A high-level delegation from Lucknow University, Uttar Pradesh, India, visited Tajik National University (TNU) to formalize academic collaboration through a Memorandum of Cooperation.

The visit aimed to explore opportunities for scientific and educational partnerships between the two institutions.

The delegation was led by Professor Alok Kumar Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University, and included several key faculty members: Professor Ravindra Pratar Singh, Director of the International Department; Professor Sangeeta Sahu, Dean of the Department of Management; Professor Audhesh Kumar, Programme Director of MBA Finance & Accounting and Head of the Department of Commerce; Professor Keya Padni, Honorary Librarian at Tagore Library and faculty member in the Department of Anthropology; Professor Satendra Pal Singh, Doctor of Physical Sciences; and Himani Chaudhary, a specialist from the Financial Department.

On behalf of TNU, the discussions were led by First Vice-Rector and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Rajabzoda F.K., along with Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation Professor Safarmamadzoda S.M. and Vice-Rector for International Relations Gafforzoda I.G.

The meeting focused on fostering academic and scientific cooperation, including faculty and student exchange programs, joint scientific conferences and seminars, and collaborative research initiatives.

Following the official discussions, the Lucknow University delegation visited the National Leader Museum and the Department of Indian Philology at TNU’s Faculty of Asian and European Languages.

They engaged with faculty members and students, further strengthening cultural and academic ties between the institutions.

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The delegation from Lucknow University (LU) engaged in high-level discussions with leading universities in Tajikistan to establish student and faculty exchange programs and foster academic collaboration, LU spokesperson Durgesh Srivastava confirmed.

As part of the visit, the delegation facilitated a virtual conference with Komilbek Amid Yorbek, Rector of Khorog State University, to explore potential partnerships.
LU Vice-Chancellor Professor Alok Kumar Rai emphasized the institution’s commitment to global education standards and the principles of India’s National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), proposing initiatives to strengthen Indo-Tajik academic ties.

The delegation also held discussions at the Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Tajikistan, focusing on cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development. 

Additionally, bilateral talks were conducted with representatives from Tajik State Pedagogical University and Tajik International University of Foreign Languages, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for future educational cooperation.

“We are utilizing every moment of our stay in Tajikistan to promote the Indian education system, the ideals of NEP 2020, and to strengthen bilateral ties, showcasing the greater presence of the University of Lucknow and India,” said Professor Rai.

Lucknow University is one of the oldest education institutions in India. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

India and Tajikistan share a historically close and cordial relationship, strengthened by diplomatic ties established on August 28, 1992. 

Over the years, regular high-level visits and deep-rooted historical and cultural linkages have expanded bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, with a strong focus on military and defense collaboration.

The two nations have signed a series of bilateral agreements covering politics, economy, social and cultural exchanges, military and security cooperation, education and science, industry, energy, healthcare, investment, space exploration, and youth affairs.

Since the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Dushanbe in 1994, Tajikistan has been a key beneficiary of India’s Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC). 

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Following the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind in October 2018, India increased the number of ITEC slots for Tajikistan from 150 to 200 annually. 
So far, around 1,455 ITEC slots and 392 Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships have been awarded to Tajik students.

To further cultural and educational ties, the Indian Ministry of Culture has funded India Study Corners at prominent universities in Dushanbe, Khorog, Konibodom, and Panjikent, supporting the growing interest in Indian languages and yoga in Tajikistan. 

Additionally, a Hindi-Urdu Chair was established at Tajik State University, with an ICCR-appointed professor joining the faculty in January 2019.
These initiatives reflect the deepening partnership between India and Tajikistan, fostering greater academic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

India and Tajikistan have age-old cultural ties, which are getting stronger with the passing time.  

Recently, Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan, Rajesh Uike, held a fruitful meeting with Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda, the Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, to discuss ways to deepen cultural cooperation between India and Tajikistan.

The dialogue centered on fostering bilateral ties through cultural, academic, and literary exchanges. Both leaders explored initiatives to promote people-to-people connections, including joint celebrations of music, films, festivals, and other cultural traditions from the two nations.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, they acknowledged the role of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Dushanbe, which has been actively promoting Indian classical music and dance, strengthening cultural bonds between the two countries.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of India and Tajikistan.