On July 20, Claire Thuaudet, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, welcomed and honoured the five winners of the MBDA-ISAE Scholarship, at an award ceremony to celebrate their achievements. They were hosted at the Residence of France in New Delhi. On completing their studies, they will receive MSc in Aerospace, Mechanics and Avionics from ISAE-SUPAERO, Toulouse, France. The scholarship, which is sponsored by MBDA, Europe's leading developer of missiles and missile systems, was created in 2013 following an agreement drawn up by ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation and ISAE.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Claire Thuaudet, said: "During his State visit to India, President Emmanuel Macron had emphasized on France's aim of annually hosting at least 10,000 Indian students in France's globally renowned institutions by 2020." "The joint MBDA-ISAE is an excellent scholarship programme that helps us to attract talented Indian students to our country and increase the strong educational and industrial partnerships between India and France, especially in defence, space and aeronautics," Thuaudet said.

Speaking on the merits of the programme, Loïc Piedevache, MBDA Group India Country Head, said, "These high-potential students will benefit from some of the best opportunities on offer in the defence and aeronautical industry. Not only will they receive the highest level of education from the prestigious ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse, France, but they will also get the opportunity to expand their international networks and immerse themselves in the French and European culture and way of life. As a true longstanding reliable partner of India, MBDA is very proud to continue to contribute to such a reputable and important education programme.

ISAE-SUPAERO is a world leader in higher education and research in aerospace engineering offers wide range of master's and doctoral programmes. The programme selects Indian graduates through an admissions panel formed independently of the ISAE. This is the fifth batch of the scheme. Apart from studies, the scholarship also contributes to their living expenses in France. Embassy of France provides visa fee waivers, medical insurance coverage, access to affordable accommodation etc. Last year, MBDA, extended their association with the programme until the end of the 2020 academic year.