In a bid to strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the US, Ambassador Eric Garcetti is advocating for more American students to pursue studies in India. Speaking at the IC3 conference in Delhi, Garcetti emphasized that while India is the largest source of international students in the US, with over 1 million students, the reverse is not equally true.
Garcetti noted that more US students study in Costa Rica than in India, citing the Institute of International Education Open Doors Report 2020, which reported only 3,300 US students studied in India in 2018-2019, dropping to 1,736 in 2019-2020.
The ambassador, who has personal experience studying in India, highlighted the country’s rich cultural and educational offerings. “When I read many great religious, philosophical, historical texts of India, it changed my life and perspective,” he said. Garcetti aims to build a “human bridge” between the two nations through education.
To achieve this goal, Garcetti is promoting scholarships like Fulbright, which has benefited thousands of Indian students. He acknowledged the program’s impact on outbound student mobility, facilitating research collaborations in science, social sciences, medicine and history.
The Association of American Universities Task Force, launched in April 2023, aims to expand US-India university partnerships, fostering research collaboration, exchanges, internships and apprenticeships. This initiative is expected to create opportunities for students and faculty from both countries to work together on cutting-edge projects.
Additionally, EducationUSA, a government-funded organization, is helping Indian students study in the US by conducting sessions in multiple cities across India. These sessions provide valuable information on the differences between various types of universities, financial aid options, and campus mental health resources.
Furthermore, the prestigious Fulbright Scholarships continue to support thousands of Indian students in the US, enabling them to pursue higher education and research opportunities. This program has been instrumental in promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two nations.
As India surpasses China as the largest source of international students in the US, with over 140,000 study visas issued in 2023, education has become a vital factor in strengthening diplomatic relations. Garcetti’s efforts aim to create a more balanced exchange, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
In conclusion, Ambassador Garcetti’s initiative to increase study opportunities for American students in India marks a significant step in strengthening US-India relations.
