DIGITAL DIVIDE AS A CHALLENGE IN TRANSFORMING INDIA THROUGH INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EDUCATION

The internationalization of education has emerged as a significant driver for global competitiveness, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development. In India, the potential for leveraging international educational practices and collaborations is immense. However, the benefits of this transformative process are not equitably distributed due to the prevailing digital divide. This paper explores the digital divide as a critical impediment to the internationalization of education in India. It discusses the concept and dimensions of the digital divide, the status of international education in India, and how digital inequity hampers access, participation, and outcomes in globally integrated learning environments. Drawing on policy documents, statistical data, and case studies, this paper provides an analytical perspective on the socio-economic, infrastructural, and gender-based disparities influencing digital access. It incorporates an examination of institutional frameworks and cultural dimensions affecting technology use in education. Finally, it proposes recommendations for policy reform, technological investments, and inclusive strategies to bridge the digital divide, thereby ensuring that India can fully harness the potential of international education in its path toward transformation.