Increasing number of Indian students are choosing France: French envoy

The target of having 10,000 Indian students in France is within reach as an increasing number of them are choosing that country, French envoy Alexandre Ziegler said Thursday.

He was addressing business leaders from both the countries at the first edition of the Indo-French Business Awards 2018 held at the Ambassador's residence here.

"I am glad that a rising number of Indian students are choosing France. The target of 10,000 Indian students in France is now within reach. The Franco-Indian Education Trust, created during the presidential visit and to which some of you have already contributed, will help us in this regard," the envoy said.

He said this year has been "particularly rich and meaningful" for the Indo-French business relations.

"The State visit of President Emmanuel Macron in March was outstanding in many respects and particularly in its economic outcomes. It started a new momentum and your esteemed presence, with an exceptional turnout tonight, speaks volumes on the dynamic of our relations," he said.

A special dinner, with a curated French menu, was hosted by the ambassador to celebrate the Indo-French economic partnership.

Organised by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), the nominations of the IFB Awards 2018 closed with more than 50 nominees.

The jury industry specialists from various fields had shortlisted about 20 companies across five award categories comprising: Best SME of the Year, Best Entrepreneur of the Year, Best French Group in India, Best Indo-French Cooperation, and Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year, the French Embassy said.