In a significant step towards fostering Indo-French academic collaboration, H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, visited the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Jaipur today to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Alliance Française and IIGJ Jaipur.

The MoU, signed by Dr. Tulika Gupta, President of Alliance Française, and Dr. Nawal Agarwal, Chairman of IIGJ Jaipur, will introduce a French language course for students at the institute. This initiative aims to enhance linguistic skills while paving the way for potential student exchange programs between India and France.

The event was attended by IIGJ Jaipur’s directors and notable guests, including Mr. Ashish, recently appointed to the Council’s CoA from the Diamond panel.

During his visit, Ambassador Mathou toured the IIGJ Jaipur campus, immersing himself in an exclusive experience zone dedicated to traditional Indian jewellery craftsmanship. He observed skilled artisans demonstrating heritage techniques such as kundankari, meenakari, chitai work, and thewa. Interacting with students, he expressed admiration for their work and dedication.

The Ambassador also visited the state-of-the-art "IIGJ-RLC" laboratory, lauding its world-class facilities and over five decades of excellence in the jewellery industry. His visit reaffirmed the strengthening ties between India and France in the fields of education, culture, and craftsmanship.