In a historic moment underscoring the deep personal camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, both leaders traveled together aboard the French Presidential Aircraft from Paris to Marseille on February 11, 2025. Their in-flight discussions covered bilateral cooperation, regional security, and global challenges, setting the stage for comprehensive delegation-level talks upon arrival in Marseille.
The leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the India-France Strategic Partnership, which has evolved into a multifaceted and robust relationship over the past 25 years. They expressed confidence in the expanding scope of collaboration across key domains, including defense, space, civil nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, climate action, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of the Bilateral Talks
1. Strengthening the India-France Strategic Partnership
Both leaders reviewed progress in defense cooperation, including joint defense manufacturing, technology transfer, and future procurements. They highlighted ongoing projects such as:
- India’s acquisition of Rafale fighter jets and future collaboration in advanced aircraft technologies
- Strengthening India-France defense ties through joint naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific
- Enhancing cooperation in space research through ISRO and CNES partnerships
They further emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in fostering bilateral growth, particularly in emerging fields like quantum computing, AI, and semiconductors.
2. Expanding Economic & Trade Relations
The leaders acknowledged the significant growth in trade and investment ties and welcomed the insights from the 14th India-France CEOs Forum, held in Paris. France remains a key European investor in India, with both sides eager to explore new opportunities in:
- Green energy and sustainable infrastructure
- High-tech industries and semiconductor development
- Advanced manufacturing and digital transformation
3. Advancing AI and Digital Innovation
Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), both leaders agreed to launch the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026. As a precursor, they announced the India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing:
- A shared vision for AI development with ethical and regulatory frameworks
- Bilateral cooperation in AI-powered digital infrastructure
- An agreement to host 10 Indian startups at France’s premier incubator, Station F
4. Expanding Civil Nuclear Cooperation
India and France deepened their collaboration in the civil nuclear energy sector by finalizing:
- A declaration of intent on Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR) and Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
- A renewal of the MoU between India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France’s Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
- A new agreement on research and training cooperation between India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and France’s Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN)
5. Strengthening Indo-Pacific Collaboration & Triangular Development Cooperation
India and France reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They announced a Joint Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation, focusing on:
- Maritime security and blue economy initiatives
- Sustainable development projects in Africa and the Indian Ocean region
- Collaborative disaster resilience programs
6. Cultural and People-to-People Ties
A major highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of India’s Consulate in Marseille, a significant step in:
- Boosting cultural and business exchanges between the two nations
- Facilitating better consular services for the Indian diaspora in Southern France
7. Environmental & Climate Change Cooperation
India and France committed to strengthening environmental cooperation through:
- A Declaration of Intent between India’s Ministry of Environment and France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition
- Joint initiatives on biodiversity protection, marine conservation, and forest management
Prime Minister Hosted by President Macron in Cassis
Following the talks, President Macron hosted a special dinner for Prime Minister Modi in the scenic coastal town of Cassis, near Marseille. The informal setting allowed both leaders to further discuss their shared global vision, Indo-European cooperation, and climate action goals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited President Macron to visit India, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
List of Key Agreements and Outcomes from the Visit (February 10-12, 2025)
| S. No. | MoUs/ Agreements | Areas of Cooperation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India-France Declaration on AI | Technology & Innovation |
| 2 | Launch of India-France Year of Innovation 2026 Logo | Technology & Innovation |
| 3 | Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences (DST India & INRIA France) | Technology & Digital Innovation |
| 4 | Agreement to host 10 Indian startups at Station F (Paris) | Startup & Entrepreneurship |
| 5 | Declaration on AMRs & SMRs for Nuclear Energy | Civil Nuclear Energy |
| 6 | MoU renewal between India’s DAE & France’s CEA for nuclear cooperation | Civil Nuclear Energy |
| 7 | Implementing Agreement between India’s GCNEP & France’s INSTN | Civil Nuclear Energy |
| 8 | Joint Declaration on Triangular Development Cooperation | Indo-Pacific & Global Development |
| 9 | Joint Inauguration of India’s Consulate in Marseille | Culture & People-to-People Relations |
| 10 | India-France Declaration on Environmental Cooperation | Environment & Sustainability |
Strengthening a 25-Year-Old Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France marks a new milestone in the India-France strategic partnership, reinforcing their commitment to:
✔ Innovation-driven growth
✔ Sustainable economic collaboration
✔ Stronger Indo-Pacific security cooperation
✔ Technology and clean energy partnerships
The next high-level meetings are expected to take place in New Delhi, where India will host French dignitaries and business leaders for further bilateral discussions.