A high-level delegation from Johns Hopkins University (JHU), led by President Ronald J. Daniels, visited India to explore expanding academic and research partnerships, including the possibility of establishing an offshore JHU campus in the country. The delegation, which also included notable Indian-origin faculty and administrators, met with India's Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, to discuss these initiatives.
The meeting took place in New Delhi and was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Department of Higher Education. Pradhan emphasized the transformative potential of India’s National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which he believes can facilitate such global collaborations. He also acknowledged JHU’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in cutting-edge fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
Pradhan remarked, "These collaborations can foster innovation and entrepreneurship in both countries. Joint degree programs, increased mobility for students and faculty, and research partnerships will enhance knowledge exchange."
The meeting underscored the growing significance of India-US educational cooperation. As part of their visit, the JHU delegation plans to tour multiple Indian cities, visit university campuses, and engage with government officials, academic leaders, and embassy representatives to strengthen their presence in India and contribute to its internationalization efforts.
The 12-member delegation featured key JHU leaders, including Fritz W. Schroeder, Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations; Alexander Triantis, Dean of the Carey Business School; and Judd Walson, Chair of the Department of International Health at the Bloomberg School. Indian-origin faculty members like Amita Gupta, co-founder of the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) and Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Mathuram Santosham, Professor of Pediatrics and International Health, were also involved.
Prominent members of GKII’s advisory board, including philanthropists Raj and Kamla Gupta, Deepak Raj, Kunal Pal, and Neetisha Besra, were present to highlight the institute’s efforts to connect the JHU community with Indian partners across research, education, policy, and practice.
The meeting reflects India’s growing status as a global hub for academic collaboration, with Pradhan emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in education. The proposed JHU campus in India represents a major step toward further strengthening India’s position in the global knowledge economy.