India, France discuss student mobility, joint research and proposed IIT campus in Nice

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi met French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste on Monday, with the two sides discussing ways to expand student and faculty mobility, deepen research collaboration and strengthen institutional partnerships between India and France.

Baptiste is on a three-day visit to India from September 28 to 30. The meeting covered higher education, research and innovation, including the proposed IIT campus in Nice, the revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Agreement and opportunities for French higher education institutions to establish a presence in India.

Mobility in focus

Joshi said the discussions focused on expanding the movement of students and faculty between the two countries and strengthening institutional partnerships and joint research. The two sides also discussed taking forward collaborations through the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) and the Franco-Indian Campus in Life Sciences and Health.

According to the Education Ministry, the ministers deliberated on strengthening institutional linkages and increasing mobility opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers. They also explored possibilities for expanding collaborative academic programmes and exchanges between institutions in the two countries.

IIT campus in Nice

The proposed IIT campus in Nice was among the initiatives discussed during the meeting. The talks came as the two countries seek to build on the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and expand cooperation between their higher education and research ecosystems.

The two sides also discussed building on the momentum generated by Bharat Innovates 2026. The initiative has been positioned as a platform to showcase Indian deep-tech capabilities and strengthen innovation partnerships with France.

New research avenues

India and France explored greater cooperation in life sciences, social sciences and humanities, with emphasis on institutional interaction, collaborative academic activities and research. The ministers also exchanged views on promoting research, innovation and knowledge partnerships.

The discussions covered ways to build upon existing collaborations while creating new opportunities for joint academic and research initiatives. Joshi said the India-France Year of Innovation offered a platform to deepen partnerships, encourage innovation and develop future-ready talent through closer academic and research ties.

French campuses invited

French higher education institutions were invited to explore opening branch campuses in India, including in Gujarat’s GIFT City. India also suggested that French institutions consider locations where French companies operate and require technically skilled human resources.

Such campuses could expand the presence of French institutions in India while creating closer links between higher education and industry requirements. The proposal comes amid India’s broader push to internationalise its higher education system and facilitate greater institutional collaboration.

Qualifications agreement

The ministers also reviewed the ongoing revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Agreement between India and France. The agreement is intended to facilitate recognition of academic qualifications and support greater movement of students between institutions in the two countries.

Digital education was another area discussed, with the two sides sharing experiences and best practices and examining how technology could be used to widen access to quality learning.