Modi–Macron mega meeting: India–France Pact to double trade, boost AI, defence, space ties!

The two leaders held their first bilateral talks since the elevation of India-France relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” earlier this year.

During their meeting at Villa Kerylos in Nice, both leaders engaged in extensive discussions covering a wide range of areas of cooperation.

They expressed satisfaction over the strong growth and depth of defence ties across all domains and agreed to further strengthen collaboration with a focus on co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence platforms and advanced technologies.

The leaders also acknowledged the long-standing cooperation in the space sector and discussed expanding collaboration in human spaceflight and space situational awareness.

They further explored opportunities for greater private sector participation in space-related initiatives.

In civil nuclear energy, both sides noted that India’s SHANTI Act opens new avenues for cooperation, including small and advanced modular reactors.

They also reviewed the steady growth in bilateral trade and agreed to establish a high-level mechanism aimed at doubling trade within the next five years.

Both leaders called for the early conclusion and implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, highlighting its potential to significantly boost trade and investment.

Cooperation in sectors such as SMEs, aviation, and railways was also discussed, with both sides welcoming the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics in Kanpur.

The leaders welcomed the creation of a Dialogue on Economic Security and agreed to enhance supply chain resilience, particularly in critical minerals.

Emphasising the importance of innovation and technology in bilateral relations, the two sides adopted an Innovation Roadmap 2030 to provide long-term direction to the partnership. They also agreed to set up a Joint India-France AI Working Group to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence.

The joint inauguration of Bharat Innovates in Nice and the Prime Minister’s upcoming participation in Vivatech in Paris further strengthened collaboration in areas such as deep-tech, semiconductors, agri-tech, med-tech, renewable energy, defence, and space. Both leaders also noted the growing presence of UPI in France and the signing of 19 agreements between institutions from both countries’ innovation ecosystems.

The two leaders underlined the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for the swift operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals at French airports.

They also discussed enhancing mobility for students and skilled professionals and expanding mutual recognition of educational qualifications. The Prime Minister invited French universities to establish campuses in India under the National Education Policy.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between museums and cultural institutions, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal.

The leaders also exchanged views on key global issues, including the situations in West Asia and Ukraine.