India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent three-day visit to France has yielded several significant agreements and declarations, underscoring the growing Indo-French partnership in various sectors such as technology, nuclear energy, sustainability, and cultural exchange. The visit has highlighted the shared commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two nations in the coming years, as both leaders seek to address global challenges and create new avenues for bilateral collaboration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on Monday to co-chair the AI Action Summit and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He received a warm welcome, including a hug from Macron at a dinner prior to the summit. During the dinner, PM Modi also met US Vice President JD Vance, who is also in France for the event.
Strengthening Indo-French cooperation across key areas
PM Modi’s visit, which began with his arrival in Paris on Monday, focused on several high-priority areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear energy, maritime trade, and environmental sustainability. One of the central highlights of the trip was the co-chairing of the AI Action Summit in Paris, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. During the summit, both leaders emphasized the importance of establishing ethical and responsible frameworks for AI development, recognizing its growing influence on global economies, security, and societies.
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On social media, PM Modi highlighted the strategic significance of Indo-French collaborations, especially in the maritime sector. He noted that India and France are working together to enhance cooperation in logistics, sustainability, and global trade, reaffirming their commitment to a shared vision for a better maritime future. “Strengthening Maritime Ties in Marseille! We are working towards enhancing India-France cooperation in logistics, sustainability and global trade, reinforcing our shared vision for a better maritime future,” PM Modi tweeted, following his visit to CMA-CGM, a global leader in shipping and logistics.
Bilateral dialogues and collaborative initiatives
Prime Minister Modi held extensive bilateral discussions with President Macron, covering key areas such as defense, space exploration, civil nuclear cooperation, and health. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the 2047 Horizon Roadmap, which outlines the strategic partnership between India and France for the next two decades. Their discussions also touched upon people-to-people ties, emphasizing the importance of fostering stronger cultural and diplomatic links between the two nations. Among the notable agreements that emerged from the talks was France’s commitment to hosting 10 Indian startups at the prestigious French startup incubator Station F. This initiative is expected to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing Indian startups with a platform to expand in the European market.
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Additionally, the leaders also welcomed the growing possibilities for the integration of India’s real-time payment system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), into France’s financial ecosystem. In another key development, both nations jointly announced the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, with plans to unveil the official logo for the initiative during its grand inauguration in New Delhi in March 2026. The year will focus on advancing scientific research and fostering bilateral collaborations in innovation.
Inauguration of the Indian consulate in Marseille
A major milestone during PM Modi’s visit was the inauguration of India’s new consulate in Marseille, marking a significant expansion of India’s diplomatic presence in France. The ceremony was attended by both PM Modi and President Macron, who were warmly welcomed by the Indian community in the region. The consulate is expected to play a key role in strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing consular services for the growing Indian diaspora in southern France.
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The Indian community in Marseille turned out in large numbers to greet PM Modi and President Macron, with loud chants of “Modi, Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” filling the air, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional dhols. Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception, PM Modi described the welcome as memorable and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in France.
Paying tributes at the Mazargues War Cemetery
On the third day of his visit, PM Modi paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars during a visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille. This gesture highlighted the enduring historical ties between India and France, as well as India’s role in supporting the Allied forces during the World Wars.
Focus on artificial intelligence and global governance
At the AI Paris Summit, PM Modi and President Macron co-chaired discussions on the transformative role of AI in modern economies. Modi highlighted the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and societies, while stressing the need for global cooperation to develop robust governance frameworks. He also underscored India’s achievements in leveraging AI to build a low-cost digital infrastructure that serves over 1.4 billion people. With India emerging as the world’s largest AI talent hub, the Prime Minister called for international collaboration to ensure AI is developed ethically and responsibly. During his address, PM Modi also addressed concerns about AI-induced job losses, reassuring that while technology may change the nature of work, it does not lead to job elimination. He emphasized the importance of investing in reskilling and upskilling programs to equip people with the skills needed in an AI-driven economy.
Key agreements and outcomes
The visit resulted in several landmark agreements and declarations aimed at further deepening the strategic relationship between India and France. These include:
- India-France Declaration on AI: Both countries committed to enhancing collaboration in AI research and applications, with a focus on ethical and responsible development.
- Launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 Logo: The official logo for this initiative was unveiled, symbolizing the shared commitment to scientific collaboration and innovation.
- Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences: A Letter of Intent was signed between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and France’s Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA) to establish a dedicated center for digital sciences.
- Nuclear Cooperation: A Declaration of Intent was signed to promote collaboration on next-generation nuclear reactor technologies, including advanced modular and small modular reactors. Furthermore, the renewal of the MoU on nuclear energy cooperation between India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France’s Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique (CEA) strengthens the nuclear partnership.
- Triangular Development Cooperation: India and France agreed to collaborate on sustainable development projects in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on economic growth and environmental sustainability.
- Environmental Partnership: Both nations signed a Declaration of Intent to enhance cooperation in biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
A strong foundation for future growth
PM Modi’s visit to France has set a clear path for deepening Indo-French relations, with both nations committing to enhanced cooperation across various sectors. The strategic partnership between India and France has been strengthened through collaborative initiatives in technology, innovation, defense, nuclear energy, and environmental sustainability. As the two countries continue to build on these outcomes, the visit marks an important milestone in their shared journey toward addressing global challenges and creating a more prosperous future. Concluding his three-day visit in France, PM Modi departed for Washington DC to continue his two-nation visit. He received a warm send-off hug from President Macron at the airport before his departure. The relationship between India and France stands poised for a new era of cooperation, with both leaders having laid a strong foundation for further growth and collaboration in the years to come.
