Patna: Nalanda University in Rajgir and the National University of Asuncion (Universidad Nacional de Asunción), Paraguay , have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in higher education, research and academic exchange , an official said on Friday.




The National University of Asunción is Paraguay’s oldest and largest public university and a leading research institution. The agreement comes in the year marking 65 years of diplomatic relations between India and Paraguay.




The MoU was signed virtually on Thursday evening by Sachin Chaturvedi , vice-chancellor of Nalanda University, and Zully Concepción Vera de Molinas , rector of the National University of Asunción. Piyush Singh , ambassador of India to Paraguay, and senior officials of both universities were present.




The agreement provides for joint research initiatives, academic programmes, faculty and student exchanges, conferences and joint publications. Three priority areas have been identified: languages, literature and cultural studies; sustainability and climate change; and trade, investment and development cooperation.




Officials said the areas would deepen cultural understanding, advance research on environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, and explore shared perspectives on economic development and international cooperation.




The partnership aligns with Nalanda University’s international mandate to promote intercultural dialogue, interdisciplinary learning and cooperation across regions.




Chaturvedi said the partnership would strengthen academic cooperation and mutual understanding between India and Paraguay. “We look forward to developing meaningful exchanges in areas of shared interest,” he said.




The MoU is expected to strengthen educational and research linkages and contribute to closer bilateral people-to-people ties.