Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to American universities and educational institutions to establish offshore campuses in India. This initiative aims to strengthen academic and technological collaborations between the two countries. The invitation was announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, where they addressed the importance of Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and other emerging technologies.
During the meeting, several initiatives were discussed, including the U.S.-India TRUST program, a plan to accelerate AI infrastructure, and the INDUS Innovation initiative. These programs are designed to boost tech cooperation and foster investments in areas like space and energy.
Growing Educational Exchange
The discussions also highlighted the increasing educational exchange between India and the United States. In the academic year 2023-24, a record 331,602 Indian students were studying in the U.S., contributing an estimated $8 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supporting job creation. India has surpassed China as the leading source of international students in the U.S. for the first time in 15 years. This reflects a significant increase in Indian student enrollment, with a 35% rise.
Areas of Collaboration
The collaboration between Indian and U.S. higher education institutions is expected to strengthen through various initiatives, including joint and dual degree programs, the establishment of joint Centers of Excellence, and the setup of offshore campuses of premier U.S. institutions in India. These efforts aim to foster innovation, improve learning outcomes, and develop a workforce ready for the future.
Impact and Objectives
The invitation to U.S. universities aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which encourages foreign universities to establish operations in India. While no American university has yet announced plans to set up a campus in India, several universities from the UK and Australia have expressed interest. The University of Surrey is set to open a campus in Gujarat’s GIFT City in 2026-27. Other institutions with announced plans for Indian campuses include Deakin University, the University of Wollongong, and Western Sydney University.
Trends in Student Enrollment
There has been a shift in international student mobility, with India becoming the largest source of international students in the U.S. Indian student enrollments have increased significantly, with a 66.4% growth from 2021-22 to 2023-24. Most Indian students in the U.S. are enrolled in graduate programs, with a notable increase in graduate enrollments. Popular fields of study among Indian students include mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the vital role of the Indian community in the U.S. in strengthening bilateral relations. To further enhance these ties, new Indian consulates will be opened in Los Angeles and Boston. The increased collaborations between U.S. and Indian educational institutions are expected to benefit both countries through the exchange of talent, research, and ideas.
