French Ambassador optimistic about academic tie-ups with India

Ambassador of France to India, Dr Thierry Mathou, visited Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), with the purpose of reinforcing academic collaboration between India and France.

Ambassador Mathou was received by vice-chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh and other senior faculty and staff members.

The visit featured a variety of engaging activities, including detailed discussions aimed at exploring potential areas for collaboration between Guru Nanak Dev University and French institutions. During the meeting with deans of various faculties, the Ambassador underscored the importance of academic exchanges, research collaboration and student mobility as vital components in enhancing Indo-French relations. He expressed optimism about the future of educational partnerships, reiterating France’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sharing of knowledge.

“Education is a universal transformative tool, and through collaborative efforts, we can empower our students to excel on a global platform. The Embassy of France, through the French Institute in India and the network of Alliances Françaises and Campus France offices, is working towards welcoming 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, an ambitious goal set by President Emmanuel Macron,” said Ambassador Mathou.

As part of the visit, the Ambassador participated in a felicitation ceremony, recognising faculty members and students who have made significant contributions to research and academic excellence.

In a statement, GNDU VC Prof Karamjeet Singh remarked, “We are immensely honoured to welcome Ambassador Mathou to our university. His visit is a testament to our commitment to forging meaningful partnerships with esteemed educational institutions globally. 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 nations.”

Prof Karamjeet Singh said that with India and France both recognising the value of education as a catalyst for growth and innovation, the visit marks a pivotal moment in enhancing collaboration between GNDU and French educational 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 undertook a comprehensive tour of the university campus with the vice-chancellor and others which showcased GNDU’s state-of-the-art facilities, research laboratories and academic resources. Through this tour, the Ambassador gained insights 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 sectors, particularly education.

According to Dr Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Director, Global Ranking & Collaboration Cell, it was a new milestone for Guru Nanak Dev University, as the university hosted Thierry Mathou on campus for a significant global agenda in higher education. Bilateral relations between India and France are of great significance for continuous growth of both countries. “The university’s Global Ranking and Collaboration Cell is working on the vision of our vice-chancellor, which is internationalisation of education, through tie-ups with top ranked foreign universities so that students can get global exposure,” said Dr Bedi.