THE FRANCE INDIA FOUNDATION

About Us

The France India Foundation (FIF) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening Franco-Indian collaborations across diverse sectors through the promotion of meaningful dialogue and facilitating interpersonal connections and engagements.

With the endorsement of prominent cultural figures, business leaders, and diplomats, the FIF stands as a key catalyst in strengthening partnerships.

As an integral part of the Fondation France Asie (France-Asia Foundation) network, the FIF concentrates its efforts on the Indian region. Working in tandem with the FFA leadership, it actively executes its vision in India to drive impactful initiatives and forge lasting connections.

Our Values

Dialogue

Facilitate conversation between exceptional personalities of France and India from diverse backgrounds.

Drive

Work to uphold human values, push for sustainable development and foster progress

Cooperate

Serve as the bridge between France and India as a foremost bilateral institution

Diffuse

Promote mutual understanding by spreading awareness about French culture in India and vice versa

Our Organisation

An integral part of the Fondation France Asie network, FIF focuses its efforts on India. Working in tandem with FFA management, it is actively implementing their shared vision in India.

The “Young Leaders” program is the France India Foundation’s flagship program. It is carried out in collaboration with our executive partner, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI).

The France-Asia Foundation fosters links between civil societies in France and Asia, encouraging dialogue and the establishment of new partnerships. It strives to promote shared values such as friendship between peoples, humanism, co-development and peace. Headquartered in Paris, the France-Asia Foundation has national chapters in China and India, and is preparing to expand its presence in Japan and South Korea.

9th January

February 28

January 18

22nd February

3rd May

23rd May

12th June

18th June

8th July

18th September

17th September

18th October

27th November

9th January

France India Foundation Members and Partners were invited to attend an exclusive cocktail reception at the Residence of the Consul General of France in Mumbai, Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet to welcome Ms. Valérie Pécresse, Président of the Région Ile de France on her 10 day official India Tour in January 2024.

Their interactions revolved around their experiences of doing business and creating successful businesses in India.

February 28

H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India, graciously hosted a luncheon at the Residence de France. The luncheon provided an opportunity for important discussions, notably on the Franco-Indian strategic partnership, for the young leaders of the France-India Foundation, the members of the Board of Directors and the partner companies present.

January 18

Board members Chiki Sarkar and Payal S. Kanwar, and young leader Abhinav Prakash, met Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) foreign affairs department, at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The aim of the meeting was to present the objectives and values of the France India Foundation to Dr. Chauthaiwale.

22nd February

Young Leader Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology and International at Apollo Hospitals, and Mr. Pierre Perez, Managing Director of Servier India Private Limited and Corporate Partner of the France India Foundation, engaged in a meaningful dialogue, setting the stage for the prospect of working closely together in the future.

3rd May

The France India Foundation held an esteemed Roundtable session with India’s eminent Psephologist, Mr. Pradeep Gupta.

The event was graciously hosted by His Excellency Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, at the Residence de France.

Mr. Pradeep Gupta is the Chairman of Axis My India, a leading market research company, recognized for their accuracy in understanding the mood of voters leveraging technology and human connect.

23rd May

Fondation France-Asie celebrated Franco-Asian friendship with a Fundraising Gala Dinner at the historic Palais d’Iéna in Paris.

Mr. Arnaud Ventura, President of the Foundation, warmly welcomed and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed delegations from China, India, and Japan, as well as to all the Young Leaders of the France-China and France-India programs.

This year’s gala was particularly significant as it celebrated the impressive achievements of the Foundation’s programs in India and China, alongside the exciting launch of Fondation France-Asie’s new Japanese Chapter.

12th June

Young Leader Nirupa Shankar was invited to be a distinguished speaker at the 2nd Edition of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) Indo-French Sustainability Conclave. The event was organized in association with the Consulate General of France in Pondicherry & Chennai and held on Wednesday, 12th June 2024, at the Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai.

The conclave took place in the esteemed presence of Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Honourable Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu.

18th June

On the occasion of her visit to Paris, Fondation France-Asie had the honour of welcoming Aanchal Malhotra, Indian artist and historian, memory specialist and France-India Young Leader. This meeting with friends of the Fondation France-Asie made it possible to address the crucial question of transmitting the experiences lived by survivors and their descendants during the Partition of India and Pakistan.
Over the course of meticulous work spanning a decade, Aanchal went to meet these people to collect their testimonies and feelings about this historic event. By speaking directly to survivors and their descendants, by focusing on the objects and memories that accompanied an entire people in their exodus, she revealed symbols charged with emotions and deep meanings. Oral historian Aanchal Malhotra has thus shed light on the common, multi-generational and cross-border legacy of the Partition.

8th July

Young Leader and Olympic Gold Medalist, Abhinav Bindra, participated in a Conference on India’s Preparation for Paris 2024 in New Delhi. The event, held on the
8th of July 2024 was organised by IFCCI in collaboration with the French Embassy in India, Alliance Française de Delhi, and Team France, which includes the France India Foundation.
The conference was graced by the presence of H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
The panel discussion on India’s Preparation for Paris 2024 was expertly moderated by Ms. Sharda Ugra, a renowned sports journalist and author.
The esteemed panelists, including Mr. Abhinav Bindra, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist (Shooting) and Young Leader of the France-India Foundation; Mr. Adille Sumariwalla, President of the Athletics Federation of India; Mr. Kunal, Joint Secretary-Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India; and Ms. Manisha Malhotra, Head of Sports Excellence and Scouting at JSW Sports.

18th September

The France India Foundation hosted an exclusive, closed-door discussion with the Honorable Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of India, Mr. Jyotiraditya M Scindia on the theme of “India in the 21st Century”.

The event was graciously held at the Residence de France, New Delhi, and was opened with a welcome address by His Excellency Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

The gathering provided a unique opportunity for an insightful dialogue about the future trajectory of our nation, drawing on Mr. Scindia’s extensive experience across various ministerial roles.

17th September

Young Leader Harshad Reddy participated in the Indo-French Healthcare Conference organized by Business France India at the French Embassy in India in New Delhi.

He was part of a panel discussing “Emerging Healthcare Opportunities in India,” alongside leaders from Invest India, Air Liquide Medical Systems, Paras Group of Hospitals, and Clearmedi Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

18th October

Young Leader Yash Bhanage, Founder & COO, Hunger Inc. (The Bombay Canteen, Bombay Sweet Shop, O Pedro) was invited to be a distinguished speaker at the inaugural edition of Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) Mumbai – Les Entretiens at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai.

The landmark event was attended by 350+ people and brought together industry leaders, policymakers, & thought leaders to discuss Mumbai’s vision for 2047 as a Rising Global Metropolis.

27th November

The France India Foundation Members participated in the CCE Inde – French Foreign Trade Advisors APAC Forum held in New Delhi from November 27-29, 2024.

The forum featured esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, who conveyed a message from the Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi, and Mme. Sophie Primas, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, responsible for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad.

During the event, the FIF members had the opportunity to meet with France China Foundation Young Leaders.

THE YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME

The central objective of FIF is to organize the Young Leaders program, where 10 to 15 promising Indian and French leaders under the age of 40, interact over 4 days to debate current issues. The Young Leaders are chosen on the basis of their exemplary contributions in the fields of business, politics, sport and culture.

"It was simply a unique and incredibly enriching experience! The diversity of profiles among the Young Leaders and their open-mindedness allowed me to leave India having learned about marketing, branding, sourcing, finance, vocal preparation before giving an opera recital, current and future cancer treatments, social media influence strategies, managing a disability to lead both personal and professional life despite everything..."

Marc-Antoine GERARD

Air Force Colonel, Rafale pilot | Young Leader 2023

"I personally consider myself as a catalyst for positive change. I intend to continue playing an active role in strengthening business relations between India and France through the Young Leaders program, and I look forward to seeing the long-term results of it."

Neha Arolkar

Global Head of Innovation, CAPGEMINI Automotive | Young Leader 2023