Australian Education Minister Welcomes Indian Counterpart Amid Growing Collaboration

By Advay October 26, 2024
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Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has arrived in Australia for the second Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting in Sydney. This high-level dialogue focuses on enhancing educational ties and leveraging Australia’s research strengths and industry engagement models.

The discussions will explore expanding partnerships to deliver Australia’s high-quality education in India, addressing critical skills gaps through vocational training programmes. Notably, institutions such as Deakin University and the University of Wollongong have recently established campuses in India, with further expansions anticipated.

Since the inaugural AIESC meeting in November last year, both countries have made notable progress, including the successful completion of an agricultural skills programme and the launch of a STEM research fellowship aimed at supporting women researchers. Pradhan’s visit also includes engagements at various Australian universities and educational institutions.

Australia’s Education Minister Jason Clare expressed enthusiasm for Pradhan’s visit, highlighting the strong and evolving partnership between the two nations. However, concerns have emerged regarding Australia’s simultaneous push to increase educational ties while tightening international enrolments, particularly from India. Critics argue that the government’s actions contradict its diplomatic efforts to foster student exchanges.

Despite these challenges, the Australian government aims to restore immigration levels to pre-pandemic figures, emphasising the urgency of passing the ESOS Amendment Bill, which is currently under consideration in Parliament.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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