Guwahati: Gauhati University and a delegation from Thailand discussed cooperation in higher education, research, IT, culture, internships and academic exchange.The interaction was held with a Thai delegation led by Urasa Mongkolnavin, director-general of the department of South Asian, Middle East and African affairs in the ministry of foreign affairs.The discussions covered student exchanges, collaboration among teachers and researchers, training and internships, joint programmes in information technology and higher education, and stronger institutional ties between universities in India and Thailand.Welcoming the delegation, Gauhati University vice-chancellor Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta referred to historical and linguistic links between Thai and the ancient Tai-Ahom language. He highlighted the university’s initiatives to promote and preserve those connections.Mongkolnavin stressed the importance of the Thailand-India strategic partnership, adding, “There are significant opportunities to further expand cooperation between India and Thailand in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchange.”Separately, Asian Confluence, in collaboration with the department of political science and public administration at Assam Royal Global University, organised the Brahmaputra–Chao Phraya Dialogue at RGU. The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics and experts from India and Thailand to discuss stronger ties between the northeast and Thailand.The dialogue, themed “Building the Northeast’s Health, Education, Youth and Enterprise Bridge with Thailand,” highlighted the northeast’s potential as a bridge to Southeast Asia and universities’ role in fostering institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange.
