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In a significant step towards fostering international academic collaborations, the Indian government is in discussions to establish an offshore campus of Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in the country. Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, met with a high-level 12-member delegation from the United States, led by JHU President Ronald J. Daniels, to deliberate on the initiative.
The delegation also included representatives from the Gupta Klinsky India Institute (GKII), an internal unit of JHU focused on enhancing partnerships with Indian institutions through research, education, policy, and practical initiatives.
Leveraging NEP 2020 for Global Collaboration
During the meeting, Minister Pradhan emphasized the opportunities presented by the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which has enabled India to open its doors to leading global institutions. He highlighted how academic collaborations like this align with India’s vision of advancing its education sector through knowledge exchange and innovation.
Pradhan commended JHU’s commitment to building partnerships with Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and fostering a global academic exchange. He noted that the proposed campus could facilitate dual and joint degree programs, student and faculty mobility, and cutting-edge research in fields like data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and other futuristic technologies.
“These collaborations have the potential to spur innovation and entrepreneurship among students in both nations,” said Pradhan, stressing the broader impact of the initiative on India’s academic and technological landscape.
Strengthening India-US Educational Ties
The Ministry of Education described the discussions as a reflection of the growing importance of India-US educational cooperation. The JHU delegation’s visit includes tours of Indian university campuses, meetings with government officials, and interactions with academic leaders to strengthen JHU’s operations in India and boost internationalisation efforts.
Key participants in the discussion included prominent Indian-origin faculty from JHU, such as Dr. Mathuram Santosham, Professor of Paediatrics and International Health, and Dr. Chirag Parikh, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Nephrology. Members of the GKII advisory board, including Raj and Kamla Gupta, Deepak Raj, Kunal Pal, and Neetisha Besra, were also present.
Advancing Research and Innovation
The proposed collaboration aims to create a platform for robust academic and research partnerships between JHU and premier Indian institutions. Specific areas of focus include emerging technologies, interdisciplinary research, and capacity-building initiatives to nurture talent in both countries.
The establishment of an offshore JHU campus aligns with India’s strategic goals to elevate its global standing in higher education and research, while also serving as a bridge for deeper Indo-US relations in the academic sphere.
As JHU’s delegation continues its multi-city tour, the initiative signals a transformative phase in India’s efforts to become a global hub for education and innovation.
