3 March 2023, NIICE Commentary 8562
Alok Shubham
Indian Education Diplomacy is one of the least explored and neglected tools of Indian Diplomacy. Education can be a major element for soft power diplomacy as it, not only promotes cultural exchanges but also works to bridge the global knowledge gap. These tools of diplomacy took the driving seat post the globalisation reforms in the Indian economy reflects in the foreign policy discourse too. The opening economy, expanding market and subsequent middle class boost the evolution of Indian education diplomacy. But the scope of this education diplomacy is humongous and that seriously needs to be explored.
Historical Trademarks
Recalling from the Vedic ages and Buddhist monasteries, several scholars and travellers such as Fa-Hien, Francois Bernier, Megasthenes, and Ibn Battuta explored India and other parts of the world to enrich their understandings and explore new facets of societies and connectedness. The oldest universities such as Nalanda and Taxila were the ancient centres of knowledge and their glory spread all through to South East Asia and beyond. Furthermore, the modern British education system (Macaulay reforms) took the centre stage and attracted knowledge-driven traditional Indian societies and they welcomed this opportunity and sailed through it. But in modern times, the world has contracted into a global village and this linkage further accelerates this scope for education diplomacy. Specifically, Indian education diplomacy has been on the backseat for half a century after its independence, though the educational exchanges were there in the form of some programs such as Nehru-Fulbright Scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships etc. More importantly, India has always indulged in educational diplomacy much in a passive form. Since neighbours from South Asia such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and others were given special reservations and incentives to collaborate and pursue their education. But the point of difference that this study highlights is the realisation of education as a tool for the diplomatic functions of the Indian regime. It took flight in the post-liberalisation phase when several MoUs with respective governments of various nations such as Australia, Taiwan, Singapore etc fostered this new initiative.
Indian Education Diplomacy as a Contemporary Phenomenon
India is lagging way behind the other major powers in tapping this tool for its diplomatic gains. The facts and figures clearly reflect that only 50000 to 70000 foreign students are catered to by India which is insignificant compared to the USA, and Canada that cater up to 7-8 lakhs of foreign students. Also, this global education market is expanding and the demand is also gaining momentum which creates a scope for generating wealth in the form of foreign exchanges that can immensely contribute to the domestic economy. Moreover, it will also somehow control the issue of ‘Brain Drain’ as it can provide some good opportunities for the merits to flourish and further incentivise them to work in the host nation. Historically, it has been witnessed that the relationship of political leaders with their alma mater is very interesting and memorable that somehow pushes for an extra effort through multiple channels to shape foreign relations and ties as in the case of India-Nepal and Indian leaders and their relations with their Alma mater in England. This diplomatic tool can help international students to witness the diverse and vivid culture and civilizational ethos that will connect them to the host nation. These individuals can emerge as the sole carrier of India’s soft power.
Opportunities and Challenges
Nehru was very keen on modern and scientific education and that’s why he established IITs and other major research institutes and higher education centres such as Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 1950. India also facilitated the recruitment of teachers to several African nations such as Nigeria and Ethiopia. Foreign students have also studied in India under several bilateral exchange programmes such as Commonwealth, Colombo plans, and AYUSH Scholarship, Special scholarships for neighbouring states under the Ministry of External Affairs such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, etc. Post-liberalisation the need to cater to the growing educational demand that grosses up to USD 4 billion annual fees alone gave a reason to talk about the internationalisation of higher education. It resulted in multiple conferences and proposed serious recommendations in the form of ‘Mysore Statements such as Single window clearance, Constitution of a panel for the promotion of Indian education etc. Several initiatives such as South Asian University (SAU), the revival of the Nalanda Project are some of the contemporary initiatives in this direction. Moreover, programs such as Study in India (SII) can also prove to be fruitful. India’s collaboration with South Korea, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore is commendable in the education sector and these nations can guide us to respond accordingly. The expanding horizon for the private sector in education can help in this outreach program but that needs serious regulations regarding courses, fee structure and quality of education. The major deadlock is the financial limitations, the budget allotted by the Central government is way behind the target of 6 percent of the total budget and this can be balanced with the private players. It is also a matter of grave concern that these human resources can be fruitfully incorporated into our systems but unfortunately, it is very depressing to witness the situation of Indian Students, who moved out during the Russia-Ukraine crisis and now, are stuck in the midway and government is having no clue to deal with it. But a counteroffer from the Russian side for the Indian students is a bit relaxing. This example shows the requirement for the internationalisation of Education. This ‘Education Diplomacy’ is having the potential to grow as a giant non-traditional diplomatic tool like ‘Medical Tourism’ and others. But there is a long way to go with conducive efforts and cooperation.
Alok Shubham is a Research Intern at NIICE.
