Indian Institute of Technology Bombay welcomed a high-level delegation from leading French higher education associations on 19 December 2025, as part of its continued efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration and global engagement.

The visiting delegation represented France Universités, Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), and CEDEFI, along with officials from the Consulate General of France in Mumbai. The visit aimed to gain deeper insights into India’s higher education ecosystem, research landscape, and IIT Bombay’s internationalisation strategy.

The delegation included Prof. François Louis André Pernot, Counsellor for International Relations, France Universités, Mr. Antonio Bento de Oliveira Neves, Officer for European and International Affairs, France Universités, Mr. Hugues Brunet, Director General, Conférence des Grandes Écoles, Ms. Marie Sarah Salvan, Head of International Relations, Conférence des Grandes Écoles, Ms. Jelena Đorđević, Officer for International Relations, CEDEFI, Dr. Philippe Maurin, Attaché for Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation, CG France,  Mr. Angel Fortin and Ms. Ainaen Han from the Consulate General of France in Mumbai.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation), and Prof. Suvran Kulkarni, Acting Dean of International Relations and Dean of Academic Programmes, Prof. Dipanshu Bansal, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engg. Department and Mr. Vikash Mishra, Administrative Superintendent, Office of International Relations who highlighted IIT Bombay’s vision for deepening international academic cooperation.

The interaction at IIT Bombay featured a comprehensive presentation on the Institute’s academic structure, research strengths, innovation ecosystem, and global partnerships. Discussions also explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Indian and French institutions in areas such as student mobility, joint research initiatives, and institutional partnerships.

Following the meeting, the delegation was taken on a brief campus tour, offering them a first-hand experience of IIT Bombay’s vibrant academic environment and infrastructure.