India and France have moved to deepen cooperation in education, research and innovation, with Union Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi holding bilateral discussions with France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Philippe Baptiste, in New Delhi.
The talks focused on expanding academic partnerships, student and researcher mobility, institutional collaboration, innovation and technology-enabled education. The discussions come as India and France seek to use the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 to create stronger links between their education and research ecosystems.
India-France Education Partnership Gets Fresh Push
During the meeting, Pralhad Joshi welcomed Baptiste and his delegation and underlined the longstanding relationship between India and France. He highlighted education as an important component of the broader bilateral partnership and said the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 offers an opportunity to further expand cooperation across education, research and innovation.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen institutional connections between higher education establishments in both countries. Areas under consideration included greater mobility for students, faculty members and researchers, along with expanded opportunities for academic exchanges and collaborative programmes.
India and France have already been pursuing wider cooperation in science, technology and innovation. In September, France’s Philippe Baptiste also held discussions with Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on strengthening bilateral cooperation in space, including human spaceflight, advanced technologies and greater engagement between research organisations and industries.
Bharat Innovates 2026 Highlights Deep-Tech Collaboration
A significant part of the discussions centred on the role of innovation in strengthening India-France cooperation.
Pralhad Joshi expressed appreciation to France for supporting the inaugural Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice. The event, held in June, provided Indian deep-tech start-ups with an international platform to present their technologies and connect with investors, companies, universities and research institutions.
The Ministry of Education had earlier described Bharat Innovates 2026 as an initiative designed to connect India’s higher education innovation ecosystem with global investors and international innovation partners. A pre-event roadshow in Paris was also organised to build engagement with French universities, businesses and research organisations.
The first edition of Bharat Innovates in Nice was held from June 14 to 16 under the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. The Ministry has described the platform as a mechanism for connecting young Indian innovators with global opportunities, industry networks and international stakeholders.
France Invited to Expand Higher Education Presence in India
The discussions also explored possibilities for French higher education institutions to establish a larger presence in India.
French institutions were encouraged to examine opportunities for setting up branch campuses in India, including in GIFT City, Gujarat, as well as locations where French companies operate and require skilled technical professionals.
Such institutional expansion could create additional avenues for students to access international academic programmes while supporting closer links between universities, research institutions and industry.
Pralhad Joshi and Philippe Baptiste also discussed cooperation across disciplines including life sciences, social sciences and humanities. Emphasis was placed on developing institutional relationships, joint academic activities and collaborative research initiatives.
Student Mobility, Language Learning and Digital Education
Student and faculty mobility emerged as another important area of discussion. Both sides examined ways to increase opportunities for students, teachers and researchers to participate in academic exchanges and collaborative programmes.
Pralhad Joshi and Philippe Baptiste also discussed strengthening language education and teacher training, along with greater sharing of academic expertise between India and France.
Technology-enabled education was another key area. The two countries explored sharing experiences and best practices in digital learning and using technology to widen access to quality education.
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The discussions also included the ongoing revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) Agreement between India and France. The agreement is relevant to facilitating greater recognition of educational qualifications and supporting academic mobility between the two countries.
Focus on Research, Innovation and Future Partnerships
Both sides explored ways to build on existing institutional partnerships while developing new collaborations in research and innovation.
The discussions covered opportunities for joint academic initiatives, knowledge partnerships and research programmes. Greater cooperation in emerging areas was also considered in the context of India’s expanding innovation ecosystem and France’s higher education and research capabilities.
The meeting concluded with India and France reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation across education, higher education, research, innovation, academic mobility, language education and digital learning.
The latest discussions add another dimension to the expanding India-France partnership, which already encompasses science, technology, space and innovation. Earlier this year, the two countries discussed cooperation in areas including advanced technologies, space and research, reflecting the broader push to deepen strategic and institutional ties.
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