On Monday, the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development was launched by the Ministry of Education and the US Department of State. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance collaboration between the two nations in the field of education.
The establishment of the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development was announced during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held between India and the US in Washington DC in April of the previous year.
During their discussions
The two sides focused on various themes such as skilling and vocational education, certification and recognition, and fostering partnerships between US and Indian higher educational institutions, with involvement from the private sector.
Both sides acknowledged the significance of skilling and vocational education in the context of the industry-centered era. Recognizing the need to align skills training programs with the requirements of the industry, they agreed to promote collaborations between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and relevant government agencies.
Collaborative Focus of India-US Education & Skill Development Working Group
The delegations also agreed to encourage and facilitate partnerships that promote academic and cultural exchanges, enhance educational quality, and foster innovation and knowledge-sharing. The Indian side proposed exploring the development of joint/dual and twinning courses in areas of mutual interest.
Engagement with the private sector to align the education sector with the demands of the job market was recognized as vital by both sides. They expressed their willingness to explore opportunities for public-private partnerships in education and skill development initiatives.
Acknowledging that student and faculty exchanges play a crucial role in the knowledge partnership between the two countries, the Indian side emphasized the importance of expedited visa issuance and reaffirmed their continuous efforts in this regard.
The delegations from both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and skill development between India and the US.
The Joint Working Group agreed to continue holding regular meetings and explore concrete avenues to further advance collaboration in education and skill development between the two nations.