In February, Arizona State University President Michael Crow traveled more than 8,000 miles to India, for a series of events and engagements across Delhi, Gurgaon, and Mumbai. It was a visit rooted in something deeper: a belief that the future of education depends on bold, global collaboration.

During his time in India, Dr. Crow met with leaders from ASU-Cintana Alliance partner universities in the region, signaling ASU’s growing commitment to empowering institutions across South Asia. As one of the world’s top-ranked public universities known for innovation, ASU’s expanding footprint in India speaks volumes about where higher education is headed.

In conversations with faculty, government leaders, and students, President Crow emphasized the importance of scale, not just growth for growth’s sake, but growth that creates access. “AI isn’t the threat,” he said in a widely circulated interview. “The real challenge is outdated teaching models.” This sentiment resonated with educators across the region who are navigating the tension between tradition and transformation.

Crow’s visit wasn’t just about exporting ASU’s model; it was about co-creating new ones. From dual-degree programs to collaborative research and digital infrastructure, these partnerships are designed to empower local institutions to deliver world-class education tailored to their own contexts.

As ASU builds deeper relationships with Indian universities, the hope is to unlock new opportunities for students, those who may have never imagined themselves part of a global academic network. It’s about creating access, not exclusivity. And it’s about meeting learners where they are, without compromising on quality.

For Cintana, this visit marks another milestone in a mission we believe in deeply: helping institutions around the world scale with excellence. Because when innovation is shared, not hoarded, the future looks a little brighter for all of us.