Harvard President Cancels India Visit Amid Growing US University Tensions

By Kai March 27, 2025
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Harvard University President Alan M. Garber has abruptly cancelled his planned visit to India during spring break. The trip, scheduled over a month ago, was intended to uphold Harvard’s tradition of international visits by its presidents. Garber was set to visit New Delhi and Mumbai, meeting alumni and donors to strengthen Harvard’s engagement with India.

University spokesperson Jason A. Newton did not disclose the exact reason for the cancellation but confirmed that the trip would be rescheduled.

Harvard’s engagement with India was a key focus of the visit. Garber had previously hosted a private lunch with Harvard affiliates to discuss the trip’s objectives. Saravanan Thangarajan, a Harvard Medical School student who attended the meeting, revealed that Garber and Vice Provost for International Affairs Mark C. Elliott had planned to visit St. Xavier’s College to explore potential collaborations.

“They wanted to strategically understand how education and the economic landscape have evolved in India, and how Harvard could engage in meaningful and strategic partnerships,” Thangarajan said, as reported by The Crimson.

Meanwhile, US universities, including Harvard, are closely monitoring developments at Columbia University. The Trump administration recently issued an ultimatum to Columbia, threatening to freeze $400 million in federal funding over student protests related to Palestine. In response, Columbia has reportedly agreed to implement stricter security measures, including new campus police officers and mask restrictions, while also arresting two students accused of supporting Hamas.

The situation has raised concerns among higher education institutions across the United States, with fears that similar demands could be imposed on other universities. As Harvard navigates these uncertainties, Garber’s postponed visit to India underscores the challenges facing US universities in balancing global engagement with domestic political pressures.

Source: SHIKSHA

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