The two countries have decided to set up a Joint Working Group on Education

India and South Africa are planning to strengthen their bilateral education cooperation.

During discussions in Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday, India's Minister of Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan and South Africa's Minister of Higher Education, Science & Innovation Bonginkosi Emmanuel "Blade" Nzimande decided to set up a Joint Working Group on Education.

According to the Ministry of Education, the two ministers had fruitful discussions on strengthening the academic & skill development partnerships and bilateral education cooperation.

The Ministers agreed to develop institutional mechanisms for tie-ups between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) & skill institutions, mutual recognition of skill qualifications & 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," the ministry added.

Pradhan is in Bali to participate in the G20 4th Education Working Group Meeting & Education Ministers’ Meeting.

Later, visiting the Sugriwa University in Bali, Pradhan described it as a reflection of the pluralistic ethos of Indonesia and a celebration of common roots, identity and deep cultural connect between Indonesia and India.

He also explored opportunities for institutional linkages with HEIs in India and academic collaboration in the field of Sanskrit language, Philosophy, Ayurveda and Yoga.

According to Pradhan, strong academic collaborations and student exchange between Sugriwa University & Indian HEIs will pave the way for broadening the understanding of Hinduism and the shared spiritual, cultural & economic ties.

The Indian Education Minister also visited the International Institute of Tourism and Business (Institute Pariwisata dan Bisnis International) in Bali. He had an overview of the training facilities, skilling programs, credit frameworks, pathways to student mobility and future plans among others.

He said that collaborations in skilling will encourage toursimpreneurship, help build capacities in emerging areas of travel, tourism, hospitality & business and boost people-to-people linkages.