• At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to France from February 10 to 12. 

• This was Prime Minister Modi’s sixth visit to France, and follows President Macron’s visit to India in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. 

• The leaders held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of the exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and on global and regional matters. 

• This was followed by delegation level talks after arrival in Marseille. The leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the India-France Strategic Partnership, which has steadily evolved into a multifaceted relationship over the past 25 years.

Highlights of the discussions:

• Strengthening the India-France Strategic Partnership: Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for bilateral cooperation and international partnership, outlined in the Joint Statement issued following President Macron’s State Visit to India in January 2024 and in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap published during the visit of PM Modi to France in July 2023 as the Chief Guest of the Bastille Day Celebrations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. They commended the progress achieved in their bilateral cooperation and committed to accelerating it further across its three pillars.

• Technology and Innovation: In light of the recent AI Action Summit and the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in digital sciences, artificial intelligence, and startup incubation.

• Trade and Investment: The leaders welcomed the 14th India-France CEOs Forum report and emphasized strengthening economic ties.

• Indo-Pacific Engagement: They reiterated their commitment to regional security, sustainability, and global cooperation. They lauded the launching of the India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, aiming to support climate- and SDG-focused projects from third countries in the Indo-Pacific region. 

MoUs/Agreements/Amendments:

1) Declaration on AI – Strengthening collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

2) Launch of India-France Year of Innovation 2026 Logo – Showcasing future cooperation in technology.

3) Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences – Agreement between DST (India) and INRIA (France) to boost research.

4) Startup Incubation – Hosting 10 Indian startups at Station F, France’s leading startup hub.

5) Advanced Modular & Small Modular Reactors – Strengthening cooperation in nuclear technology.

6) Renewed MoU on Civil Nuclear Cooperation – Between India’s DAE and France’s CAE.

7) Global Nuclear Energy Partnership – New agreement between India’s GCNEP and France’s INSTN.

8) Triangular Development Cooperation – Strengthening Indo-Pacific partnerships.

9) Inauguration of India’s Consulate in Marseille – Expanding diplomatic and cultural ties.

10) Environmental Cooperation – Agreement between India’s Ministry of Environment and France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)