India to set up its first IIT outside the country in UAE

Context

The Indian Institute of Technology will establish its first branch outside India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the India-UAE trade deal signed. 

About the agreement

• The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and India will usher in a new phase of joint strategic cooperation in all sectors.
• The two nations will also set up an India-UAE cultural council to facilitate and promote cultural projects, cross-cultural exchanges and exhibitions.
• The agreement was signed after a virtual summit held with an agenda to boost trade and investments between both countries and usher in a new era of economic progress.
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have participated in the summit.
• Realising the need to establish world-class institutions that encourage and support innovation and technological progress, the leaders agreed to establish an Indian Institute of Technology in the United Arab Emirates.
• At the meeting, it was decided that as part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, a technology institute would be set up by India in the UEA.

About IITs

• Indian Institute of Technology – IITs are India’s premier technology schools that are set up and operated under the aegis of the Union Education Ministry. 
• These institutes are devoted to pushing boundaries of technology and research ahead. 
• The institutes are governed under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, which has declared them as Institutes of National Importance. 
• Currently, there are a total of 23 IITs with a total intake of around 16,000 seats for undergraduate programmes.