Ahead of India's 75th Republic Day celebrations, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday plans to invite 30,000 Indian students to study in France, a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Paris as the chief guest of France's National Day last year.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), France's leader announced plans to invite approximately 30,000 students to study in France. In 2030, there will be 30,000 Indian students in France. It's an ambitious goal, but I'm determined to achieve it. This is how," Macron remarked.
30,000 Indian students in France in 2030.
It’s a very ambitious target, but I am determined to make it happen.
Here’s how: pic.twitter.com/QDpOl4ujWb — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024
Indian students to surge in France
The French president explained the country's efforts to establish new French language learning centers with an international curriculum and a network of alliances françaises. He continued by saying that France would help Indian graduates obtain visas to enter the nation.
"To visit France is to pursue perfection. With the French for All, French for a Better Future initiative, we are introducing new avenues for students to study French in public schools. We are expanding the Alliances françaises network by adding new language learning facilities. We are developing foreign courses that will enable students to enroll at our universities even if they do not know French. Finally, it stated, "We would expedite the visa application procedure for any former Indian students who attended French universities.
According to Macron, the QS rankings list 35 French universities, while the Times Higher Education rating lists roughly 15 of them.
"We currently have 35 universities in the QS rating and perhaps 15 in the Times Higher Education ranking. France and India have a great deal to do jointly, both now and in the future. We will accomplish this in friendship, trust, and exchange with you, our youth," it continued.
India - France’s astounding diplomatic ties
To draw in more Indian students, the French embassy in India announced several initiatives earlier in September 2023, one of which was the introduction of a five-year Schengen visa for short stays. The programs fall under the category of people-to-people ties, which is one of the three pillars of the two nations' strategic cooperation.
My dear friend @NarendraModi,
Indian people,
My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you.
Let’s celebrate! pic.twitter.com/e5kg1PEc0p — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024
The president of France, who is also the main guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations, wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India a happy Republic Day in a different post. "Indians, my dear buddy @NarendraModi, Best wishes for a happy Republic Day to you. I'm glad and honored to be with you. Come on, let's celebrate!"
Image Source: India Today
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