Research Interns

Bhagyashree Nimbalkar is currently pursuing a Ph. D. in Chinese Studies from CEAS, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She holds a Master’s degree in Politics with a specialization in International Relations.

She is passionate about unravelling the intricate tapestry of international as well as the internal dynamics of China. From delving into historical perspectives to analysing contemporary geopolitical shifts, her commitment to understanding China's role on the global stage drives her pursuit of knowledge and fosters a nuanced perspective on international affairs. Her enthusiasm is also deeply rooted in the realm of higher education and S&T.

Megha Kumari is currently pursuing Masters in International Relations and Area Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She is also a research intern at the Institute of Chinese Studies. She completed her BA in Political Science (Hons.) from University of Delhi. Her interests lie in exploring historical vantage points to examine the current geopolitical changes. She is interested in science and technology, gender, and China's foreign policy. Her quest for understanding China is motivated by China's rise in the existing international order.

Anushka Sisodia holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from University of Delhi and is currently pursuing Masters in Politics from the Department of Civics and Politics, University of Mumbai. Her core research interests are Chinese diplomacy and the role of its soft power in shaping China’s narrative. She is specifically working on panda diplomacy. As a student of political science, she is also keenly interested in diplomatic ties between India and China from an economic perspective, diplomacy and geopolitics.

Amit Dogra is a Research Intern at the Institute of Chinese Studies. Amit Dogra’s core interests lie in the China-India borderlands, strategic culture and Geopolitics of the Indian ocean. He is a post-graduate in International Relations from South Asian University. Having done graduation in Botany from Hindu College, DU, his academic trajectory shifted to social sciences which got him interested in states and their behaviour in the international arena. He has also worked on the ethnography of nomadic communities in the contested borderlands of Ladakh.

Supradip Das has completed his Master’s in Chinese language and China Studies from the Department of Chinese Language and Culture (Cheena-
Bhavana), Visva-Bharati University. Recently he joined the ICS as a Virtual Research Intern. He also graduated from Cheena-Bhavana and pursued a one-year advanced training in the Chinese language from Beijing Language and Culture University China, under the bilateral scholarship program of MHRD, Govt. of India, and China Scholarship Council Govt. of PRC.

Khan Farah is a virtual Research Intern at the Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi. She is pursuing her second Masters in MA China Studies from Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai and holds her first Masters in Chemistry from Mumbai University. For her thesis, she is working on “China’s Hydrogen Energy System” under the supervision of Saheli Chattaraj. Her interests include Environment regulation, Energy Security, Technologies associated with China’s energy development, Bilateral trade, China’s Market entry, Language and Culture.

Tamiliniyaa Rangarajan is a Research Intern at the Institute of Chinese Studies. She is pursuing her B.A. in International Relations (Research) from Shiv Nadar University. She spent a semester at National Quemoy University as a recipient of Taiwan’s Youth Elite Exchange Programme scholarship. She is interested in political economy, cultural diplomacy, and the politics of knowledge-making–particularly in the East Asian context. Tamiliniyaa recently presented a paper on the non-Western IR project, examining trends in Indian and Chinese scholarship, at her university’s research conference.

Ashutosh Vashishtha graduated from Delhi University's Dyal Singh College with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Science. Additionally, he has a certification in Chinese language proficiency from Ramjas College's SFIL and a diploma in international relations and diplomacy from IIGL. He has completed certificate programs in the following areas: thinking and working politically (UNICEF), leadership for planning and decision-making with adolescents (UNICEF), circular economy from ADB (Asian Development Bank), and moral foundations of politics (Yale University).

Ritika Sharon completed her undergraduate degree from St. Stephen's College, DU in Political Science and History. She holds a Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies from Panjab University, Chandigarh. She is also pursuing a Diploma in Chinese Language from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Poornima holds a Bachelor's in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi and a Master's in East Asian Studies from the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi. She is the recipient of the Mitsubishi Corporation India Scholarship and was also awarded the Japan Foundation Fellowship for Aspiring Scholars in Japanese Studies 2023-24. Poornima is interested in studying the intersections of disease, environment and nation building in modern Japan. At ICS, her research focuses on post-war restructuring of public health and disease control in US Occupied Japan from 1945-52. Poornima speaks English, Malayalam, Hindi and Japanese.

Khushi Chandak is a Research Intern in the Institute of Chinese Studies. She is currently pursuing her 2nd year of undergraduation as a part of IIM Indore’s 5 year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). She has completed courses in Micro and Macro Economics, Monetary Policy, Sociology, Political Science and Psychology. Her research interests lie in Gender studies and the Economy of East Asia. Apart from this, she is also interested in the scripts of languages.

Shikhar is a driven third-year student at IIM Indore, embarking on a unique yet enthralling journey at IIM Indore as a part of its flagship IPM program. He enjoys academic pursuits, particularly in the areas of finance, geopolitics and development, and research methodologies. Beyond the academic borders, he seeks pleasure and comfort in indulging in hobbies such as basketball, speed cubing, and reading. Fascinated by China's monumental presence as the world's second-largest economy and its thriving stock market, Shikhar's interests span capital markets, government interventions, policy formulation, and geopolitical dynamics. His active involvement as an associate of the Finance and Investment cell at IIM Indore underscores his commitment to financial literacy and leadership development. Having navigated the nuances of investing in Chinese equities for two years, Shikhar brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to his role as a research intern at the esteemed Institute of Chinese Studies. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for global economics, Shikhar is committed to making meaningful contributions to the institute's research endeavors.

Kanishk Rathore is a Research Intern at Institute of Chinese Studies. He is also a third year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) student at IIM Indore. He likes reading about International Relations and global security dynamics. Moreover, Kanishk follows the developments in China from a very long time, on an individual level. Apart from that, his hobbies are running, writing and reading. He is also a defence enthusiast. He is interested in topics like the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in China, the slowdown of the property sector, and the emergence of China's civil and defence naval capabilities.