RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received the newly appointed Ambassador of India to the Republic of Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan also attended the meeting.

The ESCS Minister congratulated the Ambassador on her appointment and wished fruitful work for the benefit of the development of Armenian-Indian friendly relations. Zhanna Andreasyan expressed confidence that the newly appointed Ambassador will contribute to the strengthening and advancement of relations between Armenia and India.

“We have a very good experience of cooperation. I am sure that with your appointment, this cooperation will strengthen in all directions, which is really very important. We are glad that more than 2,800 Indian citizens are studying in our universities. I think this number could increase significantly: we will only be glad for the opportunity to develop interuniversity cooperation,” noted the ESCS Minister.

Zhanna Andreasyan proposed to consider advancing cooperation in the field of medical education, information technology, also discussing the possibility of implementing exchange programs for students, researchers and teachers, joint educational initiatives. The Minister also said that last year the “RA Education Development State Program until 2030” was approved, which is of strategic importance. She presented the outlined targets, in particular, highlighting the academic city project, which provides new prospects for cooperation in the field of higher education. Zhanna Andreasyan also stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of VET, taking into account India's experience in this field.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha thanked for the reception and stressed the importance of prospects for strengthening and developing relations with Armenia.

“Advancing inter-university cooperation is a priority for us. In this context, we are interested in the academic city project, both from the perspective of attracting more students and the investments.”

In regard to the possible cooperation in the fields of sports and youth, the ESCS Minister proposed to consider the possibility of implementing exchange programs of coaches and athletes, joint sports camps and seminars, as well as joint programs for youth tourism development. Zhanna Andreasyan also stressed the importance of implementing programs aimed at developing the field of sports medicine.

The ESCS Minister also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture. The issues of establishing a cultural centre in Gyumri by the Indian side, in particular, a separate exhibition hall-museum, as well as joint exhibitions and festivals were touched upon.

During the meeting, the sides also touched upon other issues of mutual interest.