Addressing the Indian community in Paris in 2023, PM Modi famously remarked on the popularity of French footballer Kylian Mbappé in India:
”More people in India know Mbappé than in France.”
He also highlighted the countries’ collaborative efforts against terrorism the very next day saying:
“India and France have been together in the war against terror. We believe strong action needs to be taken to end cross-border terrorism.”
About two years later, now Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again went on a two-day visit to France. It has so far been packed with many notable events, high-level meetings, and landmark announcements. His sixth visit to the country highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between India and France, with a focus on emerging technologies, economic and defence cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. Co-chairing the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi laid out India’s vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI), global governance, and sustainable innovation. Here are some highlights from his visit and a quick analysis about what it means for India-France relationship.
AI Action Summit
One of the key features of PM Modi’s visit was his participation in the AI Action Summit in Paris, where he co-chaired the plenary session with French President Emmanuel Macron. Addressing the summit, PM Modi emphasized the need for global cooperation on AI governance, stressing the importance of transparency, inclusion, and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
“AI is reshaping our economy, security, and society,” PM Modi mentioned. Insisting that we must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency important to ensure technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful. He also spoke about the fears surrounding job losses due to AI and how history has shown that technology doesn’t eliminate jobs, it merely transforms them. Modi urged global leaders to invest in skilling and re-skilling people for an AI-driven future.
India also announced its commitment to building its own large language model and proposed a public-private partnership model to pool resources for startups and researchers. Modi made a strong case for hosting the next AI Action Summit in India.
In recognition of growing collaboration in AI, 2026 was declared the India-France Year of Innovation, promising further joint initiatives in technology, cybersecurity, and AI development.
Bilateral Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron
PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Macron to discuss defence cooperation, emerging technologies, climate change, and the global economy. The discussions stressed on the shared values and common vision between India and France in promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable growth.
During the talks, Modi and Macron emphasized their nations’ commitment to nuclear fusion research, agreeing to collaborate on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Marseille. The two leaders also discussed strengthening defence partnerships, particularly in light of the proposed deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
In a joint statement, Modi and Macron reiterated their intention to make the Global Partnership on AI truly inclusive and representative of the Global South. Modi assured Macron of India’s full support in building a sustainable and responsible AI framework.
India-France CEO Forum
Another key event during Modi’s visit was his address at the 14th India-France CEO Forum, where he highlighted India’s growing economic strength and the recent reforms aimed at enhancing ease of doing business.
“This is the right time to come to India,” Modi said, inviting French businesses to invest in India’s technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors. He said that India is on the verge of becoming the third-largest economy in the world, and the country is fast emerging as a global investment destination.
PM Modi outlined several initiatives introduced in India’s FY26 Union Budget that create opportunities for private sector investment. He also spoke of India’s public-private partnership model in AI and how it could serve as a blueprint for global innovation.
Nuclear Research and Tribute to Fallen Troops
PM Modi and President Macron travelled to Marseille, where they visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), one of the world’s largest nuclear fusion research projects. ITER represents a global collaboration involving 35 nations, including India and France. It is to develop a sustainable and virtually limitless source of clean energy. Modi’s visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to international scientific collaborations and clean energy development.
In a deeply symbolic gesture, Modi paid tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I at the Mazargues War Cemetery.
Meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance
On the sidelines of the AI Action Summit, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The meeting focused on AI governance, cybersecurity, and expanding economic ties between India and the United States. This was just a day before he headed to the U.S., one of the first heads of state to visit the country after the re-election of Donald Trump to the Oval Office.
In a lighter moment, Modi joined Vance and his family to celebrate the birthday of Vance’s son, Vivek. Modi expressed his joy in participating in the celebration, writing on social media: “Had a wonderful meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!”
This informal engagement was a reflection of the Modi brand in developing a personal rapport with world leaders, contributing to closer diplomatic ties.
AI Investment and Innovation
The AI Action Summit in Paris witnessed several significant investment announcements. The European Union pledged €50 billion for AI development as part of the European AI Champions Initiative, which aims to mobilize a total of €200 billion in public and private sector investments.
The Indian Prime Minister welcomed these developments and urged global leaders to ensure that AI remains a force for good. He highlighted India’s techno-legal framework for AI governance and emphasized the importance of making AI resources and talent accessible to the Global South.
He also spoke about India’s unique public-private partnership model, which pools resources like computational power and makes them available to startups and researchers at affordable costs.
Announcements and Diplomatic Outcomes
During his visit, PM Modi made several key announcements and commitments:
- India to Host the Next AI Action Summit: India will host the upcoming global AI summit, further solidifying its position as a leader in AI and emerging technologies.
- France-India Roadmap on AI: A comprehensive roadmap on AI collaboration between the two countries was agreed upon, focusing on responsible AI development and equitable benefit-sharing.
- Defence Cooperation: Discussions on the proposed deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and expanded defence collaboration were significant outcomes of the visit.
- Innovation and Cybersecurity: India and France agreed to deepen their cooperation in cybersecurity and AI innovation, with a focus on creating safe and secure AI systems.
Improving Strategic Ties
Over the years, India and France have expanded their cooperation in areas such as defence, space, climate change, and digital innovation. Modi’s visit added another layer to this relationship by focusing on AI governance and sustainable innovation.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the summit as a milestone in India-France relations, noting that the discussions were reflective of the deep interdependence between the two nations. “The AI Action Summit adds yet another aspect to the growing India-France strategic partnership,” Misri said.
Prime Minister Modi’s trip to France focused on positioning India as a key player in the global AI and innovation landscape. From co-chairing the AI Action Summit to promoting India as a preferred investment destination, Modi showcased India’s readiness to lead on multiple fronts.
The visit reinforced the growing India-France partnership, promising new avenues of cooperation in technology, defence, and innovation. As India prepares to host the next AI Action Summit, the momentum generated by this visit will likely set the tone for more intense and comprehensive collaborations and shared progress in the coming years.
What this Visit Means? An Analysis
Prime Minister Modi’s 2025 visit to France reaffirmed India’s growing military ambitions and its drive to consolidate a credible maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific. Defence cooperation and technology partnerships took centre stage, reflecting India’s need to expand its naval strike capability in response to regional security pressures, particularly from China’s assertive posture.
The deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy is a calculated move. Operating from India’s aircraft carriers, these jets will give the Indian Navy significant reach and air dominance across critical sea lanes. The Indo-Pacific remains a volatile space, with China’s increasing deployment of naval assets and assertive tactics around disputed waters. India’s choice to deepen its defence partnership with France, rather than rely on U.S. platforms or its own nascent aircraft projects, is driven by a mix of strategic trust and pragmatism.
France, too, sees India as a cornerstone of its Indo-Pacific strategy. Unlike other European powers, France maintains a direct presence in the region through its territories and military bases. Strengthening India’s maritime muscle aligns perfectly with French geopolitical interests, ensuring that China’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific does not go unchallenged.
Beyond hardware, the commitment to joint R&D and cooperation in defence technologies signals a move toward long-term strategic autonomy. Nuclear fusion research, advanced AI-driven defence applications, and cybersecurity are becoming the main components of modern warfare, and both nations recognise the urgency of staying ahead in these areas.
This visit marks a shift from transactional defence deals to sustained strategic alignment. For India, the partnership offers access to cutting-edge technology without the restrictions of traditional defence pacts. For France, it consolidates its position as a key player in the Indo-Pacific’s balance of power.
