The Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) was established in July 2004 as an autonomous research institute within the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The establishment of ISAS reflects the increasing economic and political importance of South Asia, and the strong historical links between South Asia and Southeast Asia.ISAS is dedicated to the study of contemporary South Asia. It generates knowledge and insights about South Asia and disseminates them in a manner that is useful to policymakers, business community, academia and civil society.