Stating that they are at an “exciting time” in their ties, India and Australia today signed a major education deal to take their relationship forward after a series of vicious attacks on Indian students, including the murder of a 21-year-old youth.
The deal was signed as Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal met Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard here, their second meeting in six months.
Under the deal, the two sides agreed to set up a joint education council and to extend exchanges in the field of education.
“India and Australia are at an exciting time in their relationship, a Joint Ministerial Statement said, saying that people-to-people contacts are at the heart of the bilateral relationship.
Students studying in both countries play an important role in building bridges of friendship and understanding and are a significant resource for future development of the relationship,” the statement said.