In a significant effort to bolster academic ties between France and India, French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s aim to welcome 30,000 Indian students to its universities by 2030. President Macron disclosed this ambitious target during his visit to India to attend the 75th Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.

The announcement underscores France’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with India, which President Macron described as a “key partner” in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, where President Macron initially announced the target.

President Macron outlined various measures aimed at achieving this goal, including the introduction of the “French for All, French for a Better Future” initiative in public schools to promote French language learning. Additionally, France plans to expand the network of Alliances françaises and establish international classes to facilitate the entry of students with no prior knowledge of French into French universities.

Moreover, President Macron highlighted plans to streamline the visa process for former Indian students who have previously studied in France, making it easier for them to return. France aims to attract 20,000 Indian students by 2025 as an initial step towards the larger target of 30,000 Indian students by 2030.

Acknowledging the ambitious nature of the target, President Macron expressed determination to realize this goal, emphasizing its significance in strengthening academic and cultural exchanges between France and India.

France has already taken proactive steps to facilitate Indian students’ education in the country. In 2018, it launched the “Campus France” program, which offers comprehensive information and support to Indian students interested in studying in France. Since its inception, the program has contributed to a 20% increase in the number of Indian students studying in France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President Macron’s visit to India, which commenced with a tour of Rajasthan, where the French President visited iconic sites such as Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. The leaders underscored their strong rapport with a roadshow in the Pink City, where President Macron received a replica of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir and enjoyed masala chai before engaging in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi.

The discussions between President Macron and Prime Minister Modi centered on further consolidating strategic cooperation in defense, security, trade, and clean energy sectors. The visit underscores the mutual commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of collaboration.

President Macron’s visit to India holds strategic significance in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape and underscores the growing importance of Indo-French relations in addressing regional and global challenges.

In conclusion, France’s ambitious target to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 reflects its commitment to fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange between the two nations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding in the years to come.