University Grants Commission Chairman Jagadesh Kumar said that enhancing research collaborations and two-way academic exchanges between India and US under India's National Education Policy is critical. He said partnership in emerging areas of science and technology between the world's two greatest democracies will benefit economic growth and open opportunities for conceiving innovative technological solutions.<br />'' <br />''Mr. Kumar said the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the academic leaders in the US will accelerate the collaboration process in the higher education sector. He termed the decision to establish a joint task force with stakeholders from the US and India to designate dedicated offices within their diplomatic outposts to assist global universities in setting up branch campuses in each other's countries, a welcome move. <br />