PM Modi concludes 3-day France visit, strengthens strategic partnership

New Delhi, Feb 12:: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France from February 10 to 12, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, further solidified the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The two leaders held extensive discussions, co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, and announced major agreements spanning from defence, trade, energy to education.

AI Action Summit and Technological Cooperation

The visit commenced with the AI Action Summit, where Modi and Macron joined global leaders, academia, and industry representatives to shape AI’s role in driving positive economic, social, and environmental change. Modi congratulated France on its successful organization of the event, while Macron welcomed India’s commitment to hosting the next summit. A joint roadmap on AI was unveiled, emphasizing safety, security, and trust in AI applications.

Bolstering Defence Ties and Strategic Cooperation

Building on their long-standing defense collaboration, both leaders reaffirmed commitments under the Defense Industrial Roadmap. They celebrated the commissioning of the final Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vagsheer, and India’s integration of indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology into future submarines. Discussions on further cooperation in missile systems, helicopter engines, and jet engines progressed, with Modi inviting France to explore the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system.

France included India as an observer in its Eurodrone MALE program, marking another step in deepening defense ties. Meanwhile, military engagements continued with France’s Carrier Strike Group Charles De Gaulle visiting India and upcoming joint exercises like Varuna in March 2025.

Expanding Global Engagement and Regional Alliances

On broader geopolitical matters, Modi and Macron reiterated their call for United Nations Security Council reforms, with France reaffirming its support for India’s permanent membership. They discussed coordinated efforts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific security.

Emphasizing connectivity, they advanced plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and highlighted Marseille’s strategic role. The leaders also emphasized the importance of EU-India relations, anticipating the upcoming India-EU Summit in New Delhi. Trilateral engagements with Australia and the UAE were strengthened, focusing on military exercises and joint economic initiatives.

Sustainability and Clean Energy Commitments

Recognizing nuclear energy’s pivotal role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the leaders acknowledged progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project. They also signed a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), alongside agreements for nuclear training and education.

Environmental collaboration was reinforced with renewed bilateral agreements on climate action. Modi pledged India’s support for France’s hosting of the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) in June 2025, and both nations pushed for the swift implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

Trade, Investment, and Innovation

Bilateral trade reached record levels in 2024, with leaders identifying further opportunities in urban development and technology sectors. France hosted India as a guest of honor at the Choose France Summit in May 2024, strengthening investment ties. A bilateral CEO Forum convened in November 2024 and again in February 2025 to explore emerging economic synergies.

Innovation partnerships expanded with the launch of FRIND-X, a Franco-Indian defence startup ecosystem. Collaboration between France’s Station F startup incubator and Indian entrepreneurs was highlighted, and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was set to expand into France, facilitating digital transactions.

The visit also saw advancements in educational and cultural exchanges. The leaders celebrated the signing of an agreement between India’s National Museum and France Muséums Développement to enhance museum collaborations. Plans for the Year of Innovation 2026 were unveiled, promoting Indo-French cultural and technological initiatives.

On student mobility, they acknowledged the success of the International Classes Scheme, designed to help Indian students integrate into French universities. The target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030 remains on track, with 10,000 expected in 2025. The operationalization of the Young Professionals Scheme under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement further strengthens workforce exchanges between the two nations.

Macron and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to long-term bilateral engagement under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. As their strategic partnership enters its third decade, both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across defense, technology, trade, and cultural exchanges, underscoring the enduring strength of Indo-French relations.