Building successful partnerships between Indian and international universities requires patience, clear goals, and a willingness to navigate challenges. Meena Saxena, director of International Linkages at NMIMS, emphasized in a conference at THE PIE in Mumbai, that these relationships will never be equal from the start, but rather evolve over time through mutual understanding and benefit. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” she said. She emphasized that institutions must have a clear value proposition and be willing to give and take in the partnership. Starting small, with initiatives like guest lectures and dual degree programs can help build trust and lay the groundwork for more substantial collaborations.
The discussion highlighted the importance of faculty involvement, communication and flexibility in building partnerships. Sagar Bahadur, Executive Director of Acumen’s India and South Asia operations, noted that the National Education Policy has brought a clearer framework for international collaborations, leading to discussions around joint degrees and campuses in India.
Brunel University’s deputy Vice Chancellor, Jonathan Wastling, shared the institution’s success story in India, with Indian students making up the largest proportion of international students. However, he acknowledged the challenge of translating interest into tangible outcomes.
Coventry University’s regional managing director, Leena Arora Kukreja, emphasized the need for multiple touchpoints between universities, including periodic visits and meetings between vice chancellors to explore funding opportunities.
Funding emerged as a significant challenge, with Saxena highlighting the importance of securing funds from organizations like the British Council and Erasmus. Wastling stressed the need for institutions to “get their house in order” by understanding research aspirations, choosing partners, and developing a network.
The National Education Policy has brought a clearer framework for international collaborations, leading to discussions around joint degrees and campuses in India. However, institutions must be willing to give and take in the partnership, starting small and building trust over time. The panel concluded that partnerships between Indian and international universities hold immense potential, but require effort, patience, and a willingness to navigate challenges.
As India becomes a hub for international education, universities must be patient and flexible in building partnerships. By working together, institutions can raise their profile, drive research, and create opportunities for students and faculty.