Lord Chris Patten, the chancellor of The University Of Oxford, is leading a group of academics from the Said Business School for the inaugural meet of India-UK Business Forum in New Delhi on March 6.
He is staying back for a week more to also visit Bangalore, Mumbai and Goa.
Lord Patten's visit aims at strengthening the UK-India education relationship and to promote Oxford as a centre of academic and creative excellence for Indian students aspiring to study in Britain.
During his visit, he will attend alumni receptions in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai and will also meet prominent business leaders to explore possible industry-academia linkages. He will later attend the UK-India Round Table in Goa.
Looking forward to his visit Chris Patten said, "Oxford has a long and proud tradition of links with India, stretching back more than four centuries. In the 21st century and following the 2004 joint declaration to strengthen ties between the UK and India, Oxford is committed to building upon our existing relationship. We look forward to welcoming more brilliant Indian students and staff to contribute to Oxford's academic excellence: by extending our research collaborations and fruitful partnerships with Indian institutions; and by continuing to build our reputation as one of the world's leading universities.
"I very much look forward to meeting with alumni, business and education leaders and future Oxford students during my visit."
{{/usCountry}}"I very much look forward to meeting with alumni, business and education leaders and future Oxford students during my visit."
{{/usCountry}}Prominent Indians with strong links with Oxford are Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Indira Gandhi, Vikram Seth, VS Naipaul, Ved Mehta and Soha Ali Khan.