Prime Highlights
- India and Australia held high-level talks in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in education and skill development.
- The progress of seven Australian universities setting up campuses in India was a major focus, aimed at offering global-quality education locally.
Key Facts
- Senior ministers and officials from both countries, including Dharmendra Pradhan and Jason Clare, led the discussions alongside regulatory bodies TEQSA and ASQA.
- Both nations discussed aligning teacher education standards and recognising early childhood qualifications to improve professional mobility.
Background
India and Australia started major talks on Monday to strengthen cooperation in education and skill development. The discussions took place in New Delhi during the 3rd Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting, showing a renewed effort to deepen ties between the two countries.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan led the Indian side, with Minister of State for Skill Development Jayant Chaudhary joining him. From Australia, Education Minister Jason Clare headed the delegation, accompanied by Immigration and Citizenship Minister Andrew Giles and Assistant Minister for Education Julian Hill.
The meeting opened with a strong focus on higher education, especially the progress of seven Australian universities that have announced plans to set up campuses in India. Officials said these campuses will offer global-quality education to Indian students without requiring them to travel abroad.
Both sides also discussed aligning teacher education standards and recognizing qualifications in early childhood education. This step aims to make it easier for trained professionals to work across both countries.
Innovation in education delivery and skill training formed another key part of the talks. Over the past few years, India and Australia have steadily increased cooperation in research, technology-led learning, and skills exchange programmes.
The Australian Education Ministry said India remains one of its most important partners in the education sector. It added that the AIESC plays a key role in building strong links in research, skills training, and academic mobility.
Top Australian university leaders also joined the meeting, including vice-chancellors from the University of New South Wales, the University of Western Australia, Flinders University, Western Sydney University, and James Cook University. Senior officials from the regulatory bodies TEQSA and ASQA also attended to support policy discussions.
