French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna Says - 20,000 Indian Students In France By 2025

The French foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, stated on Wednesday that the goal of France is to have 20,000 Indian students by the year 2025. In order to reach this objective, Colonna noted that they would need to increase the number of yearly students by 50%. She said this is a very ambitious goal but one that is achievable considering the relationship between India and France. Additionally, it was mentioned that they have already recovered from the pandemic in terms of the number of Indian students dipping in interest to study abroad in France.

France’s appeal among Indian students is still going strong, with plans to welcome nearly the same number of students in 2022 as compared to 2019. According to the diplomat, more than 5,000 students have already completed the necessary paperwork for long-term studies in France. Colonna also praised France’s financial aid efforts for students, which benefited a large number of Indians. “France provided unprecedented support through scholarships, with a record of € 1.6 million this year that benefited 500 Indian students.” The scholarships were sponsored by private companies through the French Indian Education Trust.

During her discussion with students, she emphasized the need for gender equality in not just education, but also internationally. “I believe we (men and women) are complimentary. And the world would be in better balance and harmony if there are more women in key positions,” she said.

It’s important to have gender equality not just in education, but in all aspects of life. We need more women in leadership roles so that we can have a better balance in the world.As we approach the 25th anniversary of India-France strategic relations in 2023, she underlined the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. “Our countries share common values, such as democracy, rule of law, of course. But also our relation to the world, be it our keen appreciation for beauty and refinement in Arts including gastronomy, our interest for History or our vision of the future.”