Context:

• At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France from February 10 to 12, 2025.
• This was Modi's sixth visit to France and followed Macron’s visit to India as the chief guest for India's 75th Republic Day in January 2024.
• During the visit, India and France jointly co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit on February 10 and 11, 2025.
• This visit was crucial for enhancing bilateral relations, addressing global challenges, and fostering cooperation in emerging fields like AI.

Key Aspects of the Visit and Summit:

Artificial Intelligence Action Summit (February 10-11, 2025):

• Objective: To build on the achievements of the Bletchley Park (November 2023) and Seoul (May 2024) summits.
• Global Cooperation on AI Policy and Regulation: Participating countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on AI safety, ethics, and global standards.
• Innovation and Research: India and France jointly announced the Innovation Year 2026 to promote AI research and innovation.
• Responsible and Safe AI Development: Emphasis was placed on ensuring AI is used in the interest of humanity and is free from bias or misuse.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Measures were discussed to enhance cooperation in preventing AI-driven cyber threats.
• Opportunities for Industry and Startups: Agreements were made to promote bilateral and multilateral collaboration to support AI-based startups and companies.

Technology & Innovation, Science & Technology

• India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Launch of the Logo for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026
• Letter of Intent between the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), France, to establish the Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences
• Agreement for hosting 10 Indian Startups at the French Startup Incubator Station F

Civil Nuclear Energy:

• Renewal of MoU between the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India, and Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), France, concerning cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP).
• Implementing Agreement between DAE of India and CEA of France concerning cooperation between GCNEP India and the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN), France.

Indo-Pacific / Sustainable Development:

• Joint Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation

Culture / People-to-People Relations:

• Joint Inauguration of India's Consulate in Marseille

Environment:

• Declaration of Intent between the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Marine Affairs, and Fisheries of France and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India in the Field of Environment.

Major Developments:

• Marseille Visit: PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille and visited the Mazargues War Cemetery.
• Cultural Exchange: Modi and Macron welcomed the signing of an agreement in December 2024 between the National Museum in Delhi and the Museum of Development in France.

Future Directions:

• AI Roadmap: India and France launched a roadmap for the safe and reliable development of AI.
• Innovation & Technology: Enhancing collaboration in startups, cybersecurity, and digital health.
• 2030 Goals: Bringing 30,000 Indian students to France and expanding bilateral trade.

France: General Information

India-France Strategic Partnership (Established in 1998)

• India and France cooperate for freedom, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defense Equipment:

• Rafale Fighter Jet Deal (36 jets, contract signed in 2016)
• Scorpene Submarine Project (Manufactured at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, India)
• Missile and Helicopter Technology Collaboration
• Naval Exercise VARUNA: Conducted between Indian and French Navies

Environmental and Sustainable Development Cooperation:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched in 2015 by India and France
• Partnership in Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy
• Joint efforts to combat climate change