Dutch envoy highlights scope for collaboration with GITAM

Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, underlined the growing Indo-Dutch relations during her visit to GITAM (Deemed to be University) on Tuesday. She identified health, energy, agriculture, water management, urban development, and education as key areas of shared interest.

She was accompanied by a delegation from the Netherlands Embassy and representatives of Indo-Dutch business organisations.

The Ambassador also showed interest in exploring the historical Dutch connections with Visakhapatnam. She suggested that Dutch monuments in the region could be preserved through cooperation with Dutch companies and academic institutions.

The visit focused on possible academic and research collaborations between Dutch institutions and GITAM. Vice-Chancellor Eroll D’Souza, Registrar D. Gunasekharan, and several Deans of the university took part in detailed discussions with the delegation.

Prof. D’Souza presented the university’s vision and highlighted ongoing research initiatives. The Deans gave an overview of major academic and research projects at GITAM.

Ms. Gerards praised the university’s openness to international collaboration and welcomed opportunities for joint research and student exchanges. The visit marked a step towards building stronger academic and cultural links between the Netherlands and India, with GITAM expected to play an active role in the process.