- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France from February 10 to 12, 2025, was more than just a diplomatic engagement—it was a reaffirmation of the deep and evolving partnership between the two nations.
- One of the strongest impressions from the visit was the commitment to collaborate on advanced and Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).
- The India-France AI Summit in Paris was not only a diplomatic exercise—it was a testament to the increasing trust and common vision between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France from February 10 to 12, 2025, was more than just a diplomatic engagement—it was a reaffirmation of the deep and evolving partnership between the two nations. Over the years, India and France have nurtured a relationship built on trust, shared strategic interests, and a commitment to global stability which is evident as this was the second visit by PM Modi to France in the last 20 months. This visit elevated that partnership to the next level, with major agreements across nuclear energy, defence, artificial intelligence, the Indo-Pacific, and healthcare.
Enhancing Energy Security Through Nuclear Cooperation
One of the strongest impressions from the visit was the commitment to collaborate on advanced and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). For India, which is seeking to pursue economic growth in tandem with sustainability, nuclear power is a crucial part of its clean energy goals. Joining hands with France—one of the global leaders in nuclear technology—will enable India to deploy and develop SMRs that are safer, more adaptable, and appropriate for varied energy requirements. This is not merely a matter of energy security; it’s also a matter of India’s world stature in civil-nuclear diplomacy, upholding its prudent attitude towards nuclear technology.
Strengthening Defense Ties
Defence has ever been a cornerstone of Indo-French relations, and this visit witnessed further consolidation of that relationship. A big emphasis was placed on aerospace engineering and submarine technology, both areas of prime importance for India’s defence self-reliance.
- The integration of India’s indigenously built Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system Scorpene-class submarines will improve stealth and endurance, increasing India’s naval power in the Indo-Pacific.
- The drive to co-produce fighter jet and helicopter engines is not merely about military might—it’s a move towards establishing India as a global defence production hub.
- With the increasing security threats in the Indo-Pacific, these actions are not merely economic or industrial—they are strategic imperatives. India must protect its maritime and airspace interests, and France is emerging as a willing partner in this quest.
Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future Together
AI is no longer about tech firms and sci-fi uses—it’s influencing economies, defence policy, and even geopolitics. India and France have recognized this and agreed to collaborate on AI research and development. For India, a country with a thriving digital economy, this collaboration will provide access to the latest AI technologies while also ensuring that the ethical development of AI continues to be prioritized. Meanwhile, it provides a check on China’s fast-paced AI development, strengthening a democratic and responsible approach to emerging technologies. With India’s digital economy expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, AI-led innovation will be at the forefront of driving growth and competitiveness.
How AI summit bolster India – France relations?
The India-France AI Summit in Paris was not only a diplomatic exercise—it was a testament to the increasing trust and common vision between the two countries. As co-chairs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron showed that they were dedicated to making AI not only as a technology but as a force for good.
One of the greatest lessons learned was the commitment to cooperate on AI development and research, particularly in the domains of health, cyber security, defence, and climate technology. India’s fast-growing digital economy and France’s reputation for leading-edge AI innovations are a natural pairing. Their combined strength could unlock accomplishments that not only serve their respective economies but also the rest of the world.
For India, this visit was more than just cutting deals—it was about positioning itself for the decade to come. The partnership with France enhances its energy security, defence indigenization, digital strength, regional power, and global health leadership.
Aside from technology, the summit also reaffirmed a common approach to AI ethics and governance. Both nations are interested in making AI development inclusive and sustainable so that smaller and developing countries are not left behind. This is in line with India’s wider digital outreach and France’s leadership in international tech policy.
Another area of strategic cooperation is defence and security. AI is transforming warfare, and with France already a major defence ally, the summit opened the door to future cooperation on AI-based defence systems. This summit did more than promote technological cooperation—it brought India and France closer as strategic partners, demonstrating that their partnership is moving beyond conventional areas into the future of innovation and global leadership.
The Indo-Pacific partnership
The Indo-Pacific is where most of the 21st-century geopolitics is being played out. As an in-region power (thanks to its overseas territories), France has a strategic stake in maintaining peace and stability—something to which India’s vision is also attuned. With the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation, both nations are signalling as much: they are committed to sustainable development, climate resilience, and regional stability. This effort also constitutes a strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been criticized for economic coercion and unsustainable debt. Through the offering of alternative development models, India and France are emerging as responsible stakeholders in the region.
Health Diplomacy
If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it’s that health security is as important as military security. Knowing this, India and France are intensifying collaboration in the health sector. With India’s vibrant pharmaceutical and vaccine industry and France’s biotechnology expertise, this collaboration can accelerate innovations in fields such as digital health and antimicrobial resistance. Most importantly, it ensures India becomes an even more important global health provider, building on its place in the likes of the G20 and WHO. By investing in health, both countries are not only guaranteeing their citizens but also enhancing world wellness.
A Forward-Looking Partnership
The deals concluded on this visit symbolize a growing partnership—a partnership that extends beyond conventional defence and economic cooperation. India and France are investing in technology, sustainability, security, and healthcare, so their relationship remains viable in a changing world. For India, this visit was more than just cutting deals—it was about positioning itself for the decade to come. The partnership with France enhances its energy security, defence indigenization, digital strength, regional power, and global health leadership.
More importantly, this visit has only strengthened the impression in New Delhi that France wants to access Europe and vitalise the economic potential there.
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Shashank Pandey