New Delhi, June 15 (APAC Media): India and France on Sunday announced 13 major outcomes across sectors including Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, trade, education, space, defence, and digital payments during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France
Briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the two countries agreed on several initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation in emerging technologies, economic security, trade expansion, and talent mobility.
Among the key announcements were the adoption of the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030, the creation of a Joint India-France AI Working Group, expansion of UPI-based payment opportunities in France, and the establishment of a high-level mechanism to double bilateral trade within five years.
India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030
India and France adopted the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, and emerging technologies.
The two countries also agreed to establish a Joint India-France AI Working Group to enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence and create frameworks for AI governance.
UPI in France
In a significant boost to digital connectivity, both countries expanded possibilities for the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France.
The two sides also announced the incubation of 10 additional Indian startups at Station F in Paris, one of the world’s largest startup hubs.
Further strengthening technology cooperation, India’s Department of Science and Technology and France’s INRIA agreed to establish a Centre of Digital Sciences, while an ICCR India Chair on “AI, Innovation and Culture” will be set up at Université Paris-Saclay.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Allied Sectors at NSTI Kanpur.
India-France Trade Relations
To strengthen economic engagement, India and France agreed to create a high-level mechanism aimed at doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
Both sides also launched an Economic Security Dialogue focused on strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors and enhancing supply-chain resilience.
A Declaration of Intent on cooperation in railway and high-speed railway development in India was also announced.
India-France Space Cooperation
In the strategic domain, India and France signed a General Security Agreement covering the exchange and protection of classified information.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s CNES signed a Letter of Intent to expand collaboration in microgravity research and human space exploration.
In the educational domain, Prime Minister Modi invited French universities to establish campuses in India under the National Education Policy (NEP), while welcoming President Macron’s support for Indian students pursuing higher education in France.
Focus on Defence, Innovation and Nuclear Energy
The leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing depth of defence cooperation and agreed to intensify collaboration through co-design, co-development and co-production of defence platforms and advanced technologies.
They also reviewed cooperation in civil nuclear energy, noting that India’s SHANTI Act has opened new opportunities in areas such as small modular reactors and advanced nuclear technologies.
The two leaders jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice, a flagship event showcasing India’s deep-tech capabilities.
The conclave features 120 startups and more than 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 critical technology sectors, including semiconductors, agritech, medtech, renewable energy, defence and space.
The outcomes announced after Modi’s visit to France reflect the deepening relationship between India and France and reinforce both countries’ commitment to advance cooperation in technology, innovation, trade, defence and global governance.
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