In a significant step towards strengthening cultural diplomacy between India and France, Patricia Loison, an accomplished journalist and media personality, has taken over as the Director of Alliance Française de Delhi (AFD). In an engaging conversation with The Sunday Guardian, she talks about her personal journey to India while sharing her plans and the vision at large for shaping the future of AFD
“India is a key strategic partner for France, and this position is very significant to me,” Loison begins, visibly excited about her new role. “My mission is to ensure that Alliance Française de Delhi continues to shine bright, be a point of reference, and maintain its ambitions.”
Loison’s vision is rooted in balancing the historical legacy of the Alliance Française with the evolving needs of its students and the cultural community. “2026 will be the year of innovation between India and France, and that’s our horizon — our goal. We need to balance our strong, historical roots as an institution while adapting to modern needs.”
Founded in the heart of India’s capital, Alliance Française de Delhi holds a special place in the cultural and intellectual history of the city. Over the years, it has evolved into a premier institution for French language learning, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration. As Loison reflects on its rich heritage, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining the core values that have made AFD a beacon of French culture in India, while also embracing the winds of change.
“We have to keep our quality, preserve our core and history, but also move forward with the times,” she asserts, expressing a keen interest in continuing AFD’s modern, responsive approach. “The way French is taught has changed, and we need to acknowledge that. I want us to be proud of our heritage, inspired by the founders, but also modern and responsive to our students’ needs.”
Patricia Loison’s connection to India is personal and profound. Born in Delhi in 1971, Patricia’s early life began in Shishu Bhavan, a children’s home run by Missionaries of Charity. Adopted in July by a young French couple, Gisèle and Christian Loison, she grew up in the Parisian suburbs with her brother, also adopted, from Lebanon. Their family, deeply bonded, recently faced the heartbreak of losing their father at 88. Heartbroken, she felt it was a sign from the sky to come back to her home country.
Patricia is married to Grégory, a French man from Brittany, and together they have two daughters. Luna-Marine, 22, is finishing her master’s in communication and politics, while Violette, 19, is heading to University College London to study politics and international relations.
Patricia and Gregory have a pretty large family living in Normandy, Brittany and the French Alps, with whom they are really close. “Family gatherings are very precious to us. Long lunches and ‘pétanque’ tournaments have always been at the heart of our reunions,” Loison shares, smiling.
Patricia Loison’s journey into journalism began early, driven by her curiosity about the world. She started her career at LCI, a news channel of the private broadcaster TF1, covering international summits and political events. Her career took her from European gatherings and American elections to hot spots like Gaza and Russia.
In 2005, she created her own international news show, interviewing global leaders and intellectuals. By 2009, she shifted to a travel show that focused on the world’s cultures and how respect, curiosity, and communication could bond people across boundaries. She travelled to South America, Africa, and Asia, discovering the world another way, filming across planes, boats, and even elephants.
In 2011, Patricia was chosen to anchor France’s flagship nightly news program Soir 3, with an average of one million viewers tuning in. Later, she and her family relocated to Japan, where Patricia used the opportunity to fulfill a dream — writing a book about her adoption journey, which was published by Fayard and received critical acclaim.
Her writing led her back to India in 2022, when she was invited by the French Embassy to participate in Bonjour India, a cultural exchange. She first set foot at Alliance Française de Delhi during a screening of a Bertrand Tavernier movie. “I never imagined I would one day return to lead this institution,” she recalls.
Patricia’s relationship with India has evolved over time. She first returned to Delhi as part of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s delegation, walking down memory lane and hearing testimonies about her adoption. She visited again as a face for NGO Plan International, working with impoverished children. Her third trip, for Bonjour India, solidified her growing connection to her birthplace and the people she encountered.
Now, as the new director of Alliance Française de Delhi, Patricia’s journey has come full circle. “I have put my journalism career on hold to take on this role,” she reveals, acknowledging the emotional and professional significance of reconnecting with her roots. “I am eager to learn and honored by the confidence expressed by the French Ambassador and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
Patricia’s dedication to fostering Indo-French cultural ties has been recognized throughout her career. She has been awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite. The latter was awarded to her by David Martinon, the French Ambassador to South Africa, in a touching ceremony attended by her family.
Her understanding of international relations has deepened through her career, making her an ideal candidate for this new role. Patricia was even invited to the state dinner at the Louvre during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris last summer.
As Patricia Loison embarks on this new chapter, her journey from Delhi to Paris and back again is a testament to her commitment to building bridges between cultures. Her tenure at Alliance Française de Delhi promises to be one of renewal, growth, and deeper engagement, all grounded in a rich personal history and a professional life that has taken her around the globe.
With a passion for exploring the world and a deep connection to her roots, Loison’s leadership will be key to shaping the future of AFD. As she steps into this role, the future of the institution looks bright — driven by her vision to honor its legacy while pushing it toward new horizons.