India, Germany launch higher education roadmap; PM Modi invites German universities to set up campuses

India and Germany on Monday announced a major expansion of cooperation in higher education, skilling, and student mobility as part of the India–Germany strategic partnership during Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India.

Leaders from both countries welcomed the launch of an ‘Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education’ to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited top German universities to set up campuses in India under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) to strengthen academic ties between the two countries,” the official joint statement said.

In addition, a joint declaration of intent was also signed to set up an Indo-German Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Renewable Energy. The centre will help develop courses, work with industries, and train instructors for both the Indian and German job markets, the joint statement added.

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Student exchanges, dual degrees

The two countries also agreed to increase German language teaching in India at schools, universities, and vocational training centres, strengthening their cultural and educational ties.

“Under the renewed bilateral ties, both countries stressed the need to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, including more opportunities for students, researchers, skilled workers, artists and youth to move between India and Germany,” the official joint statement added.

They acknowledged the increasing number of Indian students studying in Germany and highlighted the expanding network of collaborations and dual degree programmes between Indian and German educational institutions, the joint statement said.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued letters of Intent to 12 foreign universities to set up campuses in India.

According to the ministry’s data, Mumbai will have the highest number of foreign higher education institutions (FHEI) campuses, with six planned. Two campuses will be set up in Bengaluru, while Gurugram, Delhi-NCR, Greater Noida and Chennai will each get one campus.