Opinion | Strengthening Ties: The Future Of US-India Collaboration In Higher Education

Last Updated:May 22, 2025, 08:56 IST

The United States and India have been strengthening their educational and research partnerships, recognising the mutual benefits of collaboration in higher education.

For Indian students, San José State University in California has become an increasingly attractive destination, especially after its recent designation as an R2 research university. (File Image)

In the 2023–2024 academic year, the United States hosted a record 331,602 Indian students, marking a 23 per cent increase from the previous year. This surge positioned India as the top source of international students in the US, surpassing China for the first time since 2009. The majority of these students pursued graduate-level programs, particularly in STEM fields such as computer science and engineering.

In February, the Carnegie Classifications announced the 2025 Research Activity Designations, categorising US doctoral universities based on their research spending and doctorate production. These classifications provide a transparent framework to recognise universities’ research capacities and contributions, aiding stakeholders in understanding the research landscape of higher education institutions. In addition, they reflect a university’s research capacity, influence funding opportunities, enhance institutional prestige, and help attract top-tier faculty, students, and research partnerships.

The R1 classification denotes institutions with very high research activity, requiring an average annual research and development (R&D) expenditure of at least $50 million and the awarding of 70 or more research doctorates. Some R1 universities include Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and University of California, Berkeley.

The R2 classification signifies high research activity, with institutions spending at least $5 million annually on R&D and awarding 20 or more research doctorates. R2 institutions include San José State University, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Georgia Southern University.

California has long been a leader in education in the United States, known for its diverse and innovative academic landscape, world-class research institutions, and strong ties to industries like technology, entertainment, and business. Within this dynamic educational environment, San José State University (SJSU) stands apart as a unique institution. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU offers unparalleled access to the tech industry’s top companies, providing students with unmatched internship and employment opportunities. Its recent recognition as an R2 research university further solidifies its role as a hub for academic excellence, with a growing focus on research and innovation. Combining high-quality, affordable education with a strong emphasis on practical skills, SJSU sets itself apart as a forward-thinking institution in one of the most exciting and competitive regions for higher education in the US.

What does this R2 designation mean for current and for prospective international students from India? SJSU is now officially classified as a research university, and is now considered a national university, elevating its standing beyond that of a regional institution. This elevation in classification carries significant weight on the global academic stage and provides students with even more hands-on research opportunities.

For Indian students, San José State University in California has become an increasingly attractive destination, especially after its recent designation as an R2 research university. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU offers unparalleled proximity to leading tech companies and startups, providing abundant internship and job opportunities in fields like computer science, engineering, and business.

Alongside other respected R2 institutions such as the University of Texas at San Antonio, Georgia Southern University, and Cleveland State University, SJSU stands out for its strong research output, affordable tuition, and supportive environment for international students. With a growing reputation for academic excellence and career readiness, it offers Indian students a valuable gateway to world-class education and global professional opportunities.

The United States and India have been strengthening their educational and research partnerships, recognising the mutual benefits of collaboration in higher education. Initiatives like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship Program have facilitated academic exchanges and joint research projects, fostering deeper ties between institutions of both countries. Additionally, programs such as Partnership 2020 have cataloged and supported numerous university-to-university collaborations, providing grants to US colleges and universities to expand partnerships with Indian counterparts. These efforts aim to enhance academic cooperation, promote innovation, and address global challenges through shared knowledge and resources. As both nations continue to invest in these partnerships, they pave the way for a more interconnected and collaborative global academic community.

Most Indian students head to the US aiming to secure a job after studying. They will find the Bay Area in California offers an ideal environment. Home to Silicon Valley, the region is filled with top companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and countless startups that actively recruit skilled graduates, particularly in STEM fields. The Bay Area’s strong job market, vibrant Indian community, and numerous internship and networking opportunities make it especially appealing for those seeking to build a successful career in the US. For ambitious Indian students, studying at a university in this region not only provides a quality education but also direct access to one of the most dynamic employment landscapes in the world.

Rajesh Mehta is an international affairs expert working on areas like Market Entry, Innovation and Public Policy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.

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News opinion Opinion | Strengthening Ties: The Future Of US-India Collaboration In Higher Education



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