India, France Discuss Stronger Higher Education Cooperation, Student-Faculty Mobility; French Universities Invited To Open Campuses In India

India and France convened a bilateral meeting in New Delhi to discuss bolstering cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and academic mobility. Union Minister for Education Pralhad Joshi and France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research, and Space, Philippe Baptiste, exchanged views on deepening their partnership in these areas. The ministers emphasized the importance of building future-ready talent and creating institutional linkages to facilitate the mobility of students, teachers, and researchers.

The two nations agreed to broaden student and faculty exchanges, enhance collaborative academic programs, and strengthen institutional partnerships. France was invited to establish branch campuses in India, particularly in GIFT City, Gujarat, as well as in regions where French companies operate and require specialized human resources. This move aims to align higher education institutions with industry demands and academic requirements.

Joshi highlighted the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 as an opportunity to reinforce collaboration in education, research, and innovation. The discussions covered topics such as life sciences, social sciences, and humanities, focusing on institutional-level interactions, joint academic activities, and research. The ministers also acknowledged the importance of language learning, digital education, and technology-enabled learning, as well as the ongoing negotiations to revise the MRQ agreement.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to fostering deeper collaboration between India and France in higher education, innovation, language, and digital learning.