PARIS: Indian students in France can now extend their stay in this country beyond completion of their studies as can French students in India .

This is possible under an agreement signed between the two sides during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which concluded on Sunday.

The two sides agreed on the new scheme to allow Indian students in France and French students in India to stay for a period of 24 months.

The scheme offers Indian Visa for 12 months renewable once for a period of 12 months for 250 French students and a 'second residence permit' of 12 months for the Indian students in France following the 12 months already granted.

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A joint statement issued after Modi's talks with President Francois Hollande said "the two Leaders expressed their satisfaction at the growing exchanges between the two countries in the field of education and agreed to take steps to increase the number of Indian students studying in France and French students studying in India."

They welcomed in particular agreement between India and France to facilitate professional experience for their students in both countries after the completion of their courses.

Under this arrangement, Indian post graduate students shall be allowed the benefit of a 2 years special residence permit in France and 250 French students would be permitted yearly a maximum stay of 2 years in India under the VIE Scheme of France to join French companies operating in India.

Talking about this here on Saturday night while addressing NRIs, Modi said, "Indian youth, who come to France to study and want to continue here for some time after studies, can do that now."

He said this will give an opportunity to these students to learn about practices in France which can be implemented in India so that the country rises to new heights of development.