📷 Image Credits: India Today
The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, recently made remarks suggesting a shift in the recruitment strategy for international students in US universities. Campbell advocated for welcoming more Chinese students to study humanities rather than sciences, as US universities have been limiting their access to sensitive technology due to security concerns. In contrast, Campbell emphasized the importance of recruiting more students from India, highlighting the country as a key security partner over China.
Campbell expressed concerns about the insufficient number of Americans studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. He noted the need for more international students in these disciplines, particularly from India. The shift in focus from Chinese to Indian students comes amidst deteriorating US-China relations and fears of intellectual property theft.
Over the years, Chinese students have been the dominant foreign student body in the US, totaling nearly 290,000 in the 2022-23 academic year. However, recent tensions have strained scientific cooperation and raised suspicions against Chinese students. Campbell clarified that the intention is not to eliminate links with China but to diversify recruitment sources.
The China Initiative, aimed at combating Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft, faced criticism for racial profiling and was discontinued under the Biden administration. Campbell stressed the importance of nurturing academic, business, and non-profit sector ties, pointing out that Chinese actions have hindered desired engagements.
In light of these developments, Campbell highlighted the need for a significant increase in Indian students studying in the US. He underscored the vital role of Indian students in technology and other fields, urging a shift from the reliance on Chinese students. The US aims to maintain a balance in international student recruitment while addressing security concerns and fostering diverse academic collaborations.
