Skip to content Walking into the House of Commons on 17 November marked a significant moment for Indian students in the United Kingdom. As part of INSA, the Indian National Students Association, student representatives gathered for the India-UK Student Leadership Summit 2025. This rare opportunity allowed representatives from more than forty universities to sit across the table from Members of Parliament and officials from the High Commission of India, prepared for an honest discussion about the issues Indian students face.
The summit commenced with opening remarks from INSA’s General Secretary, Ranjeet Singh. Amit Tiwari, our National President emphasised the students’ crucial role in shaping their future. MP Navendu Mishra reinforced the importance of the dialogue and reminded attendees that this is a crucial year for India-UK relations, which makes the student voice even more important. Throughout the discussions, students raised the concerns that shape our experience as international students in the UK. They asked critical questions about the recent reduction of the post-study work visa to eighteen months, the rising cost of university education, and the confusing, constantly shifting immigration rules.
A central idea, mentioned by Mr. Sharma, an ex-MP, resonated throughout the day. For too long, the UK government has seen international students primarily as numbers within an immigration statistic. This summit challenged that perception. International students bring far more value. They choose to come here, work hard, and contribute. They pay substantial tuition fees and add billions to the economy. When companies hesitate to sponsor graduates due to visa concerns, perception often drives the decision. If policymakers and companies view international students as a long-term investment rather than a short-term cost, it can open the door to more practical and sustainable solutions for both employability and immigration processes. Hearing members of the panel acknowledge this and provide assurance that student leaders’ voices are taken seriously felt like a genuine step in the right direction.
The day continued to inspire, offering real hope through concrete action. Listening to Raj Shamani, India’s leading podcaster and youth icon, energised the audience. He spoke sharply about the mindset of today’s students and about a topic often unnoticed in this discussion, i.e. the changing profile of who gets to study abroad. According to him, this new generation of Indian students is fundamentally different. It is no longer just the wealthy, elite minority who can afford an overseas education. Today, students from all social backgrounds take bold steps to pursue opportunities in the United Kingdom. This generation is not here for luxury or lifestyle, but they are here for growth, skills, global exposure, and the chance to prove themselves. They are ambitious, resourceful, and incredibly resilient. Their hunger to build something meaningful sets them apart.
Raj Shamani reminded the audience that young people today do not wait for opportunities; they create them. Both countries must see international students as partners in growth. Students contribute ideas, energy, and long-term value. This message motivated and gave a reality check to the attendees. It underscored that today’s students represent a new India that is confident, global, and ready to work hard. With the right support, this generation has the power to reshape the narrative.
Another turning point in the summit came with the announcement of the Indian National Students Employability Council, known as INSEC, launched in collaboration with Ayesha Goyal and Creoo. This initiative aims to create a national advisory board where students will join policy development from the very beginning. It is a game-changer. Instead of consulting students after policies and decisions have been made, policymakers will now allow students to shape better policies from the start, offering real guidance and mentorship to those worried about their future.
The day continued to inspire, offering real hope through concrete action. Listening to Raj Shamani, India’s leading podcaster and youth icon, energised the audience. He spoke sharply about the mindset of today’s students and about a topic often unnoticed in this discussion, i.e. the changing profile of who gets to study abroad. According to him, this new generation of Indian students is fundamentally different. It is no longer just the wealthy, elite minority who can afford an overseas education.
The summit characterised a powerful convergence of distinct components, including the questions students directed at policymakers and the profound dialogue with Raj Shamani. Furthermore, the event featured the official launch of the book “Checked into Change” by student author Rohit Mahadevu. His book captures the quieter struggles that many international students experience. It matters because it tells the truth. Social media often shows the glamorous side of studying abroad but rarely the difficult days i.e. isolation, pressure to adapt, and the feeling of being alone in a new country. The book gives a voice to these quieter struggles, helping thousands of students feel seen and understood.
Towards the close of the event, INSA recognised eight societies for their work in supporting students and helping them feel at home, even when they are far from home. There was a genuine sense of pride when INSA Warwick won the award. Our president, Daksh Gaba, accepted the award from Mr. Virender Sharma on behalf of the team. That moment inspired the team to aim higher. When students at INSA Warwick say they want to reach greater heights, they make a commitment to build stronger support systems and ensuring that every Indian student at Warwick feels they have a community and a voice. This award represents not just a milestone but a promise to keep improving. Walking out of Parliament that evening, attendees felt more than inspired. They experienced a collective sense that students had finally taken their place at the table, leaving with a shared belief that together, they can help build a more secure and hopeful future for everyone who chooses to study here.
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