Latest news with #ComprehensiveStrategicPartnership
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
How NEP facilitated a UK-India partnership
In July 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set out a new vision for education in India, the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). This visionary framework for the very first time identified internationalisation of education as a national priority and invited the world to collaborate and co-create with India's thriving higher education ecosystem. Provisions for foreign university campuses, joint and dual degrees, credit transfers, and an increased focus on research and innovation aim to propel India towards becoming one of the world's leading knowledge economies. Almost exactly five years on, India is celebrating five years of the National Education Policy in action and India and the UK have prioritised education in our refreshed and forward-looking Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Last week in the UK, Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Modi set out a vision for 2035 that will build on our already strong education and skills partnership, nurturing the next generation of global talent, creating opportunities for cross cultural learning and accelerating our cooperation and ambition through an annual strategic education dialogue. And the future of our education partnership is already clear to see, with the opportunity to access the UK's world-class education growing right here in India. In July, the University of Southampton became the first foreign university to open a comprehensive branch campus in India under the University Grants Commission regulations. We were delighted to attend the opening ceremony in Gurugram along with dignitaries from the Government of India and the University of Southampton. But it was among students that the excitement was most palpable – one told us that she was delighted to have the chance to attend a UK university without having to travel thousands of miles from her family. It is students like her that this partnership benefits most. This is an important milestone in the UK-India relationship, which has been made possible by the NEP, the UGC regulations and the UK and India's shared commitment to internationalisation, inclusion and innovation. And with four other UK universities set to follow Southampton's lead and open campuses in India next year, and two more set to launch soon in GIFT City, this excitement is continuing to grow. With some of the UK's best universities bringing their brands to India, thousands of bright Indian students will have new opportunities to gain the global skills that India's fast-growing economy needs. These students will be the pillars of India's knowledge economy and integral to the achievement of the vision of Viksit Bharat. But these university openings are just one strand in the golden thread of people-to-people connections linking the UK and India. For decades, British and Indian students have travelled to each other's countries, enriching our living bridge and playing their important part in our vibrant research, education and skills partnership. In the UK, we are proud to celebrate our 1.9 million strong Indian diaspora. Their contributions to the arts, language, culture, food, sports and everything else have been felt in towns and cities across the UK. We are at an inflection point in transnational education. Together, both countries are shaping a future-ready, equitable and innovative model of transnational education that prioritises access, quality, and cross-cultural exchange. UK campuses in India are only one part of the story: More India-UK joint and dual degrees, centres of excellence with industry, and science and research hubs are joining the thriving Indian higher education ecosystem. All this creates greater opportunities for young people, including for British students to spend time studying in India. The bespoke Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), a visa scheme which allows young Indian and British graduates to live, study, travel and work in the other country for up to two years, is also an enabler of that. The timing of our commitment to deepen our educational partnership could not be more important. In a world of geopolitical, geo-economic and technological shifts, and greater demand for higher education, it is crucial that our education systems evolve to drive innovation and build a skilled and forward-looking talent pool, ready to address global challenges and contribute to a safe and sustainable future for all. That is why the UK and India's intellectual partnership will build on the strong foundations of the first five years of progress we have seen under the NEP. We will be responsive to emerging opportunities, adapt to the rapid advancement of technology, and strengthen our collaboration. And we hope to see universities continuing to partner to align their curricula, processes, and support systems to meet students' international aspirations. As the NEP shows, regulations, when thoughtfully crafted and consistently implemented, can be powerful enablers of international learning. India and the UK are collaborating to build institutions that can foster a generation of globally minded, socially conscious leaders equipped to tackle complex transnational challenges. Education is the foundation on which economies grow, and where innovations that create the opportunities of the future are shaped. The UK and India will continue to nurture the next generation of talent through our global education and skills partnership – and we are excited to see what the next five years of the NEP will bring. Lindy Cameron is British high commissioner to India and Alison Barrett is country director, British Council India. The views expressed are personal.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Indian diaspora greets PM Modi on arrival in London
The Indian community in London welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a grand reception as he arrived in UK on Wednesday evening for a historic two-day visit that centres around the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and refresh of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Members of the Indian diaspora carried several posters welcoming PM Modi with chants of 'Modi, Modi', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' and danced in traditional outfits as Prime Minister Modi arrived at his hotel in London. "Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India's progress is truly heartening," PM Modi wrote on social media platform X. Earlier, artists dressed in traditional outfits played dhol ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in London. Speaking with enthusiasm and excitement on meeting PM Modi, a member of the Indian diaspora told IANS, "We are so proud, and I am still in tears. You can see that my eyes are still filled with the happiness and joy he (PM Modi) brought while shaking our hands." Another member of the Indian diaspora while speaking to IANS said, "I felt extremely happy meeting PM Modi for the first time and my entire day felt worthwhile. The initiatives PM Modi has taken for India such as digitisation, the recent success of Operation Sindoor etc. The whole credit for such initiatives goes to PM Modi and his Cabinet. The energy PM Modi carries wherever he goes people are crazy to meet him. I feel extremely proud whenever I return back home." An Indian community member told IANS: "The aura I witnessed was simply amazing. I never expected him to have such a powerful presence as he (PM Modi) looked like a saint to me. That is why people like PM Modi a lot." Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi walk in the grounds at Chequers near Aylesbury, England, on Thursday. AP Another member of the Indian diaspora told IANS, "It felt really great, just like every time PM Modi comes, he always does something good here. He strengthens the UK-India bond and brings positivity. I have great hope this time as well as PM Modi will achieve something great for India." Another Indian diaspora member said, "He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is an amazing person, and I am so glad I met him today. I feel so inspired from PM Modi." The Prime Minister's visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23-24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country. "Leaving for the UK, a country with which our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has achieved significant momentum in the last few years. I look forward to my talks with PM Keir Starmer and my meeting with His Majesty King Charles III," PM Modi said on X as he emplaned for the UK. "During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties," the Ministry of External Affairs said in its press statement. The discussions will also touch upon regional and global developments of mutual concern. The visit is expected to inject new momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with both leaders aiming to review progress and chart new areas of cooperation, including India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). PM Modi is also likely to call on King Charles III during his stay. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit builds on frequent high-level engagement between the two countries. PM Modi and his UK counterpart Starmer have already met twice – in Brazil during the G20 Summit and again at the G7 in June 2025 – and held multiple phone conversations. Indo-Asian News Service
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Indian PM Modi emplanes for Maldives after concluding UK visit; to attend Independence Day celebrations
London: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday departed for the Maldives from the UK after the conclusion of the first leg of his two-nation visit. The Prime Minister will undertake a state visit to the island nation from July 25 to July 26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. During his visit, the Prime Minister will be partaking in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the Guest of Honour. He is also visiting on the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. "A landmark visit to UK concludes, elevating the India-UK trade and economic ties to new heights. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for the second leg of his tour--Maldives," the Ministry of External Affairs stated on X. The visit came following the PM's engagements in the UK, where he oversaw the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. During his visit to the UK from July 23 to July 24, Prime Minister Modi met with his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, at Chequers, the country residence of the Prime Minister. The two PMs also welcomed the signing of the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which raised the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. The deal significantly enhanced bilateral trade, investment, economic collaborations and job creation in both economies. The two sides also agreed to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention, which will come into effect along with the CETA and will facilitate professionals and the service industry in both countries by promoting competitiveness and reducing the cost of doing business for commercial entities. The two leaders also reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship and adopted the India-UK Vision 2035. The Vision 2035 infuses greater ambition and renewed momentum into the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by steering the relationship for the next ten years in key areas of economy and growth, technology, innovation, research and education, defence and security, climate action, health and people-to-people ties. The two leaders also welcomed the finalisation of a Defence Industrial Roadmap to promote collaboration in the co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products, aiming to meet the growing demand in both countries as well as for the global market. They also expressed satisfaction with the growing collaboration in new and emerging technologies and called for the accelerated implementation of the Technology and Security Initiative (TSI), which completed one year today. The initiative focuses on telecom, critical minerals, AI, biotechnology and health technology, semiconductors, advanced materials, and quantum. The two Prime Ministers also welcomed the growing partnership between India and the UK in the education sector, with six UK universities working to open campuses in India under the New Education Policy (NEP). Southampton University, which opened its campus in Gurugram, is the first foreign university to open its campus in India under the NEP. Prime Minister Modi also thanked Prime Minister Starmer for his strong support and solidarity extended to the people of India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, while noting that extremism and radicalisation pose a threat to both societies. Prime Minister Modi also sought the UK's cooperation in bringing to justice economic offenders and fugitives who had fled India to escape legal proceedings against them. The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. PM Modi further invited his UK counterpart to visit India at the earliest convenience. Following his meeting with Starmer, the Prime Minister met with King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in England and discussed bilateral issues and progress between the two nations. He also presented a sapling to the King to be planted in Sandringham Estate in autumn as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the MEA stated.
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
‘Modi is my living god': Woman gets emotional during Prime Minister's visit to UK
A woman got emotional after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the UK. Speaking to the media, the woman said, 'He is my living god. I am blessed to have his 'darshan'. I thank the people of India for re-electing him.' PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to the UK with the focus on bilateral ties in defence, trade, and technology. The India-UK free trade deal has also been finalised during his trip. Following the finalisation of the trade deal, PM Modi announced that India and the UK have entered a new phase of economic partnership with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention during his meeting with UK PM Meir Starmer. He highlighted that the agreement has the potential to boost trade and investment between the two countries. "Together, we are laying the foundation stone of a new history. We are meeting for the third time this year. I consider this very significant. The UK and India are natural partners. Today marks a historic day in our relations. This will pave a very strong path for the future generations of India and the UK. This is adding a new chapter in business and trade," PM Modi said. In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, 'The talks with PM Keir Starmer were outstanding, particularly in the wake of the successful signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In addition to economic cooperation, this agreement sets the stage for boosting shared prosperity.' He further added, 'Exquisite Indian textile products, footwear, gems and jewellery and engineering goods will gain market access to the UK. The opportunities for agricultural products and processed foods will also get an impetus. All of this will benefit our people, especially farmers, women, youngsters, fishermen and MSMEs. The Agreement will boost 'Ease of Doing Business', reduce 'Cost of Doing Business' and enhance 'Confidence of Doing Business'. Investment linkages are all set to get more vigour.' PM Modi announced the launch of Vision 2035, a plan to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across defence, education, semiconductors, sustainable development, and people-to-people connections. "It's equally gladdening that we've released Vision 2035 to deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will focus on sectors like defence, education, people-to-people ties, semiconductors and sustainable development," he said. Additionally, he thanked the UK PM's condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. "My gratitude to PM Keir Starmer for the strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We also agree that extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms. Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account," he wrote.
Malaysia Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
"India-UK Vision 2035 infuses fresh ambition to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership": EAM Jaishankar
London [UK] July 24 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the India-UK Vision 2035 announced today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will redefine the partnership between India and the UK. Jaishankar said that the India-UK Vision 2035 will provide fresh ambition to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, he said, 'The India-UK Vision 2035 announced today by PM Narendra Modi & PM Keir Starmer will redefine the partnership and make our ties future ready. It infuses fresh ambition to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership encompassing all sectors. The vision will guide our relations to be stronger, deeper and more beneficial for both our peoples.' Earlier in the day, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that India and the UK launched the India-UK Vision 2035 strategy to build on their partnership. 'The step-up in the relationship we discussed in the autumn of last year, and that's why alongside this trade deal, I am delighted that we are building on our partnership by launching India-UK vision 2035 strategy pledging to work more closely on areas such as defence, migration, climate, education and health,' he said. Starmer pledged to continue work on the Technology Security Initiative, enhancing opportunities for both countries. 'We will also build on the fantastic work we already do in technology and innovation, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the landmark Technology Security Initiative. Making the most of the opportunities it represents for both of our countries,' he said. Jaishankar also hailed the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a momentous development. Jaishankar said that the agreement will stabilise global trade at a time of volatility. In a post on X, he said, 'The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed today is a momentous development. CETA will deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and impart a new energy to our exchanges. It will also help stabilise global trade at a time of volatility. Truly a watershed in our ties.' (ANI)
