The initiative aligns with India’s focus on skill development and technological innovation
In a significant milestone for India-South Korea relations, the Government of India and the Republic of Korea signed an Exchange of Notes on January 20, 2025, for a technical cooperation project titled “Strengthening Vocational Education and Training in Mechatronics in India.”

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that is at the intersection of mechanical engineering, electronics, computing, and control engineering. Mechatronic systems can be found in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and robotics to automotive and consumer electronics. 

The project, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), marks the first initiative implemented with KOICA’s assistance in India. The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India. The initiative aligns with India’s focus on skill development and technological innovation, and South Korea’s commitment to empowering youth with future-ready skills.

Empowering India’s Youth with Mechatronics
The project, to be implemented over two years, aims to establish a robust framework for vocational education and training in mechatronics in India. It will be piloted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE) in Bhopal.

The initiative will involve the development of a specialized curriculum, textbooks, and teachers’ manuals tailored for mechatronics education. Additionally, cutting-edge equipment will be provided to RIE Bhopal to create a conducive learning environment.

The project also includes capacity-building programs for teachers, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to impart knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of mechatronics. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to foster collaboration between RIE Bhopal and industry partners, creating pathways for students to gain practical exposure and hands-on training.

The Exchange of Notes underscores the growing partnership between India and South Korea, whose ties were elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015. 

Ambassador Lee Seong-ho highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This project marks a new chapter in the India-Korea partnership. By integrating technical training with education, we aim to equip Indian youth with the skills required to thrive in Industry 4.0.”

He emphasized KOICA’s role in bridging gaps between education and industry, adding, “Through initiatives like these, we can ensure sustainable development and create opportunities for shared growth between our two nations.”

The project is a direct outcome of South Korea being designated as India’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner in 2016. This designation paved the way for initiatives that promote sustainable development, skill enhancement, and technological advancement in India.

The presence of key dignitaries at the signing ceremony reflected the high level of commitment from both sides. Along with Ambassador Lee and Ms. Sinha, other attendees included:
Ms. Hyesoo Jee, Second Secretary, Korean Embassy.
Mr. Woochan Chang, Country Director of KOICA.
Dr. Dinesh Saklani, Director of NCERT.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance.

Sinha, speaking on behalf of the Government of India, remarked on the project’s transformative potential: “This collaboration is a testament to the strength of India-South Korea relations. By focusing on vocational training in cutting-edge fields like mechatronics, we are preparing our youth to meet the demands of a globalized and technology-driven world.”

Preparing for Industry 4.0
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Mechatronics Project is poised to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in sectors such as automation, robotics, and precision engineering. With mechatronics at the heart of Industry 4.0, this initiative equips Indian students with the tools to succeed in a dynamic job market.

The project also aligns with the Indian government’s focus on Skill India, a flagship initiative aimed at making India the skill capital of the world. By collaborating with South Korea, a global leader in technological innovation, India is enhancing its capacity to deliver world-class vocational education.

The launch of this project is yet another example of the deepening relationship between India and South Korea, which has grown exponentially in recent years. From defence and trade to education and cultural exchanges, the partnership is multi-dimensional and forward-looking.

Ambassador Lee noted, “This project is just the beginning. As we move forward, we look forward to engaging more stakeholders and expanding our efforts in skill development and innovation.”

The signing of the Exchange of Notes for the NCERT-KOICA project is a step toward realizing the shared vision of India and South Korea for a prosperous and sustainable future. 

As the project unfolds, it is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations in skill development, further consolidating the Special Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea.

This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for technical training but also sets the stage for long-term growth and collaboration in the field of vocational education, making it a landmark achievement in the India-South Korea relationship.