India, France to expand higher education and research ties; French universities invited to set up campuses in India

India and France have agreed to deepen cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation, with French institutions being encouraged to establish campuses in India, including at GIFT City in Gujarat and regions where French companies operate.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi met France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste in New Delhi, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening academic mobility, institutional partnerships, and collaborative research.

Joshi highlighted that the ongoing India‑France Year of Innovation 2026 provides a strong platform to expand joint initiatives in life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The ministers also discussed enhancing student and faculty exchanges, promoting language learning, and leveraging digital education technologies.

Both countries are revising the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) Agreement to facilitate smoother academic collaboration. The meeting concluded with a shared vision to advance innovation, language education, and digital learning as pillars of the India‑France partnership.