The India Platform UGent has been initiated by the Rector of Ghent University, who identified India as a priority region for collaboration. The platform is affiliated with the International Relations Office at the Central Department of Educational Affairs. It will build on the existing ties of many Ghent University researchers and departments with Indian partners. 

General objectives 

The India Platform UGent has four general objectives.

The first objective is to map the existing partnerships and facilitate new partnerships and exchange of knowledge between Ghent University and Indian institutions.

Secondly, the platform aims to create opportunities for collaboration with non-academic partners: business partners, administrative or political partners, educational institutions, and, where possible, the European and Indian media.

The third objective is to stimulate free and fundamental research on the cultural differences between Europe and India, not only at Ghent University, but also in partnership with several European universities.

Fourthly, the platform is active in the preparation and development of an institutional India policy for Ghent University. Considering the developments in 21st century India, the challenge for European universities like Ghent University is to build long-term and sustainable relationships based on a coherent vision. 

The India Platform

• clusters the India related activities and expertise at Ghent University, Belgium,
• assists Indian students, faculty and personnel at Ghent University,
• functions as a contact point towards Belgian and Indian government bodies and embassies,
• develops and provides information on domain-related clusters of partners at Ghent University and at  Indian institutions,
• develops and implements training modules and consultancy on cross-cultural differences between Europe and India, applicable in business and academia,
• provides background information for collaborative projects, training and exchange of teachers, researchers and students, and innovative educational programmes.

Contact information

Ms. Nele De Gersem
India Platform
Apotheekstraat 5
B-9000 Ghent
Phone: +32 9 264 93 70
Fax: +32 9 264 94 83
E-mail: IndiaPlatform@UGent.be