India and France Forge 10 New Agreements in Technology, Nuclear Energy, and Innovation

Synopsis

India and France have signed 10 agreements focused on technology, nuclear energy, and innovation during Prime Minister Modi's recent visit. The accords aim to strengthen bilateral economic ties and include significant initiatives such as the AI Declaration and the establishment of a startup incubation partnership.

Key Takeaways

10 agreements signed to enhance bilateral relations.
Focus areas include technology, nuclear energy, and innovation.
Launch of the India France Year of Innovation 2026.
Partnership for hosting Indian startups at Station F.
Joint initiatives in advanced nuclear technology.

Paris/New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Emphasizing their dedication to elevate bilateral economic relations to unprecedented levels, particularly in the areas of technology, nuclear energy, and innovation, India and France have finalized 10 MoUs and agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s significant visit, as announced on Wednesday.

Among the agreements is the India France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the unveiling of the logo for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, and the establishment of the Indo-French Center for the Digital Sciences.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), a significant agreement was reached to host 10 Indian startups at the French startup incubator known as ‘Station F', recognized as the world’s largest startup facility.

Additional agreements include a Declaration of Intent for a partnership on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors; renewal of the MoU between the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India, and CAE, France regarding cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP); and an agreement between DAE of India and CEA of France for collaboration between GCNEP India and the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) in France.

The two nations also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Triangular Development Cooperation; inaugurated India's Consulate in Marseille; and a Declaration of Intent between the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change regarding environmental matters, as per the PMO statement.

This marks Prime Minister Modi's sixth visit to France, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.

During their discussions, PM Modi and President Macron addressed the broad spectrum of their exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation, as well as global and regional issues.

They jointly inaugurated India's Consulate General in Marseille and visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor facility.

PM Modi congratulated President Macron on the successful organization of the AI Action Summit, while France expressed its support for India’s upcoming AI Summit.