New Delhi, Oct. 9: In a move to strengthen educational ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that nine leading British universities, including the University of Southampton, will open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University has already been inaugurated, with the first cohort of students now enroled.

This initiative marks a significant step in India-UK educational collaboration and aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020. It aims to provide Indian students access to world-class education without leaving the country, while promoting collaborative research and academia-industry partnerships to boost innovation and skill development.

Five prestigious UK universities have committed to setting up campuses across major Indian cities. In addition to Southampton, the University of Bristol has received approval from the University Grants Commission to open a new Enterprise Campus in Mumbai, scheduled to welcome students in summer 2026.

Big boost for India–UK education ties!

Nine UK universities have been approved to set up campuses in India under the New Education Policy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on his first official visit to India from October 8–9. During the two-day trip, both leaders reviewed the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the Vision 2035 roadmap. This 10-year plan focuses on strengthening ties in trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, security, climate, energy, health, education, and people-to-people connections.

The visit also coincides with the largest-ever UK business delegation, reflecting renewed vigour in bilateral relations. The recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is expected to reduce import costs, generate new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit industries and consumers in both countries.-Agencies