BLOOMINGTON - Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in Bloomington has launched a partnership with a school in India. The university says the collaboration with FLAME University will include study abroad programs for students on both campuses.

FLAME University in Pune, India is modeled on traditional U.S. liberal arts colleges, which is a rarity in a country where the majority of universities focus on science and technology. IU says Pune, about 75 miles from India's financial center of Mumbai, is known as a hub of information and technology.

In addition to the study abroad programs, the agreement includes collaborative research, faculty exchange, executive education and curriculum development. The schools expect the partnership to extend into other areas as well. That includes IU Bloomington's College of Arts and Sciences, which is looking into providing a summer study abroad program to FLAME undergraduate students.

Indiana University Bloomington Provost Lauren Robel says FLAME has become a "thriving center for inquiry and research," adding that he's "thrilled to know that IU students will have the chance to immerse themselves in the culture in Pune and to learn firsthand about the global marketplace."

The Indian school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in its School of Liberal Education, School of Business, School of Communication and School of Fine and Performing Arts.

The partnership is expected to officially begin next year.