India signs 15 MoUs with French higher education institutions

The Ministry of Human Resource Development on Saturday signed 15 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of France in the field of higher education on the sidelines of Knowledge Summit, the first Indo-French Summit on Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

The 15 MoUs were unveiled between universities and research institutions on joint initiatives and partnerships during the summit which also marks the culmination of the four-month Bonjour India programme.

On the occasion, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar addressing the gathering of more than 350 people from nearly 80 Indian and 70 French institutions at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra said, “This is for the first time, the MoUs signed on government to government basis and will enhance mobility of students worldwide. We want to take education to a greater level and for this the ministry has taken several initiatives in the field of higher education such as HACKATHON, IMPRINT, PMRF, HEFA, GIAN, also setting up of Research Parks in premier technical institutions. The government is providing lot of fund for research and innovation and there has been tremendous support from the Centre.”

Seeking cooperation from French institutions, Mr Javadekar said, "our next target is to introduce Digital boards in all classrooms."

He added that the MoUs which have been signed in the areas of higher education, research, innovation, faculty exchange and scientific cooperation will pave way for strengthening ties between the two countries further.

Also present on the occasion was French Higher Education and Research and Innovation Minister Frederique Vidal besides officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Campus France and Confederation of Indian Industry.