US Ambassador Urges More Indian Students for STEM Programs, Raises Concerns Over Chinese Students
The US Ambassador Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has made a significant statement regarding the recruitment of international students in the country, with a focus on students from India and China. Campbell emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Indian students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in American universities, citing India as an important security partner of the US.
In contrast, Campbell suggested that Chinese students should be encouraged to pursue humanities and social sciences instead of science subjects, highlighting the escalating tensions and security concerns between the US and China. He noted that US universities are looking to limit Chinese students’ access to sensitive technology due to security reasons.
Campbell also pointed out the need for more Americans to pursue STEM fields and emphasized the importance of recruiting international students, particularly from India, for these programs. He stressed that the US should prioritize recruiting students from India, given its increasing importance as a security partner.
While Chinese students have historically been the largest group among international students in the US, with nearly 2.9 lakh in the academic year 2022-23, the current geopolitical climate and concerns about intellectual property theft have raised suspicion and hindered scientific collaboration.
Campbell’s remarks were made during a discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he reiterated the need for caution in allowing access to certain technological programs for Chinese students. He emphasized the importance of supporting higher education for Chinese students while also acknowledging the need to limit access to sensitive technology.
Overall, Campbell’s statements underscore the complex dynamics of international student recruitment in the US, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions and security considerations shaping educational policies and practices.
