Modi, Macron advance India-France strategic relations
Leaders discuss strengthening people-to-people links alongside advancements in science, space, fintech, and infrastructure under growing strategic partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held comprehensive bilateral discussions on Sunday, focusing on strengthening cooperation across several sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, startups, trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and mobility.
The meeting took place during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France and formed part of ongoing efforts to further enhance the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Both leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for collaboration in emerging and strategic sectors.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues aimed at expanding economic cooperation, promoting technological advancement, and strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the leaders exchanged views on innovation, investment, sustainability, security, culture, and bilateral engagement. The talks also resulted in several key understandings and initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, science and space cooperation, startup ecosystems, fintech, infrastructure development, healthcare, and workforce mobility.
In addition to bilateral matters, Modi and Macron discussed important regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to working together on shared international priorities.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi arrived in the French Mediterranean city of Nice, where he joined President Macron to inaugurate the ‘Bharat Innovates’ event. The initiative aims to strengthen innovation-driven partnerships by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders, and startup founders from both countries.
Before departing from New Delhi, Modi emphasised France’s importance in India’s strategic outlook, describing the relationship as a key pillar of New Delhi’s engagement with Europe. He noted that the visit would build upon the growing momentum in bilateral ties and help unlock new avenues of cooperation between the two nations.
Following his engagements in France, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the G7 Summit, where he is expected to hold discussions with several global leaders, including US President Donald Trump.
The summit is likely to focus on economic growth, geopolitical developments, technology governance, and international cooperation.
The latest meeting between PM Modi and President Macron underscores the expanding partnership between India and France, with both nations seeking closer collaboration in innovation, technology, security, and sustainable development while addressing emerging global challenges together.
