India, Australia ink deal worth $1 mn to promote research
India and Australia have signed a deal worth AUD 1million to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, training and research. “Both countries agreed for a total joint financial commitment of up to AUD1.0 million for various activities under educational cooperation,” an official statement said on Monday. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani and Australian Minister for Education and Training, Christopher Pyne MP. The agreement came after the meeting of the Australia-India Education Council (AIEC)—a bilateral body – held in New Delhi on Monday. The new agreement is expected to intensify the existing partnerships between India and Australia in higher education and research, including technical and professional education, schools, vocational education and training. Besides, it will also open up new and innovative areas of cooperation. In a joint statement issued after the AIEC meeting, the two countries agreed to extend their collaborative activity to include engagement in the schools sector. The credit transfer database shared on the Australia India education website plays a vital role in student mobility between Indian and Australian universities. The Indian government has also launched the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) to encourage academic interaction with different countries. “GIAN would enable eminent Australian academicians to come to India, to academic institutions and universities and enable an exchange of knowledge and teaching skills, which would help in developing a fruitful relationship between academic communities on both sides for augmenting research capabilities,” the government statement said. To collaborate with Indian researches in the field of agriculture, mining, energy and healthcare, the Australian government has also pledged to spend $84 million in the next three years. The funds will be spent on setting up of infrastructure facilities and awarding fellowships to promote bilateral research.
August 25, 2015 | 1:59pm IST.
to success.