Guwahati: A delegation from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Thai universities visited Gauhati University to discuss stronger academic and institutional ties between universities in India and Thailand.
The interaction focused on creating more opportunities for students, teachers and researchers through academic cooperation between institutions in the two countries.
Welcoming the delegation, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta spoke about the historical, cultural and linguistic links between Thailand, India and the Northeast.
He said these connections could provide a foundation for expanding academic and institutional partnerships.
“The historical, cultural and linguistic connections between Thailand, India and particularly the North-East are a valuable resource. There is considerable potential to strengthen these ties through academic and institutional cooperation,” Mahanta said.
He also discussed the linguistic link between Thai and the ancient Tai-Ahom language, along with Gauhati University’s initiatives to promote and preserve it.
“Gauhati University’s initiatives to promote and preserve these connections can play an important role in further strengthening this relationship,” he said.
Mahanta also mentioned Thailand’s engagement with India through regional and multilateral platforms, including ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the East Asia Summit, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and IORA. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would gain further momentum in the coming years.
Speaking at the programme, Urasa Mongkolnavin highlighted the Thailand-India strategic partnership and the scope for cooperation in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange.
“There are significant opportunities to further expand cooperation between India and Thailand in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange,” she said.
She also spoke about the potential for greater cooperation in information technology and higher education with Indian institutions, including Gauhati University.
The discussions covered possible student exchange programmes, collaboration among teachers and researchers, training and internship opportunities, and joint programmes in information technology and higher education.
Participants also discussed developing long-term institutional links between universities in the two countries.
The interaction was attended by Gauhati University Registrar Utpal Sharma, Academic Registrar Rajib Handique, representatives of Thai universities, deans of various faculties, Secretary of University Classes Ranjan Kumar Kakati, heads of departments, faculty members, research scholars, officials of the Centre for South East Asian Studies and other members of the university community.