The Institute will coordinate activities such as academic research and scholarship, policy analysis and debate, and collaboration with corporate partners with the aim to provide an ‘overarching framework’ for the university’s engagement in India.

“Education and research are a central part of the bond between the UK and India”

The University has a long relationship with India, dating back to 1909 when the first cohort of Indian students arrived at Birmingham to study for degrees in Mining and Commerce.

This was highlighted at the launch ceremony by Lord Bilimoria, chancellor of the university, founding chairman of the UK-India business council, and committed supporter of international students.

“It makes me very proud to see that Birmingham has put its century-long bond with India even further with the launch of the University of Birmingham India Institute,” he said.

“Education and research are a central part of the bond between the UK, which has some of the best universities in the world, and India a global emerging economic superpower, which has some of the oldest.”

Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, Sir David Eastwood, and Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea at the launch ceremony.

The High Commissioner of India to the UK, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha said he hoped the India Institute will strengthen existing bonds to address “local and global” concerns through joint research.

The number of research collaborations between Birmingham and India has increased nearly threefold since 2012, said pro vice-chancellor (international) and interim director of the UBII Robin Mason.

Among the numerous research partnerships, a team of scientist from the university is taking part in a project in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to tackle the causes of pollution.

“From reducing the impact of refrigerated food distribution chains, to helping make India’s cities more sustainable cities, our researchers are forging links with their counterparts that will change millions of lives for the better,” said vice-chancellor Sir David Eastwood at the ceremony.

Asked whether the India Institute will also facilitate Birmingham’s TNE programs, a spokesperson of the university told The PIE News that apart from a Hindi-language MOOC on sports exercise and performance, there are “no explicit plans for TNE through the India institute.”

“But we will remain open to opportunities as they arise,” he said.