Varanasi: A student outreach event- ‘Linking India–EU Mobility Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh’-under the EU–India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (Phase II) was organised at Banaras Hindu University on Friday. The programme brought together policymakers, diplomats, international organisations, academics, and students to deliberate on education, migration, and mobility opportunities between India and European Union countries.The event was jointly supported by the ministry of external affairs, the European Union, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, the International Labour Organisation, and the Indian Council of World Affairs.Delivering the keynote address, vice chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi said that Indian universities inherently carry a global vision rooted in civilisational values. He remarked, “Our Indian culture has taught us to welcome students from all over the world, and we encourage our students to serve the entire world.”Gina Uika, joint secretary, EP&W, ministry of external affairs, inaugurated the session on student mobility to the European Union, describing it as part of an ongoing India–EU collaborative initiative aimed at informing students about higher education opportunities, procedures, and challenges associated with studying in Europe. Veronika Liskova, first secretary, delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan, said the significant rise in Indian students pursuing higher education in Europe, went from around 10,000 residence permits in 2015 to nearly 50,000 in 2024. On Thursday, Anil Rajbhar, UP minister of labour, employment and coordination, inaugurated a workshop ‘Coordinating India-Europe Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh’. “The UP govt is working on all employment possibilities for youth under its ‘Work for Every Hand’ target. A delegation led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath went to Singapore and Japan, while another delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya visited various European Union countries to explore employment opportunities abroad and attract investment to Uttar Pradesh,” said Rajbhar
