INDIA-SOUTH AFRICA BILATERAL MEETING

• Recently, India and South Africa agreed to develop institutional mechanisms for tie-ups between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) & Skill Institutions.
• The bilateral meeting was held in Bali, Indonesia.
• It was decided to develop institutional mechanisms for educational tie-ups.
• Also, it was agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Education between the two countries.

Significance:

• This would further extend the cooperation that already exists and also to realise the full potential of bilateral cooperation in education.
• Introduction of National Education Policy (NEP) has already paved the way for the internationalisation of Indian education. India and South Africa relations are close and friendly and are rooted in shared values and interests.
• Institutional mechanisms for educational tie-ups would strengthen the academic & skill development partnerships and bilateral education cooperation.
• Further, it will be helpful in mutual recognition of skill qualifications & capacity building in skill development.

India-South Africa Relations

• India’s links with the struggle for freedom and justice in South Africa date back to the period during which Mahatma Gandhi started his Satyagraha movement in South Africa over a century ago.
• India was at the forefront of the international community in its support to the anti-apartheid movement.
• It was the first country to sever trade relations with the apartheid Government (in 1946) and subsequently imposed a complete — diplomatic, commercial, cultural and sports -embargo on South Africa.
• After a gap of four decades, India re-established trade and business ties in 1993, after South Africa ended its institutionalised racial segregation (apartheid).
• In November 1993, diplomatic and consular relations were restored.

Way Forward

• Academic collaboration and student exchange programmes should be commenced in the field of Sanskrit language, Philosophy, Ayurveda and Yoga.
• This will pave the way for broadening the understanding of Hinduism and the shared spiritual, cultural & economic ties.
• Arrangements for the collaborations in skilling sector must be made.
• It will encourage tourism preneurship, help build capacities in emerging areas of travel, tourism, hospitality & business and boost people-to-people linkages.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT