Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks on Wednesday, focusing on key areas of cooperation including defense, space, civil nuclear collaboration, health, and technology. A major highlight of the discussions was France’s decision to host 10 Indian startups at its prestigious startup incubator, Station F, signaling a significant boost for India-France business relations.
Strengthening Business and Technology Collaboration- PM Modi
France’s decision to host 10 Indian startups at Station F is expected to foster deeper ties between the two countries in innovation and entrepreneurship. This move highlights France’s commitment to supporting Indian startups and facilitating cross-border collaboration in technology and business.
Enhancing Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Integration in France
The meeting also focused on expanding India’s real-time payment system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in France. Both leaders welcomed the growing opportunities for UPI integration, paving the way for easier financial transactions between the two nations. This development is expected to enhance bilateral trade and financial services.
2026 Designated as the “India-France Year of Innovation”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a central theme in the discussions, with both nations agreeing to designate 2026 as the “India-France Year of Innovation.” The initiative will officially launch in New Delhi in March 2026, accompanied by the unveiling of its official logo.
Additionally, a Letter of Intent was signed between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and France’s Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA) to establish the Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences. This partnership aims to foster collaborative research and development in digital technologies.
Advancing Civil Nuclear Cooperation
The leaders welcomed the first meeting of the Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy. Several key agreements were signed, including a Letter of Intent on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR). Furthermore, an implementing agreement was reached between India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and France’s Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucléaires (INSTN).
Both countries agreed to collaborate on the co-design, co-development, and co-production of SMRs and AMRs. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in addressing future energy demands, particularly in the context of an AI-driven technological revolution.
Renewed Commitments in Atomic Energy
India and France renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and France’s Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA) for cooperation with the GCNEP. This renewed commitment aims to further strengthen collaboration in nuclear energy research and development.
Expanding Cooperation in Health, Culture, and Education
PM Modi and President Macron expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaborations in health, culture, tourism, and education. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening people-to-people ties and enhancing mutual understanding through cultural and educational exchanges.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific and Global Cooperation
Both leaders reiterated their dedication to strengthening engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and enhancing cooperation in global forums. This partnership aims to address shared challenges and promote stability and prosperity in the region.
