French Ambassador Urges Indian Students to Study in France During Visit to IIM Lucknow

Thierry Mathou highlights strong Indo-French ties, promotes education exchanges and cultural collaboration.

Lucknow, December 17: French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou encouraged Indian students to consider France for higher education during his visit to IIM Lucknow on Monday. Mathou met with IIM Lucknow Director Prof. Archana Shukla and discussed existing academic collaborations with French business schools.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mathou expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening educational ties between India and France. “Good meeting with Director, Prof Archana Shukla, during my visit to IIM Lucknow. Top French B-schools already have exchange programs with one of India’s premier management institutes. My message to the Indian students – Choose France!” he posted.

During his visit, the French envoy also met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence. Following the meeting, CM Yogi described the interaction as “productive and fruitful.”

In a post on X, Yogi Adityanath wrote: “Had a productive and fruitful meeting with Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, at my official residence in Lucknow today.”

Strengthening Indo-French Ties

Earlier this month, Thierry Mathou emphasized the “exceptional” relationship between India and France, underscoring the strong foundation in security and defence. He highlighted the growing focus on people-to-people exchanges and cultural collaboration as key priorities for deepening bilateral ties.

“The relation between India and France is exceptional. Last year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our partnership. The core of our relation is security and defence. The challenge is to put more flesh on the bones of the rest, and the rest is people-to-people exchange and culture as a top priority,” Mathou said.

The ambassador also revealed plans for cultural collaboration, including France’s participation in the Kerala Literature Festival 2025. He announced that a delegation of 50 French novelists and 8 publishers would visit Kerala, with a focus on cultural exchange and translation work.