Partnership in AI, nuclear energy and innovation… Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to France

PM Modi and French President Macron during the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseille, France-Photo- AP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France from 10-12 February 2025 concluded with several important agreements and partnerships. The visit further strengthened strategic cooperation between India and France, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear energy and innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries. During this, both the leaders expressed commitment to further deepen their engagement in the Indo-Pacific and various global forums and initiatives. After their extensive talks, the two leaders also underlined their commitment to take concrete action to ensure that the global AI sector brings beneficial social, economic and environmental results in public interest. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France from 10-12 February 2025 concluded with several important agreements and partnerships. The visit further strengthened strategic cooperation between India and France, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear energy and innovation. Major agreements and announcements

1. India-France Artificial Intelligence (AI) Declaration

India and France signed a joint declaration in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The agreement will promote cooperation in the areas of AI research, innovation and data security. Both countries will cooperate in policy-making to ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.

2. Logo launch of India-France Innovation 2026

Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly launched the official logo of the ‘India-France Year of Innovation 2026’. This initiative has been launched with the aim of promoting cooperation between scientists, researchers and startups of both the countries.

3. Cooperation in Nuclear Energy: Advanced Modular and Small Modular Reactors

The two countries signed a Declaration of Intent to establish a partnership in the field of Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This agreement will prove to be important to promote clean and sustainable energy production and tackle climate change.

4. Cooperation in Nuclear Science and Technology

The “Implementing Agreement” was signed between India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France’s CEA (Commission on Nuclear Energy and Alternative Energy). Under this, research and training will be promoted between India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and France’s Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN)

PM Modi reached France on Monday February 10, 2025

Let us tell you that PM Modi reached France on Monday and also co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with Macron. This is Modi’s sixth visit to France and follows Macron’s visit to India as the chief guest of India’s 75th Republic Day in January 2024. The two leaders also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Facility here. The two leaders reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism to maintain a just and peaceful international order, address global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic sectors. Discussion on the field of technology and innovation

The two leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the India-France strategic partnership and said that over the last 25 years it has continuously evolved as a multifaceted relationship. In fact, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Marseille from Paris on Tuesday evening in the French presidential aircraft and discussed the full range of bilateral relations and major global and regional issues here. After this, delegation-level talks were held on reaching Marseille. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in the strategic areas of defense, civil nuclear energy and space. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of technology and innovation.

Agreement signed to host 10 Indian startups

An agreement was also signed to host 10 Indian startups at the French start-up incubator Station F, while a declaration of intent was signed on establishing a partnership on advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors. Other outcomes include renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Commissariat  à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives  (CAE) of France for cooperation with the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP). Implementation of an agreement between DAE of India and CEA of France regarding cooperation between GCNEP India and the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (INS TN) of France.