How to obtain a France citizenship, being an Indian (Pondicherry born)?

Question

My grandfather and grandmother are Indian & resident of Pondicherry by birth. I heared i can apply for a French Nationality if i where born in Pondicherry. Is that so? can i apply for a French citizenship since me & my mother had pondicherry as the birth place.

Answer 1

it is too late, do read this:

1.11.1954: After several months of trouble and an economic recess, after Dien Bien Phu, France agreed to let its last 4 territories to India. M.R.K Nehru, General Secretary of foreign affairs, came specially from Delhi, hoisted the Indian flag in the State of Pondicherry. Mr Kewal Singh was appointed the first High Commissioner of the new state. He was received at the Government Hotel by Mr Pierre Landy, special diplomatic representative of the French Republic Government and was accompanied to the Governor's ceremony transfer of power. During the exchange of signatures of the two statesmen, the indian flag was hoisted at the top of the Government, with 21 gun shots.

28.05.1956: The "treaty of transfer" was signed in Delhi, 8 years after the transfer "de facto".

01.1963: Several thousands of Pondicherry people opt for the french nationality.

01.07.1963: Creation of the "Territory of Pondicherry" which includes Pondicherry, Karikal, Yanam and Mahé.

Today, nearly 20 000 Pondicherry people live in France and nearly 10 000 french citizens live in the Territory of Pondicherry.

many people opted back for India citizenship at that time, which now forfeit french citizenship,

Answer 2

No you can't. Once Pondicherry acquired its independence from the French, that rule has been broken. Assuming your grandparents were French, it would still be difficult for you to change your citizenship now. However since they are themselves Indian, it's impossible for you to become French this way.

Now there is also a new rule that you need to learn/speak French to become a citizen.