New Delhi, March 2 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called on foreign higher education institutions (HEIs) to collaborate with India's fast-growing and innovation-driven education system on Monday.
The minister emphasized that education is the most enduring bridge between societies in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change.
Pradhan made these comments during his address at the "Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026", organized by the Ministry of Education, which brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, representatives of diplomatic missions from more than 50 countries, and ministry officials to discuss strengthening international cooperation in higher education.
"India continues to be a bright spot in the global economic landscape, offering immense opportunities to learn, research, innovate, and implement. India's greatest strength lies in its vibrant knowledge ecosystem, demographic dividend, and fast-growing economy. Through the NEP-2020 and the Study in India initiative, the country is expanding global pathways for students, researchers, and institutions," he said.
"From artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and semiconductors to sustainable energy, India is emerging as a trusted innovation partner, advancing a Global South model rooted in collaboration, capacity-building, and shared knowledge," he added.
Emphasizing that education is the most enduring bridge between societies in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, Pradhan said that India seeks to build strong knowledge bridges with partner countries.
The minister called on representatives to collaborate with India's fast-growing, innovation-driven, multidisciplinary, and accessible education system.
Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi noted that over the last six years, the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, has provided a clear direction to India's higher education reforms, particularly in advancing multidisciplinary education, integrating skill development into mainstream learning, and strengthening internationalization.
"Indian institutions are deepening global engagement through joint, dual, and twinning programs, while leading universities are expanding their international footprint. The University Grants Commission has put in place a transparent and time-bound regulatory framework, enabling foreign universities to establish campuses in India, with applications from leading institutions across Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States being cleared within a month," he said.
The Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave is aimed at strengthening India's diplomatic engagement in education by inviting students from partner nations to pursue higher education and short-term programs in India, encouraging institutional collaborations, and inviting globally-ranked universities to establish campuses in the country.