Spain-India Dual Year 2026: Education Minister Woos Spanish Universities

Dharmendra Pradhan invites campuses, stresses AI must bolster human creativity at New Delhi conference closing

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday wrapped up the India-Spain Conference on Higher Education here, pitching India as a prime spot for Spanish universities to set up campuses while underlining the need for AI to enhance—not eclipse—human judgment.

The two-day event, held February 19-20 at a time buzzing with the India AI Impact Summit 2026, got a strong push from the Spanish Embassy in India. It marks a key step in celebrations for the Spain-India Dual Year 2026, honouring 70 years of diplomatic ties.

Pradhan's Campus Call

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Pradhan highlighted how India's National Education Policy 2020 paves the way for global tie-ups. "India is open, ready, and welcoming," he said, extending a direct invite to top Spanish universities.

On the sidelines of the AI summit, the minister drove home a clear point: artificial intelligence should amplify human creativity, ethics, and decision-making. Democracies like India and Spain, he added, have a duty to steer responsible innovation.

From Talks to Action

Pradhan called the conference a shift "from dialogue to delivery." The knowledge bridges being built, he noted, will empower tomorrow's youth. Over 30 Spanish rectors and senior leaders from the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), plus representatives from about 70 Indian institutions, joined in.

Dr Vineet Joshi, Secretary in the Higher Education Ministry, described the gathering as timely for bilateral ties. "Deliberations were focused and forward-looking," he said, pointing to education's role in innovation, growth, jobs, tech progress, and people-to-people links.

Spain's Enthused Response

Spanish Ambassador to India Juan Antonio March Pujol welcomed Pradhan's presence. "Knowledge fortifies societies and shapes generations," he remarked, stressing universities' centrality.

The ambassador outlined plans for joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and startup support. He hoped collaborations would gain steam through 2026, possibly with a follow-up in Spain and fresh MoUs. Pujol recalled PM Narendra Modi's assurance to Spain's leadership: academic partnerships are a top priority, with full facilities for campuses.

Prof Eva Alcón, CRUE President, reaffirmed Spain's commitment alongside its government. She saw the summit as the start of a lasting bond, eyeing work on fair education access, sustainability, global health—blending local needs with worldwide goals.

Ties in Broader Context

This conference slots into ramped-up India-Spain engagement. Diplomatic relations hit 70 years in 2026, with youth exchanges, research, and education at the core. Initial reports suggest strong momentum, especially after Modi's personal push.

For Indian students and institutions, Spanish campuses could mean more options without crossing borders—boosting skills in fields like AI and sustainability. Ground buzz from participants hinted at quick wins, like pilot exchange programs.

Spain-India Dual Year 2026 now eyes deeper university pacts. Officials hint at more summits ahead, with MoUs possibly inked soon. As Pradhan put it, these steps build youth confidence for a shared future.

The Education Minister on Friday called on institutions to “exit the Macaulay doctrine” and align higher education with the vision of Viksit Bharat, and announced the conversion of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO) into a full-fledged Master’s degree programme.

He made these remarks while inaugurating Yugantar ’26, the Annual Management Conclave of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO), themed “AI for Sustainability & Startup Innovation.”

The inaugural session at the Shridhar Shriram Auditorium was graced by Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Government of India, as the Distinguished Chief Guest. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, and hosted by Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal, SRCC. Senior faculty members, industry leaders, alumni, and students attended the event, along with Dr. Misha Govil, GBO Coordinator, SRCC; Dr. Sapna Bansal, Convener, Yugantar 2026; and Dr. Sunita Sharma, Co-Convener, Yugantar 2026.

The programme opened with a tribute to Sir Shri Ram, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

 “We Must Not Be Afraid to Accept Change” 

In his keynote address, the Education Minister described the National Education Policy (NEP) as a structural reset of India’s academic framework.

“We have to get out of the Macaulay doctrine that enslaved India academically. The National Education Policy, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi ji, will ensure that Bharat becomes a Vishwa Guru. Institutions like SRCC must lead this transformation. SRCC is sowing the seeds to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.”

He emphasised technological sovereignty and institutional reform: “In this age of technology, the nature of competition has fundamentally changed. We know that change is needed — but we must not be afraid to accept it. India must move toward sovereign AI ecosystems, strengthening institutions like IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, and building indigenous capabilities so that Bharat becomes a leader in Artificial Intelligence.”

He urged higher education institutions to embed research, patents, startup incubation, and AI-led innovation into their academic structures.

 PGDGBO to Be Upgraded into Master’s Degree Programme 

The Education Minister announced that SRCC’s two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO), offered by Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, will be converted into a full-fledged Master’s degree programme.

The transition is expected to strengthen academic recognition, align the programme with National Education Policy reforms, and enhance its global academic equivalence while integrating greater research and innovation components.

Universities Must Build Market-Ready Innovation 

Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh said universities must convert research into commercially viable outcomes.

“Only three words can safeguard the future of young minds — innovation, creativity, and originality. Universities must go beyond publications; we must develop patents, prototypes, and commercially sustainable products.”

He cautioned institutions against resisting technological shifts and called for stronger university–industry collaboration.

AI Must Be Ethical and Inclusive 

Principal Simrit Kaur said institutions must guide artificial intelligence with responsibility and human judgment.

“Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to shift both demand and supply curves, improving productivity and efficiency. But without the intelligence of humans, there is no optimal solution. AI must be coordinated with humanity and adopted responsibly.”

She added, “We are committed to viewing Artificial Intelligence as our destiny — ensuring that its growth remains inclusive, accountable, and sustainable.”

Day 1 of Yugantar ’26 featured corporate panels on AI-enabled sustainability, founder sessions on startup scaling, and case simulations across finance, marketing, analytics, HR, and international business.

The Education Minister also visited the Viksit Bharat Startup Expo 2026, where student-led ventures showcased innovation prototypes.

With the announcement of the Master’s degree upgrade for SRCC GBO and a push toward NEP-led reform and sovereign AI capabilities, Yugantar ’26 positioned SRCC within the broader roadmap toward Viksit Bharat 2047.