Indian Council of World Affairs

Friends! 

1.  It gives me immense pleasure to be here at the India-EU Workshop on Facilitating Student Mobility, a seminal event under the India-EU Common Agenda on Migration &Mobility (CAMM) Phase II organised under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the European Union. At the outset, I thank the collaborating partners, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), for their cooperative efforts in organising this event. 

2.  Today's discussion on international student mobility is both timely and highly relevant.The Government of India has rolled out the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020, a visionary document that sets out to achieve something never done before in India - echoing the words of the External Affairs Minister Dr.S Jaishankar that the NEP “champions ‘internationalisation’ by positioning India as a global player in education”.

3.  The ‘Internationalization’ aspect of the NEP 2020 envisions cross-cultural, cross-country exchange of students and faculty in the field of higher education that breeds informed, open-minded and knowledgeable Indian youth who have been exposed to centres of learning abroad, in addition to the much-valued Indian pedagogy. Internationalization in NEP comprises of three key elements:

1. Opening up campuses of premier foreign universities in India and of premier Indian universities abroad;
2. Attracting foreign students to come and study in India;
3. Facilitating the mobility of Indian students and faculty abroadto foreign academic institutions.

4.  NEP 2020 aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision which envisages India’s transformation into a fully developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of its independence. NEP encourages cross-border student exchanges, especially short-term mobility, not as a pathway for Indian students to settle abroad, but as an opportunity to gain global exposure. The government’s objective is for these students to return to India equipped with enhanced skills, knowledge, and perspectives, enabling them to actively contribute to nation-building and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, safely ensconced in their families at home.

5.  The number of international students worldwide has surged dramatically over the past two decades. As highlighted in the latest World Migration Report, India alone contributes approximately 5,08,000 international students, positioning itself at the forefront of significantly influencing global educational dynamics. Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students. Recent data shows that over 80,000 Indian students are currently pursuing their studies across European universities.[i]Indian students consistently rank among the top three nationalities applying to European institutions.

6.  However, the journey of student mobility is often accompanied by significant challenges. Indian students abroad frequently face issues such as adapting to different academic environments, cultural integration and loneliness, language barriers, and limited funding support. Navigating complex visa regulations and obtaining reliable information about courses, scholarships, and living conditions can also be daunting. Additionally, instances of discrimination and limited access to mental health support further complicate their experience. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that student mobility happens through safe and regular channels and remains a positive and enriching journey that ultimately benefits both the individual and respective nations.Recognizing this, the Government of India has actively pursued progressive bilateral partnerships with partner countries that cater to the evolving needs and aspirations of our young population.

7.  For a developing country like India, scholarships to meritorious and deserving students remains an area of focus. The Indian government provides various scholarships at the pre-departure stage to support educational aspirations of the Indian student. The National Overseas Scholarship, for example, offers financial assistance to students from socially marginalised and low-income backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education overseas. State governments are also playing a proactive role, as seen in Jharkhand's MarangGomkeJaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship introduced in 2021, which supports students from marginalised social communities to pursue their higher education in the UK.At the same time, we are grateful for the student scholarships offered by European academic institutions and agencies for the opportunities they provide to Indian students for global exposure.

8.  The Government of India prioritises the welfare of Indian students at the destination country through a robust support system led by Indian Missions and Posts abroad. Key initiatives include comprehensive grievance redressal mechanisms like the MADAD portal, which allows students to register and track grievances, ensuring swift governmental intervention. Missions actively engage with students through regular visits by Heads of Missions and senior officials, fostering a sense of support and connection. During crises, the government has demonstrated its commitment through repatriation efforts like the Vande Bharat Mission during Covid, Operation Ganga in Ukraine, and Operation Ajay in Israel, providing essential aid to distressed students. We thank the countries concerned for their cooperation in assisting with the evacuation process during times of crises. These measures underscore the Government’s dedication to ensuring safe, orderly, and well-supported student mobility.

9.  To conclude, the subject of international student mobility presents both opportunities and challenges that prompts further deliberation. Aligning with the work that we do at the Centre for Migration, Mobility and Diaspora Studies (CMMDS) in ICWA, today’s workshop has been strategically planned to provide a balanced perspective from both India and Europe, particularly focusing on India’s evolving strategy on education and the welfare of its student diaspora.

10.  Key topics that will be covered in today’s discussion include understanding the visionary focus on “internationalisation” under India’s National Education Policy (NEP), mutual recognition of degrees, methods to facilitate short-term mobility, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by both Indian students abroad and European universities in attracting Indian students. Additionally, we will explore the role of educational consultants, a growing service industry in India, which plays a vital role in raising awareness of opportunities abroad and how their expertise can also be leveraged to enhance international student mobility to India. We have carefully curated an exceptional panel of speakers to share insights on these critical issues, ensuring a comprehensive and meaningful dialogue.

11.  This workshop is a step towards achieving the shared goals of both India and EU ensuring that student mobility is a mutually beneficial process that contributes to further strengthening of ties between India and the EU Member States and to the socio-economic development of the countries concerned.

Thank you!

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[i] Ministry of External Affairs, https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/CPV/lu3820-1-mar-25-22.pdf