Punjab: French ambassador optimistic about educational collaboration with India

Punjab: Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, visited Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) with the aim of strengthening academic cooperation between India and France. Ambassador Mathou was welcomed by Vice Chancellor Professor Karamjit Singh and other senior faculty and staff members. The visit included a variety of engaging activities, including detailed discussions aimed at exploring potential areas of cooperation between Guru Nanak Dev University and French institutions. During the meeting with the Deans of various faculties, the Ambassador underlined the importance of academic exchange, research collaboration and student mobility as key components in enhancing India-France relations. He expressed optimism about the future of the academic partnership, reiterating France’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the exchange of knowledge. Ambassador Mathou said, “Education is a universal transformative tool, and through collaborative efforts, we can empower our students to excel on the global stage.
The Embassy of France, through the French Institute in India and the network of Alliance Française and Campus France offices, is working towards welcoming 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, an ambitious goal set by President Emmanuel Macron.” As part of the visit, the Ambassador attended a felicitation ceremony that honoured faculty members and students who have made significant contributions to research and academic excellence. GNDU Vice Chancellor Professor Karamjit Singh said in a statement, “We are extremely honoured to welcome Ambassador Mathou to our university. His visit is a testament to our commitment to building meaningful partnerships with globally reputed academic institutions. By collaborating with our French counterparts, we aim to enhance the academic experiences of our students and faculty and contribute to the knowledge economy of both countries.” Professor Karamjit Singh said that both India and France recognize the importance of education as a catalyst for growth and innovation, hence this visit is a significant moment in enhancing collaboration between GNDU and French academic institutions.

The outcome of this engagement is expected to pave the way for future partnerships that will promote academic research, cultural exchange and scholarly development. Ambassador Mathou, accompanied by the Vice Chancellor and others, took an extensive tour of the University campus, showcasing GNDU’s state-of-the-art facilities, research laboratories and academic resources. Through this tour, the Ambassador gained insight into the University’s commitment to promoting quality education and research as well as its campus life. The visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening ties between India and France in various fields, especially education. According to Dr Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Director, Global Rankings and Collaboration Cell, this was a new milestone for Guru Nanak Dev University, as the University hosted Thierry Mathou for an important global agenda in higher education. Bilateral relations between India and France are very important for the continued development of both countries. Dr Bedi said, “The Global Rankings and Collaboration Cell of the University is working on the vision of our Vice Chancellor, which is to internationalise education through tie-ups with top ranked foreign universities, so that students get a global experience.”