Joshi and French Education Minister Discuss Wider Student Exchanges and New Campus Opportunities

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi held talks with France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Philippe Baptiste, in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting focused on practical steps to bring the two countries’ higher education systems closer. Both sides looked at ways to increase the movement of students, teachers and researchers. They also examined stronger partnerships between institutions and more joint academic programmes. The discussions took place during Baptiste’s three-day visit to India and against the backdrop of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Joshi noted that the year of innovation gives a good platform to build deeper academic and research connections. The two ministers reviewed ongoing work under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration and the Global Initiative of Academic Networks. They also discussed the Franco-Indian Campus in Life Sciences and Health. A major point of the conversation was India’s invitation to French higher education institutions. They have been asked to explore branch campuses in India, including at GIFT City in Gujarat and at places where French companies already operate and need skilled technical staff. This fits with India’s push to internationalise its higher education sector. The proposed Indian Institute of Technology campus in Nice also came up. Officials see it as one more step in giving Indian institutions a stronger overseas footprint while creating new pathways for collaboration. Talks covered the ongoing revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications agreement between India and France. Once updated, the arrangement should make it easier for students and professionals to have their degrees recognised across both countries. The ministers also exchanged views on digital education tools and the use of technology to reach more learners. Greater cooperation in life sciences, social sciences and humanities formed another part of the agenda. Language education and teacher training received attention as ways to strengthen people-to-people links. At the end of the meeting both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work together in higher education, research, innovation and digital learning. For Indian students and teachers the practical outcomes could mean more exchange opportunities, clearer pathways for qualifications and, in time, new campus options closer to home or in France.