The Centre de Sciences Humaines is a financially autonomous academic institution under the dual supervision of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Established in 1990, the CSH initially conducted research in history and Indo-Persian culture before shifting its focus in 1995 to a centre specialising in contemporary India and South Asia. Fields of study in the social sciences include economics, political science, international relations, international law, geography, demography, sociology, and anthropology.

The Centre's activities are primarily oriented towards the study of issues concerning the contemporary dynamics of development in India, in its regional and international context. Its research activities are thus focused on four main areas:

· Economic reform and sustainable development

· Politics and Society

· Regional dynamics in South Asia and International relations

· Urban Dynamics

Through its numerous collaborations with Indian and European partners, the CSH strengthens the academic links between these two regions of the world and fulfils a function of scientific cooperation. An important element of the centre’s mission is that of offering research training by providing logistical support and guidance to Ph.D. fellows and student interns.

Promoting research is the key mission of the CSH, which is ensured through a policy of publication, dissemination of research works and the organisation of scientific events. The publications aim at reputed academic journals and publishing houses (in English and in French).

Another objective of the CSH is to promote research whose findings are relevant for economic agents and political decision-makers (planners, senior officials, diplomats, et al.), and thus to disseminate research results beyond academic circles.