Indo-Romanian Forum strengthens academic collaboration at Babeș-Bolyai University

The Babeș-Bolyai University, in collaboration with UBB Tech Transfer Institute and the Indian Cultural Center, hosted the “Bridging Minds, Markets and Innovation: The Indo-Romanian Forum” in the Club Hall. This significant event was focused on enhancing collaboration between the Romanian and Indian academic communities. The forum was led by Dr. Kinga Hening, Director of UBB Tech Transfer, and Dr. Mihaela Gligor, Director of the Indian Cultural Center, according to SSBCrack.

Attendees included representatives from the university’s leadership, such as Prof. Călin Rus, Vice-Rector for Communication, Public Relations, Protocol, and International Relations, and Conf. Dr. Christian Săcărea, responsible for the German language study line and non-traditional education. A notable guest was His Excellency Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, the Ambassador of India to Romania.

The forum, marking its first time in Cluj-Napoca, brought together members of the Indian business community active in the city alongside faculty from various departments at UBB. Its primary aim was to strengthen the partnership between UBB and top universities in India, facilitating the exchange of information and best practices between the academic and business sectors.

The event underscored the commitment of both nations to foster educational ties and promote innovation, positioning Cluj-Napoca as a burgeoning hub for international collaboration. The discussions held are expected to pave the way for future initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and the business world, ultimately enhancing mutual growth and development.

Babeș-Bolyai University is not the only Romanian academic institution who developped this sort of cooperation with Indian universities. The partnership between Romanian and Indian universities has evolved from sporadic bilateral agreements into a robust strategic alliance, driving innovation in medicine, engineering, and digital technology.

A strategic alignment of ambitions

Driven by Romania’s integration into the European Higher Education Area and India’s National Education Policy (NEP), both countries have recognised the mutual benefits of institutional synergy. For Romania, Indian students represent a vital demographic for internationalising its campuses; for India, Romania offers a gateway to high-quality European research standards and competitive tuition fees.

The pillars of cooperation: STEM and Medicine

The most visible results of this partnership are found in the technical and medical fields. Leading institutions such as the University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, and the Politehnica University of Bucharest have established deep-rooted links with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the University of Delhi.

• Medical Mobility: Romanian medical universities, particularly in Cluj, Iași, and Timișoara, have become preferred destinations for Indian medical aspirants. These institutions have adapted by offering English-language programmes that align with international medical council requirements.

• Joint Research in AI: In 2025, several joint laboratories were inaugurated, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity—fields where both nations boast a high density of talent.

• Erasmus+ Beyond Borders: The expansion of the Erasmus+ programme to include non-European partners has facilitated a steady stream of faculty exchanges, allowing Romanian professors to lecture in Mumbai and Bangalore, while Indian scholars bring diverse perspectives to Romanian lecture halls.

The role of cultural diplomacy

The cooperation is not limited to laboratories and lecture theatres. Cultural diplomacy has played a pivotal role in cementing these ties. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been instrumental in establishing “India Corners” and Hindi language departments in Romanian universities, fostering a deeper understanding of the socio-economic context behind the academic collaboration.

Challenges and the road to 2030

Despite the momentum, challenges remain. Visa processing times and the mutual recognition of certain professional degrees are areas where both governments are actively working to streamline procedures. However, the trend is clear: the “brain drain” of the past is being replaced by a “brain circulation” model that benefits both economies.

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