During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, India and France signed a declaration of intent to establish a partnership focused on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors. In addition, both leaders launched the India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a significant milestone in their growing collaboration.
The joint statement released at the conclusion of the visit highlighted the leaders’ shared vision for reformed and effective multilateralism to tackle global challenges, ensure a peaceful international order, and prepare for emerging technological and economic changes. The two leaders also underscored the urgent need for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and committed to coordinated efforts in multilateral forums, particularly on UNSC issues. France reiterated its strong support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the UNSC, and the two countries agreed to enhance discussions on the regulation of the veto in cases of mass atrocities.
In terms of defense cooperation, the leaders celebrated the ongoing collaboration in areas such as the construction of Scorpene submarines in India, including the integration of the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. They also welcomed the commissioning of the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class, INS Vaghsheer, in January 2025. Further defense cooperation was emphasized with Prime Minister Modi inviting the French Army to explore the Pinaka MBLR, and the inclusion of India as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE program managed by OCCAR.
The two countries also launched the India-France Year of Innovation, set to begin in New Delhi in March 2026, symbolizing their shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. The leaders also looked forward to closer cooperation in defense research and development, especially through partnerships between India’s DRDO and France’s ONERA.
In a significant move for the defense sector, both countries launched FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence), a platform aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration between defense startups, investors, and academia in both nations. Additionally, the establishment of an R&D framework between France’s DGA and India’s DRDO was emphasized, alongside further collaboration on missile technology, helicopter engines, and jet engines.
The leaders also discussed international issues, including the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. They agreed to continue their efforts in coordinating their actions in multilateral forums and endorsed the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) launched at the G20 Summit in September 2023. They emphasized IMEC’s role in enhancing connectivity, sustainable growth, and access to clean energy across the regions.
On the topic of the Indo-Pacific, Modi and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and peaceful region and agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in the space sector. Both leaders commended the partnership between India’s ISRO and France’s CNES, encouraging further synergies between their space industries.
In addition to strengthening security and defense ties, Modi and Macron discussed efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen counter-terrorism measures, including cooperation between India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and France’s GIGN. They also agreed on the importance of international standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
On the topic of Artificial Intelligence, both leaders launched the India-France Roadmap on AI, which focuses on creating safe, secure, open, and trustworthy AI. This includes fostering the inclusion of Indian startups in the French Startup Incubator, Station F, and expanding the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France.
Additionally, the leaders agreed on the importance of nuclear energy as part of the transition to a low-carbon economy, reaffirming their commitment to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project and cooperation on civil nuclear energy. They also acknowledged the significance of joint efforts to address environmental challenges, including climate change and the preservation of the planet.
Trade and investment between India and France have reached record levels in 2024, with both leaders identifying substantial untapped potential. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Macron on the successful organization of the 2024 Paris Olympics and thanked him for sharing France’s expertise as India prepares for its bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
As part of their ongoing efforts to deepen their partnership, Modi and Macron welcomed initiatives to increase student mobility, including the launch of the International Classes Scheme, which facilitates French language and academic preparation for Indian students. The scheme aims to increase the number of Indian students in France to 30,000 by 2030, with projections for 10,000 students in 2025.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to advancing their Strategic Partnership, following the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, ensuring long-term cooperation and collaboration across a wide range of sectors.
