India and France Set Ambitious Agenda to Double Trade, Expand Technology and Defence Cooperation

The meeting marked the first engagement between the two leaders since the elevation of bilateral relations to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year. During the discussions, both leaders agreed to significantly expand cooperation across key sectors and set a target of doubling bilateral trade within the next five years.

To achieve this objective, the two countries established a high-level mechanism aimed at increasing annual bilateral trade from the current USD 16 billion over the next five years. The leaders also adopted the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 and agreed to create a joint working group dedicated to artificial intelligence governance, reflecting their commitment to shaping the future of emerging technologies.

The talks covered a broad range of strategic issues, including economic security, talent mobility, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. Civil nuclear energy emerged as a major focus area, with both sides reviewing progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project and exploring new opportunities created by India’s SHANTI Act.

The legislation opens India’s civil nuclear sector to private participation, creating potential opportunities for French companies to directly engage in nuclear projects within India or collaborate with Indian partners. The leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation in small modular reactors and advanced nuclear technologies.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s growing role as a global technology provider and innovation leader. He underscored India’s contributions in areas such as artificial intelligence, satellite technology, green hydrogen, and electric mobility, emphasizing the country’s increasing role in delivering solutions with global impact.

“Today, India is emerging as a technology provider. Moreover, the innovations and solutions India offers benefit a vast segment of humanity. This is precisely the goal of ‘India Innovates,’” Prime Minister Modi said during the Bharat Innovates event in Nice.

President Macron acknowledged India’s expanding innovation capabilities and expressed support for deeper collaboration in critical sectors. The two leaders jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, a major platform that brought together startups, investors, and technology leaders from both countries. The event highlighted opportunities for cooperation in deep technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, and innovation-driven industries.

Defence cooperation also featured prominently during the discussions. India and France agreed to intensify collaboration through co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence platforms. The partnership encompasses air and naval systems, helicopter engines, and missile technologies. The leaders reviewed recent milestones, including the inauguration of a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

“Both leaders noted the rich legacy of cooperation in the space sector and discussed furthering collaboration in human spaceflight and space situational awareness,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

In a significant development for travellers, India’s Unified Payments Interface will now be available at airports in Nice and Paris, enabling seamless digital transactions for Indian visitors. The leaders also welcomed the signing of 19 agreements among institutions associated with the innovation ecosystems of both countries, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

People-to-people relations received considerable attention during the meeting. Both sides discussed the rapid implementation of visa-free transit facilities for Indian nationals at French airports. They also explored measures to expand student mobility, promote mutual recognition of educational qualifications, and enhance cooperation between museums and cultural institutions.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship, stating, “The India-France partnership will keep scaling new heights. See you in Evian and Paris.”

The leaders also exchanged views on major international developments, including the situations in West Asia and Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in the G7 Summit in France, where he will represent the interests of the Global South and continue consultations with international leaders on pressing global challenges.

The meeting in Nice reinforced the growing strategic convergence between India and France, highlighting a shared commitment to economic growth, technological advancement, defence cooperation, innovation, and global stability. With ambitious targets for trade, investment, and strategic collaboration, both nations signalled their intent to elevate the partnership to unprecedented levels in the coming years.