Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, underscored the growing educational collaboration between India and Australia while delivering a keynote address at the Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne. Pradhan emphasised education as a key pillar in strengthening the bilateral relationship, highlighting the untapped potential in this dynamic partnership. He pointed to the recent establishment of Australian university campuses in India as the first step in a promising journey for higher education cooperation between the two nations.
During the conference, Pradhan held discussions with Australian Education Minister Jason Clare MP, focusing on areas such as skill development and early childhood education. Both leaders explored opportunities for expanding cooperation, including initiatives like school twinning programs and the possibility of more Australian universities setting up campuses in India.
Pradhan also highlighted India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformative force shaping the country’s education system to meet 21st-century demands. The policy’s focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies is seen as essential in preparing Indian students for the global job market.
NEP 2020: Addressing Global Challenges
Pradhan further emphasised India’s role as a “Vishwa-Bandhu” or global partner, committed to fostering human-centric development. He stressed that education, technology, and innovation would be key areas where India and Australia can collaborate to address global challenges, unlocking new opportunities for students in both countries.
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Australian Education Minister Jason Clare echoed Pradhan’s sentiments, commending India’s fast-growing education system. He projected that by 2035, one in four university graduates globally will come from India. Clare also highlighted successful partnerships, such as those with Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, and expressed enthusiasm about deepening ties in the future.
Earlier, Pradhan met with Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan MP, and visited South Melbourne Primary School, where he explored innovative early childhood education techniques. He also toured cutting-edge research facilities at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Monash University, discussing ways to further collaboration between Indian and Australian institutions, especially in emerging technologies and innovation.
