Top Hi-tech universities from Israel led by Consul General in Mumbai, discuss the way forward to strengthen bilateral relations in education through collaboration

As India’s engagement with Israel has grown substantially in the last two decades on military, scientific, commercial and agricultural matters, the relationship has rested on – economic, defence and people to people interactions. With Bilateral trade between India and Israel standing at about $5 billion, the countries will soon ink a free trade agreement and the new $5 million joint research program will further strengthen the education-sector collaboration between the two countries.

With India building closer ties with the country, a delegation of the top hi-tech universities from Israel, looking at developing working models with leading Indian Institutions paid a visit to Weschool and deliberated on the way forward. The delegation consisting of  Prof. Oron Shagrir, Vice Rector, Hebrew University of Jerusalem  Dalit Parsser, Marketing Director, Tel-Aviv University ,Giselle Rotman, International Office, Technion Institute ,Dr. Eric Zimmerman, Director of Research & Global Engagement , Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and Einat Noy, Admn Director, Ben Gurion University, led by David Akov, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai . The discussion revolved around interesting and complex issues around the idea of a developing the ‘global mindset’ in a’ global world’, and the knowledge and skills which are central to developing a global mindset, specifically in the fast paced arena of international business relations.

While extending a warm welcome to the Consul General and dignitaries from Israel, Prof Dr Uday Salunkhe, Group Director said,” We respect Israel as a country. Health, energy and education are the most important fields for both our countries. Israel with its culture of innovation has given a boost to entrepreneurship. Education is an engine of growth and collaborative creation is important for building a better future. We are therefore looking forward to working with   academic institutions from your great country that nurture technology, innovation and mentor start-ups “.

David Akov, Consul General of Israel reciprocated by saying, “India and Israel have always had strong ties at the government, private and individual levels. But at this point of time in history, the potential for collaboration in technological, educational, cultural and social fields is tremendous .Some of you who want to study, work, and research or get linked up with a start-up initiative will have immense opportunities as we offer the potential to do so. This will make our ties stronger and beneficial to all”.