In a landmark Prime Minister’s Visit to France , India secured several critical agreements and initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and France across various sectors, including technology, civil nuclear energy, and environmental sustainability. The agreements mark a significant step towards closer ties between the two nations, promising to boost innovation, development, and sustainable growth.
Advancing Technological and Scientific Cooperation
One of the highlights of the Prime Minister’s visit was the signing of the India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscoring both nations’ commitment to fostering innovation in AI, technology, and scientific research. The declaration signals a strengthened partnership in the areas of AI and other cutting-edge technologies, as both countries work together to address global challenges through advanced research.
As part of the technology collaboration, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 was officially launched, with the unveiling of a dedicated logo to mark this important initiative. The Year of Innovation aims to facilitate greater knowledge exchange, foster partnerships in R&D, and encourage startup collaborations between India and France.
Another major development was the signing of a Letter of Intent between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and France’s prestigious Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA). The collaboration will lead to the establishment of the Indo-French Center for the Digital Sciences, which will focus on fostering groundbreaking work in fields such as data science, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Additionally, an agreement was signed to host 10 Indian startups at Station F, France’s leading startup incubator. This collaboration provides Indian startups with a platform to expand into the European market, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in both countries. The agreement will support the exchange of ideas and technologies that will drive economic growth and technological development.
Pioneering Nuclear Energy Collaboration
The visit also saw significant advancements in nuclear energy cooperation. India and France signed a Declaration of Intent to establish a partnership on Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This collaboration aims to explore next-generation nuclear technologies that are safer, more efficient, and more sustainable, which could play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands while addressing climate change concerns.
Furthermore, India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France’s Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP). This renewal highlights both countries’ commitment to enhancing collaboration in nuclear research and development, with a focus on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
An Implementing Agreement was also signed between the DAE of India and the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA) of France. This agreement is a major step in strengthening the nuclear collaboration between the two countries, focusing on joint research projects, training, and capacity building in the nuclear field, particularly at the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) in France.
Promoting Sustainable Development and Cooperation
In another major development, India and France signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation, aimed at enhancing sustainable development initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. This agreement will help both countries collaborate on projects that promote stability, growth, and climate resilience in developing countries across the region.
The environmental focus continued with a Declaration of Intent signed between India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Marine Affairs, and Fisheries. This declaration emphasizes both nations’ shared commitment to combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and advancing sustainable environmental policies.
Strengthening People-to-People and Cultural Ties
The Prime Minister’s visit also marked a significant moment in strengthening people-to-people ties, with the joint inauguration of India’s Consulate in Marseille. This new diplomatic mission in the south of France is expected to deepen cultural, educational, and trade connections between India and France, providing better access for Indians living and working in the region.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s visit underscored India’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange with France. Collaborative initiatives in art, culture, and heritage are expected to thrive in the coming years, as the two countries continue to share their rich traditions with one another.
The agreements and initiatives from the Prime Minister’s visit to France represent a bold vision for the future of Indo-French relations. From technology and nuclear energy to sustainable development and people-to-people connections, both nations are setting the stage for an enduring and fruitful partnership. As the world faces challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and global security, India and France are showing the way forward with their collaborative efforts in innovation, clean energy, and global development.
In brief, the visit of Prime Minister Modi to France is poised to significantly enhance bilateral ties, creating a strong foundation for continued collaboration across a wide range of critical sectors. With a shared commitment to progress and sustainable development, the two nations are now looking towards a future where their partnership contributes to shaping a more prosperous and peaceful world.
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