Bengaluru, 09th October 2025: The University of Southampton’s role as a global leader in higher education has been recognised as part of the UK government’s landmark visit to India. Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, has joined Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his first official visit to India. The trade delegation is bringing British and Indian business and industry leaders together with the aim of strengthening ties between the two countries following the signing of the free trade agreement.
In July, the University of Southampton became the first international university to establish a campus in India under the pioneering National Education Policy which aims to create world-class, work-ready, graduates. The University of Southampton Delhi provides students with an exciting opportunity to earn a prestigious degree from a world Top 100 university without leaving the country, marking a pivotal step in advancing transnational education in India.
Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said: “The University of Southampton was proud to become the very first international university approved by the University Grants Commission to establish a campus in India thanks to our reputation for excellence in education, research and enterprise. Our first students are already benefiting from this flagship initiative and this week’s UK delegation offers further opportunities for our university to further strengthen our links with India. This visit is a powerful commitment to India-UK relations and demonstrates the importance of our higher education sector as we continue to deepen our engagement with the fastest growing country in the world.”