Embassy of India in Paris

Embassy of India in Paris, France

EmbassyIndiaParisFrance

Overview

The Embassy of India in Paris serves as India's principal diplomatic mission to France, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The embassy provides comprehensive consular services to Indian nationals throughout France, processes visa applications for French residents traveling to India, and facilitates bilateral relations between India and France across political, economic, defense, strategic, cultural, scientific, and people-to-people domains. India and France share a Strategic Partnership established in 1998, marking 25 years of deepening cooperation across all sectors. The bilateral relationship is guided by the 'Horizon 2047' roadmap adopted during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in January 2024, setting ambitious targets for cooperation over the next 25 years coinciding with India's centenary of independence. France is a key partner for India in Europe and globally, with cooperation spanning defense and security (France is India's second-largest defense supplier), nuclear energy (France supplies EPR reactors and nuclear fuel), space cooperation (ISRO-CNES collaboration), climate action (International Solar Alliance co-founded by India and France), counter-terrorism, maritime security in Indo-Pacific, trade and investment, digital technology, artificial intelligence, education and research, and cultural exchange. Bilateral trade reached EUR 12.92 billion (approximately USD 14 billion) in 2023. France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India with over EUR 10 billion in cumulative FDI. More than 350 French companies operate in India, employing over 350,000 people. India maintains diplomatic missions in Paris (Embassy), Lyon (Consulate General serving Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), and Marseille (Consulate General serving Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, Corsica). The Indian diaspora in France numbers approximately 119,000 in mainland France plus around 350,000 persons of Indian origin in French overseas territories (particularly Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique), including professionals in technology and business sectors, students (over 6,000 Indian students in French universities), business owners, and families, concentrated in Île-de-France (Paris region), Lyon, Marseille, and other major cities.
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Visa Services

French citizens and residents can apply for various Indian visa categories based on purpose of travel. E-Visa is available online at indianvisaonline.gov.in for Tourism (up to 90 days, multiple entry, one year validity), Business (up to 180 days per stay, multiple entry, five year validity for eligible countries including France), Medical (up to 60 days triple entry), Medical Attendant (accompanying medical visa holder), Conference (to attend conferences, seminars, workshops), and e-Emergency X-Misc visa for emergency situations. E-Visa must be applied for minimum 4 days before travel and is not visa-on-arrival despite common misconception. For visa categories not covered by e-Visa or for long-term visas, French residents must apply through VFS Global France, India's authorized visa application service provider. VFS Global operates visa application centers in Paris (2 Rue Clément Marot, 75008 Paris), Lyon (17 Rue René Leynaud, 69001 Lyon), and Marseille (23 Boulevard de Dunkerque, 13002 Marseille). Appointments must be scheduled online through www.vfsglobal.com/india/france/. Regular visa categories include: Diplomatic Visa (for French diplomats and officials on official duty), Official Visa (for French government employees on official assignment), Tourist Visa (for leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, short-term yoga courses - available up to 10 years multiple entry for French nationals), Business Visa (for business meetings, trade fairs, establishing business presence, industrial projects - up to 5 years multiple entry), Employment Visa (for foreign nationals with job offers from Indian companies, requires employment contract and professional qualifications), Student Visa (for enrollment in Indian educational institutions including universities, schools, research institutions - requires admission letter and proof of financial means), Research Visa (for researchers and academics at recognized Indian research institutions), Medical Visa (for treatment at recognized Indian hospitals - requires medical documents and hospital confirmation), Medical Attendant Visa (for accompanying medical visa holder - limited to 2 attendants per patient), Conference Visa (for attending conferences, seminars, workshops organized by recognized bodies), Journalist Visa (for professional journalists on assignment - requires accreditation), Entry Visa (for persons of Indian origin, spouses of Indian nationals, children of Indian nationals), Transit Visa (for transiting through India to third country destinations - up to 15 days), and Film Visa (for shooting films, documentaries in India - requires approval from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting). All visa applications require valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival and 2 blank pages, completed application form, recent passport-size photographs meeting specifications, proof of residence in France, travel itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letters, financial documents (bank statements, employment letters), and purpose-specific documents. Processing time is typically 3-5 working days for regular processing; express and urgent processing options available for additional fees. Visa fees vary by visa type, duration, and number of entries. For detailed requirements, fee structure, and appointments, visit VFS Global France website or the embassy website (ambinde.fr).
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Consular Services

The Consular Section located at 20-22 Rue Alberic Magnard, 75016 Paris provides comprehensive services for Indian nationals in France including passport services (new applications, renewals, re-issue for lost/damaged passports), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card services (new applications, renewals, re-issue, miscellaneous services), document attestation and legalization (educational certificates, commercial documents, power of attorney, affidavits for use in India), birth and death registration for Indian nationals, notarial services, emergency certificates for Indian nationals who lost passports, and consular assistance for Indian nationals in distress. Passport and OCI services are processed through VFS Global France with centers in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Appointments must be scheduled online at www.vfsglobal.com/india/france/. Processing times vary: passports typically 3-4 weeks, OCI cards 6-8 weeks. Applicants can track application status online. For passport queries: passport.paris@mea.gov.in. For OCI queries: oci.paris@mea.gov.in. For consular queries: cons.paris@mea.gov.in. The Indian community in France includes professionals in IT and technology (many Indian IT professionals work in Paris, Lyon, and other tech hubs), business owners and entrepreneurs (restaurants, retail, trading companies), students (over 6,000 Indian students study in French universities and grandes écoles, particularly in engineering, business, and sciences), researchers and academics (collaborating with French institutions under Indo-French research programs), employees of Indian companies (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, HCL have operations in France), and families. The Indian diaspora in French overseas territories (Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana) numbers approximately 350,000 persons of Indian origin, primarily descendants of indentured laborers from 19th century. The embassy maintains active engagement with Indian community through cultural events, festivals (Diwali, Holi, Republic Day, Independence Day celebrations), community meetings, and social media. Indian nationals in France should register with the embassy through the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in) for emergency notifications and consular assistance. Emergency consular assistance is available 24/7 for Indian nationals facing arrest, serious medical situations, death, accidents, or other urgent situations. Emergency helpline: +33 6 45 50 50 18 (after office hours). For Indian nationals in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, contact Consulate General in Lyon. For Indian nationals in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, and Corsica, contact Consulate General in Marseille.
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Trade & Export Support

India and France maintain robust and growing trade relations with bilateral trade reaching EUR 12.92 billion (approximately USD 14 billion) in 2023, registering steady growth. France is India's 9th largest trading partner globally and 2nd largest in Europe after Germany. French exports to India include aircraft and aerospace products (Airbus, Safran, Dassault Aviation supply aircraft, engines, defense systems), defense equipment (France is India's second-largest defense supplier after Russia, providing Rafale fighter jets, Scorpène submarines, missiles), nuclear reactors and fuel (Areva/Framatome EPR reactors for Jaitapur nuclear project, nuclear fuel supplies), luxury goods (French luxury brands including LVMH, Hermès, Chanel have strong presence in growing Indian luxury market), wines and spirits (Champagne, Bordeaux wines, Cognac increasingly popular in India), cosmetics and perfumes (L'Oréal, Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent), pharmaceuticals and medical devices, automotive components (Renault, Peugeot, Michelin have operations in India), machinery and industrial equipment, chemicals and petrochemicals, and electronics. Indian exports to France include textiles and garments (India supplies significant volume to French fashion and retail sectors), leather goods and footwear (Indian leather products including bags, shoes, accessories), pharmaceuticals and generic medicines (India is major supplier of affordable medicines to France), organic chemicals and intermediates, automotive components (Indian auto parts manufacturers supply to French automotive industry), IT services and software (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL provide IT services to French corporations), jewelry and precious stones (particularly diamond cutting and polishing - Belgium and France are key European markets), tea and coffee, rice and food products, handicrafts and home décor, and engineering goods. The embassy's economic and commercial wing actively promotes bilateral trade through trade delegations, business-to-business meetings, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, market intelligence support for Indian exporters and French importers, and facilitation of government-to-government trade dialogue. Major trade promotion events include India Pavilion at Paris Air Show (Le Bourget - major aerospace event), Indian participation at SIAL (food and beverage), Maison et Objet (home décor and design), and sector-specific exhibitions. The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) headquartered in Paris with regional chapters facilitates bilateral business engagement, organizes networking events, provides market intelligence, and supports companies entering each other's markets.
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Investment Opportunities

France is the 11th largest foreign investor in India with cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) exceeding EUR 10 billion. Over 350 French companies operate in India, employing more than 350,000 people directly and supporting extensive indirect employment through supply chains. Major French investments in India span aerospace and defense (Airbus, Safran, Dassault Aviation, Thales have joint ventures and production facilities), automotive (Renault-Nissan alliance operates manufacturing plants in Chennai, Peugeot Citroën planning operations), energy and utilities (Engie in power generation and distribution, EDF in nuclear energy, TotalEnergies in petroleum and renewables), consumer goods and retail (Carrefour, Auchan, Decathlon have retail operations, L'Oréal has manufacturing), pharmaceuticals and healthcare (Sanofi, Servier have manufacturing and R&D operations), construction and infrastructure (Bouygues, Vinci in infrastructure projects), IT and technology (Capgemini, Atos, Dassault Systèmes have large India operations), financial services (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, AXA, Crédit Agricole have banking and insurance operations), hospitality (Accor hotels including Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis), and food and beverage (Danone, Lactalis, Pernod Ricard have operations). India offers attractive opportunities for French investors in manufacturing (aligned with 'Make in India' initiative - automotive, aerospace, defense manufacturing), renewable energy (solar, wind, green hydrogen - areas of French technological strength and India's ambitious targets), defense and aerospace (India's defense modernization and civil aviation growth create opportunities for French companies with technology transfer and local manufacturing under Strategic Partnership model), smart cities and urban infrastructure (metro systems, water management, waste management - French expertise in urban solutions), nuclear energy (Jaitapur nuclear power project with EPR reactors, India's nuclear expansion plans), healthcare and pharmaceuticals (hospitals, medical devices, biotech research), digital technology and AI (French IT and consulting companies expanding in India's digitalization wave), luxury goods and premium retail (India's growing affluent class), food processing and agribusiness (French expertise in dairy, processed foods, wine production), and hospitality and tourism. The embassy facilitates connections between French and Indian business entities through its economic and commercial wing. Business France (French government trade and investment agency) maintains office in India supporting French companies investing in India and Indian companies investing in France. Major French investments are concentrated in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad. France's technological leadership in aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, luxury goods, and India's large domestic market, skilled workforce, and improving ease of doing business create complementary opportunities for bilateral investment. The Indo-French CEO Forum and various sector-specific bilateral working groups drive investment cooperation. France actively supports technology transfer, joint ventures, and co-development projects, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors.
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Business Support

The embassy actively facilitates India-France business relations through its economic and commercial wing (sscom.paris@mea.gov.in). French companies exploring Indian markets can contact the embassy for market intelligence, regulatory guidance, sector-specific information, business contacts in India, and facilitation support. The embassy coordinates with Indian institutions including Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Invest India, Export Promotion Councils, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) to support bilateral commercial opportunities. Services include business matchmaking, information on investment procedures in India, facilitation of trade delegations and ministerial visits, support for companies attending trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries, sector-specific briefings, networking events, and investor meets. Key sectors of bilateral business cooperation include aerospace and defense (France is strategic partner in India's defense modernization, Rafale fighter jets, Scorpène submarines, joint development projects, technology transfer), automotive (Renault-Nissan alliance, Peugeot, Michelin have significant India operations), nuclear energy (Jaitapur project with 6 EPR reactors - world's largest nuclear power project when completed, nuclear fuel supplies, research cooperation), space cooperation (ISRO-CNES collaboration on satellite launches, Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, earth observation, climate monitoring), renewable energy (solar, wind, green hydrogen - both countries committed to energy transition, International Solar Alliance co-founded by India and France), information technology and digital services (French companies increasingly sourcing IT services from India, cooperation on AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing), pharmaceuticals and healthcare (French pharmaceutical companies have manufacturing in India, cooperation on affordable medicines, biotech research), luxury goods and premium retail (India's growing luxury market attractive for French brands), urban infrastructure (metros, smart cities, water management - French expertise in urban solutions), education and research (strong university partnerships, joint research programs, student exchanges), and climate action and sustainable development (both countries leaders in Paris Agreement implementation, cooperation on climate finance, green technology). The embassy facilitates participation in bilateral business forums including Indo-French CEO Forum (top business leaders from both countries), Indo-French Joint Committee Meeting on Economic Cooperation (government-level annual dialogue), sector-specific working groups on aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, railways, space, etc. Annual summit-level meetings between Indian Prime Minister and French President drive strategic economic cooperation. France-India Business Council and Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) provide extensive support for bilateral business engagement.
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Cultural & Educational Programs

India and France maintain rich cultural and educational exchange programs facilitated by the embassy in coordination with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Alliance Française network in India, Institut Français en Inde, Campus France (for French students to India), universities, and cultural organizations. The embassy actively promotes Indian culture in France through cultural festivals, music and dance performances (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic music, Hindustani classical performed at prestigious French venues), film festivals (Indian Film Festival organized annually, Indian films at Cannes Film Festival), art exhibitions (Indian contemporary and traditional art), literary events (Indian authors participating in Paris Book Fair, French translation of Indian literature), yoga and wellness programs (International Yoga Day celebrations at Eiffel Tower and across France), and Indian cuisine promotion. Educational cooperation is robust with over 6,000 Indian students studying in French universities, grandes écoles, and research institutions, primarily in engineering (École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Arts et Métiers highly valued), business administration (HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC attract Indian students), sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences), social sciences, arts, and humanities. France offers attractive features for Indian students including high-quality education (French universities and grandes écoles world-renowned), affordable tuition at public universities (significantly lower than UK/US), scholarship opportunities (French government scholarships, university scholarships), post-study work opportunities (24-month work visa for master's graduates), and cultural experience in Europe. Campus France (www.inde.campusfrance.org) facilitates French higher education for Indian students with offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and Chandigarh. Academic collaboration includes over 400 active partnerships between French and Indian universities and research institutions, joint degree programs (double degrees, joint PhDs), faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and collaborative laboratories. Major research cooperation areas include space science (ISRO-CNES collaboration), climate science and oceanography, mathematics (India-France strong tradition in mathematics), materials science, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and social sciences. CEFIPRA (Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research) funds collaborative research projects between Indian and French scientists, supporting over 1,500 projects since 1987. Both countries have strong startup ecosystems with cooperation on innovation and entrepreneurship, French Tech in India, and Indian startups in France. Cultural cooperation includes French language education (Alliance Française network operates 16 centers across India teaching French language), student and youth exchanges, academic exchanges, and cultural festivals. Major Indian cultural events in France include Festival of India (periodic large-scale cultural festivals), Namaste France cultural season, and participation in major French festivals. Institut Français en Inde promotes French culture in India while the embassy promotes Indian culture in France, creating two-way cultural flows.
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Service Area

The Embassy of India in Paris has diplomatic oversight for France including mainland France and French overseas territories. For consular services, Indian nationals and French visa applicants should contact the appropriate Indian mission based on location: Embassy in Paris (serving Île-de-France including Paris, Hauts-de-France, Normandy, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Grand Est, and other regions not covered by consulates), Consulate General in Lyon (serving Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), and Consulate General in Marseille (serving Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, and Corsica). For visa and passport services, use VFS Global centers in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille based on residence. Contact embassy website (eoiparis.gov.in) for jurisdiction details and appointment information.
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Appointment Information

All consular and visa services require advance appointments. For visa applications, schedule appointments through VFS Global France at www.vfsglobal.com/india/france/. VFS Global operates centers in Paris (2 Rue Clément Marot, 75008 Paris), Lyon (17 Rue René Leynaud, 69001 Lyon), and Marseille (23 Boulevard de Dunkerque, 13002 Marseille). For passport and OCI services, schedule appointments through VFS Global. For other consular services (document attestation, registration, notarization), email cons.paris@mea.gov.in or call +33 1 40 50 70 70 during office hours. Consular hours: Monday-Friday 09:30-13:00 and 14:30-17:30. Main Chancery: 13-15 Rue Alfred Dehodencq, 75016 Paris. Consular Section: 20-22 Rue Alberic Magnard, 75016 Paris. For emergency consular assistance affecting Indian nationals in France (arrest, serious medical situations, death, accidents), contact emergency helpline +33 6 45 50 50 18 (after office hours) or call the embassy during office hours. For visa inquiries, contact VFS Global helpline or email admin.paris@mea.gov.in.
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Special Notes

The Embassy is located at two addresses in Paris 16th arrondissement (16e): Main Chancery at 13-15 Rue Alfred Dehodencq and Consular Section at 20-22 Rue Alberic Magnard. Both are in the upscale 16th arrondissement near Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower, and Bois de Boulogne. Paris is well-connected by metro, RER, buses, trams, and Vélib' bike-sharing. Nearest metro stations are Rue de la Pompe (line 9) and La Muette (line 9). Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY) serve international flights. Paris Gare du Nord and other stations connect to TGV high-speed rail network. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (passport, French national ID card, residence permit) and pass security screening to enter embassy premises. Only persons with confirmed appointments or official business will be admitted. The embassy observes both Indian and French public holidays. Indian Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26) are celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural events often attended by French officials, Indian community, business leaders, and friends of India. For French travelers to India, the embassy website and VFS Global provide comprehensive information on visa requirements, e-Visa options, travel insurance, health recommendations (vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid recommended; malaria prophylaxis for certain regions), accommodation, and travel planning. India's attractions include historic monuments (Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, ancient temples), cultural heritage (UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, festivals), diverse landscapes (Himalayas, backwaters of Kerala, Rajasthan deserts, beaches of Goa), yoga and wellness tourism (Rishikesh, Kerala Ayurveda), wildlife (tiger reserves, national parks), and vibrant cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur). Business travelers visit India's economic hubs, tech centers, trade fairs, and corporate headquarters. The embassy can provide information about traveling to India, business opportunities, cultural programs, educational opportunities (studying in India), and bilateral cooperation. For detailed travel advice for French nationals traveling to India, consult the embassy website (eoiparis.gov.in) and Incredible India tourism portal (www.incredibleindia.org). France and India celebrate 25 years of Strategic Partnership in 2023-24 and are working toward ambitious Horizon 2047 roadmap covering next 25 years of cooperation.
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