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Macron announced France aims to host 30k Indian students annually by 2030, with simplified visa rules and deeper academic ties, jointly decided with PM Modi.
Macron announced France aims to host 30k Indian students annually by 2030, with simplified visa rules and deeper academic ties, jointly decided with PM Modi. (Image: X)
At the inauguration of the Indo-French Campus on AI in Global Health at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, French President Emmanuel Macron has said France aims to host 30,000 Indian students annually by 2030, significantly scaling up from the current figure of around 10,000 students per year.
Speaking about educational ties between the two countries, Macron said the target was decided jointly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as “largely feasible.”
“We speak about 10,000 per year, more or less, depending on the season. We decided with Prime Minister Modi to have 30,000 by 2030,” Macron said, underlining France’s intent to deepen academic cooperation with India.
#WATCH | Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron says, “…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, more or less, depending on the season. We decided with Prime Minister Modi to have… https://t.co/pj8bOckFdM pic.twitter.com/RPNLq4a7co— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026
Visa Rules to Be Simplified
Macron acknowledged that France would need to simplify its administrative and visa processes to make the goal achievable. He said the French government would streamline visa facilities to better match the duration and expectations of academic programmes.
“If you have a PhD that takes three years and I give you a visa for one year, I’m a little bit crazy,” he remarked, stressing the need for practical, student-friendly visa policies.
He added that France would improve administrative facilities and strengthen institutional partnerships to boost student mobility between the two countries.
Strengthening Academic Ties
Macron said India was not among France’s top sources of international students 10–15 years ago, but noted that this has changed significantly. He called on French universities and high schools to intensify outreach efforts in India, while promising stronger support from the French government.
The move signals a major push to expand educational exchanges as part of the broader India–France strategic partnership, with both countries aiming to strengthen people-to-people connections alongside economic and technological cooperation.
Delhi, India, India
February 18, 2026, 19:07 IST
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