Guwahati, 12th June: During a recent meeting at Raj Bhawan, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Australian Consul General in Kolkata, Hugh Boylan, highlighted the need to enhance India-Australia relations by strengthening academic partnerships. Their discussions also covered other key areas such as agriculture, dairy, minerals, and green energy.
Key Points from the Discussion:
- Academic Relations:
- Governor Kataria emphasized the importance of academic ties as a tool to enhance India-Australia relations.
- The large number of Indian students in Australian universities underscores the need for more Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between higher education institutions in both countries.
- Nursing Sector:
- Kataria pointed out the significant role Indian nursing professionals play in Australia’s health sector.
- He advocated for expanded cooperation in this area to benefit both nations.
- Green Energy:
- The Governor highlighted Assam’s focus on green energy initiatives, moving away from fossil fuels to create a greener environment.
- He assured full cooperation from the Assam government to elevate India-Australia bilateral relations.
Additional Discussions:
- The Australian Consul General also met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.
- Their discussions focused on tourism, trade, and green energy, with Boylan expressing a keen interest in Assam’s biodiversity efforts.
The interactions underscore a mutual interest in bolstering various sectors through collaborative efforts, with academic relations being a pivotal area of focus.