Regional Passport Officer S. Chavan urges foreign students at GITAM to boost India trade ties

Foreign students urged to help foster trade ties with India

Regional Passport Officer S. Chavan addressed a gathering of international students at GITAM Deemed to be University on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. He told the audience that their home‑country networks could become a direct conduit for Indian products and services, especially as Visakhapatnam cements its reputation as a hub for medical tourism, higher education and food‑processing.

"Identify trade opportunities in your home markets and consider import‑export ventures while you study," Chavan said, adding that the government would provide guidance, project‑report assistance and incentives through relevant departments. His message was aimed at turning the campus into a launchpad for budding entrepreneurs who can showcase India's competitive edge in affordable medical care, quality education and agri‑food products.

The event was attended by Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Y. Goutham Rao, School of Computer Science and Engineering Director K. Tirupathi Rao and Computer Science and Engineering Head G.V.S. Rajkumar. All three university leaders echoed the officer’s call, noting that the presence of a diverse student body already enriches the local economy and cultural exchange.

Chavan highlighted four sectors that are already attracting foreign interest:

• Tourism – the city’s coastline and heritage sites draw visitors from across Asia and Europe.
• Affordable medical services – Visakhapatnam’s hospitals are recognised for high‑quality, cost‑effective care, making the city a natural hub for medical tourism.
• Higher education – institutions like GITAM are expanding programmes that meet global standards, encouraging overseas enrolment.
• Food processing – India's agricultural surplus and modern processing units present export opportunities for specialty foods.

He urged students to draft project reports on trade demand in their home countries, promising that government agencies would review them and, where viable, facilitate export licences and market linkages. “You are the bridge between India and your nations,” Chavan said, stressing that the initiative aligns with the country’s broader goal of deepening bilateral economic ties.

The invitation comes at a time when India is actively promoting its "Make in India" and "Export Promotion" agendas, seeking to attract foreign investment and expand its global market share. By mobilising foreign students as informal ambassadors, officials hope to accelerate knowledge transfer and create a pipeline of young entrepreneurs who can champion Indian products abroad.

While the programme is in its early stages, Chavan assured that the Regional Passport Office will coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to streamline any necessary paperwork. He also hinted that successful student‑led ventures could qualify for tax rebates and seed funding under existing government schemes.

The university’s leadership welcomed the proposal, noting that it complements GITAM’s existing entrepreneurship cell and incubation centre. “Our students already enjoy a vibrant ecosystem for startups; adding an international trade dimension will only broaden their horizons,” said Rao.

If the initiative gains traction, Visakhapatnam could see a surge in export‑oriented startups founded by students, further cementing the city’s role as a strategic gateway for India’s expanding trade portfolio.

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Key take‑aways

• International students are being asked to scout trade opportunities for India.
• The government will provide project‑report support, incentives and possible tax rebates.
• Sectors highlighted: medical tourism, affordable healthcare, higher education, food processing.
• University leaders present: Y. Goutham Rao, K. Tirupathi Rao, G.V.S. Rajkumar.