- PM Modi’s visit to France went beyond the AI Summit, encompassing strategic initiatives in trade, energy, defence, and multilateral cooperation, including the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEE) Corridor.
- Macron’s push for tech sovereignty, co-championed with PM Modi at the AI Summit, aims to establish a secure digital framework that prioritizes transparency, ethical data governance, and national control over critical digital infrastructure.
- The two leaders announced a joint India-France initiative to co-design, co-develop, and co-produce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), reinforcing their commitment to energy security and technological innovation.
- France reiterated its support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, while both nations engaged in discussions on global governance reforms and cybersecurity measures to counter digital espionage.
The recent AI Summit in Paris, co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, was more than just a forum for artificial intelligence governance. It was a pivotal moment in shaping global digital sovereignty, economic security, and strategic cooperation between India and France. Macron’s call for tech sovereignty and Modi’s comprehensive engagement with France showcased a broader agenda that cuts across AI, digital infrastructure, defence, energy, and economic partnerships.
Tech Sovereignty and Macron’s Vision
At a time of rapid digital transformation and geopolitical competition, Macron has emerged as a leading advocate for tech sovereignty. He envisions a digital ecosystem where nations, particularly in Europe and South Asia, regulate and control their data and digital networks, reducing reliance on external technology giants. His concerns stem from the potential for covert surveillance, data breaches, and the influence of foreign corporations in shaping digital policies.
The AI Summit in Paris was a crucial platform for advancing this vision. Macron, alongside Modi, emphasized the need for governments, industry leaders, and civil society to collaborate on secure, indigenous technological ecosystems. Key issues discussed included formulating robust regulatory frameworks, fostering digital infrastructure, and ensuring national control over data. The goal is clear: reducing dependence on external technologies to safeguard digital sovereignty and promote innovation.
Macron’s vision aligns with broader concerns about geopolitical biases in technology. Incidents such as DeepSeek’s refusal to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation highlight the risks of foreign influence in digital governance. By advocating for localized innovation and ethical data governance, Macron seeks to balance national security with economic growth, ensuring that Europe and South Asia emerge as independent tech hubs. Critics warn that an overemphasis on sovereignty might lead to digital protectionism and fragmentation of the global digital ecosystem, but supporters argue that in an era where data is weaponized, sovereign digital boundaries are an overdue necessity.
PM Modi’s Strategic Visit to France: Beyond AI
While the AI Summit was a major highlight, Modi’s visit to France extended far beyond digital policy. His engagements underscored a broader strategic partnership, spanning trade, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties. Central to this cooperation is the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEE) Corridor, an ambitious project aimed at boosting connectivity and economic integration across three key regions. France, particularly Marseille, is set to play a crucial role as a hub in this corridor.
During his visit, Modi inaugurated India’s new consulate in Marseille, strengthening diplomatic outreach in Southern France. He also toured the CMA CGM facility, one of the world’s largest container shipping firms, highlighting the role of maritime infrastructure in enhancing trade between India, Europe, and the Middle East.
Beyond economic collaboration, energy and defence cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. A landmark announcement was the joint India-France initiative to co-design, co-develop, and co-produce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors. This partnership not only addresses India’s growing energy needs but also fosters collaboration among researchers and industrial professionals in the nuclear sector. In the defence sector, agreements were signed for India’s procurement of the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), while discussions on Scorpène submarines, missiles, and jet engines further solidified strategic ties. The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project also returned to the negotiation table, reinforcing commitments to long-term energy collaboration.
A significant moment of the visit was the joint tour of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility in Cadarache. With nearly 200 Indian scientists contributing to the project, Modi highlighted India’s role in advanced energy research and its commitment to cutting-edge technological innovation. This visit underscored the broader Indo-French collaboration in scientific and technological advancements.
Multilateral Commitments and Global Governance
Macron and Modi’s engagements also extended into multilateral diplomacy. France reiterated its strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while India backed a French proposal—originally endorsed by Mexico—to regulate the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities. These diplomatic moves signal a potential realignment in global governance norms and reinforce India’s growing role in international affairs.
France and India also pledged to work together on Indo-Pacific initiatives, addressing climate action and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their trilateral collaborations with Australia and the UAE extend across economic, innovation, health, renewable energy, education, and cultural sectors. Such engagements strengthen India’s global footprint and diversify strategic interests beyond traditional bilateral ties.
Cultural and People-to-People Engagements
Strengthening cultural and educational exchanges was another key theme of Modi’s visit. The inauguration of the consulate in Marseille coincided with the launch of the Young Professionals Scheme under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. France’s goal of attracting 30,000 Indian students by 2030 reflects a mutual commitment to fostering youth mobility and academic collaboration.
As a tribute to the historical ties between the two nations, Modi and Macron paid homage to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I at the Mazargues War Cemetery. This solemn ceremony reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and emotional connection between India and France.
Conclusion: A New Era of Strategic Partnership
The AI Summit in Paris and Modi’s visit to France marked a significant step toward redefining Indo-French relations. Macron’s push for tech sovereignty, combined with India’s broader strategic interests, highlights a multidimensional partnership that extends from AI governance to defence, trade, and cultural exchange. By focusing on innovation, security, and economic self-reliance, both leaders are shaping a new framework for global cooperation that balances sovereignty with collaborative growth. This visit not only strengthens bilateral ties but also sets the stage for deeper multilateral engagements in the evolving global order.
Shashank is a Master’s student in Diplomacy, Law, and Business at O.P. Jindal Global University. He is also a researcher and coordinator at the Center for Global South and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. His research interests include Southeast Asia, Chinese foreign policy, India’s Act East Policy, and global security dynamics. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Aayush Pal