New York: The University at Buffalo (UB) has signed an agreement with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to establish a comprehensive exchange programme between the two. UB President John B Simpson and Professor Panjab Singh, vice-chancellor, BHU signed the agreement at a formal ceremony held in the varsity premises. Prof. Singh is on a two-day visit to the varsity.

"The UB community is delighted to celebrate the establishment of a formal exchange programme with Banaras Hindu University, a partnership that will enhance our university's ongoing internationalization and provide an outstanding partner in a critically important region of India," Simpson said at the signing ceremony.

"India's importance on the world stage - both as an economic and as a strategic power - is growing very rapidly, and its global influence will only continue to increase in the years ahead," he said.

Simpson also pointed out that there are large numbers of Indian students currently enrolled at UB, who are contributing in many ways to the varsity.

Similar to UB, BHU has large comprehensive research facility, with more than 20,000 students in 14 faculties and 124 departments. BHU, the largest residential university in Asia, has more than 12,000 students living on its campus.

"We are delighted to formalize our relationship with Banaras Hindu University, a truly world-class institution," noted Stephen C Dunnett, UB vice provost for international education. "We look forward to working with Vice-Chancellor Singh and his colleagues to develop a range of collaborative activities of mutual benefit to our universities," Dunnet added.

During his stay, Professor Singh visited UB's three campuses and met with senior administrators and faculty about potential cooperative activities between UB and BHU in a variety of areas.