Team TrickyScribe: At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France from February 10-12, 2025. This visit, Modi’s sixth to France, further cemented the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit included high-level discussions on artificial intelligence, defense, security, climate action, and economic cooperation.
One of the major highlights was the India-France AI Action Summit, where global leaders and stakeholders discussed ethical AI development and its socio-economic benefits. Modi congratulated Macron on successfully organizing the summit, and France expressed strong support for India’s upcoming AI Summit.
A Stronger Strategic Partnership
Modi and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, an ambitious plan to deepen bilateral cooperation across defense, security, economic, technological, and cultural domains. The two leaders also inaugurated India’s new Consulate General in Marseille, a move aimed at strengthening India’s presence in France.
Discussions also covered the urgent need for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, with France reiterating its support for India’s permanent membership. Both countries agreed on closer coordination in multilateral forums, particularly on veto power regulation in cases of mass atrocities.
AI and Technology Cooperation Take Center Stage
Recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence in shaping the future, both nations launched the India-France Roadmap on AI. This initiative aims to ensure safe, open, and trustworthy AI development. French startup incubator Station F will now include Indian startups, providing them with opportunities to innovate in AI-driven technologies.
In a significant move for financial technology collaboration, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will now be available in France, enhancing digital transactions for Indian travelers and businesses.
Defense and Security: A Deepening Partnership
France and India reaffirmed their strong defense ties, with key developments in submarine and missile collaborations. The two nations welcomed the successful commissioning of INS Vaghsheer, the final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project. India also invited France to explore acquiring Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBLRs).
Another breakthrough was India becoming an observer in the Eurodrone MALE program, showcasing growing Indo-French cooperation in aerospace defense. Both nations also launched FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence), a platform for defense startups and innovators.
Regular joint military exercises continue to enhance cooperation. France’s Charles De Gaulle Carrier Strike Group recently visited India, and both countries will participate in the upcoming Varuna naval exercise in March 2025.
Combating Terrorism and Cybersecurity Threats
Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, emphasizing the need to disrupt terror financing networks. France and India agreed on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism intelligence-sharing and committed to working closely in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and No Money for Terror (NMFT) platforms.
Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to cybersecurity collaboration, ensuring a secure and rules-based cyberspace. The India-France Strategic Cybersecurity Dialogue will continue in 2025 to address cyber threats and international regulations on cyber warfare.
Climate and Energy: A Commitment to Sustainability
France and India underscored the importance of nuclear energy in their clean energy transition. Both nations renewed their commitment to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project and signed agreements on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
In the lead-up to the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) in Nice (June 2025), India and France stressed the significance of ocean conservation and the Blue Economy. India pledged full support to France for organizing the conference.
Both countries also launched the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, which aims to support climate-friendly and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-focused projects in third-world countries.
Trade and Investment: Unlocking Economic Potential
Bilateral trade between India and France reached record levels in 2024, yet both leaders acknowledged untapped potential. India participated as the guest of honor at the 7th Choose France Summit in 2024, highlighting India’s investment opportunities for French businesses.
Healthcare collaboration took center stage, with new initiatives in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, and exchange programs for healthcare professionals. The Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub was launched to facilitate innovation in life sciences.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges on the Rise
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Indo-French cultural ties, both nations pledged enhanced museum collaborations and training for Indian museum professionals. France expressed its interest in contributing to India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex.
In higher education, France and India launched the International Classes Scheme, allowing Indian students to study in prestigious French universities. By 2030, both nations aim to increase Indian student enrollment in France to 30,000. The Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership, will facilitate youth exchanges.
Marseille: A Strategic Hub in Indo-European Connectivity
Acknowledging Marseille’s strategic position in the Mediterranean, India and France pledged to strengthen connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Indo-Pacific regions. Both leaders committed to working on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) to boost trade and energy cooperation.
Marseille will also host a regional edition of the Raisina Dialogue in 2025, focusing on Mediterranean issues and strengthening Indo-European partnerships.
A Vision for the Future
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France marked a significant milestone in Indo-French relations, setting the stage for deeper cooperation in defense, AI, security, climate change, and trade. With ambitious initiatives such as the India-France Year of Innovation (2026), both nations are poised to lead global discussions on AI governance, sustainable development, and technological advancements.
The partnership, rooted in shared values and strategic interests, is set to drive a new era of collaboration, ensuring mutual growth and global stability.
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