France has scrapped airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals, in a move aimed at easing travel and strengthening ties between the two countries.

The change, which took effect earlier this month, allows Indian passport holders transiting through French airports to do so without an airport transit visa, provided they remain within the international transit zone and are travelling onward to a third country.

The decision follows an announcement made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February, when he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to improve mobility and travel facilitation between the two countries.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday that the updated rules are now in effect for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports who are transiting through French airports in Europe.

Under the revised policy, travellers will no longer need an airport transit visa starting April 10, for short stays in international transit areas while connecting to onward flights.

Officials said the exemption is expected to benefit a large number of Indian passengers using French hubs such as Paris for international connections, reducing paperwork and streamlining travel times.

The French government has already updated its visa processing system to reflect the change, which officials say was implemented quickly following bilateral discussions aimed at deepening cooperation and easing travel restrictions.