Veena Sikri is currently Professor, Ford Foundation endowed Chair, at the Academy of International Studies (Bangladesh Studies Programme), Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. She has had a distinguished diplomatic career, during which she served, inter alia, as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh and to Malaysia, and as Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). She keenly follows South Asian and gender issues. She has conceptualised, and is the Convener of the South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN), and is also Vice Chairperson of the South Asia Foundation (India Chapter). Her book on India & Malaysia: Intertwined Strands is presently under publication.