Aakriti Vinayak was a Research Associate at Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi. She has completed her Masters in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Bachelors in History from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. She has also completed her MPhil from Department of Political Science, University of Delhi. Her research interests are primarily India's neighbourhood and China, Pakistani Politics, Soft power and cultural diplomacy. She has previously worked with Institute of Chinese Studies, Times of India and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).