The Indian government will soon recognise pathway and foundation courses from Australian institutions, it was announced this week at the Australia India Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.

In a state trip to India last week, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard used the trip to assure Indians of a welcome reception in Australia – and announced new funding for educational and research projects, which she says are at the heart of economic and social ties between the two countries. Occupational qualifications will be mutually recognised..

Australia should play a bigger role in helping Asian countries meet their skills gaps through vocational education and training (VET) education, Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans has said. This could involve developing partnerships in areas such as "qualification recognition, a focus on standards, quality assurance and labour mobility".