At the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 in Gandhinagar, UK Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmed conveyed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s greetings to PM Narendra Modi. Lord Ahmed commended PM Modi as the architect of the living bridge between the United Kingdom and India, highlighting the warmth between the people that bridges the geographical distance.
Expressing the shared values and commonalities between the two nations, Lord Ahmed remarked that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit served as a master class on attracting global investors. He underlined the growing partnership, emphasizing that despite the geographical separation, the warmth between the people acts as a living bridge.
Lord Tariq Ahmed announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for closer collaboration between higher education institutions of the two countries. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of the creative economy, nurturing artists, and boosting cultural exchange.
In his address, Lord Ahmed stated, “Business links will continue to grow, creating jobs and prosperity. Whether it’s from here in Ahmedabad to Aberdeen in Scotland, in the United Kingdom, our old friendship is blossoming into a new partnership.”
Meanwhile, Matthew Johnston, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, made a significant announcement at the summit. He revealed that Deakin University would be establishing an international branch campus at Gift City in Gujarat. Deakin University is set to become the first foreign university to have a presence in Gift City.
Expressing pride in this collaboration, Johnston mentioned that the establishment of Deakin University’s international branch campus aligns with the Indian government and Gujarat government’s goals in the field of education. He applauded the ambition of enhancing education and research in India.
The announcement was preceded by a meeting between Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Lain Martin and PM Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between government and academic institutions, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
In response to the collaboration, PM Modi welcomed Deakin University to work together with Indian universities to promote research and innovation. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of education, skilling, and research in India’s future, emphasizing the auspicious occasion of inaugurating Deakin University’s international branch campus at GIFT City during the Vibrant Gujarat festival.
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, initiated by PM Modi in 2003, has become a crucial platform to showcase Gujarat’s trade and industry on the global stage. The ongoing tenth edition of the summit, taking place from January 10-12, 2024, continues to attract key announcements and collaborations, solidifying India’s position in the global economic landscape.