The inauguration of the “Bureau de France in Hyderabad” marks a significant milestone in Franco-Indian relations, showcasing the deepening collaboration between the two nations in fostering innovation and economic ties.
Spearheaded by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, the inauguration ceremony was held recently at T-Hub, Hyderabad’s premier innovation hub. This symbolizes a shared commitment to leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual benefit. Present at the event were key figures including Mahankali Srinivas Rao, CEO of T-Hub Hyderabad, Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France in Bangalore, and D Sridhar Babu, the Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries, and Commerce, Government of Telangana.
The decision to establish the Bureau de France in Hyderabad and a Consulate General of India in Marseille underscores the strategic vision outlined by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral discussions. This initiative, announced on July 14, 2023, in Paris, and reiterated on January 26, 2024, during President Macron’s landmark visit to India for Republic Day celebrations, reflects the shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties and enhancing diplomatic engagement.
The Bureau de France in Hyderabad serves as an extension of the Consulate General of France in Bangalore, extending its jurisdiction to encompass the vibrant states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Located within the confines of T-Hub, recognized globally as the largest innovation campus, the bureau positions itself at the epicentre of entrepreneurial dynamism and technological innovation.
T-Hub’s proven track record of nurturing over 2,000 startups and spearheading more than 100 innovation programs underscores its pivotal role in shaping the innovation landscape of the region.
With its strategic location and comprehensive mandate, the Bureau de France endeavours to forge stronger ties with Telangana’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, facilitating greater collaboration and knowledge exchange across diverse sectors. Moreover, the bureau is poised to provide essential consular support to the burgeoning French expatriate community residing and working in Telangana, further cementing the people-to-people ties that underpin the Franco-Indian partnership.
Ambassador Thierry Mathou, underscored the significance of this initiative in bolstering bilateral relations and fostering innovation synergies. His sentiments were echoed by Mahankali Srinivas Rao, who hailed the collaboration as a testament to the shared commitment towards driving impactful change in the global innovation landscape.