At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid a visit to France on 10-12 February 2025. On 10 and 11 February 2025, India-France co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit. This event gathered Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations, and diverse enterprises. Representatives of academia, non-governmental organizations, artists, and members of civil society also attended.

The aim was to build on the important milestones reached during the Bletchley Park (November 2023) and Seoul (May 2024) summits. They underlined their commitment to take concrete actions. These actions will ensure that the global AI sector can drive beneficial social, economic, and environmental outcomes in the public interest. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Macron on France’s successful organization of AI Action Summit. France welcomed India’s hosting of the next AI Summit.

Modi’s Sixth France Visit Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Macron

This was Prime Minister Modi’s sixth visit to France, and follows President Macron’s visit to India in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of the exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and on global and regional matters. Both leaders also went to Marseille where President Macron hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the excellent relationship between the two leaders. They jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille. They also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility.

President Macron and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership. This vision was outlined in the Joint Statement issued following President Macron’s State Visit to India in January 2024. It was also detailed in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap published during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to France in July 2023. Prime Minister Modi was the Chief Guest of the Bastille Day Celebrations, marking the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. They commended the progress achieved in their bilateral cooperation and committed to accelerating it further across its three pillars.

India-France ; “Leaders Urge UNSC Reform, Stronger Multilateralism for Global Challenge

The two leaders reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders stressed, in particular, the urgent need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral fora, including on UNSC matters. France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. The two leaders agreed to strengthen conversations on regulation of use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. They held extensive discussions on long-term global challenges and current international developments and agreed to intensify their global and regional engagement, including through multilateral initiatives and institutions.

Acknowledging the paramount importance of advancing scientific knowledge, research and innovation, and recalling the long and enduring engagement between India and France in those areas, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi announced the grand inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation in New Delhi in March 2026 by launching its Logo.

India-France Partnership for Security and Sovereignty

Recalling the deep and longstanding defence cooperation between France and India as part of the Strategic Partnership, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the continuation of the cooperation of air and maritime assets in line with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024. Both leaders commended progress in collaboration in construction of Scorpene submarines in India, including indigenization, and in particular the work carried out with a view to the integration of DRDO developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into P75-Scorpene submarines and the analyses conducted regarding the possible integration of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into the future P75-AS submarines. Both leaders welcomed the commissioning of the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, on 15 January 2025.Both sides welcomed the ongoing discussions in missiles, helicopter engines and jet engines.

India-France Deepen Defence Ties with Cooperation on Pinaka MBLR

They also welcomed the excellent cooperation between the relevant entities in the Safran group and their Indian counterparts. Prime Minister Modi also invited the French Army to take a closer look at the Pinaka MBLR, emphasizing that an acquisition of this system by France would be another milestone in Indo-French defence ties. In addition, President Macron welcomed the decision to include India as an observer to the Eurodrone MALE programme managed by OCCAR, which is another step forward in the growing strength of our partnership in defence equipment programmes.

Both leaders appreciated the regular conduct of military exercises in all domains including maritime exercises and joint patrolling by maritime patrol aircraft. They noted the recent visit of the French Carrier Strike Group Charles De Gaulle to India in January 2025, followed by the Indian Navy’s participation in the French multinational exercise La Perouse, and the future conduct of the Varuna exercise in March 2025.

India-France Strengthen Defence Innovation & R&D Ties with FRIND-X Launch

They welcomed the launch of FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) in Paris on 5-6 December 2024. The event involved the DGA and the Defence Innovation Agency. This initiative aligns with the vision enshrined in HORIZON 2047 and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap. This collaborative platform brings together key stakeholders across both defence ecosystems. It includes defence startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and academia. This fosters a new era of defence innovation and partnership.

Both leaders are focused on deepening research and development partnerships in defence. They emphasized the need for an early launch of an R&D framework. This would be facilitated by a Technical Arrangement for cooperation in defence technologies between DGA and DRDO. In addition, both leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions between L’Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). They are identifying technologies for R&D partnerships. Further, India welcomes the participation of Indian students alongside French students in the challenge on distributed intelligence. This initiative was launched recently by the Interdisciplinary Center for Defence and Security from the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. India also encourages organizing more joint challenges in the future to evoke the interest of students in defence.

Both leaders had a detailed conversation on international issues, including on the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine. They agreed to pursue their efforts to coordinate and remain closely engaged on a regular basis.

“Leaders Discuss IMEC Implementation, Strengthening EU-India Ties”

The two leaders recalled the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) on the margins of the G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023 and agreed to work together more closely on implementing the initiative. Both leaders stressed the importance of IMEC to foster connectivity, sustainable growth trajectories and access to clean energy across these regions. In this regard, they acknowledged the strategic location of Marseille in the Mediterranean Sea.

They underlined the key importance of strengthening EU-India relations, in view of the upcoming India-EU summit at the earliest possible in New Delhi.

“Leaders Discuss IMEC Implementation, Strengthening EU-India Ties”

both appreciated the growing cooperation in trilateral format with Australia and with the United Arab Emirates. They commended the joint military exercises that took place between France, India and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the participation of India, France and Australia in each others’ multilateral military exercises. At the invitation of the United Arab Emirates and India, France joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate. They directed their concerned officials. These officials will work together with officials from the Governments of the United Arab Emirates and Australia. The aim is to identify concrete projects of trilateral cooperation. This includes fields like economy, innovation, health, renewable energy, education, culture, and the maritime domain. Projects may fall under the IPOI and IORA as identified during the focal points meeting held virtually last year for both the trilateral dialogues.

The two leaders underlined their common commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

They reiterated their desire to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in the space sector. Taking note of the substantial contribution of the first two sessions of the India-France Strategic Space Dialogue to furthering this objective, they agreed to hold its third session in 2025. They commended the strength of the partnership between CNES and ISRO and supported the development of collaborations and synergies between their space industries.

“Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Combat Terrorism and Its Financing”

The two leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks and safe havens. They further agreed that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts. The leaders also called for concerted action against all terrorists. This includes designations of individuals affiliated with groups listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The two sides emphasized the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering. They stressed the need for combating the financing of terrorism. These actions should be consistent with Financial Action Task Force recommendations. Both countries reiterated their commitment to work together in FATF, No Money For Terror (NMFT) and other multilateral platforms.

India-France Boost Counterterrorism, AI, Cybersecurity, and Aviation Ties

They commended the cooperation between the National Security Guard (NSG) of India and the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) for agency-level cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism. The two leaders welcomed the outcomes of the counter-terrorism dialogue held in April 2024, reflecting the growing India – France counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation. The two leaders also looked forward to the successful organization of Milipol 2025 in New Delhi.

They welcomed the ongoing discussions to create a comprehensive framework for an enhanced bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector, which are at advanced stages.

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron launched an India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence (AI), rooted in the philosophical convergence in their approaches focusing on the development of safe, open, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence. They welcomed the inclusion of Indian startups at the French Startup Incubator Station F. They also welcomed the expanded possibilities for using India’s real-time payment system – Unified Payments Interface (UPI) – in France. The two leaders reiterated the strategic significance of cyberspace and their wish to strengthen their coordination at the United Nations regarding the application of international law and the implementation of the framework for responsible State behaviour in cyberspace, as well as the need to address issues arising from the proliferation of malicious cyber tools and practices. They looked forward to the next India-France Strategic Cybersecurity and Cyberdiplomacy Dialogues to be held in 2025.

Partnership for the Planet

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron stressed that nuclear energy is an essential part of the energy mix for strengthening energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Both leaders acknowledged the India-France civil nuclear ties and efforts in cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, notably in relation with the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project. They welcomed the first meeting of the Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy, and welcomed the signing of a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) and the Implementing Agreement between India’s GCNEP, DAE and France’s INSTN, CEA for cooperation in training and education of nuclear professionals.

India-France Reaffirm Commitment to Environment and Ocean Conservation

The two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to jointly address the environmental crises and challenges including climate change and promoting sustainable lifestyles. The leaders welcomed the renewal of bilateral cooperation in the field of environment between the Ministries of Environment. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the principles established by the Paris Pact for People and the Planet for reform of the international financing system towards supporting vulnerable countries in addressing both the eradication of poverty and the preservation of the planet.

Both leaders affirmed the significance of United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) as an important milestone in international efforts towards conservation and sustainable use of oceans. In the context of upcoming UNOC-3 to be held in Nice in June 2025, France and India recognize the BBNJ Agreement’s importance. It is one of the pillars of inclusive and holistic international ocean governance. Having already signed the treaty, they called for its entry into force at the earliest. Prime Minister Modi offered India’s support to France for UNOC-3 in June 2025.

India-France Boost Indo-Pacific Cooperation & Trade Ties

They lauded the launching of the India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation. This initiative aims to support climate- and SDG-focused projects from third countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders welcome the partnership between Proparco and the concerned Indian microfinance institutions. This partnership is for an equity agreement of 13 million Euros. It focuses on financial inclusion and women empowerment. They also commended the strong and fruitful cooperation. This cooperation occurred within the Franco Indian presidency framework of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance.

Noting the record level of bilateral trade in 2024, they acknowledged that there is vast untapped potential for trade and investment between the two countries. Both leaders highlighted the need to maintain strong confidence for companies investing in France and in India. They commended the numerous economic cooperation projects announced in 2024 in the field of urban development. They recalled the participation of India as guest of honor of the 7th Choose France Summit in Versailles in May 2024. The two leaders were delighted with the organization of the bilateral CEOs Forum in November 2024 and February 2025.

“India-France Boost Health Ties with Key Initiatives for 2025”

The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the unprecedented momentum. Cooperation between the two Ministries of Health has been initiated. The first mission took place in Paris by India’s Ministry for Health and Family Welfare last January. Digital health, anti-microbial resistance, and the exchange of health professionals are the main priorities for bilateral cooperation in 2025. The two leaders welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent between PariSante Campus and C-CAMP. C-CAMP stands for Centre for Molecular Platforms. They also welcomed the creation of the Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub.

Partnership for the People

The leaders remembered the ambition behind the Letter of Intent. It was signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in July 2023. President Macron and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the signing of the Agreement. This agreement is between the National Museum in Delhi and France Muséums Développement and occurred in December 2024. This agreement paves the way for further collaboration as well as broader museum cooperation including training of Indian professionals. France offered to continue consultations on its participation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex.

India and France are celebrating the 60th Anniversary of their first cultural agreement signed in 1966. Both sides agreed to undertake multiple cultural exchanges. Programs are planned in the context of the Year of Innovation 2026. This is a cross-sectoral initiative that includes culture.

Modi Congratulates Macron on Paris 2024

Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Macron on the successful organization of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024. He thanked President Macron for his willingness to share France’s experience and expertise. This is about organizing major international sporting events. It also involves securing these events as part of India’s bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2036.

The Leaders both welcomed the launch of a regional edition of the Raisina Dialogue. It will focus on Mediterranean issues in Marseille in 2025. The aim is to foster high-level dialogue involving representatives of governments, industry leaders, and experts on trade and connectivity issues. Other relevant stakeholders will also participate. The purpose is to enhance trade and connectivity between the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific regions.

“India-France Boost Student Mobility & Youth Exchange Under New Agreements”

Both leaders welcomed the successful launch in September 2024 of the International Classes Scheme. Under this scheme, Indian students are taught French as a foreign language. They also study methodology and academic contents in highly reputed French universities in France during one academic year. This occurs before entering their chosen curricula in France. The initiative will create conducive conditions to increase student mobility. It aims to meet the target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. In that regard, they welcomed the rising number of Indian students studying in France. The numbers are expected to reach an unprecedented 10,000 in 2025.

Both leaders also welcomed the operationalization of the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA). This scheme will facilitate two-way mobility of youth and professionals. It will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the people of India and France. Moreover, both leaders stressed on the early conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding to foster cooperation in skill development. They emphasized vocational education and training. This cooperation will create opportunities for both countries to strengthen cooperation in this field.

To foster their dynamic and comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both countries committed to constantly deepen their long-term cooperation. They will follow the ambitions expressed in the bilateral Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

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