New Delhi, (IANS) The Universities of Scotland and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for greater collaboration between the two in the field of higher education.

The agreement aims at boosting student and faculty exchange programmes between the two nations, more scholarships for Indian students vying to study in Scotland, more internships and a greater collaboration in the field of research and development.

Michael Russell, minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Scottish government, said: “The two bodies will encourage joint degree development and help identify opportunities for enhanced funding to support institutional initiatives.”

“With a world-class educational system, Scotland is actively seeking to support India’s goals of significantly growing its education sector, enhancing research and development capabilities and skilling its workforce to boost sustainable economic growth,” he added.

A total of 14 Scottish universities and six special higher education institutions form the Universities of Scotland body, while 281 Indian universities form the AIU.

According to the Scottish officials, around 13 percent of Indian students who go to the UK for higher studies are enrolled in Scottish universities.

“Scotland has global strengths in key industries such as life sciences, energy, financial and business services, and information technology, which are also important to India’s continued growth. Coupled with India’s capabilities in these areas, this will be a mutually beneficial partnership,” Russell said.