WASHINGTON / INDIA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to work closely in education and research. They want to make it easier for students and universities from both countries to collaborate. As part of this, India has invited U.S. universities to set up campuses in India. They also plan to expand joint and dual degree programs.

More Opportunities for Students

Both leaders highlighted the contribution of over 300,000 Indian students studying in the U.S. These students add more than $8 billion to the American economy each year and create jobs. Modi and Trump agreed to increase educational partnerships, such as joint degree programs and U.S. university campuses in India.

Easier Student and Job Mobility

To help students and professionals move more easily between India and the U.S., both leaders discussed creating better legal pathways. They want to make it simpler and safer for skilled workers and students to travel and work in each country.

INDUS Innovation Bridge Launched

A new platform called INDUS Innovation Bridge was launched to boost research and industry ties between the two nations. This program will encourage investments in space, energy, and new technologies. It follows the success of INDUS-X, a project that brings together U.S. and Indian defense firms, investors, and universities to work on military technology. A major INDUS-X summit is planned for 2025.

Collaboration in Advanced Technologies

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and India’s Anusandhan National Research Foundation will work together on research in key fields like semiconductors, smart cars, artificial intelligence, and next-generation telecommunications. This builds on existing U.S.-India scientific partnerships to drive innovation.

With these new steps, India and the U.S. aim to create better educational opportunities and a stronger workforce for the future.