Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates Australian University's first India campus in Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday September 17 inaugurated the University of Western Australia UWA India Mumbai CampusThe inauguration ceremony was attended by Western Australia Premier Roger Cook UWA Chancellor Dr Diane SmithGander Vice Chancellor Prof Amit Chakma university officials faculty members students and other dignitaries along with the CMSpeaking at the inauguration CM Fadnavis said that the new campus would give a boost to Maharashtrarsquos efforts to position Mumbai as a global hub for knowledge innovation technology and talentCM Fadnavis hails UWA to open their first campus in MumbaiFadnavis said ldquoIt was a matter of pride for Maharashtra that UWA a leading researchbased Australian university had chosen Mumbai for its first Indian campus He noted that UWA is the first university from Australiarsquos prestigious Group of Eight to establish a campus in IndiardquoAccording to Fadnavis the development reflects Mumbairsquos growing importance on the global stage While Mumbai is already the countryrsquos financial commercial and entertainment capital the state government is working to develop it as a global knowledge and innovation hub for the next generationHe said the Mumbai 30 project being developed near Mumbai will include an Education City MediCity Innovation City and a Global Capability Centre ecosystem besides new centres for research and industrial developmentFocus on research and industryFadnavis said the National Education Policy 2020 had opened new avenues for international cooperation in higher education He added that while Indian students earlier had to travel abroad for access to international universities global institutions are now establishing campuses in IndiaStudents at the UWA Mumbai campus will have opportunities to connect with financial institutions multinational companies technology industries startups researchers and entrepreneurs he saidThe Chief Minister also expressed hope that the campus would facilitate joint research and academic collaborations in emerging sectors including artificial intelligence cybersecurity healthcare critical minerals clean energy sustainable development and advanced manufacturing technologiesFadnavis said Western Australia has excellent potential and Maharashtra has a vast amount of talent and opportunitiesHe also added that a knowledgebased partnership between the two regions could further strengthen IndiaAustralia relationsFadnavis assures Maharashtra Governments support to UWAHe further assured UWA of the Maharashtra governments support in expanding the partnershipUWA Chancellor Dr Diane SmithGander said ldquoAn investment of approximately AUD 80 million has been made for the campuses in Mumbai and Chennai which symbolises the commitment to further strengthen IndiaAustralia relationsrdquoHe also noted that UWA will provide new opportunities for quality education for a new generation of students in India with the aim of creating knowledge opportunities and global connectivity through higher educationFadnavis welcomes scholarships for Indian studentsSpeaking to the media after the inauguration Fadnavis welcomed UWAs announcement of 100 per cent scholarships for three Indian studentsHe said the initiative would help students access worldclass education in India while reducing foreign exchange costs associated with overseas educationFadnavis also said UWAs researchfocused activities could contribute to Maharashtras economy