Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to further strengthen India-France bilateral ties, with a focus on key strategic areas such as defence, space, civil nuclear energy, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The leaders met in Rio for their third bilateral discussion this year, aiming to accelerate cooperation in these sectors to reinforce their shared commitment to strategic autonomy.
According to an Indian government statement, the two leaders emphasized their intent to advance the India-France Strategic Partnership and highlighted the joint vision for future cooperation, outlined in the Horizon 2047 roadmap and various bilateral agreements. Discussions also covered regional and international issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where France is a resident power.
The leaders praised the growth in trade, investment, and technology collaboration, particularly in digital technologies and AI. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the India-France partnership in digital public infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Macron’s initiative to host the upcoming AI Action Summit in France, marking a significant step in their collaborative efforts in the field of AI.
