Luis Vassy Advocates for Strategic Autonomy and Strengthened India-France Ties Amid Global Tensions
In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical turbulence, Luis Vassy, the newly appointed Director of Sciences Po Paris, has emphasized the critical role of India, France, and Europe in navigating the complexities of international relations.Speaking during his first visit to India since assuming office in October 2024, Vassy highlighted the need to avoid a confrontation course between major global systems, particularly in the context of rising tensions between China and the United States.
“When we say strategic autonomy, it doesn’t mean to be astride from our customary allies, but being able to set your own path,” Vassy explained in a conversation with The Hindu.He stressed the importance of Europe developing its own partnerships, even as the U.S. shifts its priorities in regions like the Indo-Pacific.
Vassy’s vision for Sciences Po aligns with this philosophy.Amid debates over visa restrictions in the U.S.,Canada,and the U.K.,he pitched France as a welcoming destination for foreign students,particularly from India. “France and Sciences Po remain very selective but very open to foreign students, especially from India, and even be a bridge to other parts of the West,” he said.
The university has already taken important steps to strengthen its ties with India. In 2023, Sciences Po launched its first dual joint diploma with the Tata Institute for Social Sciences and currently has 14 agreements with Indian universities. With 200 Indian students enrolled, Vassy sees this as a foundation for fostering future leadership in international relations, social sciences, and governance.
On the broader geopolitical stage, Vassy underscored France’s unique position as a mediator and anchor in Europe. “We’ve always wanted to set our analysis a bit independently and act accordingly. Relations with india is actually a key element of that,” he said. he pointed to France’s independent diplomacy in the Middle East and the Mediterranean as examples of its ability to act decisively, frequently enough in collaboration with European partners.
Vassy also highlighted the deep-rooted consensus within France regarding its relationship with India. “From the beginning, it has been conceptualised as being on equal footing,” he said, describing the bilateral ties as “extremely strategic and powerful.” In a turbulent world, he sees India and France as “bilateral anchors,” capable of navigating global challenges together.
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| Strategic Autonomy: Europe must set its own path while maintaining alliances. |
| Educational Partnerships: Sciences Po has 14 agreements with Indian universities and 200 Indian students. |
| India-France Relations: Bilateral ties are strategic,powerful,and based on equality. |
As the world grapples with shifting alliances and rising tensions, Vassy’s leadership at Sciences Po and his vision for international collaboration offer a roadmap for fostering dialog and cooperation. His emphasis on education as a tool for shaping future leaders underscores the importance of institutions like Sciences Po in building a more interconnected and resilient world.Sciences Po Aims to Strengthen Academic Ties with India, Focuses on Higher Education Exchanges
in a bold move to foster international collaboration, Sciences Po, one of France’s moast prestigious institutions, is looking to deepen its academic ties with India. Recognizing India’s growing influence as an “intellectual and academic superpower,” the university is committed to enhancing exchanges between the two nations. While the institution is not planning to establish a campus in India at this time, it aims to “massively increase” academic collaborations, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and governance.
“We see India as a kind of intellectual and academic superpower that it is, and we want to increase ties with institutions here,” said Mr. Vassy, a key representative of Sciences Po. He emphasized the university’s unique position to facilitate these exchanges, citing its global reputation, English-taught programs, and expertise in disciplines like economics and history.
A Bridge Between Continents
Sciences Po’s vision extends beyond bilateral exchanges. with 50% of its student body comprising international students and one-third of graduates launching their careers outside France, the university sees itself as a bridge between India and the western world. “That’s also what I would like to dig in a little bit, our ability to be a bridge towards other parts of the West, in Northern America or in Europe,” Mr. Vassy explained.
This initiative aligns with the growing presence of Indian students in countries like Australia, the U.K.,and the U.S. However, Mr. Vassy believes there is untapped potential for collaboration between India and continental Europe. “There is something to really develop between continental Europe and India,” he noted,highlighting Sciences Po’s elite status in global rankings for social sciences and humanities.
Nurturing Future Leaders
sciences Po’s influence extends far beyond academia. The institution trains 70% of France’s higher civil servants, one-third of its judges, and around 80% of its police officers. This positions it as a key player in shaping future leaders, both in the public and private sectors. “We need to make sure that there is also interaction between the future leaderships of both countries, public, but also private because 75% of our students end up in the private sector from finance to law and whatever you might think of,” Mr. Vassy added.
Strategic Engagements in India
During a recent visit to Delhi and Mumbai, Mr. Vassy and his team held strategic meetings with leaders from top Indian universities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. These discussions focused on addressing global challenges and nurturing the next generation of leaders in the social sciences.
Key Highlights of Sciences Po’s India Initiative
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus Areas | social sciences, humanities, governance, economics, history |
| Current Plan | Increase academic exchanges, no immediate plans for a campus in India |
| International Reach | 50% international students, one-third start careers outside France |
| Leadership Training | trains 70% of higher civil servants, one-third of judges in France |
| Private sector Impact | 75% of graduates enter private sectors like finance and law |
The Road Ahead
Sciences Po’s initiative underscores the importance of global academic partnerships in addressing complex challenges. by fostering exchanges between India and Europe, the university aims to create a network of future leaders equipped to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
For Indian students and institutions, this presents a unique possibility to engage with one of the world’s leading universities in social sciences and humanities. As Mr. Vassy aptly put it, “We certainly want to massively increase the exchanges between the two countries.”
This collaboration promises to be a win-win for both sides, paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future in higher education.
