Union Education and Skill Development Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan held a bilateral meeting with HE Bonginkosi Emmanuel “Blade” Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa, in Bali, Indonesia, today and discussed on strengthening the academic and skill development partnerships and bilateral education cooperation.
According to the official statement, the ministers agreed to develop institutional mechanisms for tie-ups between HEIs and skill institutions, mutual recognition of skill qualifications and capacity building in skill development. They also decided to set up a Joint Working Group on Education between two countries to further extend the cooperation that already exists and also to realise the full potential of bilateral cooperation in education.
Pradhan said that the introduction of NEP has paved the way for the internationalisation of Indian education. He added that India and South Africa relations are close and friendly and is rooted in shared values and interests.
Pradhan also visited the Gusti Bagus Sugriwa University in Bali, Indonesia. He said that the university is a reflection of the pluralistic ethos of Indonesia and a celebration of common roots, identity and deep cultural connect between Indonesia and India.
Further, he explored opportunities for institutional linkages with HEIs in India and academic collaboration in the field of Sanskrit language, Philosophy, Ayurveda and Yoga. He also said that strong academic collaborations and student exchange between Sugriwa University and Indian HEIs will pave the way for broadening the understanding of Hinduism and the shared spiritual, cultural and economic ties.
Further, Dharmendra Pradhan visited the International Institute of Tourism and Business (Institute Pariwisata dan Bisnis International) in Bali. He had an overview of the training facilities, skilling programmes, credit frameworks, pathways to student mobility and future plans among others.
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