Ministerial visit reinforces higher education and research partnerships with India

New Zealand has advanced its strategic objectives for international education through a high-level ministerial visit to India, reinforcing higher education, research and innovation partnerships with one of New Zealand’s priority markets.

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) supported Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti’s visit to New Delhi in February.

The visit had Minister Reti attending the AI Impact Summit and engaging with senior government, academic and innovation leaders, and highlighted education’s role in strengthening bilateral relationships and supporting New Zealand’s long-term economic and research ambitions.

The programme also included a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, providing an opportunity to share higher education reforms, discuss ambitions under the refreshed New Zealand-India Education Cooperation Arrangement.

A key focus was Minister Reti’s visit to the New Zealand Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), a flagship joint initiative established in 2020 by all eight New Zealand universities in partnership with IIT Delhi. The Centre provides a platform for joint research, academic exchange and long-term collaboration, particularly in science and technology.

During the visit, discussions focused on the next phase of engagement under the New Zealand Centre, with proposed collaboration areas including medical technology, energy, environment and climate.

The IIT Delhi visit was also an opportunity to demonstrate impact of experiential learning and joint research with students from New Zealand universities (also recipients of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia) presenting innovative projects developed alongside IIT Delhi students.

Hon. Dr Shane Reti (centre) and New Zealand high Commissioner to India, Patrick Rata (third from right) with the Education New Zealand and IIT Delhi International Office teams during their visit to IIT Delhi

ENZ Director of Engagement – India, Jugnu Roy said the visit strongly aligned with New Zealand’s international education priorities.

“India is a critical partner for New Zealand’s future in education, research and innovation,” Jugnu said.

“This visit showcased the strength of our university-to-university collaboration and reinforced how platforms such as the New Zealand Centre at IIT Delhi can deliver meaningful outcomes for both countries.

“By strengthening institutional partnerships, supporting student pathways and deepening research collaboration, this engagement positions New Zealand as a trusted, long-term education partner for India.”