Establishing a partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations of India.

On July 16, 2012, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh, Vice Rector, received Dr. Vikash Ranjan, an expert from the Council on Foreign Relations of India. Also present were Associate Professor Do Thu Ha, Head of the Department of Indian Studies, and Dr. Nguyen Diep Thanh, Deputy Head of the Foreign Relations Office. During the meeting, both sides exchanged information and discussed common concerns regarding the development of Indian Studies in Vietnam.Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh stated: Indian Studies is a major within the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Currently, this major still faces some difficulties: a shortage of lecturers, materials, and a lack of cooperation with Indian universities. Approximately 30 students majoring in Indian Studies graduate each year. Students are taught entirely in English, resulting in strong skills, high adaptability to work, and the potential to work abroad. Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh expressed his hope that the partner institution will be an important bridge to help the University of Social Sciences and Humanities further develop cooperative relationships with Indian universities and research institutes. Associate Professor Do Thu Ha added that for many years, the Indian Embassy has provided active support to the Department by assisting in organizing events, donating materials, and providing films introducing Indian culture, history, and people to students and lecturers. Vikash Ranjan also shared that the Council on Foreign Relations of India focuses on research and supporting universities in research and training in Indian studies, and is ready to encourage and provide scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in India. At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to have specific exchanges to establish a cooperative relationship, starting with the exchange of scientific publications, participation in international scientific conferences in both countries, and seeking scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in India…