Event Report: Seminar on Tibet, Ecology, Governance, and Geostrategy

By Arul Braighta Arulanantham, Research Officer, C3S

The Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S) organized the One day seminar titled “Tibet, Ecology, Governance, and Geostrategy” on 20 January 2026, in collaboration with the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and in association with the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College (MCC). The seminar aimed to provide a multidimensional understanding of Tibet, focusing on its ecological significance, governance challenges, and geostrategic relevance, particularly in the Asian context.

The seminar commenced at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome address by Professor R. Sridhar, Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Political Science, MCC. In his address, Professor Sridhar introduced the Department of Political Science and expressed his pleasure in hosting scholars and experts from the Tibet Policy Institute and the Chennai Centre for China Studies. He highlighted the importance of academic engagement with contemporary geopolitical and ecological issues related to Tibet.

Following the welcome address, the inaugural address was delivered by Commodore R.S. Vasan, Director General, Chennai Centre for China Studies. He underlined the strategic and environmental importance of Tibet and emphasized the need for informed academic discussions on Tibet’s evolving role in regional and global geopolitics.

The first session, which began at 10:00 a.m., was a panel discussion featuring scholars from the Tibet Policy Institute and was chaired by Commodore R.S. Vasan. The panelists included Mr. Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, Deputy Director, Tibet Policy Institute; Dr. Tsewang Dorji Jeshong, Research Fellow, Tibet Policy Institute; and Ms. Kalsang Dolma, Independent Researcher affiliated with the Tibet Policy Institute.

Mr. Tempa focused on the ecological significance of the Tibetan Plateau, describing it as the “Third Pole” and emphasizing its critical role in global climate regulation and water security for downstream regions. Dr. Sevang Dorji Jeshong examined the geostrategic importance of Tibet, particularly from India’s perspective, and argued that Tibet could emerge as a natural partner for India in ensuring regional stability. Ms. Kalsang Dolma discussed water politics, infrastructure development, and governance practices in Tibet, highlighting concerns related to border security, village construction, Hanification, and the increasing dominance of the Chinese language in the region. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, with active participation from MCC students.

The second session began at 12:00 p.m. in the form of a roundtable discussion chaired by Dr. Ashik Bonofer, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, MCC. The panelists included Dr. Ramu Manivannan, Commodore R.S. Vasan, and Colonel R. Hariharan. Dr. Ramu Manivannan shared photographs and observations from his visit to Tibet, offering insights into the region’s current socio-political conditions. Colonel Hariharan drew from his experience in intelligence to reflect on India–Tibet relations in the contemporary period, while Commodore Vasan discussed Tibet’s ongoing struggle for autonomy and its broader strategic implications.

The valedictory session took place at 1:00 p.m., with Professor R. Sridhar delivering the valedictory address. He thanked the Chennai Centre for China Studies and the Tibet Policy Institute for providing students with an informative and thought-provoking academic experience. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. R. Vidya, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, MCC, marking the conclusion of the first day.

On 21 January 2026, the seminar again took place in association with MOP Vaishnav College for Women at their premises. The session began at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome address, followed by a panel discussion featuring members of the Tibet Policy Institute. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Sishira of MOP Vaishnav College and Ms. Annunthra of the Chennai Centre for China Studies.