Nikhil Sahu was a Research Intern ( Feb 2022 - June 2022) with the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), New Delhi. He completed his Master's in Politics with specialization in International Relations from the School of International Studies, JNU. He was associated with Observer Research Foundation (ORF), New Delhi and Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), Kathmandu. He worked with Prof. Harsh V Pant to track the development of the Indian Navy's Self Reliance achievement in the last decade. His primary research focus includes India's relations with the nations in South Asia and China's footprint in the region and how it affects India's internal and external security. His previous research work includes Sino-Sri Lanka engagement, the Economic crisis of Sri Lanka and INS Vikrant (IAC-I): A Key Milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat.