India, France Discuss Stronger Higher Education Cooperation, Student-Faculty Mobility; French Universities Invited To Open Campuses In India
· Free Press Journal
India and France discussed ways to expand cooperation in higher education, research, innovation and academic mobility during a bilateral meeting between Union Minister for Education Pralhad Joshi and France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste in New Delhi on Monday.
It was a pleasure to exchange views with H.E. Mr. @PhBaptiste, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space of France, on strengthening India-France partnerships in education, research and innovation, with a shared focus on building future-ready talent. pic.twitter.com/nlWJwwaF0d
Visit michezonews.co.za for more information.
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 28, 2026
As per the PIB, the two ministers discussed the possibilities for enhancing institutional linkages, enabling the mobility of students, teachers and researchers, and increasing collaborative academic programmes and exchanges.
Engaged with H.E. Mr. @PhBaptiste, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space of France, to further strengthen the India-France partnership in education, research and innovation.
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 28, 2026
Discussed expanding student and faculty mobility, strengthening institutional partnerships… pic.twitter.com/UDxU3FzjJ0
French Institutions invited to set up campuses in India
During the meeting, India invited French higher educational institutions to explore opening branch campuses in the country, including in GIFT City, Gujarat.
The proposal also includes locations where French companies have a presence and require technical human resources. The move is aimed at creating greater linkages between higher education institutions, industry requirements and academic programmes.
The discussions also focused on building on existing institutional collaborations and creating new opportunities for joint academic and research initiatives.
Focus on research, academic mobility
Joshi highlighted the longstanding India-France partnership and said education remains an important pillar of bilateral ties. The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 was highlighted by him as a chance to strengthen collaboration in the spheres of education, research, and innovation.
The areas of life sciences, social sciences and humanities were explored by the two parties with a special focus on the interaction at the institutional level, joint academic activities and research.
Mobility of students, professors and researchers was another important topic of discussion alongside collaboration programs and academic exchanges between institutions of both the countries.
Language learning, digital education
India and France also explored ways to strengthen language learning and teacher education, share academic expertise and promote technology-enabled learning.
The ministers spoke about the ongoing negotiations between the two nations regarding the revision of the MRQ agreement. They also shared views on exchanging best practices for digital education and leveraging technology to increase accessibility for quality education.
The discussions culminated in both sides reiterating their commitment towards deepening collaboration between India and France in the field of higher education, innovation, and language and digital learning.