India’s efforts to expand its higher education footprint globally received a major boost following recent diplomatic discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Among the key outcomes of the bilateral talks was the proposal to establish an overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore in Indonesia, marking a significant step in strengthening educational ties between the two nations.
The proposed campus is expected to serve not only students in Indonesia but also learners from across the ASEAN region, providing greater access to India’s globally recognised management education. The initiative reflects India’s growing commitment to international academic collaboration and its vision of taking world-class education beyond its borders.
Education emerged as an important area of cooperation during the high-level discussions, alongside several strategic sectors. The planned IIM Bangalore campus is seen as a symbol of deeper people-to-people connections and stronger academic partnerships between India and Indonesia. It also highlights India’s increasing role in shaping the global higher education landscape.
Beyond education, the two countries explored opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven industries. Both governments expressed interest in strengthening startup ecosystems, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology professionals across the region. These initiatives are expected to support economic growth through innovation, skill development, and knowledge exchange.
Scientific and space cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. India and Indonesia agreed to enhance joint research efforts, technology-sharing initiatives, and capacity-building programmes, building on their longstanding partnership in science and technology.
The proposed Indonesia campus follows another milestone in India’s international education journey. IIM Ahmedabad recently established its first overseas campus in Dubai, offering a one-year MBA programme for working professionals and attracting participants from multiple countries.
Read More: Goa tightens rules for school events
The expansion of premier Indian institutions into international markets aligns with the country’s long-term strategy of promoting global academic engagement. By establishing campuses abroad, institutions such as IIM Bangalore can create new learning opportunities, foster cross-border collaboration, and strengthen India’s reputation as a leading destination for quality higher education.
The announcement came during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia, the first stop of his three-nation tour that also includes Australia and New Zealand. While the visit covered a wide range of strategic and economic issues, the proposed IIM Bangalore campus stood out as a landmark development that could further deepen educational cooperation and strengthen India’s presence in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving education sector.
_______________________________________________________________________
Stay informed with the latest developments shaping the future of education. Follow Elets Digital Learning for regular updates, insights, and policy news.
Also, join the conversation at the Elets World Education Summit 2026 this October in New Delhi, where education leaders, policymakers, and innovators will come together to discuss the future of learning.
