Ackermann: Indo-German Collaboration in Science and Education Stronger Than Ever

New Delhi – The Indo-German partnership in science and education is "stronger than ever" and serves as a key pillar of bilateral relations, according to Philipp Ackermann, Germany's Ambassador to India.

This month, heads of leading German universities and representatives from academic institutions are visiting Hyderabad and New Delhi to strengthen institutional partnerships and explore new academic collaborations, an official statement said on Thursday.

Indo-German partnership in science, education stronger than ever: Ackermann | PTI

As part of their visit, these institutions will engage in high-level meetings with Indian universities and research centers, as well as participate in the jubilee celebrations of the Regional Office of DAAD in India.

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is celebrating its centenary this year.

The Indo-German Forum: Research, Innovation, and Transfer, along with the DAAD jubilee celebrations in New Delhi, will take place in the presence of the German envoy, according to a statement from the DAAD Regional Office.

"The Indo-German partnership in science and education is stronger than ever. It is one of the building blocks of our bilateral ties. We have almost 50,000 Indian students in Germany, the largest group of foreign students from any country. Indian scientists are contributing to our research landscape, with their talents, their ambitions, and their discoveries. It is pleasure to see this exchange grow so dynamically, from year to year,” Ackermann was cited in the statement as saying.

According to the statement, representatives from over 80 German higher education and research institutions are visiting India this month.

The first event in this distinguished lineup is the higher education policy information visit, taking place in Hyderabad and New Delhi from March 16-22.

"The visit brings together 20 heads of leading German universities and representatives of academic institutions in Hyderabad and New Delhi to enhance institutional partnerships and explore new academic collaborations between Germany and India," it said.

Another key event was the inauguration of an Indo-German collaboration project at the PSG German School of Technology. According to the statement, these visits are intended to strengthen bilateral ties, emphasizing shared educational objectives and opportunities for research and innovation in higher education.

Simultaneously, representatives from German Universities of Applied Sciences convened in Coimbatore for the launch of the German School of Technology at PSG College of Technology, a new academic initiative financially backed by DAAD.

"This initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing India-Germany academic ties, particularly in the technological and engineering sectors, and will serve as a beacon of innovation and collaboration for future generations of students," it added.

The Indo-German Forum: Research, Innovation, and Transfer will be a key gathering where 250 representatives from German and Indian higher education and research institutions will come together, according to the DAAD Regional Office.

Organized by the DWIH New Delhi and the DAAD Regional Office, the forum aims to strengthen Indo-German relations by fostering academic and research collaboration while exploring new opportunities in education and research.

Additionally, the event will celebrate the DAAD's jubilee, marking 65 years of its presence in India and a century of its dedication to building connections through education and research.

"As we mark the centennial of DAAD and the 65 years of DAAD presence in India, we are building upon a robust partnership forged over many decades. The participation of over 80 German higher education institutions in India this March shows a growing interest in deepening our academic relations. These events demonstrate our commitment to continue to enhance the academic and research exchange including partnerships in higher education, research and innovation between India and Germany," Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD Regional Office in New Delhi, was cited in the statement.

As part of its engagement, the AIE Conference 2025 will be held from March 25 to 27 in New Delhi, with the DAAD participating at the German pavilion alongside a large delegation representing over 70 universities.

Additionally, this delegation will visit various universities in and around Delhi.

"These events will serve as a catalyst for deepening academic ties, fostering global learning environments and contributing to scientific and academic development. The significant participation from German universities reflects the keen interest in expanding collaboration, reflecting Germany's commitment to strengthening educational and research partnerships with India," the statement said.

(This Article was originally published by Hindustan Times)