French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a major initiative to expand educational ties with India, unveiling plans to simplify visa procedures and significantly increase the number of Indian students studying in France.
Speaking at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus in New Delhi, Macron said France aims to raise the annual intake of Indian students from the current 10,000 to 30,000.
“We want to welcome more Indian students and have more French students coming here,” Macron said, emphasizing stronger two-way academic mobility between the two nations.
Visa Process to Be Simplified
To meet the new target, France will streamline visa and student sourcing procedures. Macron assured that the application process would be made more practical, efficient, and aligned with students’ expectations.
He stated that improved coordination and better institutional connections would be established to support students more effectively.
More Courses in English
In a move expected to benefit Indian students, France will also expand the number of academic programs taught in English. This step aims to reduce language barriers and make French higher education more accessible.
Macron highlighted France’s academic strengths, noting that students would gain access to world-class teaching institutions and leading research centers with strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The announcement reflects growing cooperation between India and France in the education sector. The plan to increase student numbers to 30,000 marks a significant step toward deepening people-to-people connections and strengthening bilateral relations.
The initiative is expected to open new opportunities for Indian students seeking global exposure and high-quality international education.
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