India and France Sign Landmark MoU for Skill Development and Vocational Training
Mumbai: India and France have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in skill development, vocational education, and training. The agreement was signed during the Bharat SkillNxt 2025 event in New Delhi, marking a crucial step in strengthening bilateral ties in education and workforce development.
Key Highlights of the MoU
- Partnership: The MoU formalizes a partnership between India’s Directorate General of Training (DGT) and France’s Campus des Métiers et Qualifications (CMQ).
- Sectors: The agreement focuses on key sectors such as fashion, hospitality, tourism, arts and crafts, energy, aeronautics, and media.
- Franco-Indian Vocational Campuses: The MoU proposes establishing vocational campuses that connect Indian training centers with France’s vocational education ecosystem.
- Joint Efforts: The partnership involves joint curriculum development, teacher training programs, and French language integration into vocational education.
- Internships and Apprenticeships: The agreement promotes cross-country internships and apprenticeships, emphasizing inclusivity and women’s participation.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education, said: “This MoU with France marks a significant step towards building a truly global, future-ready workforce.”
H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, stated: “This partnership in vocational education reflects the best of Indo-French collaboration. We aim to build pathways for a future-ready workforce, where skills become instruments of dignity, opportunity, and inclusive growth.”
A Working Group co-chaired by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the French Embassy in New Delhi will oversee the implementation of the MoU. The group will identify priority sectors, institutional partners, and facilitate knowledge exchange.
