Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR) is a model for bilateral cooperation in Science and Technology. The Centre established in 1987 receives financial support from the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of France.

Mandate

To promote collaborative research between India and France in cutting edge Science and Technology

Genesis

The idea of setting up a joint Centre for promoting collaboration between Indian and French scientists came up first during a discussion between the then Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the then French President Mr. Valery Giscard d'Estaing. This suggestion was reiterated by the French President Mr. Valery Giscard d'Estaing in 1980.

The first formal proposal for the Centre was made during the second meeting of the Indo-French Joint Committee for Co-operation in Science and Technology which took place in Paris, in January 1982. After a series of meetings between representatives of the two governments, the formal decision to set up the Centre was taken through exchange of letters between the Foreign Secretary of India and Sécretaire Général of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985.

The Centre was registered as a Society under the Indian Societies Registration Act in April 1986; the Governing Body of the Centre first met in May 1987; and the Centre became functional on September 9, 1987, when the first Director of the Centre assumed charge.