India restricts universities from tie-ups with Chinese institutions, days before Modi expected to meet Xi
- India has instructed its universities not to enter into academic cooperation agreements with Chinese institutions unless they obtain prior approval
- Analysts say the move may be for security considerations or in response to a growing number of Chinese universities trying to gain a foothold in India
The University Grants Commission (UGC) – a statutory body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) – sent a notice to all Indian universities on October 1, warning them against entering into academic cooperation agreements with Chinese institutions unless they obtain approval from two more ministries.
“In addition to other clearances, prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs must be taken by all the academic institutions/universities before signing up to Memorandum of Understandings, educational exchange programmes, agreements and joint declarations of intent etc … with Chinese universities and institutions,” read the letter circulated to the vice chancellors of all the universities in the country.
Under the new guidance, agreements already in force should be put on hold until specifically approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.