Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan co-chaired the 6th meeting of the Australia India Education Council (AIEC) with Australian counterpart Jason Clare at Western Sydney University (WSU) today, 22 August.
During the bilateral meeting, the two ministers discussed further strengthening of cooperation in education, skill development, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Mr Pradhan and Mr Claire also agreed to expand cooperation in learning, skills, and research with a view to making education a key pillar of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Later, the two Ministers announced the establishment of a Working Group on International Education to build a shared understanding of regulatory settings in both countries and to promote opportunities for two-way mobility of institutions.
A statement issued in this regard said, Mr Pradhan also raised the issue of pending visas of Indian students going to Australia. Australian Minister assures cooperation in expediting pending visas.
Mr Pradhan reiterated that India is committed to building knowledge bridges and deepening bilateral ties with Australia in education, skills and research for mutual development and prosperity.
At the 6th meeting of the Australia-India Education Council, Mr Pradhan said that AIEC is a highly effective platform to advance ties and enhance engagement in education, skill development and research priorities. He invited the Australian team to organize the seventh AIEC meeting in India next year.
D. Pradhan welcomed Australian universities and skill institutes to establish their campuses in India and explore areas of collaboration with Indian institutions. Mr. Pradhan also invited Jason Claire to visit India by the end of this year.
He further said that India has established Digital University and Gati Shakti University for which both the countries can work together to develop curriculum and other aspects.
During the meeting, Shri Pradhan emphasized on research collaboration between the two countries in areas including Ayurveda, Yoga and Agriculture. He called for cooperation in areas such as skill certification and mining and logistics management.
