French foreign minister wants 20,000 Indian students in France

The French foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, said that France aims to welcome 20,000 Indian students by 2025. “For us to achieve this objective, we must attract, every year, 7500 to 8000 students, and therefore increase the actual numbers by 50%. It is very ambitious. But between India and France, sky is the limit” she said,  adding that the country has recovered from the pandemic with a large number of Indian students opting to study in France.

While interacting with students at the Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi on a 3-day visit, she highlighted the need for gender equality not only in the education sector but also internationally. She believes that men and women are complementary and says that the world will have a better balance and harmony if there are more women in key positions.

Further, Colonna acclaimed France’s scholarship programs that were funded by private companies through French Indian Education. The scholarship had set a record of €1.6 million that benefited 500 Indian students. 

India-France will celebrate the 25th anniversary of strategic relations in 2023. To mark the occasion Colonna said, “Our countries share common values, such as democracy, rule of law, of course.” 

With a visit to India, Colonna is currently marking her first trip as minister. She also had talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar “on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest”.

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