Syiah Kuala University (USK) has actively engaged in the Aceh-Andaman and Nicobar Cooperation through its involvement in the joint Task Force for Science and Technology. Professor Marwan, the Rector Professor of USK, announced an expansion of educational collaboration with the Indian Government, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed by Marwan and Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, with the presence of Shubham Singh, India's Consul General in Medan City, according to Prof. Marwan.
According to information available on the official USK website, Marwan emphasized the historical and cultural affinity between the residents of Aceh and India. He pointed out that this relationship started with the migration of individuals from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, whose descendants are still present in the regions of Laweung, Gigieng, and Simpang Tiga in the Pidie District.
Therefore, he noted that Aceh and India have commonalities in culture and a taste for spicy cuisine. Additionally, India provided aid to Aceh Province in the aftermath of a devastating tsunami by constructing a service hall at the USK campus. The university has established partnerships with various esteemed Indian universities, including IIT Bombay, University of Madras, Vellore Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Kurukshetra University, and Lovely Professional University, he further stated.
