The inter-related fields of public policy and international studies hold centrality in our lives. Hence, research and studies in these areas hardly merit justification, particularly when India has emerged as a major player at the global level and is grappling with new global challenges and opportunities. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies (AIPRIS) has been established with the objective of promoting applied and relevant research within an interdisciplinary context. The output of research and activities of AIPRIS will also provide necessary inputs to the agencies of the Government of Gujarat and Government of India. AIPRIS charts a new course as it is the only one of its kind think tank under a university system in Western India. I congratulate Team AIPRIS for their dedicated efforts to build the Institute and wish it great success for the future.

Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Srivastava
Vice Chancellor
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda