- Mr. Bharat Agarwal, Chairman, Vishwakarma Institutes and University

1. What is the biggest opportunity you see for Indo-French business collaboration in the next 5 years? Please let us know how your company/organisation is preparing for it.

The biggest opportunity for Indo-French business collaboration in the next 5 years, particularly from a higher education in engineering and technology perspective, lies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation.

Both India and France have expressed strong commitments to advancing AI, with France positioning itself as a key partner in India's AI and semiconductor expansion. Agreements are being signed for collaboration on AI regulations, data privacy frameworks, and increased investment from French semiconductor firms in India's chip manufacturing. The designation of 2026 as the "France-India Year of Innovation," culminating around the AI for Impact Summit to be hosted by India, clearly signals the strategic importance of this sector.

For higher education in engineering and technology, this translates into immense opportunities for:

• Joint research and development: Collaborating on cutting-edge AI projects, from fundamental research to applied solutions in various industries (e.g., healthcare, defense, manufacturing, smart cities).
• Curriculum development and faculty exchange: Designing specialized programs in AI, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity, and facilitating the exchange of faculty to share expertise and best practices.
• Student mobility and dual degrees: Encouraging Indian students to pursue advanced degrees in AI and related fields in France, and creating dual-degree programs that combine the strengths of both nations' educational systems.
• Skill development for the future workforce: Training a new generation of engineers and technologists equipped with the skills needed to drive AI innovation and digital transformation.

As a company like Google, we are preparing for this opportunity by:

• Providing cutting-edge AI and Cloud technologies: We offer a comprehensive suite of AI tools and platforms (like Gemini and Google Cloud AI services) that can be leveraged for research, development, and training in higher education institutions.
• Developing specialized learning pathways and certifications: Through Google for Education and Google Cloud, we provide programs and certifications in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, directly addressing the skill gap in these areas.
• Fostering academic partnerships: We actively seek collaborations with universities and research institutions to integrate our technologies into their curricula, support joint research initiatives, and provide access to our resources for students and faculty. This includes initiatives to help educational institutions infuse AI into their campus and research operations.
• Investing in talent development: We continue to hire and train engineers and AI specialists, recognizing that human capital is crucial for driving innovation in this field.

By focusing on these areas, we aim to be a pivotal enabler of the Indo-French collaboration in AI and digital transformation, empowering the next generation of engineers and technologists from both countries.

2. In today’s evolving global landscape, how are you building resilience and agility in your leadership strategy?

Resilience and agility in our leadership strategy are built on continuous learning and proactive adaptation. We cultivate a culture that embraces change, not resists it.

This involves:

1. Anticipatory Leadership: Constantly scanning the horizon for emerging trends, from technological shifts to evolving student needs.
2. Empowering Teams: Decentralizing decision-making to enable faster, more effective responses at all levels.
3. Investing in Skills: Prioritizing professional development in areas like digital fluency and change management for all leaders.
4. Flexible Frameworks: Designing processes and structures that can quickly pivot to address new challenges and opportunities, ensuring our institution remains relevant and impactful.

3. As a CEO, how do you view India's role in your global growth strategy and what strategic advantages does the country offer your business or the industry you operate in?

As a CEO, I view India as a cornerstone of our global growth strategy, leveraging its robust higher education system. With over 40 million students and institutions like IITs and IIMs, India produces a vast, skilled STEM workforce, ideal for technology, R&D, and innovation-driven industries. Its 1,580+ Global Capability Centers employ 1.66 million, evolving into strategic hubs for AI and digital transformation. India’s youthful demographic, with a median age of 28, fuels demand for upskilling, creating opportunities for educational partnerships. Cost-competitive talent, combined with India’s geopolitical stability and growing economy, positions it as a key market and innovation driver, enhancing our global competitiveness and operational efficiency.