France and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their cooperation in skill development, vocational education, and training. The agreement was signed by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou and Indian Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary during the Bharat SkillNXT 2025 event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The event marked a decade of the Skill India Mission, which has trained 1.6 crore young Indians through the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The MoU intends to improve professional mobility and skill alignment with rising global industry demands. It focuses on important industries like aeronautics, hotel, energy, media, fashion, and arts & crafts. The agreement aims to facilitate bilateral contacts between India’s Directorate General of Training and France’s Campus des Métiers et Qualifications. It consists of collaborative curriculum development, trainer exchanges, and internships to prepare adolescents for future employment markets.
Ambassador Mathou remarked that there is a need for a skilled workforce, and skill development is critical for economic growth and inclusivity. The deal is part of a larger India-France relationship called the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
Furthermore, plans to launch a Franco-Indian Aeronautics and Space Campus were also announced.
