India’s Global Education Milestone: From Ancient Wisdom of Nalanda to Modern Excellence of Dubai

India's global education legacy, rooted in ancient institutions like Nalanda, evolves through modern initiatives such as IITs and IIMs. The inauguration of IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus marks a milestone, reflecting India’s push to globalize education. Collaborations with the UAE highlight efforts to foster innovation, research, and cultural exchange. Aligning with NEP 2020, India’s overseas campuses position it as a global knowledge hub, bridging nations and strengthening its role as a "Vishwaguru."

India's illustrious legacy as a hub of knowledge dates back to the ancient universities of Nalanda and Takshashila, where scholars from across Asia gathered to study disciplines like philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and governance. These ancient institutions stood as beacons of global learning, attracting students from diverse regions, blending tradition with openness to the world. This rich legacy of educational excellence continues today, reshaped into a modern framework.

Indian institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) uphold this tradition, serving as global symbols of academic excellence and innovation. Their increasing international presence exemplifies India's ancient ethos of inclusivity, depth, and transformation. A recent milestone in this journey was the inauguration of the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) in Dubai, marking a new chapter in India’s global education outreach.

A Historic Moment in Dubai

The Indian higher education fraternity celebrated a landmark event when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, officially inaugurated the IIM Ahmedabad campus in Dubai. The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders, including India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and UAE’s Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar.

This event reflected India’s growing confidence in exporting its academic expertise to global hubs. Dubai, with its cosmopolitan environment and status as an emerging economic powerhouse, was the ideal destination for IIM Ahmedabad’s first international venture.

Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Pradhan noted the alignment of this initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of globalizing Indian education. He emphasized that the Dubai campus would embody the ethos of being “Indian in spirit, global in outlook.”

Strengthening India-UAE Educational Ties

The inauguration was followed by a bilateral discussion between Dharmendra Pradhan and Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing educational cooperation and explored new opportunities for collaboration. The dialogue emphasized the role of education, research, and innovation in strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two nations pledged to deepen their collaboration in strategic research fields, build institutional capacity, and promote academic and cultural exchanges. Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to the UAE for supporting India’s educational initiatives and highlighted India’s position as a global talent hub. He also noted that the UAE’s dynamic economy provides an excellent platform for nurturing global talent.

Expanding India’s Educational Footprint

During his visit, Dharmendra Pradhan engaged with various Indian educational institutions in the UAE. At the campus of Manipal University in Dubai, he chaired a roundtable discussion with representatives from leading Indian institutions such as Symbiosis, BITS Pilani, MIT, and Amity. The focus was on aligning Indian education with the UAE’s forward-looking academic goals.

Pradhan encouraged institutions to go beyond publishing research and focus on translating innovation into real-world applications. This approach, he said, would help establish "Brand India" in the global education and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Additionally, he interacted with principals of 109 Indian curriculum schools in the UAE, along with virtual participation from GCC and international CBSE schools. He announced the establishment of 12 Atal Tinkering Labs in GCC schools to promote hands-on STEM learning and foster a spirit of scientific inquiry and entrepreneurship.

India’s Global Education Network

The opening of IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus is part of a broader strategy to position India as a global education hub. Recent years have seen similar expansions, including IIT Madras’ international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and IIT Delhi’s campus in Abu Dhabi. IIM Bangalore also launched a campus in Singapore, underscoring India’s commitment to making its top-tier institutions accessible to international students.

These initiatives align with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the internationalization of higher education. By establishing global campuses, Indian institutions are bringing their world-class faculty, cutting-edge curricula, and high research standards to students worldwide.

Building Bridges Through Knowledge

India’s global education initiatives go beyond academic pursuits; they represent a strategic effort to strengthen diplomatic ties, foster cultural exchange, and enhance India’s soft power. For host countries like the UAE and Tanzania, Indian institutions provide affordable, high-quality education with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

For India, these ventures offer an opportunity to attract international students, showcase its education system on a global stage, and solidify its position as a knowledge-driven economy. As Dharmendra Pradhan aptly stated, education is a vital pillar for creating inclusive and future-ready partnerships between nations.

A Vision for the Future

The IIM Ahmedabad campus in Dubai is not just an institutional achievement; it symbolizes the deep cultural and strategic ties between India and the UAE. It reflects a shared vision for progress, rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to global development.

With institutions like IITs and IIMs establishing international campuses, India is redefining itself as a global knowledge power. This international outreach is a testament to India’s transformation from being a destination for learners to becoming a source of world-class education, innovation, and leadership.

As India continues to expand its educational footprint, it is not only exporting knowledge but also building bridges of understanding, collaboration, and shared aspirations across the world. Through these efforts, India is reclaiming its role as a "Vishwaguru" – a global teacher and guide for the modern era.