Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, 14 June agreed to establish a high-level mechanism aimed at doubling bilateral trade between India and France within five years, following a summit at Nice, France. A joint statement issued after the meeting outlined concrete steps to deepen ties across economic growth, technology, talent mobility, and innovation.

Trade and Economic Priorities

The two leaders called for early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a unique opportunity to expand bilateral trade and investment. They also discussed enhanced cooperation in the SME, aviation, and railway sectors. A key outcome was the agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics in Kanpur. Both sides also agreed to strengthen supply chain resilience — particularly in critical minerals — through a newly launched Dialogue on Economic Security.

Technology, AI, and Innovation Roadmap

Recognising technology as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, both nations adopted an 'Innovation Roadmap 2030' to give the partnership long-term direction. Modi and Macron agreed to create a Joint India-France AI Working Group to expand cooperation on Artificial Intelligence. The two leaders jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates at Nice, and Prime Minister Modi's participation at Vivatech in Paris further cemented collaboration in deep-tech, semiconductors, agri-tech, med-tech, renewable energy, defence, and space. The leaders also noted that India's SHANTI Act opens new avenues for cooperation on small and advanced modular reactors.

Space, Nuclear, and Supply Chains

Both sides discussed expanding private sector collaboration in space, with the SHANTI Act cited as a framework enabling new partnerships. On critical minerals, the newly established Dialogue on Economic Security is expected to coordinate supply chain strategies between the two countries — a priority that reflects growing global competition over strategic resources. This is notably the third major India-France summit in three years, underscoring the deepening strategic convergence.

People-to-People and Education Ties

The two leaders emphasised strengthening people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for the swift operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals at French airports. Both sides discussed expanding talent and student mobility, including mutual recognition of educational qualifications. Modi invited French universities to establish campuses in India under the New Education Policy. Cultural cooperation was also on the agenda, with both leaders agreeing to enhance ties between museums and cultural institutions, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal.

Digital Payments and Institutional Agreements

The joint statement welcomed the continued expansion of UPI in France — a sign of India's growing digital payment footprint in Europe. The summit also saw the signing of 19 agreements among institutions across the innovation ecosystems of both countries, spanning the range of priority sectors identified in the Innovation Roadmap 2030.

With the Innovation Roadmap 2030 now adopted and a joint AI working group in place, the India-France partnership appears set for its most structured phase of engagement yet — one that will be tested by the pace of FTA negotiations and the speed of institutional follow-through on both sides.