French Ambassador Thierry Mathou Visits Thiruvananthapuram To Strengthen Indo-French Relations

French Ambassador Thierry Mathou Visits Thiruvananthapuram To Strengthen Indo-French Relations

The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, visited Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen cultural, scientific, and diplomatic ties between France and India, from 18 to 22 June 2025.

The visit began with a tour of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). France and India share over 60 years of institutional cooperation in the space sector, marked by significant ongoing projects and a promising future. This visit highlighted India’s advancements in space technology and the robust bilateral partnership in this domain.

Ambassador Mathou also visited the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the first university in Asia fully dedicated to space science and technology. IIST is a key partner of France in nurturing the next generation of space engineers. During his visit, the Ambassador engaged with key figures in India’s space research community, emphasizing the growing Indo-French cooperation in science and technology.

Ambassador Mathou held discussions with prominent leaders, including the Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, H.E. Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, exchanging views on the potential for bigger academic and economic cooperation between France and Kerala. Ambassador Mathou also called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan. Reviewing ongoing collaborations on student mobility, climate resilience and sustainable development with the State, which is at the forefront of human development in India, Ambassador Mathou thanked the Chief Minister for his government’s participation in the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience coalition launched during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in Nice in June 2025, and encouraged him to sign the Charter of the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Coalition. The Ambassador also met Shri P. Rajeev, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Law and Coir of Kerala, to discuss potential economic cooperation between France and Kerala, to strengthen business ties in sectors such as logistics, tourism, healthcare and mobility.

Ambassador Mathou, alongside the renowned author and parliamentarian, Mr Shashi Tharoor, inaugurated the “Pardon My French!” corner at DC Books, celebrating French language and literature, signifying another step in the vibrant literary journey between France and Kerala and its unique tradition of cultural diversity. As an important step to further encourage young Keralites to study French, a gateway to higher education, academic excellence and global opportunities, Ambassador Mathou was present to witness the signing of an agreement between Alliance Française Trivandrum and Trins International school.

Ambassador Thierry Mathou conferred the Knight of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian distinction, on Princess Gauri Parvathi Bayi in a special reception, for her contributions to heritage and cultural preservation.

During his trip, Ambassador Mathou met the spiritual leader, Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), to discuss about the collaboration between the French Embassy and Amrita Hospital Faridabad. The Ambassador’s trip concluded with a visit to iconic landmarks such as Kuthira Malika Palace, Vettucaud Church, and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, and regional heritage sites such as the Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari and the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace.

Ambassador Thierry Mathou’s visit to the State of Kerala reflects the enduring friendship between France and India, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for collaborative growth across diverse sectors.

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