.png){kind=logo}
France has announced a visa-free airport transit facility for Indian nationals and set a bold target to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030, marking a major boost to travel and education ties between the two countries. The announcements came after talks between Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron, who elevated bilateral relations to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Under a six-month pilot program, Indian travelers transiting through French airports will no longer need a Schengen transit visa. The facility could become permanent if security benchmarks are met. The move is expected to save time and reduce costs for Indian passengers using French hubs such as Paris for onward travel to Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
France also announced plans to triple the number of Indian students studying in the country, up from about 10,000 currently. To support this goal, France will expand English-taught master's programs, speed up admissions, and better align visa timelines with academic calendars to ensure smoother arrivals for students.
Also Read: Thomas Cook India, SOTC Team Up with Mauritius Tourism to Boost Travel
President Macron is visited India from February 17 to 19, 2026, and participated in the AI Impact Summit 2026. During the visit, both leaders launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, highlighting cooperation in technology, climate, defense, and research.
The new mobility measures are expected to benefit Indian students, professionals, and business travelers, while reinforcing France's position as a key destination for education and global travel from India.
