Chanakya Policy & Research Foundation

In the past India was predominately perceived as a developing nation, but in contemporary times, the scenario has changed taking into consideration the transition in India’s foreign policy. The country is charting a new course for itself in the regional and global economic and political landscape. In the 21^st century, educational diplomacy has emerged as a crucial tool in shaping global narratives, and as a leader of the Global South India has been working rapidly to position itself as a frontrunner in this arena.

Education, as a powerful tool for transformation, has always been central to India’s engagement with the Global South. Rooted in its historical advocacy for newly independent nations during the era of the Non-Aligned Movement, India’s educational diplomacy aims to foster capacity building, skill development, and knowledge exchange among its partner nations. This proactive approach is epitomized by initiatives like the Global South Scholarships and the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for the Global South, which signify India’s dedication to nurturing human potential and advancing mutual prosperity.

Within the South Asian region, India’s educational cooperation under the SAARC framework further underscores its commitment to regional development. Through programs designed to support students, researchers, and professionals, India has provided scholarships, facilitated technical training, and established educational institutions across South Asia. For instance, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program has played a fundamental role in building capacities and enhancing skill development across varied sectors. These efforts reflect India’s vision of shared growth and underscore the country’s aspiration to position education as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation.

India’s broader educational diplomacy is equally impressive, with extensive partnerships across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. When we talk about Africa, India has traditionally prioritized education cooperation as a key pillar of their relationship. In history, Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized the importance of education and laid the foundation for India’s educational outreach to Africa, which has only grown stronger over the years. After Nehru, successive Indian leaders continued to support Africa’s academic needs. For instance, during the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-3), India pledged 50,000 scholarships for African students to study in India. A significant milestone in this partnership came with the Pan-African e-Network Project (PANEP), initiated by former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Additionally, in July 2023 IIT-Madras signed an MoU with the government of Zanzibar to set up the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside India (in Tanzania) marking a significant milestone. Currently, about 25,000 African students are enrolled in 500 Indian universities, pursuing degrees in diverse disciplines such as sciences, law, medicine, and agriculture.

Cultural diplomacy further amplifies the reach and impact of India’s educational exchanges. India’s rich cultural heritage—encompassing yoga, traditional medicine, cuisine, and arts—serves as a medium of soft power that fosters deeper academic and cultural integration. Language promotion, including the teaching of Hindi and Sanskrit, also helps strengthen the bonds between India and its partner nations. These efforts reflect India’s recognition of education as a multidimensional instrument for fostering solidarity and mutual respect.

In recent years, India has also tried to create an education system that connects with the world, going beyond simply inviting top global institutions to set up campuses in the country. The focus is on the “Internationalisation at Home” principle, as highlighted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This strategy enhances the experience for international students by allowing them to engage deeply with local life and traditions, while also building important intercultural skills. The NEP 2020 also supports the development of diversified curricula, robust student support systems, and inclusive institutional infrastructure. This initiative fosters a powerful alumni network that bolsters India’s educational diplomacy and enhances cultural and academic ties across borders, ensuring lasting connections even after the students graduate.

Educational exchanges are also being reimagined by embracing the power of technology and digital platforms. Initiatives like e-Vidya Bharti and e-Aarogya Bharti stand out as shining examples of how India is reaching out to provide online education and health training for African students through ICT. This model removes distance barriers and infrastructure obstacles to reach areas as remote as possible with Indian initiatives for education.

The multi-directional foreign policy of India is indicative of the country’s commitment to a holistic approach to the Global South. For instance, through the announced initiatives such as the ‘Global South Science and Technology Initiative’ and the ‘Global South Young Diplomats Forum’, it becomes evident that the country has stepped into a new light. These initiative enable the development of young leaders and innovators by providing them access to quality education, research opportunities, and technological resources. Through a human-centric development approach, India is becoming a committed collaborator for collective growth and sustainable progress.

From a theoretical perspective, India’s educational exchanges with the Global South can be analyzed through liberal and constructivist frameworks. The liberal perspective highlights India’s efforts to foster collaboration, mutual benefit, and inclusivity through capacity-building programs and knowledge sharing. Meanwhile, the constructivist viewpoint underscores the shared historical experiences and cultural affinities that guide India’s educational diplomacy. These frameworks reflect India’s belief in a multipolar world order where developing nations have a stronger voice and greater agency in global affairs.

However, India’s educational engagement is significantly challenged by China’s growing influence in the global south. China has strategically enhanced its soft power by providing scholarships, establishing Confucius Institutes, and building educational infrastructure in Africa and Southeast Asia under the BRI initiative. According to China Daily, Beijing offers approximately 50,000 government scholarships to students from the Global South every year while training their policymakers. Chinese Universities are also gaining a lot of recognition, attracting students with advanced technology and STEM-focused programs acting as a cherry on the cake. As of 2023, there are approximately 15 Chinese schools across all African countries. This expansion not only strengthens China’s ties with countries of the global south but also allows it to embed its influence in key policy-making circles through education.

Although India’s e-governance initiatives are praiseworthy in bridging infrastructure hurdles to impart educational and health services, it is evident that China has outpaced India in the development of ICT capacity comprehensively. For example, the Pan-African e-Network from China integrates telemedicine services with online education. In this sense, one speaks of a much more holistic approach. Additionally, Chinese schools and universities have been quick to adopt technologies like AI-driven learning platforms and virtual reality classrooms to provide higher educational value and attractiveness in their curriculum. To match or surpass its neighbor, India needs to upscale its ICT infrastructure by investing in new tools. Strengthening public-private partnerships and improving institutional monitoring can also help India retain its credibility and extend its reach. For instance, edtech companies like Unacademy can collaborate with the government to provide affordable and quality online courses to students from partner countries. Additionally, language exchange programs are also a great way to foster deeper ties with students coming from different communities of the Global South.

As India continues to rise as a global power, its role as an advocate for the Global South remains integral to its foreign policy narrative. The emphasis on educational exchanges reflects not only India’s commitment to empowering developing nations but also its vision of creating a more equitable and inclusive world. By fostering partnerships that prioritize human development and shared prosperity, India exemplifies how education can serve as a bridge between nations and a catalyst for transformative change.