The IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi campus and the IIT-Madras Zanzibar campus underscore this commitment, PM Modi says
The government is committed to the internationalisation of the country’s educational institutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on a day that he met students from the first batch of the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi Campus.
 
Ahead of the interaction which took place on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) during his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Modi shared the link to an article by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a post on social media platform X. Through the post, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to internationalisation goals as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
 
Prime Minister Modi emphasized, "Our government is committed to the internationalisation goals for our educational institutions, as outlined under the NEP. The IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi campus and the IIT-Madras Zanzibar campus underscore this commitment." This declaration is a proactive approach to establish Indian institutions as global education powerhouses.
 
The NEP, a landmark reform in India's educational landscape, aims to revamp and reinvigorate the entire spectrum of education from the foundational levels to higher education. One of its pivotal goals is to internationalise Indian education, making it globally competitive and ensuring that Indian institutions are recognized worldwide for excellence.
 
The establishment of overseas campuses by premier institutions like IIT-Delhi and IIT-Madras serves as follows India’s goal of expanding educational diplomacy and its vision to make Indian education a global brand.
 
The Delhi–Abu Dhabi Campus is the second IIT branch to open in another country. The opening of a campus of IIT Delhi in the UAE was envisioned by the leadership of the countries in February 2022. The first academic program - a Masters in Energy Transition and Sustainability - commenced in January this year.
 
The IIT Madras-Zanzibar campus was launched last year. It was formally inaugurated by Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi on November 6, 2023. Classes had commenced from a temporary campus a month earlier, in October 2023, with the first batch of about 50 students.
 
 
Union Education Minister Pradhan, in his op-ed, elaborates on the government's strategy to achieve these internationalisation goals. He outlines the significance of collaborating globally, encouraging student and faculty exchanges, and establishing Indian campuses abroad as key steps towards integrating Indian education into the global ecosystem.
 
The move to internationalise Indian education is expected to open numerous avenues for students and educators alike. It aims to attract international students to India, thereby promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among diverse student communities. Furthermore, it is anticipated to provide Indian students with global exposure and opportunities, preparing them to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.
 
The government's efforts towards internationalising the education sector are a part of its broader vision to transform India into a vibrant knowledge economy. By prioritizing education as a tool for development and international cooperation, India is expected to make significant contributions to global education, research, and innovation.
 
As India continues on this path of educational reform and internationalisation, the world watches closely, anticipating the emergence of an Indian education system that is not only rooted in its rich heritage but is also vibrant, inclusive, and globally esteemed.