Conference Overview and Launch

The India-Spain Conference on Higher Education commenced on February 19, 2026, in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from both nations' academic ecosystems. Held over two days, the event aligns perfectly with the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 and marks a pivotal moment in bilateral educational ties as part of the Spain-India Dual Year celebrations for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Organized with support from the Embassy of Spain in India, the conference fosters dialogue on deepening university collaborations, research partnerships, and mobility programs between Indian colleges and universities and their Spanish counterparts.

Attended by over 100 vice-chancellors from approximately 70 Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) and more than 30 rectors and senior leaders from the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), the gathering emphasizes transitioning from strategic discussions to tangible actions. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted this shift during the closing session, stating that 'the bridges of knowledge we build today will shape the confidence of our youth tomorrow.'

Key Participants and Leadership Engagement

High-level representation underscored the conference's importance. From India, key figures included Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Vineet Joshi, and representatives from prominent institutions like Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, IIT Bombay, and IIITDM Jabalpur. Spanish participation was led by CRUE President Prof. Eva Alcón and H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India.

The diverse lineup facilitated robust exchanges. Prof. Eva Alcón praised the event as the 'beginning of a partnership for equitable access to higher education, sustainable development, and global health.' Ambassador Pujol echoed this, noting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on academic collaboration during Spanish President Pedro Sánchez's recent visit, where invitations were extended for Spanish universities to establish campuses in India.

Minister Pradhan's Vision for Spanish Campuses in India

In his closing address, Minister Pradhan extended a warm invitation to leading Spanish universities to set up campuses in India, leveraging the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP, India's comprehensive framework for educational reform introduced in 2020, explicitly allows top global universities to establish physical campuses, offering degrees equivalent to those from their home institutions. This move aims to enhance access to world-class education without students needing to travel abroad.

Pradhan emphasized India's readiness: 'India is open, ready, and welcoming.' He linked this to broader goals of innovation and people-to-people ties, particularly in STEM fields. During bilateral talks with President Sánchez on February 18-19, PM Modi reinforced this by specifically inviting Spanish institutions in technology and STEM to participate.

Existing foreign campuses provide precedents: Australia's Deakin University and University of Wollongong have operational branches, while the UK and others are in discussions. Spanish entry could mirror these, potentially in high-demand areas like engineering, AI, and sustainable sciences.

CRUE's Commitment and Spanish Academic Perspectives

Prof. Eva Alcón, President of CRUE—which represents Spain's 80 public universities—affirmed strong commitment to bolstering ties with India. She highlighted balancing local priorities with global visions in areas like sustainable development and health education. Spanish universities bring strengths in research-intensive programs, with institutions like University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and Polytechnic University of Catalonia likely key players.

Ambassador Pujol outlined collaborative pillars: joint research initiatives, enhanced mobility for teachers and students, and startup ecosystem support. He anticipated maturation of these efforts throughout 2026, including a reciprocal meeting in Spain and subsequent Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Advancing Student and Faculty Mobility Programs

A core focus was expanding student and faculty exchanges. Currently, around 1,400 Indian students pursue higher education in Spain, per Ministry of External Affairs data up to 2022—a number poised for growth. Programs like Erasmus+ have facilitated some exchanges, but bilateral frameworks could accelerate this.

• Short-term student mobility: Semester exchanges and summer schools.
• Faculty sabbaticals: Joint teaching and research residencies.
• PhD dual-supervision: Co-guided theses for cross-cultural expertise.

Dr. Vineet Joshi noted universities' role in driving economic growth and technological advancement through such ties. Indian HEIs like IITs and NITs stand to benefit from Spanish expertise in renewable energy and biotechnology.

Joint Research Initiatives and Innovation Hubs

Discussions delved into collaborative research ecosystems. Themes included AI ethics—echoing the AI Summit—sustainable development, and global health. Prof. Alcón stressed equitable access, while Minister Pradhan advocated AI augmenting human creativity.

Potential outcomes: Co-funded projects under schemes like India's National Research Foundation (NRF) and Spain's State Research Agency (AEI). Startup support via incubators at universities could foster Indo-Spanish ventures in edtech and green tech.

AI and Emerging Technologies in Education

🔬 Integrating with the AI Impact Summit, sessions explored AI's transformative role. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham's Dean Krishnashree A. presented on 'AI & New Ways of Learning,' advocating reimagined ecosystems beyond rote methods.

Challenges discussed: Ethical AI deployment, digital divides in rural Indian colleges. Solutions: Joint curricula development, AI labs in partner universities. This aligns with NEP's push for technology-enabled learning.

Alignment with India's National Education Policy 2020

NEP 2020 is the enabler: It promotes internationalization via foreign campuses, twinning programs, and credit recognition. The policy targets 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035, necessitating global partnerships.

Step-by-step process for campuses: UGC approval, equity investment norms, quality benchmarks. Spanish universities could contribute to multidisciplinary education and research universities envisioned in NEP.

Bilateral Context and 70th Anniversary Momentum

Building on PM Modi's talks with President Sánchez, the conference follows MoUs in sports and urban development. The Dual Year 2026 features cultural, tourism, and AI exchanges, with education central.

Historical ties: Diplomatic relations since 1956; growing trade in renewables, pharma. Education lags behind but holds potential amid India's 1,338 universities serving 155 million students.

Impacts on Indian Higher Education Landscape

For Indian universities and colleges, benefits abound: Enhanced global rankings via collaborations, diverse curricula, research funding. Students gain international exposure; faculty upskill.

• Risks: Quality assurance, cultural adaptation.
• Solutions: UGC oversight, phased implementation.

Stakeholders: Indian VCs seek tech transfer; students aspire abroad options at home costs. Spanish side eyes India's market, young demographic.

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Future Roadmap: From Dialogue to Delivery

Next steps: MoUs in 2026, Spain-hosted meet, pilot mobility programs. Long-term: 10+ joint campuses, doubled exchanges.

Actionable insights for academics: Pitch proposals via UGC portals; students apply via university international cells. Institutions like IIT Madras (with Durham ties) model success.

This conference positions India-Spain university collaboration as a cornerstone of mutual growth. Check academic CV tips for global pursuits.

Photo by Carolien van Oijen on Unsplash

Conclusion: Building Bridges for Tomorrow's Leaders

The India-Spain Higher Education Conference sets a promising trajectory, blending NEP ambitions with Spanish excellence. As bridges form, Indian colleges and universities stand to thrive globally.

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