Mumbai / New Delhi, October 9, 2025 — In a landmark move highlighting the deepening ties between India and the United Kingdom, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer jointly announced that nine British universities will establish full-fledged campuses across India. The initiative is part of a broader educational and economic cooperation, reinforcing both countries’ shared ambition under the Vision 2035 / Comprehensive Strategic Partnership roadmap.
What is being rolled out
- The announcement was made during PM Starmer’s official visit to Mumbai, where education was a central pillar of discussions.
- Already, the University of Southampton has inaugurated its campus in Gurugram (Haryana), enrolling its first cohort of students.
- Other UK institutions that have received Letters of Intent (LoIs) or are in advanced stages of approval include the University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Liverpool, and University of Bristol.
- Some campuses will be set up in major Indian cities; a proposed International Education City near Navi Mumbai’s new airport is among the hubs being considered.
What this means for India-UK relations
This educational expansion marks more than just academic cooperation—it adds a new dimension to bilateral relations. As PM Modi remarked, “new dimensions are being added” to India-UK ties through this move.
The move complements ongoing trade agreements, defence cooperation, technology partnerships, and people-to-people ties under their mutual strategic plans. It helps both nations leverage strengths: India’s large young population eager for education and the UK’s reputation in higher education and research.
🎓 Career Varta Takeaway: India–UK Relations Boost Education Ties
World-Class UK Universities Coming to India!
In a historic step, nine top British universities are set to open campuses across India — bringing world-class education right to Indian students’ doorsteps. 🇮🇳🤝🇬🇧
📍 Highlights:
- University of Southampton has already opened its Gurugram campus.
- Others like University of York, Aberdeen, Liverpool, and Bristol to follow soon.
- First batch admissions expected by 2026.
- Part of India–UK Vision 2035 Strategic Partnership.
- Aligns with NEP 2020 to make India a global education hub.
