Prof. K.S. Rana to Lead Education Collaborations with the Sultanate of Oman

The India GCC Trade Council recently hosted the UN South-South Cooperation meeting in New Delhi, attended by several ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community. Prof. Dr. K.S. Rana, Trade Commissioner of the India GCC Trade Council, warmly welcomed ambassadors from countries including the Kyrgyz Republic, Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Cuba, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE.

Lesotho’s High Commissioner, Lebohang Valentine Mochaba, shared initiatives spearheaded by Lesotho, while representatives from the Kyrgyz Republic briefed attendees on the collaborative efforts between Bishkek and India. Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Cuba, HE Abel Despaigne, extended an invitation to Indian companies, expressing Cuba's commitment to fostering robust bilateral partnerships.

A particular focus of the event was the Sultanate of Oman, a nation rich in opportunities for bilateral trade in oil, limestone, minerals, and education. Strengthening relations between India and Oman was recently highlighted by the arrival of Indian Naval Ships Tir, Shardul, and the Coast Guard Ship Veera in Muscat for a port call, emphasizing the growing maritime ties between the two nations.

Prof. Dr. K.S. Rana, who also serves as Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology, Rajasthan, was presented with an appointment certificate by former Congress leader and ex-Union Minister KV Thomas, the Kerala government's special representative. With extensive experience in environmental science, Prof. Rana's leadership is expected to significantly contribute to education and research collaborations between India and the GCC nations.

The event also saw participation from Manjesh Grover, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Ministry of External Affairs, who emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening relationships with South-South Cooperation nations. Prof. Rana, in his address, underscored the importance of global trade relations and called for increased collaboration between Indian and Omani institutions, particularly in education.

Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, also expressed optimism about the forthcoming Indian delegation to Oman, which aims to explore business opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, meat processing, and infrastructure, with a special focus on education.

Prof. Rana, who has previously served as Vice Chancellor of Mewar University, Kumaun University, and Nalanda State University, will now lead delegations to the GCC nations, aiming to build stronger trade and education ties.