapers” “Post-Taliban: Afghan Border and regional security” and “Wakhan Corridor is a region for regional integration”.
Mohammad Alam Amin can be reach at alamamin666@gmail.com
Mohit Sharma
Research Scholar
Mohit Sharma is a Doctoral Candidate at the Department of International Relations, South Asian University, New Delhi. His research project delves into the cultural turn within counterinsurgency operations, centering on the Human Terrain System in Afghanistan. He has presented papers at various national and international conferences, including British International Studies Association, South Asian Border Studies conference etc. Previously, he worked as a Research Associate at Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi where he researched and tracked developments of insurgent groups operating in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. He has a post graduate degree in International Relations and Area Studies from School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
He can be reached at sharma.mohit26ptk@gmail.com
Most Farjana Sharmin
Research Scholar
Most Farjana Sharmin is a doctoral student (SAU/IR (P)/2019/01) at Department of International Relations, FSS, South Asian University New Delhi, India. However, she is currently working on “Geopolitics of Outer-Space,” focused on South Asia, under the supervision of Professor, Dr. Sanjay Chaturvedi (Dean& Faculty of International Relations, School of Social Science). Her research is closely interlinked with politics, strategy, technology, arms control, securitization, and policy-related issues in Space.
Recent Publications:
Conference, Paper Presentation & Grants
Mujeeb Kanth
Research Scholar
Mujeeb Kanth is a Doctoral candidate in the Department of International Relations at the South Asian University. His doctoral research is on the topic “Ontology of Warand Political Order: Counterinsurgent Warfare and the Ontogenesis of the International”. His research interests range from Critical War Studies, Indian Ocean geopolitics to Political Theology. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the South Asian University, and a Bachelor degree in Political Science from Jamia Millia Islamia. He is the author of “Geopolitics in the Indian Ocean World and Sino-Indian Rivalry: A Conceptual Analysis”, Journal of Peace Studies, Volume 28, Issues 1–4. He has co-authored with Cecilia Jacob “‘Kill Two Million of Them’: Institutionalised Hate Speech, Impunity and 21st Century Atrocities in India” in GR2P (Brill: Leiden), Vol 15, Special Issue 2-3. He is also a member of the Asia Pacific Working Group (APWG) of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC).
Email ID: checka661@gmail.com
Social: https://in.linkedin.com/in/mujeeb-kanth-b20308229
Publications
Sayantan Haldar
Research Scholar
Sayantan Haldar is a doctoral candidate. His thesis is entitled, ‘India’s Evolving Maritime Security Strategy in the Indian Ocean: A Study of the Indo-Pacific Dimension’.
Sayantan is interested in questions of maritime security, geopolitics, and regionalism in the Indian Ocean. Some of his writings have been published in the Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, Maritime Affairs, India Quarterly, etc. Sayantan is also involved with the Indian Ocean Research Group Soc. (an academic observer affiliated to the Indian Ocean Rim Association) as Joint Secretary. He has recently presented a paper entitled, ‘Reimagining Maritime Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean: Advancing the Case for Minilateralism’ at the Ocean Security Conference organized by Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka, in October 2023.
Shahadat Hossain
Research Scholar
Shahadat Hossain is a research scholar in the department of International relations in South Asian University. He completed an MA in International relations from the same institution. Additionally he holds BSS and MSS in Anthropology from Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka. He completed a summer school on “Climate Justice and Climate Law: South- North Perspectives’ Organized by SOAS University of London and National Law University Delhi.
He has authored three articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented two papers in the International conference, namely at the International Students Interdisciplinary Scientific Conference 2023, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Research (IISR) and Tbilisi Humanitarian Teaching University, Internal Displacement and Solutions Conference 2024, organized by the School of Advanced Study, University of London.
He has three years experience of journalism in Dhaka, also worked with Dhaka based NGO and think tank. He contributed in LSE@south Asia bloc, the strategist and continually contributing the Daily Star and the Daily Sun, two leading newspapers of Bangladesh.
Shounak Baidya
Research Scholar
Shounak Baidya is UGC-JRF scholar in PhD third year focusing on discourses on forest governance and climate change mitigation in India. His area of interest includes Political Ecology, Political Economy, International Politics of Culture and Critical Geopolitics. He has presented research paper in CIRCLE Graduate South Asia Conference organized by University of Guelph, Canada; Young Scholars’ Conference organized by Jean Monnet Chair at CEUS, SIS, JNU and conference on ‘International Relations and the Anthropocene’ organized by CIPOD, SIS, JNU. He has previously worked as Story Scholar for the 1947 Partition Archive.
Syed Hammaad Mehraj
Research Scholar
Syed Hammaad Mehraj is a Doctoral student at the Department of International Relations, South Asian University, New Delhi. He has also completed his Master’s in IR from the same institution in 2023. Before making his foray into IR, he graduated with a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the Islamic University of Science and Technology. He was born and brought up in Kashmir. His research interests include Critical IR, IR and Religion, Jihadism, and Islamism.
He can be reached at syedhammadmehraj@gmail.com
Anurag Anil
Research Scholar
Anurag’s area of interest includes looking at issues which lie at the intersection of history, science, politics, culture (sports, photography, and films), economics, health, everyday security, strategy, regional integration, and pedagogy. As a future research project he intends to work on sub-regional integration in South Asia by examining the role of China and India and opportunities and challenges it opens for small states like Nepal and Bhutan. A key question which engages him is understanding structures and processes which drive the concept order. He completed his MA from the SAU, and was a recipient of the prestigious SAU President’s Gold Medal for securing first position in Masters.
Anurag can be reached at raagwasgood@gmail.com.
Divisha Srivastava
Research Scholar
Divisha did her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Delhi University and her Master of Arts in Politics with specialisation in International Studies, from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She was a Research Intern at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis-IDSA, where she assisted in collating data and editing the newsletter Insight South East Asia. She also conducted extensive research on the defence outlook and military modernisation of the Indo-Pacific region. Her research interests include traditional and non-traditional security issues and their impact on the ‘nation-state’.
Divisha can be reached at: diva297@gmail.com
Prakash Bhandari
Research Scholar
Prakash Bhandari is a Research Scholar.
Prakash’s research interests include cross-border connectivity, political economy of Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese and Indian foreign policies, and China-South Asia relations. He presented his paper ‘Chinese philosophy and cultural linkage between China and South Asia’ at BNU Philosophy Summer School 2018 and ‘Why Connectivity is vital for the development and integration of South Asia?’ at the workshop themed on Borders and Regionalism in South Asia at South Asian University in 2018. He was a Research Intern at Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), New Delhi.
Prakash can be reached at prakashbhandari_ktm@hotmail.com
Rustam Ali Seerat
Research Scholar
Rustam Ali Seerat is a doctoral candidate. His doctoral thesis is on “External Intervention and Ethnic Politics in Post-2001 Afghanistan”.
Rustam is interested in identity politics and ethnic political representations. Rustam has contributed opinion pieces to the Diplomat Magazine, Foreign Policy, London School of Economics (LSE) Blog, South Asia Monitor, Geopolitics, Global Voices and Institute of Chinese Studies (New Delhi) Blog.
Rustam can be reached at rustamali_seerat@yahoo.com.
Sariful Islam
Research Scholar
Sariful has worked as a Sub-Editor/Newsroom Editor for more than five years with multiple media houses in Bangladesh, namely, Bhorer Dhaka, Daily Sangbad, Banglanews24.com, and Somoy TV. Sariful regularly writes opinion articles on issues pertinent to domestic and international politics in national dailies in Bangladesh both in Bangla and English. His research interests include refugee and migration studies, ethnic and minority conflict, non-traditional security, South Asian regionalism, media and international politics, amongst others.
Sariful can be reached at sarifmcjdu@gmail.com
Uddipta Ranjan Boruah
Research Scholar
Uddipta is a post graduate in IR from the South Asian University and a Commerce (Honours) graduate from the University of Delhi. His M.A. Dissertation focused on the role of domestic politics in the regional integration approaches of India. His areas of study and interest are Borders and Border Regions, Borderlands with special reference to the northeastern borderlands of India, and regional integration processes. He operates a blog by the name urbscribbles.blogspot.in and tweets through the handle @RanjanUddipta.
Uddipta can be reached at: uddiranbx@gmail.com
Sridhar Krishnan
Research Scholar
Sridhar’s areas of interest include the interplay of history, culture and politics. Specifically, he is interested in Culture and IR, Postcolonial approaches to IR, Histories of IR, Politics of memory and memory making. He intends to explore culturally and historically nuanced understanding of IR situated in South Asia. He has presented a paper titled ‘An Inquiry into the Condition of Postcoloniality in Nepal’ at the Annual Academic Conference organised by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras in 2018. He also participated in a Workshop on Shared Waterscapes of South Asia organised by the South Asian University.
Sreedhar can be reached at sridhar@students.sau.ac.in.
