India and Scotland Forge New Academic Alliance Through ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at University of Glasgow

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the University of Glasgow have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the ICCR Chair of Indian Studies, marking a significant advancement in academic and cultural collaboration between India and Scotland. This development strengthens India's educational diplomacy and reinforces bilateral partnership in higher education and research.​

A Partnership for Academic Excellence

The MoU was signed by the Consul General of India, Edinburgh, and Professor Andy Schofield, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, establishing a formal framework for academic exchange and cultural understanding. This initiative aligns with ICCR's mission to promote Indian studies globally, with the organization currently maintaining 52 active MoUs with universities across 32 countries worldwide.​

The establishment follows preparatory work initiated when Consul General Shri Bijay Selvaraj visited the University of Glasgow in March 2024 to discuss the initiative with the Adam Smith Business School. The Chair is positioned within the university's innovation and entrepreneurship framework, reflecting both institutions' commitment to fostering contemporary understanding of India's economic dynamism alongside its cultural heritage.​

Focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The ICCR Chair will concentrate on Innovation and Entrepreneurship as its primary academic focus. This specialization recognizes India's growing significance in the global innovation ecosystem and aligns with the university's Innovation Strategy (2022-2025).​

Dr. Belgin Okay-Somerville, Director of Internationalization at the Adam Smith Business School, stated: "We are delighted at the opportunity to host a Chair of Indian Studies at the Adam Smith Business School. Signifying the School's values in being engaging, entrepreneurial and enlightening and India's accelerated commitment to entrepreneurship development, the academic area for the Chair will be Innovation and Entrepreneurship".​

Academic Mandate and Research Priorities

The Chair is designed to promote research, teaching, and wider understanding of Indian society, culture, and contemporary developments. Following the established ICCR model implemented at universities worldwide, it will serve multiple academic functions including formal coursework, research guidance, seminar coordination, and public lectures.​

ICCR establishes chairs across various disciplines including Political Science, Philosophy, History, Sociology, Economics, Buddhist Studies, and Law, alongside Indian languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil. Each chair operates through formal MoUs for periods ranging from one semester to two years, with extension possibilities.​

Timing and Leadership Context

The signing coincides with Professor Andy Schofield assuming his role as the University of Glasgow's 51st Principal and Vice-Chancellor on October 1, 2025. Professor Schofield brings extensive experience in international collaboration, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University.​

This initiative complements broader India-UK collaborative frameworks, including the India-UK Science and Innovation Council and joint research programs valued at £300-400 million. The timing aligns with India's role as the UK's second largest international research and innovation partner