The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) has launched the fourth edition of the India UK Achievers Honours at an exclusive House of Lords reception marking Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas, celebrating excellence, partnership and shared values across the UK–India education corridor.
Recognised as the most prestigious global platform celebrating Indian students and alumni of UK institutions, the Achievers Honours bring together the entire higher education sector in partnership with the UK Government, Universities UK International, Chevening, AGCAS, UKCISA and PIE News.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative honours Indian changemakers who have leveraged their UK education to drive progress in business, science, public service, culture, and innovation, strengthening the living bridge between the two nations.
A celebration of excellence and shared values
The launch brought together Parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomats, and higher education leaders from both nations to celebrate education as the cornerstone of the UK–India partnership. The event also marked a festive celebration of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas, symbolising the unity of values that connect the two democracies.
The high-profile gathering featured cross-party members of the UK Parliament, including Rt Hon. Lord Johnson of Marylebone, former Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation; Sonia Kumar MP (Dudley); Gurinder Josan MP (Smethwick); and Virendra Sharma Former MP (Ealing and Southall), Patron of the Labour Asians Society — reflecting the breadth of parliamentary support for the programme.
Vice-Chancellors and senior leaders from over 30 leading UK universities, including the University of Cambridge, University College London, University of East London, University of York, University of Leicester, University of Surrey, Brunel University, and Coventry University, were in attendance — some of whom recently announced branch campuses in India and accompanied Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his recent trade delegation to India.
Education leaders including Jamie Arrowsmith, Director, Universities UK International; Catriona McCarthy, Global Head of Student Mobility and Internationalisation, British Council; and senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Home Office were also present.
Lord Johnson of Marylebone commended NISAU’s decade-long contribution to the UK–India relationship, saying: “NISAU is a wonderful institution — it’s pretty much part of our constitution now. It has done as much to sustain the living bridge between the UK and India as any other organisation I can think of.”
“NISAU makes a terrific contribution to the ecosystem — supporting students and alumni, working with governments and policymakers, and strengthening the living bridge between our two countries. Its indefatigable work is truly exemplary.”
He further highlighted the economic and policy significance of international education:
“International education brings brilliant people here to study and take home an understanding of our country and its worldviews — while benefiting from the incredible opportunities within our higher education system.”
“We imperil this at our own risk. International students bring £42 billion of value to the UK every year — few sectors generate value of that scale.”
“We must ensure a stable policy framework so that the UK continues to appeal to international students and can play its vital role in global education.”
Sonia Kumar MP reflected on the deeper meaning of the partnership: “These awards are a powerful symbol of the enduring bond between India and the UK — rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence. Achievers is a celebration of soft power — showing how education can be a force for diplomacy, innovation, and social progress.
“Our world-class universities attract the brightest minds from India and beyond. Beyond academic excellence, they shape global leaders and foster lifelong connections — building living bridges between our nations. Those living bridges are only getting stronger each year — in business, science, public service, and the arts, and through friendships and networks that span generations.”
India–UK Education Leaders Roundtable
Following the launch reception, the evening continued with the India–UK Education Leaders Roundtable that brought together Vice Chancellors, Parliamentarians, senior officials, employers, and education leaders from across both nations.
Chaired by Sanam Arora, Founder and Chair of NISAU, the roundtable marked the first major sector-wide discussion since both Prime Ministers endorsed the India-UK Vision 2035 — a framework positioning education and skills as the foundation of bilateral cooperation. Participants examined how to translate this shared vision, alongside the forthcoming UK–India Free Trade Agreement, into practical partnerships that deliver real-world outcomes across education, research, and employability.
The session explored three overarching themes:
- Charting the Next Decade of Collaboration – advancing mutual recognition of qualifications, joint campuses, dual degrees, and joint research across areas including AI, climate innovation, and healthcare
- Employability and Skills – addressing the global race for talent in an age of AI and automation by creating joined-up, future-ready career pathways for international students and graduates.
- Celebrating International Students and reinforcing the positive narrative of international education as a strategic driver of prosperity, inclusion, and diplomacy.
The dialogue concluded with consensus on establishing a baseline standard of employability, championship and welfare support for international students, developing new models for university–industry collaboration, and reaffirming education’s central role in the UK–India partnership aligned to the Vision 2035.
The discussion will feed directly into the upcoming India UK Education Conference on 24–26 February 2026 in London. The outcomes will also shape NISAU’s ongoing engagement with universities, governments, and employers to ensure that the ideas born in Parliament evolve into policy, partnership, and measurable impact across both nations.
University of East London and NISAU forge blueprint for global student success
The University of East London (UEL) and the NISAU have signed a sector-first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a new model of collaboration to strengthen the welfare, employability and success of Indian students in the UK.
The partnership establishes a strategic framework to design and deliver initiatives that enhance equity, inclusion and opportunity for international learners, and provide practical support from pre-arrival through to post-graduation, aligned with the India–UK “living bridge” strategy.
The MoU was signed on 17 October at the University’s Stratford Campus by Professor Amanda Broderick, UEL Vice-Chancellor and President, and Sanam Arora, Chairperson of the NISAU. The signing was witnessed by Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability; Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford OBE, and Virendra Sharma, former MP of Ealing Southall and Patron of NISAU.
The partnership establishes a framework for best practice in international student engagement and education, skills and inclusion – a model that universities worldwide may look to replicate as a blueprint for inclusive and globally minded education.
Professor Broderick said: “Internationally mobile Indian students make a hugely positive contribution to UEL and the wider UK community. At a time when the role of international students in higher education is under scrutiny, it is vital that we reaffirm our support and celebrate the global perspectives they bring.
Our collaboration with NISAU builds on UEL’s long-standing partnerships across India — from our research and innovation collaborations to our growing alumni network and our pioneering India Industry Advisory Board — all focused on preparing students for global success.
Sanam Arora said, “We are delighted to partner with the University of East London in this milestone agreement. Together, we will work to ensure Indian students and graduates not only achieve academically but also feel a true sense of belonging during their time in the UK.
“This partnership reflects NISAU’s broader mission to build a globally respected framework for student welfare and employability — one that can be adopted by institutions around the world as the next phase of international education collaboration.
Aligned with the ambitions of the India-UK Vision 2035, it strengthens the people-to-people pillar of our nations’ partnership — turning that vision into practical action that empowers students, enhances skills, and deepens collaboration across education and innovation.
“By combining NISAU’s advocacy and networks with UEL’s student-centred ethos and careers-first focus, we can provide valuable insights for universities across the world on how to champion international learners and celebrate their contribution.”
