British Universities are keen to work with Indian institutions: Lord Chris Patten, Chancellor, Oxford University

Lord Chris Patten, Chancellor, Oxford University and NewCastle University, said, We have as great an interest in working with you, as I believe you have in working with us. We are an educational power house with some of the best universities in the world. There is so much we can do together.

Lord Patten was delivering the keynote address at the FICCI Higher Education Summit on November 2. He is also leading the delegation of over 70 British Universities at the FICCI Summit.

Giving the example of Oxfords research collaboration in India as a model, Lord Patten said, Oxfords research collaboration with India is flourishing. Oxford-India network in theoretical physics includes Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, JNU Delhi amongst others. Our Business School is aiming to establish India Business Center as a study of business issues in India.

During his speech, Lord Patten also highlighted the fact that Oxford University is now attracting more Chinese students that Indian students. He said, We have approximately 300 Indian students, but we have 730 Chinese students. Lord Patten added, I am not seeking to reduce the Chinese students, but to increase Indian for the simple reason that the figures suggest that by not attracting more young Indians we are missing out on some of the best minds.