India-France Discuss Proposed IIT Campus, Student Exchanges and Research Ties

India and France are exploring the possibility of setting up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in France as both countries look to expand cooperation in higher education, research and innovation.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Philippe Baptiste. The talks focused on strengthening academic ties through student and faculty exchanges, institutional partnerships and joint research programmes.

The proposed IIT campus is part of a broader effort to deepen educational cooperation between the two countries. However, details such as which IIT could establish the campus, its location, proposed courses and potential launch timeline have not yet been announced.

The two sides also discussed the revised Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Agreement, which aims to improve the recognition of academic qualifications between India and France.

Other areas of cooperation included the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN), and the Franco-Indian Campus in Life Sciences and Health.

The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 is also expected to provide momentum to these initiatives, with both countries focusing on research collaboration, innovation and developing future-ready talent.

The proposed IIT campus could eventually give Indian students and researchers greater international exposure while creating another platform for India-France academic collaboration.