BHUBANESWAR/ NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi met Iran’s Acting Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Dr. Masoud Shams-Bakhsh, on Thursday on the sidelines of the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar.
The ministers discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in education, research, technology and innovation. They also explored ways to strengthen partnerships between universities, research institutions and scientific organizations in both countries.
The discussions covered greater academic and research collaboration. Both sides also reviewed opportunities to increase exchanges for students, scholars and researchers.
The ministers discussed the use of digital education to strengthen knowledge-sharing and expand access to collaborative learning. They also emphasized using existing scientific and educational capacities to support innovation and deepen institutional cooperation.
“Our enduring civilizational relationship offers a unique opportunity to build a modern partnership in education, research, technology and innovation,” Joshi said in a statement after the meeting.
He said India and Iran aim to strengthen institutional linkages, expand opportunities for students and researchers, and use digital education to deepen their knowledge partnership.
The bilateral meeting took place during India’s hosting of the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting under its 2026 chairship.
Education ministers and senior officials from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates attended the meeting in Bhubaneswar.
The BRICS agenda includes early childhood education, skill development, research and innovation, mutual recognition of academic qualifications and academic leadership. The ministerial session is scheduled for Friday after senior officials met earlier in the week.
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