Modi-Trump talks pave way for US universities in India

NEW DELHI: In a renewed effort to attract top US campuses in India, during his visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed expanding academic partnerships with President Donald Trump, reinforcing India's commitment to internationalising higher education. A joint statement issued by both leaders underscored their dedication to strengthening

educational collaboration

, facilitating

student mobility

, and fostering research-driven alliances between institutions of both nations.
In a significant step towards this goal, India has invited premier US universities to establish offshore campuses. This development aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to transform India into a

global education hub

by encouraging foreign institutions to set up operations in the country.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said: "India is opening its doors to the world’s best universities because we believe in the power of education to drive innovation and growth. India is creating a global hub for learning, where top institutions can collaborate, set up campuses, and shape the future of knowledge and technology. We anticipate globally ranked institutions from the US to establish a presence in India, bringing world-class education closer to our students and strengthening our position in international academia."
With over 300,000 Indian students contributing more than Rs 8 billion annually to the US economy, educational exchanges have proven to be mutually beneficial, boosting economic ties but also facilitating knowledge exchange, contributing to technological advancements and innovation in both countries. Recognising this, India and the US have agreed to streamline legal pathways for students and professionals and ensure smoother mobility.

To further these objectives, both sides are exploring joint and dual degree programmes, twinning arrangements, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence. India has extended an invitation to leading US universities to capitalise on its ongoing educational reforms and set up offshore campuses, mirroring similar initiatives by Australian and British universities. Deakin University, Wollongong University, and the University of Southampton have already commenced operations in India, with the University of Surrey set to follow soon.
The momentum for this initiative was reinforced in November 2024 when a delegation led by Ronald J Daniels, President of Johns Hopkins University, met Pradhan. Their discussions revolved around deepening academic collaborations and the possibility of establishing a Johns Hopkins campus in India.
The move is expected to enhance India’s educational landscape, making high-quality global education more accessible to Indian students while strengthening the country’s position as a key player in international academia.