Jaipur, July 14 (IANS) Senior Australian diplomat Paul Murphy met the Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde at Lok Bhawan on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation between Rajasthan and Australia in the areas of higher education, tribal heritage preservation, agriculture, and trade.

During the meeting, Murphy briefed the Governor on ongoing initiatives to deepen India–Australia cooperation in education, commerce, and trade.

Discussions focused on expanding academic partnerships, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and preserving indigenous cultural heritage.

Governor Bagde emphasised that Rajasthan should benefit from Australia’s successful models in higher education, conservation of tribal heritage, and water-efficient agricultural practices suitable for arid regions.

Murphy agreed to explore opportunities for academic collaboration and exchange programmes between Australian institutions and universities in Rajasthan.

It was decided that virtual interactions would soon be organised between Vice-Chancellors of Rajasthan’s universities and their Australian counterparts to identify areas of collaboration.

The discussions will also examine possibilities for student and faculty exchanges, academic partnerships, and other higher education initiatives.

The Australian diplomat also shared information on Australia’s agricultural innovations designed for regions with limited water availability.

Governor Bagde stressed that Rajasthan could benefit significantly from such technologies and farming practices, particularly in its drought-prone areas.

The meeting also focused on the preservation of tribal heritage.

Murphy expressed Australia’s willingness to collaborate on initiatives related to the conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Australia’s Aboriginal communities and Rajasthan’s tribal communities.

As part of this initiative, an Australian delegation will visit the West Zone Cultural Centre in Udaipur within the next one to two months to discuss a framework for future collaboration.

Governor Bagde recalled his visit to Australia during his tenure as Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where he had observed the country’s civic sense, road traffic management, education system, and agricultural practices.

He noted that several of these successful models could be adapted for the benefit of Rajasthan and India.

Governor’s Secretary Prithvi discussed issues relating to the state’s universities and agricultural initiatives during the meeting.

Samit Sharma, Cooperative Department Secretary, and Najin Luth, aide to the Australian Consul General, were also present.

–IANS

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