Montclair State University and the Association of Indian Universities, the world’s largest higher education network representing more than 1,100 universities across India, signed a memorandum of understanding Friday in New Delhi that aims to promote more opportunities for students to study and conduct research in New Jersey and India.
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The MOU establishes a mutual commitment to academic and cultural exchange and creates a partnership that will explore opportunities for joint degree programs, collaborative research in areas such as sustainability and technology, and expanded pathways for student and faculty exchanges.
The agreement also plans for a New Jersey delegation to welcome representatives from Indian universities to explore future collaborations in or after 2026.
The announcement came on the first day of Gov. Phil Murphy’s second economic mission trip to India — an effort led by Choose New Jersey. (The day also produced an MOU between Rutgers University and Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in New Delhi).
Murphy was pleased by the agreement, saying they will strengthen the state’s higher education leadership.
“The collaboration between Rutgers, Montclair State University, and these leading Indian research institutions will strengthen ties between world-class institutions with the potential to save lives and advance medical knowledge worldwide,” he said.
Montclair State President Jonathan Koppell said he was excited by the potential impact of the MOU with AIU.
“Montclair State University is a public-serving institution, driven by our motivation to broaden access to an excellent education and solve pressing issues,” he said. “That mission extends beyond borders.
“We are excited to build relationships with AIU and across its many esteemed member institutions, so that we might together serve India and her millions of motivated students.”
Both MOUs, which lay the foundation for future partnerships, are non-binding agreements that will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of renewal, Choose New Jersey CEO Wes Mathews said.
“International collaboration contributes to New Jersey’s higher education excellence, resulting in a highly skilled and educated workforce,” he said. “The MOUs signed today represent a continued investment in New Jersey’s advanced research capabilities that will not only advance medical research and treatment, but expand global partnerships and opportunities for our academic community.”
Pankaj Mittal, the secretary general of the Association of Indian Universities, said they are eager to expand opportunities for our students and faculty.
“This collaboration strengthens academic and cultural ties, fosters research in areas of global importance, and opens new pathways for innovation and knowledge-sharing between India and the United States,” he said.
