Governor Murphy Celebrates Signing of MOUs Between New Jersey and Indian Universities, Hospitals to Advance Cardiovascular Research and Innovation

New Delhi, India – As part of its Governor-led mission to India, Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, today announced the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Rutgers University and Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in New Delhi (GIPMER), one of India’s leading medical institutions, and Montclair State University and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the world’s largest higher education network representing more than 1,100 universities across India. The agreements, witnessed by Governor Phil Murphy, establish partnerships for groundbreaking cardiovascular research and medical innovation with Rutgers and GIPMER, and for exploring academic, cultural, and research collaborations between Montclair State and the AIU.

“This agreement reflects New Jersey’s commitment to building global connections that fuel innovation, improve health care outcomes, and strengthen our state’s higher education leadership,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “The collaboration between Rutgers, Montclair State University, and these leading Indian research institutions will strengthen ties between world-class institutions with the potential to save lives and advance medical knowledge worldwide.”

Under the Rutgers MOU, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School’s Division of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension, in partnership with GIPMER, will lead the development of collaborations in areas including cardiovascular medicine, cardiovascular surgery, cardiovascular pathology and biobanking, medical imaging, artificial intelligence, digital health, and clinical trials. Dr. Jamal Yusuf, Head of the Department of Cardiology Surgery at GIPMER, will facilitate the partnership and serve as the primary liaison for the collaboration.

“We look forward to facilitating collaboration between our faculty and students and leading experts in India on some of the most pressing challenges in cardiovascular health,” said Antonio M. Calcado, Chief Operating Officer of Rutgers. “It represents the kind of international academic partnership that drives discovery and improves lives.”

“Rutgers is proud to join with Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in advancing discovery and innovation in cardiovascular health,” said Francine Conway, Chancellor, Rutgers-New Brunswick. “This partnership underscores our commitment to global collaboration that improves patient care, expands research opportunities, and prepares the next generation of medical leaders to meet urgent health challenges worldwide. As a global university, Rutgers embraces these opportunities to connect our campus with leading institutions abroad, strengthening both our scholarship and our role in addressing the most pressing issues of our time.”

“Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research is honored to partner with Rutgers University to advance research and innovation in cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Muhammad Abid Geelani, Medical Director, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Director Professor, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. “This collaboration brings together the strengths of our clinicians and researchers with those of a leading U.S. medical school, creating new opportunities to improve patient outcomes, train the next generation of specialists, and contribute to global advances in cardiovascular medicine.”

“We are eager to work closely with Rutgers faculty to share expertise and develop innovative approaches to cardiovascular care,” said Dr. Jamal Yusuf, Head of the Department of Cardiology Surgery at Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research. “Through joint research, clinical training, and the application of new technologies, this partnership will allow us to accelerate advancements that directly benefit patients.”

The MOU between Montclair State University and the AIU, which has a network of more than 1,100 member universities, establishes a mutual commitment to academic and cultural exchange, where students will study and conduct research in New Jersey and India. The partnership will explore opportunities for joint degree programs, collaborative research in areas such as sustainability and technology, and expanded pathways for student and faculty exchanges. The agreement also plans for a New Jersey delegation to welcome representatives from Indian universities to explore future collaborations in or after 2026.

“Montclair State University is a public-serving institution, driven by our motivation to broaden access to an excellent education and solve pressing issues. That mission extends beyond borders,” said Jonathan GS Koppell, President of Montclair State University. “We are excited to build relationships with AIU and across its many esteemed member institutions, so that we might together serve India and her millions of motivated students.”

The partnerships aim to promote education, training, and exchange of undergraduate and graduate students and researchers; facilitate joint research projects and publications; host academic meetings, symposiums, and workshops; and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through global collaborations. Together, Rutgers University and GIPMER, along with Montclair State University and the AIU, will advance opportunities that strengthen ties between New Jersey and India’s academic and research communities.

“The Association of Indian Universities is proud to partner with Montclair State University and the State of New Jersey to expand opportunities for our students and faculty,” said Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities. “This collaboration strengthens academic and cultural ties, fosters research in areas of global importance, and opens new pathways for innovation and knowledge-sharing between India and the United States.”

Both MOUs, which lay the foundation for future partnerships, are non-binding agreements that will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of renewal.

“International collaboration contributes to New Jersey’s higher education excellence, resulting in a highly skilled and educated workforce,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “The MOUs signed today represent a continued investment in New Jersey’s advanced research capabilities that will not only advance medical research and treatment, but expand global partnerships and opportunities for our academic community.”

To view the full MOU between Rutgers University and Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, click here.

To view the full MOU between Montclair State University and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), click here.

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey India economic mission may contact Tyler Jones ([email protected]) and Ingrid Austin ([email protected]) or visit choosenj.com/IndiaMission2025 for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.

Choose New Jersey is the State’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

About Rutgers University

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is the state’s flagship public research university and one of the nation’s leading academic institutions. Serving more than 69,000 students across three campuses, Rutgers is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and a top public research university recognized globally for excellence in health sciences, engineering, and innovation. Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is home to the state’s largest academic health center, advancing groundbreaking medical education, patient care, and research. To learn more, visit rutgers.edu.

About Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER)

Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), based in New Delhi, is one of India’s premier tertiary care institutions specializing in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, neurology, and psychiatry. Established in 1961, the hospital is affiliated with Maulana Azad Medical College and is recognized as a national leader in advanced medical treatment, clinical research, and specialized training. With a focus on delivering world-class patient care, GIPMER plays a critical role in India’s healthcare and research landscape. For more information, visit gbpant.delhi.gov.in.

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University is a leading public research university located in Montclair, New Jersey, serving more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students. As a Carnegie R2 Doctoral University – High Research Activity institution, Montclair is recognized for its academic excellence, affordability, and commitment to innovation. With more than 300 academic programs, a diverse student body, and a mission of public service, Montclair State University prepares students to thrive in a global society while advancing research and creative discovery. Learn more at montclair.edu.

About the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), established in 1925, is the apex body representing universities across India. With more than 11,00 member institutions, the AIU plays a vital role in promoting cooperation among universities, advancing higher education policy, and fostering academic exchange. The AIU facilitates recognition of degrees, coordinates inter-university activities, and represents Indian universities at the national and international levels, serving as a bridge between India’s higher education system and the global academic community. For more information, visit aiu.ac.in.