March 9, 2026 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) and Nālandā University, Rajgir, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a significant step toward strengthening academic, intellectual, and cultural ties between Israel and India. The agreement creates a dynamic framework for scholarly collaboration and exchange, opening new avenues for joint research, faculty and student mobility, and shared academic initiatives. The MoU was signed by Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nālandā University.

Prof. Tamir Sheafer stated: “This partnership between the Hebrew University and Nālandā University represents more than an academic agreement; it is a bridge between two great intellectual traditions. We are proud to strengthen our ties with India and look forward to fostering collaborative research, meaningful academic exchange, and lasting friendships between our institutions.”

This partnership builds on a longstanding tradition of intellectual and cultural connection between the two nations. At the Hebrew University, the initiative was spearheaded by Prof. Eviatar Shulman of the Faculty of Humanities, whose distinguished scholarship in Buddhist Studies, Indian thought, and the Study of Religions reflects the very spirit of this collaboration. His work serves as a natural bridge between two of the world’s most historic centers of learning, renewing a dialogue that spans centuries while shaping new opportunities for the future.

This milestone coincides with the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. His historic address at the Knesset this week underscored the deepening partnership between India and Israel, including growing collaboration in education, research, and innovation.

A Comprehensive Framework for Collaboration

The MoU establishes a broad framework for cooperation across all academic disciplines at both institutions. Key areas of focus include:

• Joint Research & Teaching: Cooperation in joint research supervision, joint teaching programs, and post-doctoral research.
• Academic Exchange: The exchange of faculty members, research fellows, and students.
• Knowledge Sharing: Joint conferences, symposiums, and publications, as well as mutual access to academic literature and materials.
• Institutional Growth: Additional activities that contribute to the development of academic and educational exchange.

The Hebrew University looks forward with great enthusiasm to working closely with Nālandā University and to building a vibrant, enduring partnership that advances shared scholarship, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue in the years ahead.