A delegation comprising representatives from 17 universities in the United States is scheduled to visit India. Their itinerary includes visits to 26 academic institutions located in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. This visit is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of recent incidents involving attacks on Indian students and individuals of Indian origin across various parts of India.
The delegation’s visit is part of ongoing collaborative efforts between the United States and India, spearheaded by both governments. It follows high-profile state visits by the respective presidents and prime ministers, underscoring the Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership between the two nations. A media release highlights the focus on fostering enduring partnerships between institutions through discussions on collaboration, student and scholar mobility, and enhancing ties between Indian and American educational institutions.
A. Sarah Ilchman, co-president of the Institute of International Education (IIE), emphasized the record numbers of Indian students and scholars currently in the US, signaling a vibrant period for engagement and collaboration between the two countries. Representing a diverse array of universities, the delegation aims to explore opportunities for active partnerships and engagements with Indian institutions.
Discussions during the visit will cover various topics such as establishing international branch campuses in India, the influence of educational technology in Indian higher education, and the evolving landscape of higher education business. Additionally, the delegation will engage with Indian government officials, visit educational institutions including IIT Hyderabad and the Indian School of Business, and meet with members of the US embassy in India.
Ilchman underscored the importance of visa issuance for facilitating such collaborations, acknowledging recent efforts by the Department of State to enhance transparency in the visa application process. Addressing concerns about the safety and inclusivity of international students in the US, she emphasized the commitment of US universities to prioritize the well-being of all students, including providing mental health resources.
Responding to queries about fraudulent practices in the US higher education sector, Ilchman acknowledged the existence of unscrupulous individuals who exploit unsuspecting students but reassured efforts to curb such activities.
