Manipal Univ and Univ Ile de Reunion of France ink MOU

New Delhi, Feb 16 (UNI) The University of Ile de Reunion of France and the Manipal University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Supervision Research Programme.

The MOU between the two leading educational institutions was inked between Mr Ramdas Pai, Chancellor Manipal University and Mr M Svizzero, President University Ile de Reunion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pai said there were tremendous possibilities for agreements between Indian and French institutions.

Answering queries, he said joint supervision between Indian and French educational institutions was possible and added that a researcher in India could have two guides or supervisors --one in India and the other in France-- and the student could work under both.

Mr Arthur Soucemarianadin of the Grenoble Universities said there was scope for several agreements between Indian and French institutions.

French Ambassador to India Dominique Girard said France had many ancient universitiers and institutions which were considered among the pioneers of education in Europe.

''Traditionally, France has attracted Indian students in disciplines such as management, economics, political scieNce, fashion design and literature.'' Many French industries wanted to come to India which was one of the reasons why educational institutions wanted to attract Indian students, he said.

''France has become the seventh largest investor in India,'' he said and added that French companies in India employed over 40,000 people in various sectors.

Mr Girard added that the French Embassy in India was willing to help and guide students who wanted to study in France.

UNI