India and France are expanding cooperation in higher education, research and innovation, with French institutions invited to establish campuses in India and strengthen academic partnerships.
India and France have discussed expanding their longstanding partnership in higher education, research, innovation and academic mobility, with a particular focus on creating new institutional collaborations.
During a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between universities, researchers and academic institutions in both countries.
The discussions also included an invitation to French higher education institutions to consider establishing branch campuses in India, including at GIFT City in Gujarat and in locations where French companies operate and require specialised technical talent.
A key outcome of the discussions was India's invitation to French higher education institutions to explore establishing campuses in the country.
The proposed locations include GIFT City, Gujarat, India's international financial and technology hub, as well as areas with a strong presence of French companies. Such campuses could help create stronger links between higher education, industry and the demand for skilled professionals.
The initiative is aimed at expanding international academic opportunities while supporting India's growing requirements for specialised technical and professional skills.
Education remains an important component of the broader India-France relationship. During the meeting, Joshi highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries and the role of education in strengthening people-to-people connections.
The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 was also highlighted as an opportunity to expand collaboration in education, research and innovation.
Both sides discussed ways to build stronger institutional partnerships between Indian and French universities and research organisations.
The two countries explored measures to encourage greater movement of students, teachers and researchers between India and France.
Academic mobility can support knowledge exchange, collaborative research and exposure to different educational systems. The discussions also covered opportunities for joint academic programmes, institutional exchanges and collaborative initiatives.
Both sides expressed interest in building upon existing partnerships while identifying new areas for cooperation.
India and France also discussed expanding research collaboration across a range of disciplines.
The talks covered life sciences, social sciences and humanities, with both sides considering greater institutional interaction and joint academic activities.
Collaborative research programmes could provide opportunities for institutions and researchers to work together on projects of mutual interest while strengthening knowledge networks between the two countries.
The ministers also discussed broader knowledge partnerships and opportunities to create new avenues for joint research and academic initiatives.
Language education was another important area discussed during the meeting.
India and France explored ways to strengthen language learning and teacher education, recognising the role of language skills in promoting academic mobility and deeper people-to-people connections.
The two sides also discussed sharing academic expertise and experiences in teacher education to support the development of language-learning programmes.
Greater collaboration in this area could further facilitate exchanges between students and educational institutions in India and France.
The discussions also focused on the growing role of technology in education. India and France exchanged views on digital education and technology-enabled learning, including opportunities to share experiences and best practices.
Both countries are exploring ways in which technology can improve access to quality education and support innovative teaching and learning methods.
Cooperation in digital education could also encourage institutions to develop new models for delivering academic content and expanding access to learners.
Another significant issue discussed was the ongoing revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) Agreement between India and France.
The agreement is aimed at facilitating greater recognition of educational qualifications between the two countries. Progress in this area could make it easier for students and professionals to pursue further education or academic opportunities across borders.
The ministers exchanged views on the revision process and discussed experiences and best practices related to qualifications and education systems.
The discussions come during the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, providing an additional platform for cooperation in emerging areas of education, science and research.
Innovation has become an increasingly important part of the bilateral relationship, with both countries looking to strengthen connections between academic institutions, researchers, technology and industry.
The proposed expansion of institutional partnerships and French university presence in India could further connect education and research with industry requirements.
The meeting concluded with India and France reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, language education and digital learning.
The focus on branch campuses, student and faculty mobility, qualification recognition and collaborative research reflects efforts to make the education partnership more comprehensive.
Greater institutional cooperation could also create additional opportunities for students, researchers and universities while supporting the development of skilled talent for emerging sectors.
Conclusion
India and France are seeking to broaden their education partnership through French university campuses in India, greater academic mobility, joint research, language learning and digital education. The initiatives discussed during the meeting are aimed at strengthening institutional connections and supporting innovation-driven knowledge cooperation between the two countries.