India-US Relationship: Focus on Education and Skill Development

(April 28, 2022) In light of the recent 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, India sent a deputation headed by Suresh Prabhu to the US for prospective academic partnerships between the two countries. Under the leadership of Mr Suresh Prabhu, Chancellor of Rishiwood University, the delegation visited several US cities like New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

The delegation attended several meetings with academicians, students and business leaders to highlight India’s role in advancing the education sector for the benefit of the next generation. Led by Mr Suresh Prabhu, the team will also initiate academic partnerships with US universities in the form of faculty exchange, research projects, semester exchange, double degrees and more.

While interacting with Media personnel, Mr Prabhu commented that many individuals have achieved success after moving to the US because of the vast array of opportunities provided by the country. India should reciprocate by offering similar work/study opportunities and amplifying the same. This will ensure success for Individuals visiting our country for higher studies and growth of our education sector.

On April 11, 2022, after the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, representatives of the two countries issued a joint statement stating the intention to fortify the relationship between the two countries. It was also announced that the India and US will be coming together to launch projects on Education and Skill Development.

During the Dialogue Representatives decided that interaction between the citizens of India and the US is the best way to strengthen the relations between the two countries. A new India-US Education and Skills Development Working Group will be launched.

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Highlights of the 2+2 Dialogue

During the dialogue, representatives from both countries expressed strong views to support student and scholar mobility. The ministers also emphasized the continuance of efforts for correlative movement of skilled workers, business managers, scientists, and other professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers etc.

The need to ensure the smooth movement of entrepreneurs, professionals, business personnel, scholars, scientists, and investors between the two countries was also recognised during the dialogue.

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The Role of the Fulbright - Nehru Program in the exchange of academics, scientists and professionals was also appreciated. It was recognised that the program played a significant role in bringing the two countries together and also found a strong Indian-America Diaspora of four million

The decision by US Citizenship and Immigration Services to waiver in-person interviews for non-immigrant applicants who were previously issued a Visa was appreciated by Indian Ministers. People in speciality costumes, intracompany transferees, and academic and vocational students are eligible for this interview waiver.

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On the other hand, the US acknowledged India’s support in the ‘Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency(DPAA)’ Mission. India also promised to support more DPAA missions in the Future.

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