India and France Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Education, Research, and Innovation
New Delhi, Sept 28 (KUNA) -- India and France today discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of education, research, innovation, academic exchange, and institutional partnerships. The Indian Ministry of Education said in a statement that Indian Education Minister Prahlad Joshi held a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart, Philippe Bas, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Space, in New Delhi. The two sides reviewed prospects for cooperation in several educational, research, and academic areas.
Joshi emphasized that cooperation in education constitutes an important pillar of bilateral relations, noting that the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation offers an opportunity to deepen collaboration in education, research, and innovation.
The two sides explored potential areas of cooperation in higher education, including strengthening institutional linkages, exchanging students, faculty members, and researchers, and expanding opportunities for joint academic programs and exchange initiatives. They also reviewed ways to enhance cooperation in life sciences, social sciences, and humanities, with a focus on institutional engagement and joint academic and research activities.
The ministers exchanged views on strengthening knowledge partnerships between the two countries and discussed opportunities to build on existing institutional cooperation and open new horizons for joint academic and research initiatives. An invitation was extended to French higher education institutions to explore the possibility of opening branches in India, particularly in areas where French companies operate and require skilled human resources.
The two sides also explored opportunities to enhance language learning, teacher training, academic exchange, and technology-enabled learning.
Discussions also covered the ongoing review of the agreement on mutual recognition of qualifications between India and France, as well as the exchange of expertise and best practices in digital education and the use of technology to expand access to quality higher education. (End) a.t.k./h.m.f.
