French envoy says his nation plans to host 30,000 Indian students in coming year

He emphasized that France wants to develop people-to-people exchanges in the bilateral bond between the two countries.

Thierry Mathou told ANI, “Currently, one of the most important objectives in our relationship to us is to develop people-to-people exchanges. President Macron has set the objective when he came in early January: we want to host 30 000 Indian students in France in the coming year.”

“The door is open for Indian students: we have courses in English, international preparations for those who want to invest in French. An important education fair will take place mid-October to present all the opportunities,” he underlined.

Earlier in January, when French President Emmanuel Macron visited India he announced 30,000 Indian students would be welcomed in universities across the country in 2030.

Macron visited India as the country's Chief Guest for the Republic Day event on January 26.

Macron posted on X: "30,000 Indian students in France in 2030."

He said he would turn the 'ambitious' project into reality.

" It’s a very ambitious target, but I am determined to make it happen," he said.

Stating a number of measures which the government will take to execute the development, Macron said: "We are creating international classes which will allow students, who do not necessarily speak French, to join our universities."