French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated France’s commitment to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030, underscoring a major expansion in academic mobility between the two countries. The target, first announced in 2023, forms a key part of the people-to-people pillar of the India–France strategic partnership.
The announcement was reaffirmed during the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), held during President Macron’s visit to India.
“It’s very important for us to welcome more Indian students and to have more French students coming here. We speak about 10,000 per year. We decided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach 30,000 by 2030,” Macron said.
Measures to Attract Indian Students
Following the initial announcement, the French Embassy in India rolled out several initiatives to make France a more attractive study destination for Indian students. These include:
- A five-year short-stay Schengen visa for Indian alumni of French institutions
- The proposal to introduce “international classes”, offering intensive French language training alongside academic preparation
Macron also said France would simplify visa and administrative processes, particularly for Indian students pursuing long-term programmes such as doctoral studies.
Indo-French Centre for AI in Health
The newly launched Indo-French Centre for AI in Health has been established under a joint memorandum of understanding between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University, and the Paris Brain Institute. The collaboration also involves Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and several French research institutions.
The centre will focus on AI-driven research, medical education, and clinical innovation, with a particular emphasis on brain health and global healthcare systems. It was inaugurated by President Macron and Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda.
Call for Trusted and Responsible AI
Addressing the broader AI agenda, Macron emphasised the need for technological self-reliance and responsible governance.
“India and France are committed to developing the computing capacity and talent necessary to build our own trusted AI systems. We cannot rely solely on technologies developed and managed elsewhere,” he said.
He also stressed that artificial intelligence must be developed with strong safeguards, including protections for children, transparency in algorithms to address bias, and a commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.
Strengthening Educational Ties
France’s goal to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030 signals a deepening of educational and research cooperation between the two countries, positioning France as a key destination for Indian students seeking global exposure in science, technology, healthcare, and advanced research.
