Building on Momentum: From New Delhi to Ajman

The Second India–Arab Universities Presidents’ Summit at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates marked a pivotal moment in cross-regional higher education ties. Held February 11-12, 2026, under the theme "Impact Beyond Borders: Research, Innovation, and Academic Mobility," it built directly on the inaugural conference in New Delhi the previous year. That first gathering, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs and University Grants Commission alongside Arab partners, set the stage by fostering initial dialogues on joint research in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology, as well as faculty and student exchanges.

Ajman University's hosting elevated the event, drawing over 50 universities from India and Arab nations. Leaders discussed aligning curricula, scaling digital transformation, and addressing shared challenges like employability and equitable access. This continuity underscores a maturing partnership, with the UAE—home to a vibrant Indian diaspora and where Indians comprise 42-43% of international students in Dubai—emerging as a natural hub.

Distinguished Leaders and Dynamic Dialogues

The summit convened presidents, vice-chancellors, policymakers, and regulators. From India, prominent figures included Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, and Professor Raj C. Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University. Dr. Archana Thakur, Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission, co-presented key outcomes. Arab side featured Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, and Dr. Farraj Juwaid Al-Ajami from the League of Arab States.

Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, opened proceedings, emphasizing universities' role in societal transformation through skills-based learning and global partnerships. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal, highlighted economic and academic synergies. Sessions spanned presidential roundtables on leadership and accountability, fireside chats on governance for international ties, and plenaries on dual degrees and co-designed programs. Bilateral meetings led to tangible commitments, reflecting a shift from vision to action.

Unpacking the Ajman Declaration 2026

The crowning achievement was the Ajman Declaration 2026, jointly read by Prof. Anas Al-Soud of the Association of Arab Universities and Dr. Archana Thakur. This forward-looking document provides a structured roadmap for sustainable collaboration, prioritizing joint research in sustainability and health sciences, shared academic infrastructure, leadership training, university-industry linkages, and expanded student-faculty mobility.

It urges ongoing consultations between ministries and regulators to harmonize standards, dismantle barriers, and foster ethical data sharing. For Indian institutions, this means streamlined credit recognition and visa processes, aligning with recent India-UAE pacts. Chancellor Seghir noted, "It strengthens a network of institutions working together to prepare the next generation of talent." The declaration's emphasis on measurable impacts ensures accountability, positioning it as more than rhetoric.

Key pillars include:

• Joint research clusters in high-priority fields like AI and biotech.
• Cross-border programs for innovation and work-integrated learning.
• Mechanisms for research integrity and equitable access.

The 10+10 Program: Targeted Partnerships

A flagship initiative, the India–Arab University 10+10 Cooperation Program pairs ten leading Indian universities with ten Arab counterparts. Focused on artificial intelligence, health sciences, sustainability, advanced engineering, and innovation, it aims to generate scientific and economic value through long-term exchanges.

Indian universities stand to gain from Arab expertise in energy transition and healthcare, while sharing strengths in IT and scalable tech solutions. This structured matching—beyond ad-hoc ties—promises joint labs, co-publications, and funded projects. Early examples from the first summit, like AI research frameworks, hint at rapid scaling. For aspiring researchers, check opportunities at higher-ed research jobs that may emerge from these ties.

Over 20 MoUs: Sealing Immediate Collaborations

The summit concluded with more than 20 memoranda of understanding signed between participating institutions. These cover dual-degree programs, faculty swaps, and joint curriculum development, providing concrete pathways for implementation.

While specific pairs aren't fully public yet, precedents like Symbiosis and Ajman University's prior engagements suggest focus on business, health, and tech. This surge aligns with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 push for internationalization, enabling Indian colleges to attract global rankings boosts via partnerships. Explore related career advice at higher ed career advice.

Boosting Mobility for Indian Students

Academic mobility emerges as a cornerstone, with the declaration advocating reduced barriers and mutual degree recognition. UAE's appeal is clear: Indians form 42% of Dubai's international enrollees, with 5,400% YoY interest surge per Leap Scholar. Post-study work visas and tax-free earnings make it viable.

Step-by-step, students can now pursue semester exchanges, joint masters, or micro-credentials via 10+10 networks. Culturally, shared values and proximity (flights under 4 hours) ease transitions. For Indian undergraduates eyeing global exposure without US/UK costs, this opens doors—especially in AI and engineering. Rate professors from partner unis at Rate My Professor.

Faculty and Researcher Opportunities

Indian faculty benefit from exchange programs, joint supervision, and leadership training. The declaration's industry linkages promise funded sabbaticals and incubators. With Arab investments in R&D, collaborations could elevate India's research output—already strong in publications but seeking applied impact.

Real-world case: Post-2025 summit, initial faculty visits led to co-patents in biotech. Researchers in sustainability gain from UAE's net-zero goals. Networks like the new India–Arab University Research and Mobility Network facilitate grants. Job seekers: Browse faculty jobs and university jobs.

Priority Fields: AI, Health, and Sustainability

Collaborations target cutting-edge areas. In AI, India's talent pool meets Arab data resources for ethical AI frameworks. Health sciences leverage India's pharma prowess and UAE's advanced hospitals for clinical trials. Sustainability addresses climate challenges, with joint infrastructure like green campuses.

Statistics: UAE hosts global branches (e.g., Illinois Tech Mumbai parallel), boosting options. Indian unis can co-develop curricula, e.g., quantum computing modules. This synergy supports India's goal of 50% GER by 2035 via differentiated private partnerships.

Alignment with India's NEP 2020 Vision

The declaration dovetails NEP's internationalization pillar, promoting foreign campuses, credit banks, and global faculty. It counters outbound mobility declines (31% drop abroad) by inbound Arab students and joint programs. NITI Aayog's report highlights such ties for rankings and skills.

Government backing via MEA-UGC ensures policy support. For states like Tamil Nadu (leading professors-of-practice), this expands networks. Internal tip: Leverage scholarships for mobility.

Photo by Michel Stockman on Unsplash

Challenges, Solutions, and Future Outlook

Challenges like regulatory misalignment persist, but the Summit Monitoring Committee addresses them. Solutions include standardized protocols and industry bridges. Future: Biennial summits, scaled 10+10, and research networks.

Implications for India: Enhanced global footprint, skilled workforce for Viksit Bharat. Stakeholders—from IITs to regional colleges—gain. Actionable: Unis should prioritize MoU implementation; students explore partners.

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