ANN ARBOR, MI–The University of Michigan Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS) will welcome His Excellency, Arun K. Singh, Ambassador of India to the United States, to campus on October 14.

Ambassador Singh (photo) will deliver a public lecture, India and the United States: Shaping a Partnership for the 21st Century, at 5:15pm, in 1040 Dana Building, which is located at 440 Church Street. The lecture is free and open to the public.

During his visit, Ambassador Singh will participate in a roundtable discussion with a small group of faculty members and students who are involved in some of the many ongoing partnerships and research projects involving U-M and India. The ambassador will also meet with U-M president, Mark Schlissel.

U-M and India have historically strong ties, dating at least to 1916 when then President H.B. Hutchins contributed a piece to The Hindusthanee Student extending a formal invitation to prospective Indian scholars. More recently, in the fall of 2013, then U-M president Mary Sue Coleman spent a week in India. During her trip, President Coleman formalized partnerships with several top Indian universities, including Delhi University, the All India Institute of Medical Science, and Ashoka University, as well as with the National Council of Applied Economic Research, India’s premier survey research institute. U-M scholars have at least 17 research projects underway on Indian soil. CSAS has coordinated some of these activities and supports ongoing research on India among faculty and students.

Arun K. Singh assumed his assignment as Ambassador of India to United States on April 30, 2015. Previously he had served as Ambassador of India to France since 2013, and to Israel from 2005-2008. He was also Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC from 2008-2013. His first assignment abroad was at the Embassy of India, Moscow from 1981-1982.

The Center for South Asian Studies promotes a broader and deeper understanding of South Asia and its histories, cultures, and peoples. Our goals are to ensure that our students graduate with a greater global perspective and understanding; and to support innovative and advanced faculty research on international issues of major importance to the United States and the world. More about the center.

Media Contact: Desiree Gerner / e:gernerde@umich.edu / p: 734.615.4059