Guwahati, June 4, 2026:
A six-member delegation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, visited the North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), Guwahati, on March 9, 2026, to discuss Northeast India’s strategic links with Southeast Asia and the implementation of India’s Act East Policy.
The delegation, led by Ms Aparna Roy, IFS, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, spent nearly two hours interacting with the senior staff of NESRC on issues related to regional connectivity, development and the growing significance of Northeast India in India’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations.
The visit was highlighted in the NESRC Annual Report 2025–26 as one of the significant events of the year, reflecting the Centre’s continuing contribution to policy discussions and research on issues affecting the Northeast.
According to the report, NESRC remained actively engaged in research, advocacy and public dialogue during 2025–26. The Centre completed four major studies focusing on tribal land rights, indigenous identity and power-sharing, healthcare accessibility among marginalised communities, and peacebuilding initiatives across Northeast India.
The studies explored issues such as land alienation, constitutional protections, indigenous claims, public health inequalities and community-based approaches to peace and reconciliation. The findings were subsequently disseminated through six publications released during the year.
NESRC also organised three national seminars on children growing up in conflict zones, public health and healthcare equity, and the bicentenary of the Yandaboo Treaty. These events brought together scholars, policymakers, civil society representatives and researchers to deliberate on issues of regional importance.
The report further noted the Centre’s participation in the Assam Book Fair and the inaugural Jowai West Jaintia Hills Book Fair, where it promoted research and encouraged young scholars to engage with social science research in the region.
Another major development was the continued growth of the NESRC Library, which now houses 11,859 books and subscribes to around 30 journals and periodicals. More than 20,000 newspaper clippings and archival records were digitised and catalogued during the year, strengthening access to research resources on Northeast India.
Founded in 2000, the North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) is a Guwahati-based research institution committed to promoting peace, justice, equality and reconciliation among tribal, indigenous and marginalised communities in Northeast India. Under the leadership of Director Father Dr. John Walter Fernandes, a Jesuit Priest, the Centre combines professional research, advocacy and community engagement to address issues related to land, identity, conflict, livelihoods, gender and development.
In his concluding remarks, NESRC Director Father Walter thanked the Centre’s partners, supporters and staff for their continued collaboration. He reaffirmed NESRC’s commitment to promoting research-based advocacy and contributing to a more just, peaceful and inclusive society in Northeast India.
Source: North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) Annual Report 2025–26.