Date : 21/09/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Keywords – G20, GIAN, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, GDP

Context

In this context, the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration reaffirmed a commitment to support academic collaboration and promote the mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists across research and higher education institutions. Cross-border educational partnerships and exchange programs have emerged as powerful tools for knowledge-based empowerment and for building soft power through cultural relations.

Benjamin Franklin once aptly said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." In today's interconnected world, nations have internalized this wisdom, recognizing that education is the cornerstone of progress and development. This sentiment is evident in global initiatives like UNESCO's mandate for member states to allocate a significant portion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or public expenditure to education. Moreover, groups of states like the G20, originally established to promote economic stability, now emphasize the pivotal role of education in fostering human capital and driving economic growth.

India and the US: A Flourishing Partnership

The growth of educational ties between India and the United States exemplifies the potential of such partnerships. First Lady Jill Biden, during Prime Minister Modi's historic state visit to the US, emphasized the centrality of education to the bond between the two nations. Notably, 750 faculty members from the US were already in India as part of a bilateral technology partnership. The PM stressed the need for a "pipeline of talent," recognizing that while the US boasts top-class educational institutions and advanced technologies, India is home to the world's largest youth population. This synergy between the two nations presents promising opportunities for further collaboration.

Addressing the Brain Drain Challenge:

Historically, India grappled with the issue of "brain drain" as a considerable number of its talented individuals emigrated to the US and other countries. This phenomenon negatively impacted India's domestic human capital formation. However, the establishment of major bilateral educational initiatives has transformed this trend. Initiatives like the US-India Knowledge Initiative on Agricultural Education and the Indo-US 21st Century Knowledge Initiative expanded cooperation between higher education institutions in both countries, covering areas such as climate change, food security, sustainable energy, and public health. These initiatives aimed not only at economic growth but also at fostering mutual understanding and educational reform.

Additionally, the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) by India, launched in 2015, facilitated exchanges between Indian higher education institutions and global experts, including those from the United States. The Fulbright-Nehru program played a pivotal role in enhancing academic and professional exchange between both nations, deepening India-US relations in the process.

A Resurgence in the 2020s:

The 2020s have witnessed a resurgence in joint educational activities between India and the US, driven by various factors. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of online learning, leading to the rapid rollout of e-learning products and services. India has become one of the largest markets for American edtech companies like Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity outside the US. Simultaneously, Indian edtech firms, such as Byju's, Simplilearn, Emeritus, and Scaler, have expanded their operations in the US and other markets. This competitive environment has the potential to mainstream cutting-edge learning solutions and elevate educational standards globally.

Unlocking Opportunities with National Education Policy 2020:

India's National Education Policy 2020, launched during the pandemic, has unlocked numerous possibilities for Indo-US education cooperation. Legislative frameworks are being established to allow foreign universities to open campuses in India, with a particular focus on attracting top-ranked universities globally. India has initiated dialogues with at least ten highly-ranked American universities and explored various joint academic programs with US institutions. Importantly, the idea of Indian universities operating in the US is also under consideration. A high-level India-US task force has recommended the establishment of dedicated offices within diplomatic outposts to assist global universities in setting up branch campuses in each other's countries, serving as models for globalizing curricula, pedagogy, and research.

A Focus on Skill Development:

The India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in April 2022 marked a significant milestone, highlighting the dynamic educational linkages between both countries. The formation of the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development shortly after reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate further. The Working Group's focus on skilling, technical and vocational education, and industry-academia interfaces aligns with the priorities outlined by PM Modi and President Biden, particularly in tech partnerships and emerging technologies.

Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

As the world approaches the midpoint for achieving the 2030 Agenda, there is a renewed global urgency to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This presents an opportune moment to scale up India-US research efforts aimed at implementing solutions for advancing the SDGs. Furthermore, international internships and apprenticeships can provide young researchers and practitioners with valuable opportunities to launch careers while contributing to national and global efforts.

Promoting Collaboration in Humanities and Social Sciences:

While India-US educational partnerships have predominantly focused on science and technology, there is a growing need to promote greater collaboration in the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. Amid the pursuit of technological prowess and scientific supremacy, it is essential not to overlook the cultural ties that bind the world's oldest and largest democracies.

Conclusion:

The partnership between India and the United States in the realm of education is evolving rapidly, driven by a shared commitment to knowledge-based empowerment and economic growth. The convergence of factors such as online learning, the National Education Policy 2020, and the emphasis on skill development has created a conducive environment for collaboration. By harnessing their strengths and fostering deeper educational ties, both nations can not only benefit each other but also contribute to global progress and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, nurturing collaborations in the humanities and social sciences can enrich the cultural fabric that binds these two democratic giants. In the pursuit of educational excellence, India and the US are poised to create a brighter future for their youth and the world at large.

Source – ORF