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India-France Strengthening Ties
Context:
In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, India and France agreed to jointly develop modern nuclear reactors, enhance defence cooperation, and collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) projects.
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- These decisions were announced following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- Foreign Secretary noted that the discussions covered a wide range of areas, including defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation, health, and people-to-people ties, with AI emerging as a major focus.
Nuclear Energy Collaboration
- Energy: The two leaders emphasised that nuclear energy is a critical component of the energy mix for ensuring energy security and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Nuclear Cooperation: They acknowledged the progress in India-France civil nuclear cooperation, particularly the Jaitapur nuclear power plant project.
- Letter of Intent: A key highlight was the signing of a letter of intent on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), as well as an agreement between India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and France’s National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) for training nuclear professionals.
- SMRs, which are compact and factory-manufactured reactors, are seen as the future of civilian nuclear cooperation.
AI and Innovation Roadmap
- Building on the outcomes of the AI Action Summit in Paris, both leaders launched an India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence.
- This initiative focuses on developing safe, open, secure, and trustworthy AI, reflecting the philosophical convergence in their approaches.
- Both leaders also announced the inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation in New Delhi in March 2026, unveiling its logo during the meeting.
Defence Cooperation
- The discussions also highlighted the longstanding defence partnership between the two nations.
- Progress was noted in the construction of Scorpene submarines in India, including the integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and the potential use of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) in future P75-AS submarines.
- The commissioning of the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer was welcomed.
- Additionally, both sides expressed enthusiasm for ongoing discussions on missile technology, helicopter engines, and jet engines.
- PM Modi invited the French Army to consider acquiring India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, which would mark a milestone in defence ties.
- France also welcomed India’s inclusion as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE (medium altitude long endurance) programme managed by OCCAR, further strengthening defence equipment collaboration.
Triangular Development Cooperation
- In a move to expand their global influence, India and France launched the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, aimed at supporting climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-focused projects in third countries within the Indo-Pacific region.
- This initiative underscores their shared commitment to addressing global challenges.
Economic and Cultural Ties
- The two leaders welcomed a 13-million-euro equity agreement between France’s Proparco and Indian microfinance institutions to promote financial inclusion and women’s empowerment.
- They also celebrated the inclusion of 10 Indian startups at France’s renowned startup incubator, Station F, and the expanded use of India’s real-time payment system, UPI, in France.
Historical and Cultural Connections
- During their visit to Marseille, Modi and Macron inaugurated the Indian Consulate in the city.
- PM Modi highlighted Marseille’s historical significance, noting its role as a base for Indian troops during World War I and its connection to Indian revolutionary Veer Savarkar.
- The leaders also paid homage to soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery, honoring those who fought in the World Wars.
By aligning their strategic interests and leveraging their technological expertise, both nations aim to foster innovation, security, and sustainable growth while deepening their historical and cultural bonds.
