UK’s Southampton University to set up Indian campus in Delhi-NCR, becoming the first foreign university to set up campus in the country under new National Education Policy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar handed over a Letter of Intent (LoI) issued to the University of Southampton (UOS) at an event held in New Delhi on Thursday, the Education Ministry said.
“The University of Southampton has become the first UK university to be granted a licence by the Government of India to build a comprehensive campus in the country. The receipt of the licence from the University Grants Commission now paves the way for the plan to move forward,” the university said in a statement.
In his address, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed confidence that such efforts will make the youth work-ready and promote the spirit of global understanding and cooperation.
He also highlighted that this initiative will help in establishing a strong mutual identity of Brand India in the educational sector.
In a post on x, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the initiative is a step forward towards realising the goal of ‘internationalisation at home’ as envisaged in NEP 2020.
Pradhan said, “The establishment of campuses of foreign universities in India and Indian higher education institutions abroad is not only aimed at expanding educational opportunities but also at creating a vibrant ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange and global collaboration. Educational institutions in different countries have a responsibility to prepare “global citizens” with global values who can provide solutions to global challenges.”
The Education Minister further said that India is committed to fulfilling its global responsibilities as a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’ and building a brighter future for education, innovation and progress.
Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice President International and Engagement, said the University of Southampton Delhi will be the first comprehensive international campus in India. It will produce world-class, work-ready graduates with specialist and transferable skills that will enhance India’s rapidly growing knowledge economy.
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said, “The University of Southampton’s new campus will be a hub for world-class education and innovation. It will also give more British students the opportunity to gain the incredible experience of living and studying in India.”
