India-UK strengthen education ties

New Delhi, Oct 9: India and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening educational, cultural, and youth exchanges, highlighting their importance in shaping the future of bilateral relations.

Education took centre stage during the talks.

The University of Southampton admitted its first cohort of Indian students to its Gurugram campus, while the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued Letters of Intent for the Indian branches of the University of Liverpool, University of York, University of Aberdeen, and University of Bristol.

Queens University Belfast and Coventry University are also approved to open campuses in GIFT City. Indian authorities handed over the LoI for Lancaster University’s Bengaluru campus and granted in-principle approval for the University of Surrey in GIFT City.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP), noting progress in curbing irregular migration and pledging continued cooperation in this area.

Both leaders recognised the Indian diaspora in the UK as a vital bridge between the two nations, praising its contribution to economic, cultural, and societal ties.

They also highlighted the potential of the UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation to foster collaboration in Culture, Creative Industries, Arts, Tourism, and Sports, bringing together talent from both countries.