GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Oct. A leading French academic institution, Ecole Polytechnique, has signed “specific agreements” with two premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to deepen academic collaboration between France and India. The agreements were finalized during a visit by Laura Chaubard, President and Director General of Ecole Polytechnique, to India from October 7-11, according to a statement from the French Embassy.
Founded in 1794, Ecole Polytechnique has a rich tradition of training engineers to the highest standards. It is recognized globally for its excellence in research, education, and innovation, particularly in science and technology. The institution aims to foster a culture of excellence while maintaining a long-standing humanist tradition, the embassy highlighted.
During her visit, Chaubard signed agreements with IIT-Delhi and IIT-Bombay, building on earlier initiatives. In July 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to France for the French National Day, the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, which includes Ecole Polytechnique, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Delhi and IIT-Madras.
“These new agreements further strengthen Ecole Polytechnique’s relationship with IIT-Delhi and explore new collaborative opportunities with IIT-Bombay,” the French Embassy’s statement noted. Discussions are also underway with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore to identify areas for research and educational cooperation.
Laura Chaubard, speaking to the media in New Delhi, emphasized the value of these partnerships. “By engaging with the IITs, we are not only enhancing our academic environment, but also contributing to the global research landscape,” she said. She also expressed that during her visit, she noticed a strong alignment in the areas of academic excellence shared by the institutions.
Ecole Polytechnique, a key member of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, is ranked 46th in the QS 2025 ranking and 71st in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025. The institution currently hosts about 80 Indian students on its campus and is keen to expand its ties with Indian universities to attract more talented students from India.
The agreements with IITs are part of Ecole Polytechnique’s broader strategy to forge closer connections with top Indian institutions, fostering a deeper exchange of knowledge and collaborative research efforts that benefit both countries.
