India’s journey to HE superpower is a shared responsibility

With the world’s largest youth population, India is at a turning point in its pursuit of a competitive seat in the global education landscape.

As part of its ambitious vision, reforms such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have set a positive direction for the government to uplift India from a talent exporter to a global talent hub. But for this transition to be fruitful, equitable global collaborations, innovative models of transnational education and a recalibration of research priorities are needed. This shift is a shared opportunity for the world to collaborate with India and grow.

Higher education in India is rapidly evolving. Presently, 42 million students are enrolled in higher education institutions and the target to raise the gross enrolment ratio (GER) to 50% by 2035 showcases the possibility for an enormous transformative change. However, the education system is facing an acute capacity constraint that needs urgent attention.

Equitable partnerships can be a game-changer. For instance, the University of Sussex’s proposition of joint PhD programmes offers ideas as to how global institutions can overcome capacity constraints while not requiring extensive physical infrastructure. These programmes enable students to access world-class research in affiliation with international faculties without having to leave their hometowns.

It is equally important to understand that scaling capacity is about quality, and not quantity. Moreover, since a vast population of 57.2% of India’s outbound students are from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, more emphasis is needed on these under-served areas. For instance, global universities could focus on developing meaningful partnerships with universities to reduce inequalities and promote development in such regions.

Beyond student recruitment

International engagement with India’s education sector has remained somewhat transactional for decades. The focus has been on recruiting students, with India being a popular source market. While this has been advantageous for the foreign institutions, it did not address the systemic challenge within the Indian education system, particularly the persistent ‘brain drain’ which resulted in the export of best and brightest minds in India who sought better opportunities abroad, stunting the development of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of education in India where students no longer feel the desire to go abroad showcases a shift from the existing mindset. Global top 100 institutions such as the University of Southampton which has demonstrated inspirational leadership in establishing a comprehensive campus in India, to be launched this year in the Delhi National Capital Region, pave the way for deeper transnational education.

Deakin University and the University of Wollongong have set up branch campuses in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). These institutions are establishing research and enterprise within India’s ecosystem and building a model where international collaboration strengthens institutional resources and talent.

Equitable partnerships demand that global universities treat India as a partner, and as more than just a market. Joint academic programmes like collaborative PhD programmes can benefit students by giving them access to international resources and networks without them having to leave their hometown. Such initiatives could redefine transnational education so that high-quality education can be accessible across the country.

Elevating research collaboration

India contributes 13.7% to global scientific output, but it remains undervalued due to a lack of different funding approaches and administrative hurdles.

A recent UK-India roundtable on equitable partnerships in higher education held in November 2024, hosted by Lord Patel of Bradford and QS Quacquarelli Symonds, in collaboration with leading strategic advisory consultancy the India Business Group, brought together over 40 leaders from UK and Indian universities and representatives from government agencies.

The discussions highlighted a critical gap: the lack of joint funding opportunities between India and the UK. Addressing this requires both governments to collaborate and take decisive action.

The new UK-India Free Trade Agreement, in the final stages of negotiation, provides a potential instrument to strengthen and accelerate research collaborations between these countries.

Research collaborations can tackle cross-cutting global challenges, from climate change to the regulation of artificial intelligence, while strengthening India’s research ecosystem. A robust Indian research framework would not just meet local needs but have the ability to develop solutions with global impact.

Equitable partnerships should also aim to focus on under-served areas. The development of curricula, training of faculty and improvement in infrastructure in rural areas are crucial in reforming the education system. While collaboration between Indian and foreign universities can improve access to education, collaboration also tends to enhance the quality of that education so that progress reaches everyone.

A shared responsibility

India’s journey towards becoming a global education superpower is not just a nation’s dream; it is and should be treated as a shared responsibility. It is only possible to address challenges such as capacity building, equitable partnership and research capacity where initiatives are fostered across borders.

The recent QS UK-India roundtable has cemented the foundations for meaningful and profound partnership that is sustainable, progressive and purposeful. Taking this dialogue forward, the upcoming QS India Summit 2025 in Goa will serve as a critical platform to transform these partnerships into action.

Under the theme “Creating equitable educational partnerships amid global uncertainties: India’s role in fostering innovation and research”, the summit will convene 400 university leaders and government representatives from around the world from 27-29 January. This gathering will focus on developing practical strategies to expand research capacity, drive innovation and build resilient, long-term collaborations that position India at the forefront of global higher education.

India is the world’s largest democracy and most populous nation. Investing in India’s education system is not just about empowering a single nation; it is an investment in the future of education across the world, a future where knowledge has no boundaries and where progress is truly a shared endeavour for shared prosperity.

Dr Ashwin Fernandes is executive director (Middle East, Africa and South Asia) at QS Quacquarelli Symonds and Amarjit Singh is the founder and CEO of the London-based India Business Group.

This article is a commentary. Commentary articles are the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of University World News.