PM Modi, Keir Starmer Announce Opening of Nine British University Campuses in India

October 9, 2025

Mumbai: In a landmark step to deepen educational cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the opening of nine British university campuses in India, including institutions such as the University of Southampton, University of Surrey, and University of Lancaster.

The announcement came during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is in India on a two-day visit, accompanied by the largest-ever UK trade delegation.

“The Gurugram campus of Southampton University has already been inaugurated, with the first cohort of students now enrolled,” PM Modi said after high-level talks at Raj Bhavan. He added that three more campuses are being prepared in Gujarat’s GIFT City.

UK Universities Expanding in India

Confirming approvals, PM Starmer said, “The demand for the best quality higher education is very high. So, I am really pleased to announce that more British universities will be setting up campuses in India, making Britain India’s leading international provider of higher education and delivering on our vision 2035.”

Starmer highlighted that India currently has 40 million students in universities, while 70 million places will be needed by 2035, presenting a major opportunity for UK institutions.

Boost for Students and Economy

The UK Prime Minister noted that these campuses will allow Indian students to earn UK degrees without leaving home, while also boosting Britain’s economy. “I’m delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future—strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home,” he said.

Part of Broader India-UK Partnership

Officials said the initiative is aligned with the goals of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and will promote research, innovation, and academic exchange between the two countries. The move is expected to benefit both students and professionals, while cementing India-UK relations in education and knowledge-sharing.