Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India will host the next Global AI Summit, following discussions at the AI Action Summit in Paris. Co-chaired by PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit focused on fostering global cooperation in the development of Artificial Intelligence technologies.

“They underlined their commitment to take concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector can drive beneficial social, economic, and environmental outcomes in the public interest,” India-France joint statement maintained.

The joint statement was issued in the course of a three-day (February 10-12) visit to France by the Prime Minister. 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.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of 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.

India-France partnership

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the joint statement issued following the French President’s state visit to India in January 2024 and in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap published during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to France in July 2023 as the Chief Guest of the Bastille Day Celebrations on the occasion of 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. They 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.

India-France strategic partnership       

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the progress in Indo-French defence cooperation, particularly in the construction of Scorpene submarines in India.

Both leaders highlighted significant advancements in the indigenization efforts, focusing on the integration of the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into the P75-Scorpene submarines. They also noted the ongoing negotiations regarding the integration of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into future P75-AS submarines.

The commissioning of the sixth and final submarine in the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, on January 15, 2025, was welcomed by both leaders as a major milestone in the collaboration. Discussions on further defence projects, including missiles, helicopter engines, and jet engines, were also noted as part of the continued partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the growing defence ties by inviting the French Army to explore the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), suggesting that its acquisition by France would further strengthen bilateral defence relations.
In addition, President Macron welcomed India’s inclusion as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE programme, managed by OCCAR, marking another key step in enhancing defence equipment cooperation between the two countries.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the robust military collaboration, noting the regular conduct of joint military exercises across various domains, including maritime exercises and joint patrols by maritime patrol aircraft.

The leaders highlighted the recent visit of the French Carrier Strike Group Charles De Gaulle to India in January 2025, followed by India’s participation in the French multinational exercise La Perouse. They also looked forward to the upcoming Varuna exercise, scheduled for March 2025, further strengthening the strategic defence relationship.

India-France energy partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have underscored the importance of nuclear energy in advancing global energy security and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.
 
In a joint statement, the leaders acknowledged the strong India-France civil nuclear partnership, particularly the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project, and celebrated the inaugural meeting of the Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy.
 
They also welcomed agreements on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR), alongside an Implementing Agreement between India’s GCNEP, DAE, and France’s INSTN and CEA, focused on nuclear training and education.
 
India-France cooperation for the planet

Addressing global environmental challenges, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable lifestyles. They welcomed the renewal of bilateral environmental cooperation and reiterated support for the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, aiming for a reformed international financing system to support vulnerable countries.
 
The leaders also stressed the significance of the upcoming UN Oceans Conference in June 2025, with India offering support for the event in France. They called for the early entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on marine biodiversity conservation, highlighting it as essential for global ocean governance.
 
The two leaders also launched the India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, a new initiative to support climate- and SDG-focused projects across the region. They announced an equity agreement worth 13 million Euros between Proparco and Indian microfinance institutions to promote financial inclusion and women’s empowerment. Cooperation within the framework of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance was also lauded.
 
India-France bilateral trade
 
In the economic sphere, Modi and Macron highlighted the record level of bilateral trade in 2024 and stressed the untapped potential for further economic collaboration. They noted key developments in urban development projects and celebrated India’s participation as the Guest of Honour at the 7th Choose France Summit in May 2024.
 
The leaders also welcomed the bilateral CEOs Forum held in November 2024 and February 2025 as vital steps towards strengthening business relations.
 
India-France cultural relations
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron hailed the signing of a new agreement between the National Museum in Delhi and France Muséums Développement in December 2024.
 
This agreement has set the stage for deeper collaboration in museum development, including training Indian professionals, and discussions on France’s participation in the National Maritime Heritage Complex project.
 
While celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first cultural agreement between India and France, signed in 1966, both leaders announced plans for multiple cultural exchanges and programs. These initiatives will be part of the Year of Innovation 2026, a cross-sectoral initiative that will include cultural collaborations.
 
Prime Minister Modi also congratulated President Macron for the successful organization of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, expressing gratitude for France’s willingness to share its expertise with India as it bids to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
 
Both leaders welcomed the upcoming regional edition of the Raisina Dialogue, focusing on Mediterranean issues, which will take place in Marseille in 2025. The event aims to foster high-level dialogue on trade, connectivity, and cooperation between the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions.
 
The leaders also celebrated the successful launch of the International Classes Scheme in September 2024, which offers Indian students the opportunity to study French as a foreign language at top French universities.
 
This initiative aims to boost student mobility and help meet the goal of sending 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030. In 2025, the number of Indian students in France is expected to reach a record 10,000.
 
Additionally, both leaders welcomed the operationalization of the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), which will enhance mobility for youth and professionals between the two countries.
 
They also emphasized the importance of finalizing a MoU to boost cooperation in skill development, vocational education, and training.
 
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation in health, with the first mission from India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to Paris in January 2025. They identified digital health, antimicrobial resistance, and health professional exchanges as key priorities for 2025.