The French Ambassador to India announced the intention to host 30,000 Indian students in France in the coming year. He underlined that building people-to-people exchanges is one of the most important objectives of the bilateral relationship.
The target was set by President Macron during his visit to India in January. As the French envoy, Thierry Mathou, noticed: “One of the most important objectives for us is to develop people-to-people exchanges. President Macron has set the target: we want to host 30,000 Indian students in France next year.”
Mathou said the door is open, pointing out that France has classes in English and international programs that would encourage Indian students to learn the French language. An education fair on options available will be held in mid-October.
During his two-day state visit to India last January, President Emmanuel Macron met with Indian students. And announced the ambition to welcome 30,000 students from India by 2030. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, officials introduced a five-year Schengen circulation visa for Indian alumni.
The Ambassador also showed the eagerness of France to further strengthen economic ties with India, recognizing its growth potential. He said, “We want to keep developing our economic ties, as India is only our fourth trade partner in Asia. We aim at improving that position.”
Mathou expressed confidence that investments by the French in India would grow manifold, especially in the fashion and luxury sectors. He also pointed out that French companies are forging links with the Mumbai ecosystem on the back of talented Indian artists. He mentioned that French firms are making investments in agriculture, particularly in Meghalaya. And the return of Carrefour to India with plans to expand retail activities.
On the trade relations, Mathou said, “The economic relation between France and India is a lot more than just bilateral trade.” He pointed out that India has now emerged as France’s 12th largest customer. While combined exports and imports reached € 16 billion in 2023. French exports to India shot up by 60% in the first half of 2023. Largely on account of civil aircraft purchases.
Mathou concluded by pointing out that French companies have contributed to the “Make in India” policy of the country. Having created around 500,000 jobs and more than a thousand factories within the country.
ANI