France is set to welcome more Indian students, with plans to simplify visa procedures, expand English-taught courses, and strengthen academic ties. Speaking in New Delhi, President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious initiative to triple Indian student numbers in France to 30,000 per year by 2030.
Addressing high-level academic and scientific gatherings at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Macron emphasized France’s commitment to deepening educational collaboration with India.
“We want to welcome more Indian students and have more French students coming here. Currently, about 10,000 students travel each year. With Prime Minister Modi, we have decided to increase this number to 30,000 per year by 2030. From the French side, we will simplify the sourcing and visa process,” Macron said.
This announcement coincides with the elevation of India-France bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, during Macron’s official visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. The leaders also launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai on February 17. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to India, following PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025.
Education, Innovation, and Mobility
The leaders reaffirmed the goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030, up from the current 10,000. They highlighted the International Classes initiative, which prepares Indian students for French higher education.
A new Mumbai hub combining ESSEC Business School and CentraleSupélec will open, alongside revisions to agreements on mutual recognition of academic qualifications. Additionally, a visa-free transit facility for Indian nationals through French airports will be introduced, starting with a six-month pilot program.
The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will foster collaboration in science, technology, AI, healthcare, sustainable development, culture, and education. A binational centre on digital sciences and technology between INRIA and India’s Department of Science and Technology is set to open. Plans are also underway for a research centre on AI in healthcare, bringing together Sorbonne University, AIIMS New Delhi, and the Paris Brain Institute.
This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening educational and technological ties between India and France, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and innovators.
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