IIT Campus in Nice: Education Minister Pralhad Joshi Meets with French Education Minister

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi met with French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, Mr Philippe Baptiste, to discuss ways to expand student and faculty mobility and also strengthen cooperation between India and France in Education, Research and Innovation. 

In his special media post, the education minister mentioned the discussions conducted to expand student and faculty mobility and strengthen institutional partnerships and joint research, advancing the revised Mutual Recognition and Qualifications Agreement. He also mentioned the discussions to continue collaborations through SPARC, GIAN and Franco-Indian Campus Life Sciences and Health. 

A proposal to set up an IIT campus in Nice, France was also discussed. He further added that the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 offers a strong platform to deepen these partnerships, foster innovation and build future-ready talent through closer academic and research linkages between the two countries

Engaged with H.E. Mr. @PhBaptiste, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space of France, to further strengthen the India-France partnership in education, research and innovation.

Discussed expanding student and faculty mobility, strengthening institutional partnerships… pic.twitter.com/UDxU3FzjJ0

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 28, 2026

The meeting comes at a time when India and France mark the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, which will provide an opportunity to deepen academic and research partnerships between both countries. The initiative will also provide greater momentum to collaborations in areas like innovation, research and development of future-ready talent. 

The ministers also discussed the revision of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Agreement, which will support smoother recognition of academic qualifications between both countries and facilitatie towards a greater mobility for students and professionals.

IIT Campus in Nice

A proposal to set up an Indian Institute of Technology campus in Nice, France, was also discussed during the meeting. The proposed campus will be part of the country’s efforts to strengthen India's academic presence and institutional collaboration with France. 

During the meeting, the education minister highlighted the importance of building on the momentum generated by Bharat Innovates 2026 as both countries look to expand cooperation in innovation and research. He further added that the India-France partnership in Education, Research and Innovation can be further strengthened through closer collaboration of academic and institutional linkages.

It was a pleasure to exchange views with H.E. Mr. @PhBaptiste, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space of France, on strengthening India-France partnerships in education, research and innovation, with a shared focus on building future-ready talent. 🇮🇳🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/nlWJwwaF0d

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 28, 2026

The discussions conducted are part of an ongoing effort by India and France to expand cooperation in higher education and research, with student mobility, faculty exchanges, institutional partnerships and joint research emerging as the key areas of engagement.

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