Professor Amitabh Mattoo, born in Srinagar on 26 June 1962, is one of India's leading thinkers and writers on international relations. He was currently a Professor of International Politics at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University and has been a Member of the National Knowledge Commission, a high-level advisory group to the Prime Minister of India. Professor Mattoo is also President of the Indian Association of International Studies. From November 2002 until early December 2008, Amitabh Mattoo was also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu. Amitabh Mattoo was the youngest person ever to serve on this position.

Professor Mattoo serves on the Council of the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA), the Governing council of Pugwash, the Nobel prize winning NGO, on the Academic Advisory Committee of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and is a Director of the India-Afghanistan Foundation (established by the governments of India and Afghanistan). Professor Mattoo was, till recently, a member of India's National Security Council's Advisory Board and was also a member of the task force constituted by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Global Strategic Developments. The Task Force examined various aspects of global trends in strategic affairs and their implications for India.

Amitabh Mattoo had his early education in Burn Hall School, Srinagar and the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He earned a D. Phil in International Relations from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Mattoo qualified for the IPS in 1987 through the combined civil service exam but preferred a career in academics.

Recognizing his contribution to education and public life, the President of India honoured Professor Mattoo on the occasion of the Republic Day (2008) with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, the first time a Vice-chancellor in Jammu and Kashmir has been so honoured.

He was nominated Shehjar""Kashmiri Person of the Year-2008" The Kashmiri Person of the Year is selected by Shehjar Editorial Board and given to a Kashmiri in recognition of considerable achievements towards the improvement and well being of others and/or for earning a good name and favorable recognition for him/herself and the Kashmiri people. The award carries a Plaque of Honor and a Certificate.

Professor Amitabh Mattoo was awarded the Qimpro Platinum Standard Award (2008)and was recognised as a National Statesman for his work in the field of education along with Mr Anand Mahindra who was awarded for his leadership in business.