Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to France from February 10 to 12, 2025, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit underscored the deepening ties between the two nations across multiple domains, including artificial intelligence, defense, multilateral cooperation, trade, space, and climate action.
AI Action Summit: A New Era of Cooperation
A key highlight of the visit was the co-chairing of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on February 10-11, 2025. The summit, attended by global leaders, international organizations, industry representatives, and civil society, focused on ensuring AI-driven solutions for social, economic, and environmental advancements. PM Modi congratulated President Macron on France’s successful organization of the summit, while France welcomed India’s decision to host the next AI summit.
Bilateral Discussions and Strengthened Diplomatic Engagement
This visit marked Prime Minister Modi’s sixth visit to France and followed President Macron’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in January 2024. The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions on regional and global issues, emphasizing their shared vision for an equitable world order. Reaffirming the need for multilateral reforms, particularly in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), France reiterated its firm support for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC.
Macron and Modi also visited Marseille, where they jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General and visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility. A private dinner hosted by President Macron for Prime Minister Modi in Marseille reflected the close personal rapport between the two leaders.
Defense and Security Cooperation
The leaders reviewed their longstanding defense cooperation, welcoming progress in the construction of Scorpene submarines in India and the integration of advanced technologies such as Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into these vessels. They also appreciated discussions on joint missile, helicopter engine, and jet engine collaborations. Notably, India invited the French Army to evaluate the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher system for potential acquisition, signaling deeper military ties.
Further solidifying defense relations, India joined the Eurodrone MALE program as an observer, strengthening collaborative defense equipment programs. The launch of FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) in Paris in December 2024 reinforced their commitment to innovation in defense technologies. Additionally, India and France reaffirmed their joint efforts in counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing, condemning terrorism in all its forms and calling for global cooperation in eliminating terrorist networks.
Economic and Trade Partnerships
Bilateral trade between India and France reached record levels in 2024, with both leaders acknowledging untapped potential for increased economic collaboration. They lauded ongoing investments in urban development and emphasized maintaining investor confidence to foster economic growth. The launch of the Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub and partnerships in the health sector, including digital health and antimicrobial resistance, further strengthened economic engagement.
Space, Science, and Innovation
Prime Minister Modi and President Macron committed to deepening cooperation in space exploration, particularly through the India-France Strategic Space Dialogue. The two sides also announced the grand launch of the India-France Year of Innovation in New Delhi in March 2026, emphasizing their shared commitment to scientific research and technological advancement.
Global and Regional Developments
The leaders discussed pressing global issues, including the Middle East crisis and the war in Ukraine, and agreed to maintain close coordination on international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), recognizing its strategic importance in connectivity and energy security.
Recognizing nuclear energy as crucial for energy security, both leaders reviewed progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project. They welcomed a new agreement on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and the training of nuclear professionals. India also pledged support for France’s hosting of the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) in June 2025, reinforcing their commitment to marine conservation.
People-to-People Ties and Cultural Exchanges
The leaders highlighted the growing mobility of Indian students in France, with the number expected to reach 10,000 in 2025, aligning with the goal of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. They also celebrated the launch of the International Classes Scheme, which facilitates Indian students’ academic integration into French universities.
Acknowledging the importance of cultural exchanges, both sides agreed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of their cultural agreement signed in 1966 with multiple collaborative programs under the Year of Innovation 2026.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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