IPEC, Russia’s Mari State University Explore Academic Partnership

• Discussions focus on AI, joint research, student-faculty exchange and dual-degree programmes

Sahibabad: Inderprastha Engineering College (IPEC), Ghaziabad, is exploring academic collaboration with Russia’s Mari State University to strengthen international engagement in higher education, research and technological innovation. A four-member IPEC delegation visited the university in Yoshkar-Ola on October 13, 2026, to discuss opportunities for student and faculty exchange, joint research, skill development and industry-oriented education.

The delegation was welcomed by Irina Petrova, Vice-Rector for International and Legal Affairs, and Natalia Kanashina, Head of the International Department, along with other university representatives.

IPEC vice-chairman Puneet Agarwal highlighted potential areas of cooperation in electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) applications in medical and non-medical fields. He emphasised that student and faculty mobility programmes could facilitate cross-cultural learning, knowledge exchange and exposure to emerging technologies.

IPEC vice-chairperson Akanksha Agarwal stressed the need to align academic programmes with evolving industry requirements to improve students’ employability. She underlined the importance of equipping graduates with practical skills and competencies relevant to emerging career opportunities.

Vibhuti Shankar, Vice-President for International Relations at Mari State University, proposed organising academic Olympiads to attract Indian students to pursue higher education in Russia. University representatives also discussed opportunities for software development, joint scientific projects, collaborative research publications and dual-degree programmes.

Kanashina highlighted the potential for cultural exchange, noting Russian students’ interest in Indian culture and opportunities to participate in short-term academic programmes in India. Mikhail Petropavlovskiy, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, expressed interest in joint research initiatives with Indian institutions.

Vladimir Semenov, Head of the Technology Leadership Office, identified software development and correction programmes as additional areas for potential cooperation.

Concluding the discussions, Mari State University Rector Prof. Mikhail Shvetsov expressed his interest in building a long-term institutional partnership with IPEC, extending cooperation across academic and non-academic domains.

The visit marks a step towards strengthening India-Russia educational ties, with both institutions exploring avenues to translate the discussions into concrete initiatives benefiting students, faculty members and researchers. No formal agreement was confirmed in the information provided.