Premier Barry O’Farrell has welcomed the University of Wollongong’s latest initiative to strengthen its ties with India.

“The University of Wollongong and Indian-Australian businessman Arun Jagatramka have agreed to explore the potential establishment of a UOW presence in India,” Mr O’Farrell said in Mumbai.

Premier O’Farrell witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Professor Gerard Sutton, and Mr Jagatramka, who is Chairman and Managing Director of Gujarat NRE Coking Coal, the Illawarra-based subsidiary of Indian company Gujarat NRE Coke.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), Professor Joe Chicharo, said a proposal to develop an Indian campus by UOW partnering with Mr Jagatramka was in the initial phase.

He said an action plan, including developing a business case proposal for UOW Council approval, would continue during 2012.

Mr O’Farrell said that Mr Jagatramka and UOW will consider establishing the higher education institution in the city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat state, and initially they will focus on providing niche higher education programs, such as bachelors and masters degrees, at a purpose-built campus in Ahmedabad.

“They will work closely to identify academic programs that will be relevant to servicing the needs of students, government and industry both in India and internationally.

“Most importantly, the institution will also serve as a bridge for stronger educational ties between Australia and India, and in particular Wollongong, the Illawarra, and NSW.

“I congratulate Mr Jagatramka and the University on this initiative which will benefit all stakeholders, including students, industry, and local, state and national governments,” Mr O’Farrell said.

The Premier said that Mr Jagatramka and UOW were currently working on a more in-depth educational services collaboration agreement that will detail the University’s involvement in the proposed institution’s teaching and learning programs, academic staff development, scientific information and materials, research, conferences and symposiums, and other related activities.

“A robust plan with key milestones has been agreed and work has already begun on undertaking the necessary due diligence, planning and establishment planning.

“The University of Wollongong is representative of the world-quality education that our universities offer and having an on-the-ground presence in India will help to promote our State as a leader in international education,” Mr O’Farrell said.

The Premier is leading a high-level trade and investment mission to India which is visiting Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru this week.