PM Modi’s Visit to France: At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France from 10 to 12 February 2025. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening Indo-French relations and fostering global cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategic partnerships.
India and France Co-Chair AI Action Summit
On 10 and 11 February, France and India co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, building on previous summits held in Bletchley Park (November 2023) and Seoul (May 2024). The summit gathered global leaders, industry representatives, and academia to ensure AI development promotes social, economic, and environmental benefits. France welcomed India’s role as the next host of the AI Summit.
Bilateral Engagements and Diplomatic Strengthening
This visit marked Prime Minister Modi’s sixth trip to France, following President Macron’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2024. The two leaders held extensive discussions on bilateral cooperation, global challenges, and regional issues.
Modi and Macron visited Marseille, where the French President hosted a private dinner for Modi, underscoring their close ties. They also jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille and visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility.
Reaffirming their shared vision, the leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening the Indo-French strategic partnership as outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and the 2024 Joint Statement.
Push for UN Security Council Reform
The leaders reiterated the need for reformed multilateralism and effective global governance. France reaffirmed its support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and agreed to coordinate closely on multilateral issues, including discussions on the regulation of veto use in cases of mass atrocities.
Advancing Defence and Security Cooperation
Defence cooperation remains a cornerstone of Indo-French relations. The leaders reviewed progress on the Defence Industrial Roadmap, including collaborations on Scorpene submarines, missile programs, helicopter engines, and jet engines. France welcomed India as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE program.
They acknowledged successful military exercises, including La Perouse and Varuna 2025, and praised the FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) platform. Discussions also emphasized early implementation of an R&D framework between India’s DRDO and France’s DGA.
Strengthening Global and Regional Engagement
The leaders discussed pressing international issues, including the Middle East crisis and the war in Ukraine, agreeing to maintain close engagement. They reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and recognized Marseille’s strategic role in fostering connectivity and sustainable growth.
France and India also emphasized stronger EU-India relations ahead of the next India-EU Summit and expanded trilateral cooperation with Australia and the UAE, including defence exercises and climate initiatives.
Strategic Partnerships in Space, Cybersecurity, and Innovation
The two nations committed to deeper collaboration in the space sector, supporting CNES-ISRO cooperation and planning the third session of the India-France Strategic Space Dialogue in 2025.
On cybersecurity, they pledged to enhance coordination on responsible state behavior in cyberspace and anticipated the next Strategic Cybersecurity Dialogue in 2025. They also launched the India-France AI Roadmap, promoting safe and trustworthy AI, and welcomed Indian startups to the French Startup Incubator Station F.
Energy and Climate Commitments
Modi and Macron stressed the role of nuclear energy in achieving a low-carbon future, reviewing progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project and signing agreements on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). They reaffirmed cooperation in climate action, sustainable development, and marine biodiversity conservation ahead of the UN Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) in Nice, June 2025.
India and France also launched the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, supporting climate and SDG-focused projects. Financial inclusion and women’s empowerment initiatives were further strengthened with a 13-million-euro equity agreement between Proparco and Indian microfinance institutions.
Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation
The leaders acknowledged record bilateral trade in 2024 and called for expanded investment. India’s participation in the 7th Choose France Summit and bilateral CEO forums emphasized economic cooperation. Strengthened healthcare ties were marked by India’s Ministry of Health’s visit to Paris and agreements on digital health and antimicrobial resistance.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Celebrating 60 years of cultural ties, both nations committed to broader museum collaborations and maritime heritage projects. France reaffirmed its support for India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
Education and mobility cooperation took center stage with the International Classes Scheme, which facilitates Indian students’ education in France, and the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) promoting youth mobility. The target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030 remains on track.
Deepening Strategic Partnerships
Both nations reiterated their long-term commitment to cooperation across defence, technology, trade, and climate action under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Prime Minister Modi’s visit concluded on a note of strong diplomatic engagement, setting the stage for further advancements in the Indo-French partnership.
