India and France are looking to expand cooperation in higher education, research and innovation, with academic mobility, institutional partnerships and joint research emerging as key areas of discussion between the two countries.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi held a bilateral meeting with France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Philippe Baptiste, in New Delhi. Baptiste is visiting India from September 28 to 30, 2026, with the talks focusing on strengthening education and knowledge partnerships between the two nations.
The discussions covered greater mobility for students, faculty members and researchers, along with opportunities for collaborative academic programmes and exchanges. Both sides also examined possibilities for deeper institutional cooperation in areas such as life sciences, social sciences and humanities.
The meeting took place during the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, which was highlighted as an opportunity to expand collaboration in education, research and emerging areas of innovation. The two sides also discussed building on existing institutional partnerships and creating new avenues for academic and research cooperation.
An important part of the discussions was the possibility of expanding the presence of French higher education institutions in India. French institutions were invited to explore establishing branch campuses in India, including at GIFT City in Gujarat and locations where French companies have a demand for skilled technical professionals.
The ministers also discussed language learning, teacher education and technology-enabled learning, including the sharing of academic expertise and digital education practices. The ongoing revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) Agreement between India and France was another area reviewed during the meeting.
Also Read: Oxford University Press, Canva bring creative digital learning to Indian Schools
The latest discussions add to the broader India-France education partnership, with both countries exploring ways to increase academic exchanges, strengthen research collaboration and create new opportunities for institutions, educators and students.
The engagement also comes as India and France continue to expand cooperation in innovation and emerging technologies, including through platforms supporting collaboration between researchers, institutions and startups.