Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with the President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, at Villa Kerylos in Nice on June 14, 2026. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since India-France relations were elevated to the level of a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ earlier this year.
Both leaders highlighted the rich legacy of cooperation in the space sector and discussed further enhancing collaboration in the fields of human spaceflight and space situational awareness. They also discussed ways to increase private sector participation in the space domain. In the sphere of civil nuclear energy, they noted that India’s ‘SHANTI Act’ creates new opportunities for cooperation, including in small and advanced modular reactors.
While reviewing the progress made under the ‘Horizon 2047 Roadmap,’ both leaders shared concrete suggestions to strengthen and diversify bilateral ties in areas such as economic growth, technology and innovation, talent mobility, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. In this context, they noted the steady growth in bilateral trade and agreed to establish a high-level mechanism to double it over the next five years. They called for the early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which would offer a significant opportunity to boost trade and investment between the two sides. The leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the SME, aviation, and railway sectors. They welcomed the agreement to establish a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for aeronautics skill development in Kanpur. Welcoming the initiation of a dialogue on economic security, both leaders agreed to strengthen supply chains, particularly regarding critical minerals.
Recognizing the pivotal role of innovation and technology in the bilateral relationship, both sides adopted the “Innovation Roadmap 2030” to provide a long-term direction to this partnership. The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and agreed to establish a joint India-France AI working group. The launch of ‘Bharat Innovates’ by the two leaders in Nice and Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to ‘VivaTech’ in Paris have helped strengthen cooperation between India and France in areas such as technology, semiconductors, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, defense, and space. Both leaders also welcomed the growing use of UPI in France and appreciated the signing of 19 agreements between innovation and research institutions from the two countries.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties. In this context, the Prime Minister thanked President Macron for the expedited implementation of visa-free transit facilities for Indian citizens at French airports. They also discussed ways to enhance the mobility of talent and students between the two countries and to expand the scope of mutual recognition of academic qualifications. The Prime Minister encouraged French universities to set up campuses in India under the New Education Policy. Both leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between museums and cultural organizations, including the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal.
The leaders shared their views on issues of global importance, including the situations in West Asia and Ukraine. The Prime Minister expressed his anticipation of attending the G7 summit in Evian and thanked President Macron for involving India in key discussions ahead of the summit.
Both leaders reiterated the importance of the India-France special global strategic partnership in creating more opportunities for the people of both countries and in advancing international peace, stability, and prosperity.
The Prime Minister and President Macron also viewed artworks created by French artists—Mr. Thibault de la Lance and Mr. Théophile de Bascher—during a 10-day art residency in Jaipur, India. Drawing inspiration from Indian heritage and aesthetics, the artists produced works that reflect the cultural exchange between India and France. (PIB)
