Reaffirming their dedication to elevating bilateral economic relations, particularly in technology, nuclear energy, and innovation, India and France have signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit. The announcement was made on Wednesday.
Among the key agreements is the India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a significant step in fostering collaboration in the field. Additionally, the two nations have launched the official logo for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and established the Indo-French Center for the Digital Sciences, further strengthening digital and technological cooperation.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted another major agreement under which 10 Indian startups will be hosted at ‘Station F’, the French startup incubator known as the world’s largest facility of its kind. This initiative is expected to provide Indian startups with international exposure and enhanced opportunities for growth.
Other agreements signed during the visit include a Declaration of Intent for establishing a partnership on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors, a crucial step toward deepening collaboration in nuclear energy. Additionally, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) of India and the Commissariat à l’énergieatomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) of France renewed an MoU concerning their cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP). A further agreement was signed between the DAE of India and the CEA of France for collaborative efforts between GCNEP India and the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) France.
Beyond technological and nuclear cooperation, India and France also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation, underscoring their commitment to working together on development projects in third countries. In another significant development, both nations jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille, marking a milestone in diplomatic relations.
Environmental collaboration was also a key aspect of the agreements. A Declaration of Intent was signed between the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Marine Affairs and Fisheries of France and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India. This agreement aims to enhance joint efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France was his sixth official visit to the country and follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in January 2024, when he was the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations. The visit underscored the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two nations.
During their meeting, PM Modi and President Macron held discussions covering a wide range of bilateral, global, and regional issues. As part of their engagements, the leaders jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille and visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility, a landmark project in nuclear fusion research.
Prime Minister Modi also congratulated President Macron on the successful organization of the AI Action Summit hosted by France. In response, France welcomed India’s commitment to hosting the next AI Summit, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.