Foreign languages are becoming strategic skills, not just academic subjects.
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India stands at a turning point in how it approaches language education. The National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula — English, mother tongue, and another Indian language — is a powerful step in strengthening our cultural roots. But, in practice, an unintended gap seems to be emerging: the gradual decline of foreign languages in CBSE schools.In many schools today, languages such as French, German, Spanish, and Italian are slowly being reduced or removed due to ambiguity in how the NEP is interpreted. This is not a small academic change but a structural shift in how we prepare India for the world.Multilingual realityThere was a time when English language proficiency opened global doors for Indians. It allowed us to participate in multinational companies, rise to leadership positions, and become part of the global workforce at the right moment in history. Today, the world has changed again. Companies such as Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Renault, Citroën, and Saint-Gobain are deeply connected with India. Global offices are no longer “abroad”. They are in India. Workforces are distributed; projects are international, and the world is now truly multipolar.In such a world, knowing only English is no longer enough. Foreign languages are becoming strategic skills, not just academic subjects. At the same time, the aspirations of the Indian middle-class have transformed. Foreign education is no longer limited to the elite and many first-generation learners are now going abroad through structured pathways and education loans. However, not every student can access the U.S. or similar destinations easily due to financial and social constraints. This has led to Europe and Canada becoming strong alternatives that offer quality education and often a more stable multicultural environment. Early exposure to foreign languages in schools is, therefore, not a luxury. It is preparation that reduces academic pressure later, especially during Engineering or Medical studies, where students already face intense workloads. More importantly, it builds global confidence early in life.There is yet another silent impact. Thousands of foreign language teachers across India are facing uncertainty, as schools reduce these programmes. This is not just about language education. It is about India’s global readiness. A small clarification within NEP’s implementation could ensure that foreign languages continue to coexist with Indian languages, enriching students instead of limiting options.India has always thrived when it embraces plurality: of languages, cultures, and ideas. Strengthening foreign languages does not weaken Indian identity. Instead, it strengthens the country’s global voice.The writer is founder of Simply FRENCH. Published - July 01, 2026 10:00 am IST
