The University of Bath was delighted to host a delegation of higher education leaders from the state of Karnataka, India, on 15 September 2025. The delegation, led by the British Council South India, included Vice-Chancellors and senior academics from five universities and state officials, from Bangalore University, Davangere University, the University of Mysore, Mangalore University, and Karnataka University, along with key representatives from the Karnataka State Higher Education Council.
Situated in southwestern India, Karnataka’s capital city, Bengaluru, is a leading technology and innovation hub, supporting an economy that integrates agriculture, IT, and manufacturing. Recognised for its higher education institutions, the state continues to advance access, quality, and research through reforms that emphasise skills, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.
Whilst on campus, the Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Phil Taylor, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Professor Manuel Barcia met with the delegation. During the visit the guests participated in a round table discussion with colleagues from the International Relations Office and International Student Recruitment, networked with Bath academics and researchers, enjoyed a tour of the campus, and were shown the world-class facilities at the Sports Training Village by the Director of Sport, Stephen Baddeley.
Following the visit, Professor Manuel Barcia said:
The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between Indian institutions and the University of Bath. We are very keen to build on existing links with partner universities in India to establish mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships. We are grateful to colleagues at the British Council South India to have given us the opportunity to host the delegation.
The Mayor of Bath, Professor Bharat Pankhania, extended a warm welcome to the delegation through a video message, emphasising the importance of collaboration between Bath and India. Through this visit, the British Council South India and the University of Bath seek to strengthen academic and research collaboration, foster innovation and knowledge exchange, and expand student and staff mobility between the UK and India.
Colleagues interested in learning more about the University's work with Indian institutions are asked to contact Dörte Stevenson in the International Relations Office.