Highlighting the vast potential for collaboration in the education sector, Yang Xiuhua, Education Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, emphasized stronger academic ties between India and China during his visit to KLS Gogte Institute of Technology Belagavi on Wednesday. Addressing students and faculty, he outlined opportunities for educational exchange, research cooperation, and digital learning initiatives.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, “A distant relative is not as good as a close neighbour,” Mr. Xiuhua called for enhanced institutional partnerships. He identified three key areas of collaboration: faculty and student exchanges, joint research in digital education, and visits by Indian university heads to China.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 23,000 Indian students pursued education in China; however, this number has now dwindled to 10,000. He noted that over 200 Indian students have received Chinese government scholarships. To mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, China plans to introduce an inter-university exchange and cooperation program for Indian educational institutions.
A delegation of Indian university heads will soon visit China to explore avenues for academic collaboration. Additionally, Mr. Xiuhua announced plans for a summer camp aimed at youth from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries, fostering cultural and academic exchanges. China will also support the establishment of Chinese language learning centres in Indian institutions, drawing inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s initiative at Santiniketan.
Further strengthening bilateral educational ties, a global digital education alliance will be launched to encourage institutional partnerships. A specialized project focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development is also in the pipeline.
Speaking at the event, Consul General at the Chinese Consulate in Mumbai, Kong Xinhua, highlighted that Chinese universities rank among the top globally in various academic indices. He encouraged Indian students to consider China for higher education, citing affordability, quality, and strong academic programs as key advantages.
Rajendra Belgaonkar, chairman of the college governing committee, emphasized Belagavi’s role as a hub for STEM education. He advocated for a city-to-city and college-to-college exchange initiative between Belagavi and Chinese institutions to facilitate student and faculty interactions.
“We must collaborate with a shared goal of improving lives through education and research,” he concluded.