New Delhi, Feb 15 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to premier American universities to set up campuses in India, marking a significant step towards deepening Indo-US educational collaboration. This initiative aligns with both nations’ commitment to fostering academic excellence, facilitating student mobility, and strengthening research partnerships.
During his high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, Modi emphasized the mutual benefits of talent exchange, highlighting how Indian students and professionals contribute immensely to both economies. The two leaders acknowledged that the growing number of Indian students in the US—currently at 331,602, a 23% increase from the previous year—injects over $8 billion into the American economy annually, creating numerous direct and indirect job opportunities.
Expanding International Academic Collaborations
Recognizing the critical role of education in innovation and workforce development, Modi and Trump outlined strategies to strengthen institutional partnerships. These include:
✅ Joint and dual-degree programs between American and Indian institutions
✅ Twinning programs to enable students to study in both countries
✅ Establishment of Joint Centres of Excellence for collaborative research
✅ Facilitating offshore campuses of US universities in India
Modi also announced the opening of new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston to further enhance people-to-people ties and ease academic and professional exchanges.
India’s Growing Appeal to Global Universities
India has recently introduced regulatory frameworks allowing foreign universities to establish campuses within the country. While Australia’s Deakin and Wollongong universities have already set up branches in Gujarat’s GIFT City, and UK’s Southampton University is in the process of doing so, no US university has yet taken this step.
With India sending 377,620 students to the US in 2023—surpassing China—experts believe the time is ripe for top American institutions to tap into India’s thriving higher education sector.
Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the initiative, stating that stronger Indo-US academic collaborations will drive innovation, enhance research, and create a globally competitive workforce.
As both nations continue to bridge educational gaps, this move is expected to redefine India’s higher education landscape and strengthen its position as a global knowledge hub.
