India and Israel Launch First Academic Chair at Tel Aviv University

In a landmark moment for India–Israel relations, Tel Aviv University has signed a historic agreement with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to establish the ICCR-TAU India Chair the first initiative of its kind in Israel. The new academic chair will bring top Indian scholars to Tel Aviv University annually, fostering meaningful academic and cultural exchange across diverse fields of research.

The signing ceremony took place in Tel Aviv with the participation of India’s Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. JP Singh, and senior leadership from TAU, including University President Prof. Ariel Porat and Vice President International Prof. Milette Shamir. The collaboration was hailed as a new era of academic diplomacy and strategic cooperation between the two democratic nations.

Ambassador Singh also met with Indian students currently enrolled at TAU and held discussions with university faculty to explore deeper research collaborations and joint academic programs. The gathering placed special emphasis on advancing India’s National Education Policy (NEP) through global partnerships.

Highlighting TAU’s commitment, Prof. Porat proposed the creation of a Forum on Innovations & Education to serve as a direct link between Israel’s and India’s leading universities. Ambassador Singh expressed immediate support, emphasizing the importance of academic exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.

“TAU’s mission is to serve as a gateway to Israeli science and academic expertise for Indian academic partners, and as a gateway to India for Israeli researchers and students,” said Prof. Shamir. Her recent visit to India alongside Mr. Konstantin Platonov, TAU’s Director for Asia Engagement, laid the groundwork for expanded collaboration through the new ICCR-TAU India Chair and the establishment of a TAU India Hub in Delhi.

“Indian research students are the second-largest cohort of foreign students at TAU,” Platonov noted. “They feel comfortable and safe on our campus and form strong academic bonds with our faculty. With this new chair and hub, we are expanding our commitment to Indian students and research partners.”

This milestone reflects the deepening alliance between India and Israel two nations linked by shared democratic values, innovation ecosystems, and a vision for global academic leadership. By investing in education, research, and cultural understanding, both countries are laying the foundation for a powerful and enduring partnership.

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