On Monday, the Ministry of Education and the US Department of State launched a virtual India-US working group on education and skill development, with the goal of increasing cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in the field of education and skill development.

According to the Ministry of Education, the working groups from India and the US were co-chaired by Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary for International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, US Department of State.

On Monday, the Ministry of Education and the US Department of State launched a virtual India-US working group on education and skill development, with the goal of increasing cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in the field of education and skill development.

According to the Ministry of Education, the working groups from India and the US were co-chaired by Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary for International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, US Department of State.

According to the ministry, both parties recognised the need of skilling and vocational education in an industry-centered period.

Recognising the importance of aligning skill training programmes with industry needs, both parties committed to enhance collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and relevant government organisations.

"This collaboration aims to address skills gaps, enhance employability, and promote entrepreneurship in both countries," the ministry noted.

The delegations emphasized the significance of certification and recognition mechanisms in ensuring the quality and portability of skills across borders.

The ministry also said that the Indian side explained the importance of mutual recognition of academic qualifications and skill certifications which is essential for smooth mobility of students and professionals between the two countries.

Recognizing the potential for collaboration in the field of higher education, the delegations discussed the importance of matchmaking between higher educational institutions in India and the US.

"They acknowledged the benefits of promoting student and faculty exchanges, joint research programs, and collaborative projects between universities and colleges of both countries. The delegations agreed to encourage and facilitate such partnerships to foster academic and cultural exchange, enhance educational quality, and promote innovation and knowledge-sharing," the ministry further said.

Both sides agreed to encourage greater inter-linkages amongst the educational institutions. Indian side proposed that developing joint/dual and twinning courses in areas of mutual interest could be explored.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of engagement with the private sector to align the education sector with the needs of the job market.

Acknowledging the vital role of the private sector in driving innovation, creating job opportunities, and supporting the education sector, both sides agreed to explore avenues to promote public-private partnerships in education and skill development initiatives.

Noting that student and faculty exchanges are at the heart of the knowledge partnership between both countries, the Indian side highlighted the need for expeditious visa issuance and reaffirmed their ongoing efforts on this issue.

"The delegations from both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and skill development between India and US. The Joint Working Group agreed to continue regular meetings and explore concrete avenues to further advance education and skill development collaboration between India and US," the ministry added.