Highlight>

IN MEMORIAM Ambassador Eric Gonsalves (1928 – 2026)

March 22, 2026

We condole the passing of Ambassador Eric Gonsalves, former Chairperson of CPR’s Governing Board from 2015 to 2019.

Joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1950, he was among the earliest recruits of Independent India. He played a pivotal role in driving India’s foreign diplomacy and institution-building at a time when the nation was navigating the Cold War and charting its own course.

During his illustrious career, he served as Ambassador to Japan, to Belgium, the European Economic Community and Luxembourg, as Minister (Political) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C., and as Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, among other eminent positions.

He remained closely engaged with public institutions well after his formal diplomatic career, serving as Director of the India International Centre and President of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. His wisdom, integrity, and spirit of generosity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him.

As Chairperson of CPR’s Governing Board, he played a vital role in upholding the finest traditions of democratic debate and free enquiry, nurturing CPR as one of the most respected institutions in the country for independent policy research and discussion.

The CPR community, its Governing Board, President, faculty and staff, pay tribute to the memory of an inspiring institutional leader who steered CPR with dignity, refinement and sagacity.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones and join them in this time of grief.

Tags

< Previous Article Next Article >

STATEMENT

January 17th, 2024

On 10th January 2024, CPR received a notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelling its FCRA status. The basis of this decision is incomprehensible and disproportionate, and some of the reasons given challenge the very basis of the functioning of a research institution. This includes the publication on our website of policy reports emanating from our research being equated with current affairs programming.

During the tenure of our suspension, we sought and obtained interim redress from the honourable Delhi High Court and will continue to seek recourse in all avenues possible.

This cancellation comes after a decision to suspend the FCRA status in February 2023. These actions followed an Income Tax “survey” that took place in September 2022. The actions have had a debilitating impact on the institution’s ability to function by choking all sources of funding. This has undermined the institution’s ability to pursue its well established objective of producing high quality, globally recognised research on policy matters, which it has been recognised for over its 50 years’ existence. During this time the institution has been home to some of the country’s most distinguished academics, diplomats and policymakers.

CPR firmly reiterates that it is in complete compliance with the law, and has been cooperating fully and exhaustively at every step of the process. We remain steadfast in our belief that this matter will be resolved in line with constitutional values and guarantees.

From the President, CPR

Policy Engagements and Blogs

IN MEMORIAM Ambassador Eric Gonsalves (1928 – 2026)

Tags

Talk on the US-EU GM crops controversy: A case for epistemic subsidiarity? by Sheila Jasanoff

Demonetisation and its impacts

A Study of informal sector migrants in Delhi and Hyderabad