India, Australia deepen ties in education, technology and space cooperation

Source Domain: capitalfm.africa

CANBERRA, Australia, Jul 12 – India and Australia have expanded cooperation in education, science, technology and space exploration following talks between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s visit to Australia.

The two leaders announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical technologies, skills development, research and innovation, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, designed to boost trilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.

The leaders also unveiled plans for a temporary space tracking terminal on Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s ambitious Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme.

The facility will help track the launch of four missions under India’s first human spaceflight programme, marking a significant milestone in Australia-India cooperation in the space sector.

“Today’s talks have delivered unparalleled outcomes in areas such as renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology, education and more,” Modi said.

He added that the two countries had also agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation while exploring opportunities in shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance.

Education featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of expanding university partnerships and skills development programmes.

India remains Australia’s second-largest source of international students, with more than 140,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions last year.

The leaders welcomed the approval granted to Flinders University…

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