Gandhigram Rural Institute and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology Ink MoU for Sustainable Rural Development Cooperation
Dindigul, January 14, 2026 — In a significant move to bolster international collaboration in sustainable rural development and innovation, the Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), located in Dindigul, India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia. The agreement, signed recently, aims to foster bilateral cooperation primarily in research, technology transfer, and the promotion of innovation directed towards sustainable rural growth.
Bayissa B. Badassa, the State Minister for Research, Technology Transfer, Innovation, and Indigenous Knowledge at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, remarked that the MoU creates a robust pathway to facilitate effective innovation aimed at sustainable rural development. He emphasized the partnership as a crucial bridge between India and Ethiopia, signifying shared commitment to addressing rural challenges through innovative solutions.
Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Principal Scientific Adviser to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, highlighted that the collaboration embodies the shared vision of both governments to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He indicated that the partnership would involve joint research efforts across several emerging and high-impact fields, including renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, environmental chemistry, nanotechnology, new composite materials, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning, quantum computing, and low-cost technological solutions. Additionally, the partnership will focus on sectors such as food technology, textile technology, organic agriculture, and cultural and heritage studies.
N. Panchanatham, Vice-Chancellor of Gandhigram Rural Institute, underscored the importance of global partnerships in advancing sustainable rural development. He noted, “Collaborative MoUs such as this enable the mutual sharing of knowledge, technology, and resources, which is essential for implementing innovative and resilient solutions that rural communities urgently need.” He added that the agreement includes provisions for academic exchanges and joint research initiatives, further strengthening educational and scientific ties between India and Ethiopia.
The MoU signifies a strategic engagement that leverages scientific and technological expertise from both nations with the objective of fostering sustainable development outcomes in rural communities, thus contributing meaningfully to economic growth and social welfare in both countries.
This partnership reflects the growing trend of South-South cooperation among developing countries in harnessing emerging technologies to address common developmental challenges. It is expected that the collaboration will pave the way for future projects and shared innovations aimed at transformative rural development.
Reported by The Hindu Bureau, Dindigul
