Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron to launch the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ and deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
President Macron’s three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19 reflects the growing alignment between New Delhi and Paris in the areas of artificial intelligence, defence, technology, and Indo-Pacific security. The visit follows sustained high-level engagement and highlights the maturity of the bilateral partnership.
Background: India-France Strategic Partnership
India and France established a strategic partnership in 1998, making France one of India’s earliest and most consistent partners in Europe. Over the years, cooperation has expanded across defence, nuclear energy, space, climate action, and counter-terrorism.
Both countries emphasise:
- Strategic autonomy
- Multilateralism
- Rules-based international order
- Reform of global institutions
This shared outlook has strengthened coordination on regional and global issues.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Technology Cooperation
AI Impact Summit in Mumbai
A major highlight of the visit will be joint participation in the AI Impact Summit in Mumbai. The summit aims to explore the social, economic, and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence.
Earlier, Modi and Macron had co-chaired the AI Action Summit in France, which brought together representatives from over 100 countries and promoted responsible AI governance.
Human-Centric AI Framework
Both leaders advocate for:
- Ethical and transparent AI systems
- Protection of privacy and human rights
- Inclusive digital growth
- Responsible use of emerging technologies
Their approach seeks to balance innovation with social accountability.
India-France Year of Innovation
The ‘Year of Innovation’ is designed to institutionalise collaboration among:
- Start-ups
- Universities and research institutions
- Technology firms
- Incubators and investors
Key focus areas include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital infrastructure
- Cybersecurity
- Quantum technologies
- Capacity-building for developing countries
This initiative aims to create long-term innovation ecosystems.
Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation
Rafale Fighter Aircraft Deal
Defence cooperation remains a central pillar of India-France relations. Ahead of Macron’s visit, India’s Defence Acquisitions Council approved a government-to-government proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France.
Key aspects include:
- 18 aircraft in flyaway condition
- Remaining jets to be manufactured in India
- Technology transfer and industrial participation
The Rafale jets are produced by Dassault Aviation.
Existing Defence Collaboration
India already operates:
- 36 Rafale aircraft in the Air Force
- 26 naval Rafale variants for the Navy
The expanded fleet will enhance India’s air combat capabilities and support defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” framework.
Wider Security Cooperation
India and France also collaborate on:
- Joint military exercises
- Maritime security
- Counter-terrorism
- Intelligence sharing
This partnership strengthens India’s defence preparedness.
Indo-Pacific and Global Strategic Alignment
France as an Indo-Pacific Power
France is a resident Indo-Pacific power due to its overseas territories, including Réunion Island. This gives Paris a direct strategic stake in the region.
India and France cooperate on:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Freedom of navigation
- Regional stability
- Disaster response
Their partnership complements India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Multilateral Engagement
Both leaders support reform of the United Nations and advocate stronger representation for developing countries. France has also supported India’s engagement with the European Union.
Expanding Economic and Innovation Cooperation
Business and Investment Engagement
During the visit, Modi and Macron will interact with business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to promote:
- Bilateral trade
- Foreign direct investment
- Joint ventures
- Research partnerships
France is among India’s major European investors, especially in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
Start-ups and Research Collaboration
The Year of Innovation seeks to link:
- Indian and French start-ups
- Technology accelerators
- Academic institutions
- Venture capital networks
This is expected to boost co-development of frontier technologies.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
Macron’s visit is significant in the context of:
- Global geopolitical uncertainty
- Technological competition
- Shifting power balances
- Climate and security challenges
It reflects India’s effort to diversify strategic partnerships and France’s ambition to play a larger role in the Indo-Pacific.
The visit also reinforces France’s position as one of India’s most trusted Western partners.
India-France Year of Innovation Summary
President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi mark an important step in strengthening bilateral ties. The launch of the India-France Year of Innovation will boost cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and research. Defence collaboration, particularly through the Rafale deal, continues to enhance India’s security capabilities. Shared interests in the Indo-Pacific and global governance further reinforce the partnership. Overall, the visit reflects the evolution of India-France relations into a comprehensive strategic alliance.
India-France Year of Innovation Exam-Oriented Facts
- India-France Strategic Partnership was launched in 1998.
- Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron will launch the India-France Year of Innovation.
- The visit is from February 17 to 19, 2026.
- AI Impact Summit will be held in Mumbai.
- France is a resident Indo-Pacific power due to Réunion Island.
- Rafale jets are manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
- India operates 36 Rafales in the Air Force and has ordered 26 naval variants.
- The AI Action Summit promoted ethical and human-centric AI governance.
- Defence cooperation is a core pillar of India-France relations.
India-France Year of Innovation FAQs
It is a bilateral initiative to promote cooperation in technology, research, start-ups, and emerging sectors such as AI and digital infrastructure.
It strengthens cooperation in defence, technology, Indo-Pacific security, and economic engagement.
Both countries promote ethical, inclusive, and human-centric AI through joint summits and capacity-building initiatives.
France supplies Rafale fighter jets and supports joint production, training, and defence technology transfer.
France has overseas territories in the region and works with India on maritime security and regional stability.
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