India and the United States have agreed to enhance collaboration between their higher education institutions, facilitate student mobility, and explore opportunities for setting up offshore campuses of premier US institutions in India. The discussion took place during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, with key commitments outlined in a joint statement issued by the two leaders.
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between India and the United States. They noted that more than 300,000 Indian students contribute over $8 billion annually to the US economy, creating a significant number of direct and indirect jobs.
Both leaders also recognised that the movement of students, researchers, and professionals has been mutually beneficial for both nations, fostering knowledge exchange and economic growth.
The two sides also discussed initiatives such as joint and dual degree programmes, twinning arrangements, and the establishment of joint Centres of Excellence to deepen academic partnerships. India invited the US to leverage ongoing reforms in its education sector and set up offshore campuses of leading American universities.
Additionally, both nations committed to streamlining legal pathways for student and professional mobility, facilitating short-term business and tourist travel, and addressing concerns related to illegal immigration and human trafficking.
