India and France are looking at ways to strengthen cooperation in education, research, innovation, academic mobility and institutional partnerships. In a recent meeting, the two countries have discussed potential tie-ups in higher education, institutional linkages and academic exchanges. Greater cooperation in life sciences, social sciences and humanities, with emphasis on institutional interaction, collaborative academic activities and research were also discussed.

India-France Year of Innovation 2026 provides a timely opportunity to deepen collaboration in education, research and innovation, says Union Education Minister, Pralhad Joshi

French higher education institutes have been invited to consider opening branch campuses in India in locations such as Gujarat’s GIFT City and places where French companies are located and require talent.

The two countries also explored opportunities to strengthen language learning and teacher education, share academic expertise and promote technology-enabled learning. The discussions touched on the ongoing revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) Agreement between India and France, sharing experiences and best practices in digital education and leveraging technology to expand access to quality learning.

Union Minister for Education, Shri Pralhad Joshi, while commenting on the established India-France partnership, stated that cooperation in education was an important pillar of the bilateral relationship. He said that the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 provided a timely opportunity to further deepen collaboration in education, research and innovation.