Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to France Earlier this month, Comprised Two Components-The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, and A Deepening of Indo-French Bilate Ties. Building on the summit that took place in the uk and south korea, the paris summit endeavoured to reinforce the development of ai research and applications for the public good.
In line with the human-centerric framework advocated during its presidency, India aims to distribute the benefits of ai equitably amongst its population, While Advocating for the Ai Needs of the Wideer Global South. India’s National Ai Mission Draws from Similar Principles of Openness and Accessibility Underpinning India’s successful Digital Digital Digital Public Infrastructure that is Rapidly Trainsforming Economy. The International Monetary Fund Estimates that more Indians will use ai every day than in any other country before the end of this decade, making India Central to Any Global Framework On Ai.
By Partnering Now on Ai and Launching An India-France Ai Roadmap, The Two Countries Are Embarking on a Joint Path to Shaping The Future of Responsible Ai Development, Whilele Alaso Attempting to Bridge North-South Ai Divide. Combining Both Experiences, The two countries are also well-postioned to ideate solutions
However, it’s important to keep in Mind Fundamental Divergences in Approaches. As a member of the european union (EU), france adheres to the eu AI act, which uses a risk-based approach to ai systems and is the world’s Most Comprehensive and Stringent Legislation SO FAR on Ai. On the other hand, India is war of over-urgulation stifling its innovation ecoSystem. Yet Domestic Debates Demonstrate India’s willingness to adopt a regulatory framework on ai that balances the twin imperatives of safety and innovation while protecting Individual Rights. Here the European Model offers a Useful Case Study.
Bilateral Discussions This Time Took Place on Macron’s Presidential Aircraft from Paris to Marseille, where a new Indian consulate was inaurated. France, which last year appointed a special envoy to the India-middle East-Economic Corridor (IMEEC), has proposed Marseilles as the IMEEC’s GATO European MARPEAN MARPEAN MARPEAN MARPEAN MARPEAN MARPEAY City’s Strategic Location in the Mediterranean Sea. The two Leaders Visited the ControlCentre of CMA-CGM, A MARSEILLE-Based Logistics and Shipping Company that Controls 11.5% of of Indian Shipping Activity and Has a 34-Year-YOLD PRESENCE In India. However, Marselle Faces Competition from the Trices in Italy and Greece. Despite tensions in West Asia, Geopolitical Global UncertainTies have only strengthened the case for alternative routes.
Defense and security has long remained the mainstay of the partnership. France is nowmongst the top three customers of Indian definition equipment, and during this visit, India urged france to consider Purchases of its Pinaka Multi-BARREL ROCKET LAUCCET LAUCKET LAUCKET LAUCKET LAUCKET LAUCKET LAUCKET LAUCKET LAUCCET LAUCCET LAUCCE A defense industry roadmap was launched in early 2024 aimed at the co-production of Military Equipment, Critical to Indian Indigenous Defense Production with France Stands stands out as a cur Engage in Technology Transfers to India, Coupled With Contracts Involving The P-75 Scorpene Submarines, Rafale Aircrafts and Helicopter and Jet Engines. Security cooperation has also been Multinational Exercise La Perouse and the Upcoming Bilateral Varuna Naval Exercise Scheduled for March. Deepening Trilateral Cooperation with Australia and the uae in the Military, Maritime, Energy, and Health Spaces was also Emphahsized ALONG with Development Projects in Third Countryies in the in the in the in the in the in the country.
What is equally promising is that contours of engine for India’s oldest strategic partnership are rapidly moving beyond the traditional definition pillars to increase trade, innovation, innovation, and People-to-Peeple Relations. Indian Startups will now be included at the French Startup Incubator Station F, and 2026 is being officially haled as the India-france year of innovation. Last year, france became the first European Country to Launch The Indian United Payments Interface (UPI), with the service starting at the eifel tower. As the us gears to exit the paris agreement, indo-french robust collecting on Climate and Renewables can be further stepped up to fill the vacuum.
Paris and New Delhi Are Also Expeding Cooperation in the Civil Nuclear Energy Sector, Particularly in Small and Advanced Modular Reactors, with a Special Task Force on Civil Nucle Nucle Nuclear Energy Working Coordins. Efforts are on towards building a nuclear power project in Jaitapur, Maharashtra. France derives 70% of its energy needs from nuclear sources, with the country producing the Highest Nuclear Power Per Capitaglobally. With India Aiming to Substantily expand its nuclear energy capacity by 2047 in its transition towards a low-carbon economy, collaboration with franca is a natural step forward.
With An India-France CEOS Forum Held in Paris, Following a similar forum help in November 2024 in new delhi, the two counties are trying to ramp up economy. The value of bilateral trade rose from $ 15 billion in the 2022-23 period to $ 20 billion in 2024. The joint statement mentions the need to increase the number of Indian students in france to 30,000 by 2030–Currently 10,000 Compared to Germany’s 35,000. At the same time, paris may need to ensure a lessile political environment for foreign students and immigrants.
Both India and france are guided by fiercely autonomous Foreign Policies that are paying their dividends in today’s transactional and Volaitary World, and Anccelerating us-china strategic rivalry. A brooadened India-france partnership can represent “a third way” away from such uncerties.
Harsh v pant is Vice President, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Shaairee Malhotra is Deputy Director, Strategic Studies Program, Orf. The views expressed are personal
