In a remarkable display of personal rapport and shared vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a joint journey from Paris to Marseille yesterday, utilising the French Presidential Aircraft. This special gesture set the tone for an extensive dialogue on the full spectrum of bilateral relations as well as pressing global and regional issues.
Upon arrival in Marseille, delegation-level talks commenced, during which both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the India–France Strategic Partnership—a relationship that has evolved into a multifaceted alliance over the past 25 years. The discussions spanned a wide range of strategic areas including defence, civil nuclear energy, and space, as well as emerging fields such as technology and innovation.
A significant focus of the talks was the bolstering of collaboration in technology and innovation. Against the backdrop of the recently concluded AI Action Summit and the forthcoming India–France Year of Innovation in 2026, both leaders recognised the heightened importance of this sector. They also welcomed the report of the 14th India–France CEOs Forum, which called for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two nations.
In addition to strategic and technological cooperation, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron expressed their satisfaction with ongoing collaborative efforts in health, culture, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders pledged to further deepen engagement in the Indo-Pacific region as well as on various global forums and initiatives, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the partnership.
Following the high-level talks, a Joint Statement outlining the future direction of India–France ties was adopted. In tandem with this, ten key outcomes were finalised, covering areas such as technology and innovation, civil nuclear energy, triangular cooperation, the environment, and cultural as well as people-to-people relations. Some of the notable outcomes include:
- India–France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI): An initiative to ensure that AI development is underpinned by democratic values and directed towards human development and the common good.
- Launch of the Logo for the India–France Year of Innovation 2026: A visual emblem symbolising the collaborative efforts in technology and innovation.
- Establishment of the Indo–French Centre for Digital Sciences: Formalised through a Letter of Intent between India’s Department of Science and Technology and France’s INRIA.
- Support for Indian Start-ups: An agreement to host ten Indian start-ups at the French start-up incubator Station F.
- Enhanced Cooperation in Civil Nuclear Energy: Through several declarations and renewed agreements aimed at fostering partnerships in advanced and small modular reactor technology.
- Triangular Development Cooperation: A joint declaration that highlights the shared commitment to sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Cultural and Diplomatic Initiatives: Including the joint inauguration of India’s Consulate in Marseille and a declaration of intent in the field of the environment between the respective ministries of both countries.
The India–France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, unveiled on 12 February 2025 in Paris, outlined an ambitious framework for the development and deployment of AI. The declaration emphasised that AI systems should be designed for the public interest, respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promote inclusivity. It also called for robust industrial and research partnerships, academic investigations into the social impacts of AI, and proactive measures to ensure child safety online. This comprehensive approach is intended to foster the emergence of safe, secure, and ethically guided AI innovations that benefit global health, sustainable agriculture, education, climate change management, disaster response, biodiversity protection, energy security, and food stability.
The day’s engagements culminated in a convivial dinner hosted by President Macron in the picturesque coastal town of Cassis, near Marseille. At the dinner, Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to President Macron to visit India, further symbolising the warmth and mutual respect underpinning the bilateral relationship.
As the India–France partnership enters a new phase, these extensive discussions and initiatives lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors. With the India–France Year of Innovation set for 2026 on the horizon, both nations are poised to drive significant advancements that will contribute not only to their domestic agendas but also to addressing shared global challenges.