New Delhi. ; In a historic development for higher education, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have announced that nine leading British universities will set up campuses in India — a move set to redefine international education collaboration between the two nations.
The announcement was made during PM Starmer’s first official visit to India (October 8–9), which also saw the largest-ever UK education delegation accompanying him. The initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, offering Indian students world-class learning opportunities without leaving the country.
Historic Milestone in Higher Education
Among the nine universities, the University of Southampton has already inaugurated its Gurugram campus, with the first batch of students enrolled. The University of Bristol has received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to open its Enterprise Campus in Mumbai, which will begin admissions in summer 2026.
This landmark collaboration is expected to expand access to global-standard education, foster joint research initiatives, and strengthen academia–industry partnerships that promote innovation and skill development.
List of UK Universities Establishing Campuses in India
- University of Southampton – Gurugram (Campus operational)
- University of Liverpool – Bangalore
- University of York – Mumbai
- University of Aberdeen – Mumbai
- University of Bristol – Mumbai
(Four additional UK institutions are expected to announce their India campuses soon.)
Vision 2035: A Roadmap for the Future
The India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap, adopted during PM Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2025, aims to deepen cooperation across education, research, innovation, technology, and skills. The joint initiative focuses on:
- Providing Indian students with access to global-quality education within India.
- Encouraging collaborative research between Indian and UK universities.
- Strengthening academia–industry linkages for skill and innovation growth.
A Broader Strategic Partnership
During the two-day visit, both leaders reviewed the progress of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The newly signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is also expected to reduce import costs, create new employment opportunities, and enhance trade and investment between the two nations.
With these developments, India and the UK are entering a new era of educational and economic cooperation, paving the way for innovation-driven growth and stronger people-to-people connections.
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