Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three day visit to France, his sixth since assuming the position of Prime Minister in 2014, underscores the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.
The visit, which kicked off with high-level engagements in Paris involving French President Emmanuel Macron, continued with important events in Marseille, and covered issues related across multiple strategic sectors, such as nuclear energy, defense, maritime trade, and emerging technologies.
In a special gesture reflecting the personal rapport between the two leaders, Modi and Macron flew together from Paris to Marseille in the French Presidential aircraft
A key aspect of this visit is the ‘AI Action Summit’ held in Paris, where PM Modi co-chaired the event alongside President Macron.
Officials sources said that the summit saw intense discussions on the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, with both nations exploring ways to harness AI for economic growth, societal benefits, and addressing global challenges.
It is pertinent to mention that India and France are working to strengthen ties in emerging technologies, with the goal of fostering collaboration in sectors like clean energy, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
As per official data, a total number of 10 agreements and MoUs signed during the visit highlights the expanding collaboration in sectors critical for both nations’ future, including nuclear energy, defense, environmental protection, and technology.
Another highlight of the visit, officials commented, was the inauguration of India’s new consulate in Marseille which was done jointly by PM Modi and President Macron.
Marseille, with its long-standing historical ties to India, has been an important location in strengthening people-to-people connections. PM Modi spoke about the importance of this consulate in promoting closer relations not only in political and economic spheres but also in connecting the Indian diaspora with French society.
PM Modi also gave tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in both World Wars.
Another significant part of this visit was the tribute to nationalist Veer Savarkar, who made a daring escape from British custody in the city. PM Modi, reflecting on this chapter in India’s history, acknowledged the critical support of French activists in India’s freedom movement and stated, “The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations.”
France has been a key partner in supporting India’s civil nuclear program, and discussions on expanding nuclear collaboration are ongoing, officials said.
The visit also reinforced the growing defense ties between the two countries, with France already supplying advanced military technology, such as the Rafale fighter jets.
In light of the deep and longstanding defence cooperation between France and India, both President Macron and Prime Minister Modi hailed the continued collaboration on air and maritime assets, aligning with the ambitious Defence Industrial Roadmap established in 2024. They also recognized the significant progress made in the construction of Scorpene submarines in India, including advancements in indigenization efforts. A particular highlight was the integration of the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system into the P75-Scorpene submarines, as well as the ongoing analyses concerning the integration of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) into future P75-AS submarines.
The leaders also celebrated the successful commissioning of the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, on January 15, 2025, a milestone underscoring the success of their collaboration. In the spirit of further strengthening bilateral defence ties, both sides welcomed ongoing discussions on missile systems, helicopter engines, and jet engines. They highlighted the productive collaboration between the Safran group and their Indian counterparts, which continues to pave the way for future defence technology exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation for the French Army to consider the Pinaka MBLR system, emphasizing that its potential acquisition by France would represent a significant achievement in their defence partnership. President Macron, in turn, welcomed the inclusion of India as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE programme, managed by OCCAR, marking yet another step forward in their joint defence initiatives.
Both leaders acknowledged the regular conduct of military exercises across various domains, including maritime exercises and joint patrolling by maritime patrol aircraft. They noted the successful visit of the French Carrier Strike Group Charles De Gaulle to India in January 2025, followed by India’s participation in the French multinational exercise La Perouse. Looking ahead, they highlighted the upcoming Varuna exercise scheduled for March 2025 as another example of their robust and expanding defence collaboration.
Officials also pointed to the India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) which was signed which is aimed at furthering collaboration in this crucial field.
In addition, the two nations announced the launch of the logo for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
PM Modi also participated in the India-France CEO Forum, where business leaders from both countries explored opportunities to expand business partnerships.
The visit also saw the signing of an agreement for hosting 10 Indian startups at the French start-up incubator Station F, offering a unique opportunity for Indian innovators to scale their businesses globally.
Another significant agreement reached was between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), which will establish the Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences.
in the field of nuclear energy, the visit resulted in the signing of a Declaration of Intent on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors, a development that highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries in civil nuclear energy, building on the already robust partnership in this sector.
Additionally, the renewal of the MoU between India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France’s Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) underscores the long-standing nuclear cooperation.
An Implementing agreement between the DAE and CEA, concerning cooperation between India’s Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and France’s Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) was also reached.
The Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and a Declaration of Intent on Environmental Cooperation between India and France’s respective ministries emphasize the shared focus on sustainable development and climate change.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France will conclude on 13 February , after which he will travel to the United States for further diplomatic engagements.