Extensive bilateral talks were held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, France on Sunday. This was the first meeting of the two leaders, when India-France relations have recently been upgraded to the level of Special Global Strategic Partnership. Many important topics including defence, space, artificial intelligence (AI), trade, education and global issues were discussed in the meeting.
after the meeting PM Modi Said that I am thankful to my friend, President Macron for participating in Bharat Innovates. He shared some important things in his speech this morning. When it comes to tech and innovation, India and France will continue to work together.
Emphasis on strengthening economic relations
He stressed that India and France will continue to work together to strengthen their economic relations. In this matter, India-EU Free Trade Agreement has given a lot of boost. We are also starting a dialogue on economic security to strengthen supply chains in essential minerals and technologies. Health and education are other areas in which we will work together.
Today’s interviews with my friend President Macron were exceptionally productive. In view of the long-standing friendship between our two nations, we have decided to elevate our relations to the status of Strategic Partnership with global exception.
Our exchanges on pic.twitter.com/MtRO1m8q1W
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2026
PM Modi said, today’s meetings with my friend President Macron were very beneficial. Given the long-standing friendship between our two countries, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of an Exceptional Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our talks focused on ways to deepen our cooperation in specific sectors like defence, technology, space, security, counter-terrorism, innovation.
Know which issues were discussed in the meeting
- India and France agreed to further strengthen defense cooperation. Both countries laid special emphasis on co-design, co-development and co-production of defense platforms and advanced technologies.
- There was discussion on expanding the scope of cooperation in human space flight, space situational awareness and increasing private sector participation in the space sector.
- Discussions took place on new opportunities arising after India’s SHANTI Act in the civil nuclear energy sector. It was also agreed to increase cooperation on small and advanced modular reactors.
- The two leaders reviewed progress on the Horizon 2047 roadmap and discussed measures to strengthen economic growth, technology, innovation, talent mobility and cultural exchange.
- India and France decided to create a high-level mechanism with the aim of doubling bilateral trade in the next five years.
- Both countries stressed the need for early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA).
- It was agreed to increase cooperation in SME, aviation and railway sectors. Establishing a Center of Excellence for Aeronautics Skilling in Kanpur was welcomed.
- It was also agreed to strengthen the supply chain of critical minerals and take forward a new dialogue mechanism on economic security.
Big focus on AI and technology
- India and France adopted Innovation Roadmap 2030 to give long-term direction to the partnership.
- It was decided to form a joint India-France AI Working Group to increase cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
- The India Innovates program held in Nice and the Viva Technology VivaTech conference in Paris with the upcoming participation of Prime Minister Modi were described as important bases of innovation cooperation between the two countries.
- The increasing use of UPI in France and the 19 agreements signed between the innovation ecosystem of the two countries were welcomed.
Emphasis on education, talent and people-to-people contacts
- Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for implementing visa-free transit facility at French airports for Indian citizens.
- Both countries discussed facilitating movement of students and professionals and increasing mutual recognition of educational qualifications.
- Prime Minister Modi invited French universities to set up their campuses in India under the new education policy.
- It was agreed to increase cooperation between museums and cultural institutions. National Maritime Heritage Complex located at Lothal, Gujarat was also identified as a major area of cooperation.
Global issues were also discussed
- Prime Minister Modi and President Macron exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and Ukraine.
- Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm about participation in the upcoming G7 Summit 2026 and thanked France for including India in the discussions. After the meeting, President Macron hosted a lunch in honor of Prime Minister Modi.
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