Scottish Higher Education Minister Ben Macpherson delivered a strong welcoming message to Indian students at the INSA India-Scotland Student Leadership Summit 2026 held at the Scottish Parliament yesterday (22 January 2026).
Addressing 78 Indian student leaders representing 9 Scottish universities, he emphasised that Scotland values their contribution and wants to see more Indian students choosing Scottish universities.
The summit comes amid ongoing UK-wide debate over international student policy and graduate migration routes, placing Scotland’s position in contrast to proposed national measures. It brought together Indian students from universities across Scotland and marked the first event in INSA UK’s year-long 10th anniversary celebrations under the banner “INSA@10: Ten Years of Empowering Indian Students in the UK.”
In his address to students, Minister Macpherson made clear Scotland’s position on the proposed international student levy, stating that Scotland does not support the measure. He emphasized that the Scottish Government values the significant contribution Indian and international students make to Scotland’s economy and growth, and expressed his desire to welcome more Indian students to Scotland’s universities.
The Minister’s attendance at the summit represented his first direct engagement with the Indian student community in Scotland, lending significant weight to the government’s commitment to international education partnerships.
Siddharth Malik, Consul General of India in Edinburgh, reinforced the Minister’s message by describing the relationship as “a two-way partnership” where Indian students bring potential that helps Scotland grow and nurture talent. He highlighted the deep historical ties between India and Scotland that have strengthened over the years.
Sue Webber MSP, who hosted the event at Holyrood, welcomed the continued growth of Indian students into Scottish universities. A former hockey player who actively promotes sport, Webber called on attendees to support the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland this year, drawing a natural connection between sport, inclusivity, and the Commonwealth ties that bind India and Scotland.
The summit featured the launch of the INSA@10 logo, symbolizing a decade of service since the organization’s founding in 2016 at the High Commission of India in London. What began as a small initiative has grown into the UK’s largest Indian student network, now representing over 100,000 students across more than 50 universities.
Professor Sue Rigby of Edinburgh Napier University praised the “immense talent and technical caliber” of Indian students, emphasizing her university’s industry-oriented Polytechnic heritage. She stressed the shared responsibility of universities and employers to ensure Indian students “don’t just land in Scotland, but are given the inclusive pathways to truly take root in the economy.”
A panel discussion explored the skills and mindsets needed to navigate Scotland’s professional landscape. Professor Neville Wylie of the University of Stirling connected the concept of “Scottish Grit” to the determination required in a global economy.
Professor Brad Mackay of the University of St Andrews addressed intensifying global competition for talent, urging students to remain self-reflective and deeply engaged with the educational ecosystem.
Professor Moyra Boland of the University of Glasgow noted that “seeing Indian women walking in sarees represented a visible blend of confidence, intelligence, and determination,” emphasizing that cultural inclusivity is essential for students to thrive and contribute to the Scottish economy.
Dr Chris Yeomans of the University of Edinburgh discussed preparing Indian students to lead Scotland’s workforce in an AI-driven future, with Edinburgh committed to “redefining graduate skills” to ensure technically gifted students move beyond entry-level roles.
Amit Tiwari, INSA UK National President, outlined the organization’s role as “a voice of hope for anyone facing challenges,” providing support and assistance whenever students need help.
Puneet Dwivedi MBE described INSA as “a crucial bridge for networking, representation, and leadership development,” helping students transition into meaningful professional engagement in Scotland.
Abhishek Bhatia inspired students by highlighting how immigration processes have evolved, making it easier for students to pursue opportunities today.
Also in attendance was Dr Poonam Mallik, Chair and Co-founder of MicroplateDx and former Board Member of Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International. The event was co-hosted by Aishwarya Raman, INSA Scotland Lead, and Aadhi Saravanan, University of Glasgow INSA Lead. The South Asian Network supported the event as the media partner.
The India-Scotland Student Leadership Summit represents the beginning of a year-long series of INSA@10 events that will take place across the UK throughout 2026, celebrating a decade of empowering Indian students and building the next generation of leaders.
