In a recent development, Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education, held discussions with his Australian counterpart, Brendan O’Connor, in New Delhi to bolster the collaborative efforts between India and Australia in education and skill development. The meeting aimed to reinforce the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Both ministers expressed keenness to enhance and deepen ties between India and Australia. Minister Pradhan lauded Australia’s effective management of natural resources, particularly minerals, and the advancement of its workforce. He suggested exploring ways to implement similar practices in India and train the youth for emerging job opportunities. Key areas of interest for collaboration included agricultural technology, mining, water management, renewable energy, as well as emerging technologies like AI and robotics.
Minister Pradhan highlighted the opportune moment for India-Australia engagement, which has reached historic heights. He recalled the prior signing of an agreement on Mutual Recognition of Qualification between the two countries and urged for its implementation to facilitate the two-way mobility of students and skilled individuals.
Looking ahead, Minister Pradhan invited Minister O’Connor to attend the 7th meeting of the Australia-India Education and Skills Council, scheduled for September in Gandhinagar. This meeting is expected to further drive collaboration in education and skill development between India and Australia.
Minister O’Connor also stressed his country’s priority in restoring student mobility and revealed ongoing efforts to streamline the visa process for this purpose.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India and Australia have witnessed a strengthening of their bilateral ties in recent years, as stated in the Ministry of Education’s official press release. Notable recent developments include the Mutual Recognition of Educational and Skill Qualifications agreement and Deakin University’s establishment in India, along with expanding cooperation in skill development.
