Puducherry: Pondicherry University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a leading policy research institute and think tank, to strengthen collaboration in policy research and global engagement.

The partnership, facilitated by Prof. Subramanyam Raju of the UMISARC Centre for South Asian Studies, School of Social Sciences and International Studies, aims to deepen academic-policy linkages. The MoU was formalised during the Conference on Global South and Triangular Cooperation held in New Delhi on June 3. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, RIS, Forum for Indian Development and Cooperation (FIDC), and DAKSHIN - Global South Centre of Excellence.

RIS had earlier collaborated with 101 universities across the country on G20-related initiatives during India's presidency. Under its ongoing University Connect Hub, RIS has now signed MoUs with 21 institutions, including Pondicherry University, to promote joint research, capacity-building and policy dialogues on global economic development, South-South cooperation, and international public policy.

The partnership is expected to benefit students through exposure to high-level policy discussions and internship opportunities. Faculty members will gain avenues for collaborative research, policy workshops and knowledge sharing with one of India's leading think tanks.

The initiative underscores Pondicherry University's commitment to internationalisation, interdisciplinary learning and policy-relevant academic engagement.