University of Liverpool to open first foreign university campus in Bengaluru by 2026
Karnataka Ministers extend support
Bengaluru: The University of Liverpool, a prominent member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group, has officially announced plans to establish its first overseas campus in Bengaluru by 2026. The announcement was made during a high-profile event attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M. B. Patil, Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar, and Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, all of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
The event also witnessed the forging of a strategic partnership between the University of Liverpool and Bengaluru-headquartered IT firm Wipro. This collaboration is aimed at promoting mutual research, innovation, and skill development, solidifying the university’s commitment to industry-academic synergy in Karnataka.
The proposed campus will be rooted in the University of Liverpool’s internationally recognised academic standards and research-driven culture. In its initial phase, the campus will offer programmes in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design, the latter being offered for the first time by a UK university campus in India. Additional disciplines are expected to be introduced in subsequent phases.
Welcoming the university's expansion into Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Karnataka has always been at the forefront of education and innovation. The University of Liverpool’s decision to set up its first foreign campus in Bengaluru reinforces our status as a global knowledge destination. We welcome them wholeheartedly and are committed to extending all support to make this venture a grand success.”
M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, noted, “The University of Liverpool choosing Karnataka for its first overseas campus reflects our state’s growing global stature as a hub for both industry and intellect. This collaboration will drive deeper ties between academia and sectors like electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology, through joint research, internships, and curriculum design. It will also benefit MSMEs and startups by opening access to world-class mentorship and innovation platforms. I invite the University to explore KWIN City, our upcoming innovation hub, as a base for such partnerships. This is not just a milestone, it’s a strategic alliance to co-create the industries and talent of the future.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru, Chandru Iyer, underscored the importance of the venture within the broader UK-India bilateral framework. “The UK and India have made a commitment to refresh and deepen our partnership to deliver even more for both countries. Our expanded partnership will deliver iconic, forward-looking collaborations in diverse areas such as AI and semiconductors, higher education campuses, and green energy initiatives. The announcement of Liverpool University opening a campus in Bengaluru is both evidence and a celebration of the UK-India partnership,” he said.
Iyer further highlighted the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the Technology Security Initiative announced in July 2024, which aims to unlock investment in emerging technologies such as telecom innovation. He emphasized that these efforts align with the UK government’s goals of growing the economy and improving living standards.
The University of Liverpool has had a longstanding association with Karnataka, including a 20-year research collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has played a pivotal role in shaping global vaccine policies and reportedly saved over 200,000 lives. Other key partnerships include collaborations with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and corporate entities like Hindustan Unilever.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Tim Jones, expressed pride in the expansion.
“We are proud to take this significant step in our long-standing relationship with India by opening a world-class campus in Bengaluru. The state of Karnataka’s reputation as a knowledge and technology powerhouse makes it an ideal home for the University’s first global campus. We are committed to delivering transformative education and research in partnership with local communities, institutions and industries.”
As preparations for the new campus continue, the university is also exploring broader partnerships with Indian enterprises and global organisations to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and upskilling. These initiatives are expected to create high-impact opportunities for both domestic and international students.
With its Bengaluru campus scheduled to be operational by 2026, the University of Liverpool is set to offer globally recognised UK education in India, deepen academic-industry engagement, and contribute significantly to Karnataka’s vision of becoming an international hub for learning and innovation.
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India commits to halt Russian oil purchases, invest $500B in U.S: White House
New York/Washington (PTI): The White House has hailed a new trade agreement with India, saying the country has committed to “no longer” purchasing Russian oil, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also agreeing on investments of USD 500 billion across key American sectors.
These remarks were made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday.
"The President struck another great trade deal with India. He spoke with Prime Minister Modi directly. They share a very good relationship. India is committed to not only no longer purchasing Russian oil, but buying oil from the United States, also perhaps from Venezuela too, which we know will now have a direct benefit on the United States and the American people,” Leavitt told reporters Tuesday.
She further said that in addition to that, Prime Minister Modi “committed to $500 billion of investments into the United States, including for transportation, for energy and for agricultural products as well. So this is another great trade deal thanks to President Trump.”
Earlier, speaking to Fox News about the India-US trade deal, Leavitt said the two leaders had a “great call” on Monday, following which the bilateral trade deal was announced.
“...when it comes to Prime Minister Modi, I know he (Trump) particularly enjoys their relationship and has a deep respect for the Prime Minister and for his country of India.
“They had a great call. It was very productive yesterday, and they struck a deal in which India has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil to buy more American oil from the United States of America, and potentially from Venezuela too,” she said.
Leavitt added that Trump and his national security team are “now dictating” the commerce of Venezuela and those oil sales.
“So this directly benefits the American people as well. And in addition, India has agreed to invest more in the United States because of President Trump's call to action on that phone call yesterday. Prime Minister Modi committed to USD 500 billion of purchases of US energy, transportation, and agricultural products,” she said.
Leavitt said the US tariff on India will now be at 18 per cent, but American exports to India will face a tariff of 0 per cent, so this is a great deal and a huge win for American workers, businesses and consumers alike.”
The Trump administration had imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including 25 per cent for Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump had said that, effective immediately, the two sides agreed to a trade deal under which the US will lower its reciprocal tariff imposed on India from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. India will also move forward to reduce its tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the United States to “zero".
“The Prime Minister also committed to ‘BUY AMERICAN’, at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of US Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products.
“Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people who GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most,” Trump said.
Modi said it was wonderful to speak with his “dear friend" Trump.
"Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” Modi said.
"When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” Modi said.
