India is the top country of origin for international students at NC State and the U.S. more broadly. Among other factors, the country’s strong educational system and focus on academic achievement prepare students for success in higher education. For Indian students who wish to pursue university studies in the U.S., we aim to position NC state as the institution of choice for its academic excellence, strong sense of community and strategic location in the research triangle of North Carolina. We will leverage the India Engagement Network to achieve this goal by:

• Enhance pre-arrival communication, orientation support, and integration into academic and campus life.
• Foster connections among students and faculty engaged in India-related research, academic programs, or professional networks.
• Strengthen campus and community networks to enhance academic success, belonging, and long-term engagement with NC State.

Research collaborations with Indian higher education institutions and other organizations hold significant potential for innovative, interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing global challenges. NC State is ranked 37th worldwide by the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (2026). As a nation, India has the highest number of institutions (88) ranked in this category, indicating ample opportunities to advance our interdisciplinary initiatives. Key opportunities for developing a robust research network include:  

• Leverage the Global Engagement Directory to facilitate connections among faculty with India-related research interests.
• Showcase the strengths of our faculty members and highlight interdisciplinary research projects and attract new collaborators across India.
• Enhance information sharing about India-related ventures across academic and administrative units.
• Organize workshops and events for faculty interested in India and assist in matching individuals in the planning stages with those who have more experience in the respective field.
• Establish a new website and email group to promote India-related activities and facilitate communications among researchers engaged with the country.

In combination, these activities will provide a platform for faculty seeking new connections. Researchers will be able to view existing institutional agreements, collaborative projects and campus points of contact.

NC State alumni with professional or personal ties to India represent an important asset for advancing institutional goals. The India Engagement Network will collaborate with the Alumni Association, University Advancement and other campus units to develop a sustainable platform for alumni participation. Key areas of focus include:

• Launch an India-related Alumni Affinity Group and invite new members who may be living within the U.S. or internationally to support research, education and engagement activities. This includes identifying, updating, and maintaining accurate contact information for these members.
• Create meaningful professional, social, and networking opportunities that connect alumni with current students.
• Engage alumni as strategic advisors for identifying institutional opportunities in India, including research collaborations, student recruitment, and innovation partnerships.
• Support lifelong learning by promoting NC State educational programs, resources, and events.
• Establish pathways for philanthropic support aligned with NC State’s priorities for global engagement, research, and student success. Examples include professional mentoring, internships, hosting opportunities, scholarships or in-kind program support for NC State students.

• Provide opportunities for student participation in research projects, internships, short-term academic programs or service learning experiences in India.
• Encourage collaborative online international learning (COIL) activities that connect current NC State students with university students in India. COIL activities can range from guest lectures and short modules to joint student project teams and co-taught courses.

• Leverage faculty visits to India for high-profile research/tech talks that showcase NC State strengths
• Utilize updated alumni information to identify key academic contacts for QS and other global ranking surveys