PM Modi Invites U.S. Universities to Open Campuses, No Takers Yet

NEW DELHI: India has invited U.S. Universities to open offshore campuses in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement after his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a joint statement, Modi and Trump said, “the leaders have resolved to strengthen collaborations between the higher education institutions through efforts such as joint/dual degree and twinning programs, establishing joint Centers of Excellence, and setting up of offshore campuses of premier educational institutions of the U.S. in India.”

The statement highlighted that “the more than 300,000 strong Indian student community contributes over $8 billion annually to the US economy and helped create a number of direct and indirect jobs,” adding that “the talent flow and movement of students, researchers, and employees, have mutually benefitted both countries.”

Despite the invitation, no American university has shown interest in setting up a campus in India so far.

Most of the universities expressing interest are from the UK and Australia.

In 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued regulations on setting up Indian campuses of foreign universities.

This aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages foreign universities to operate in India and Indian universities to expand globally.

Earlier this month, the University of Surrey announced its plan to open an India campus in Gujarat’s GIFT City by 2026-27.

This makes it the fourth university from the UK and the seventh foreign university to confirm its India campus.

Other universities with India plans include Deakin University, the University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University, the University of Southampton, Coventry University, and Queen’s University Belfast.

Dr. Vikash Kumar Thakur, a Research Scholar at JNU, New Delhi, said, “ If this plan becomes successful, Indian students will have access to world-class education without the need to travel abroad, it will reduce costs and make international education more accessible. Additionally, It will help retain bright students within the country, preventing brain drain and ensuring that talent contributes to the Indian economy. Moreover, it will attract foreign investment in education infrastructure, boosting the construction and services sectors.”

While India awaits a response from U.S. universities, interest from the UK and Australia continues to grow.