Indo-Russian team explores skill development partnerships at GITAM

India and Russia took a step towards strengthening cooperation in higher education and technical training on Tuesday, with a 12-member delegation visiting GITAM (Deemed to be University). The team, comprising officials from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), and the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), explored avenues to bridge academic learning with industry demands.

The visit came in the wake of a Letter of Interest signed between the two countries to deepen collaboration in education and skill development.

Welcoming the delegation, GITAM Pro Vice-Chancellor Y. Gowtham Rao outlined the university’s efforts to integrate teaching and research with industrial requirements. He stressed ongoing collaborations with local industries to ensure a strong pipeline of skilled graduates.

RSPP Deputy Chairman Ivanov Mikhail identified mechanical, electrical, welding, and metallurgy as priority areas for cooperation. Andhra Pradesh Government Advisor Sita Sharma presented a comparative overview of the State’s technical education framework, covering curriculum design, training practices, skill-building initiatives, evaluation systems, and teacher training modules.

The delegation noted the pressing need to upgrade laboratory facilities in technical institutions and underlined opportunities for Indian talent in Russia’s white metallurgy sector. Officials pointed out that Andhra Pradesh, with its growing focus on industry-linked education, could position itself as a hub for globally deployable manpower.

State representatives emphasised the role of structured industrial internships and a balanced mix of theory and practical training to improve student employability. The RSPP team is expected to tour local industries to identify further areas of collaboration.

Senior academic leaders from GITAM, including School of Technology Director K. Nagendra Prasad, Dean V. Rama Sastry, Associate Dean A.K. Prasada Rao, and School of Science Dean S. Ananta Rama Krishna, joined the deliberations.