PM Modi’s France Visit: AI Summit, Defence & Nuclear Deals

During his France visit, PM Modi concentrated on initiatives on AI technology, defense development, and nuclear-energy projects. The leaders co-led the AI Summit together to promote national control over technology. The government has finalized three essential deals involving 26 Rafale-M jets, Scorpene submarines, and nuclear energy agreements. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) represents one of the economic partnerships that work toward boosting economic connectivity across India Middle East and Europe nations. In addition to these developments, he established India's consulate in Marseille which strengthened economic, diplomatic, and strategic relations.

Co-Chairing AI Action Summit with President Macron

• PM Narendra Modi together with French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly preside over the AI Action Summit that takes place at the Grand Palais in Paris.

• The summit aims to:

  • The summit aims to create a universal plan for AI governance management.

  • Work for the development of information and communication technology that combines ethical practices with affordability and economic efficiency.

  • The government should support technological independence through a reduction in dependency on the United States and Chinese artificial intelligence systems.

  • The partnership should advance the mutual exchange of AI specialists and establish lasting AI systems within both nations.

• The event attracts US Vice President JD Vance, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, and representatives from over 100 nations.

Defense Deals: Rafale-M Fighter Jets & Scorpene-Class Submarines

• The Indian Navy plans to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets at a cost value of €7 billion which will finalize their procurement.

• The fighter jets will serve from both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

• The naval platform receives Meteor air-to-air missiles along with anti-ship weaponry for enhanced maritime protection capabilities.

• Bolstering underwater combat and deterrence capabilities requires a possible acquisition of three additional Scorpene-class submarines for India.

Nuclear Energy Agreements & ITER Collaboration

• On February 12, PM Modi and Macron plan to visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) located in Cadarache.

  • The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project represents a primary development of nuclear fusion energy which includes India as one of its essential partners.

  • The leaders will finalize terms regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to boost civil nuclear partnership.

• Such amendments to India's Nuclear Liability laws present prospects for stalled French nuclear projects to find new possibilities.

Strengthening Diplomatic & People-to-People Ties

A ceremony inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille after India kept this promise when it announced it in 2023.

The visit to Mazargues War Cemetery included a tribute to soldiers of World War I.

Economic & Business Cooperation

• The India-France CEO Forum serves as an instrument to promote better business relations along with increased investment potential.

• The special launch of a logo will announce the India-France Innovation Year (2026).

• Talks on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):

  • The route serves as a strategic commercial component that connects Mumbai to Marseille through West Asian territory.

India-France Triangular Development Cooperation

• The countries established this program to deliver climate and SDG-based projects across third nations predominantly focusing on the Indo-Pacific region.

Background & History of India-France Relations

The countries of India and France maintain their strategic diplomatic relationship through enduring ties in defense services diplomatic cooperation and economic partnerships alongside technological relationships. The two nations maintain a lengthy partnership of more than 75 years based on fundamental common values that promote multilateralism while ensuring international peace.

Early Diplomatic Relations (1947–1998)

• 1947: Diplomatic ties established post-independence.

• 1954: France handed over Pondicherry together with other territories to the Indian nation.

• 1978: The nation took on a fundamental role as an arms exporter delivering both Jaguar and Mirage 2000 jets to customers.

• 1998: The Strategic Partnership between India and France emerged after India conducted nuclear tests which France decided to back.

Strengthening Strategic Ties (1998–2015)

• Defense: Deals for Mirage 2000 upgrades and Scorpene submarines (Project 75).

• Nuclear: The 2008 civilian nuclear deal followed the NSG waiver and received support from EDF to expand the nuclear program.

• Space: 2011 ISRO-CNES collaboration on earth observation, climate, and exploration.

India-France Relations Under PM Modi (2015–Present)

• Defense:

  • 2016: Signed €7.87 billion Rafale deal for 36 fighter jets.

  • 2023: Scorpene submarines and Rafale-M jet aircraft became available to France as potential sales in 2023.

• AI & Tech:

  • 2019: The launch of the Cybersecurity & Digital Tech Roadmap took place in 2019 as part of national strategy.

  • 2023: The two countries enhanced cooperation regarding semiconductors along with artificial intelligence (AI) and space exploration during 2023.

• Economy:

  • France is India’s 11th largest investor, with €10B+ in key sectors.

• Nuclear:

  • Ongoing talks on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (9,900 MW).

Conclusion

The Paris-based AI Summit has established fundamental global governance for AI by creating an alliance between India and France to reduce their dependence on American and Chinese tech companies. Maritime security in India is expected to receive additional support through upcoming deals involving Rafale-M and Scorpene submarine systems. India and France should focus on building alliances in nuclear power generation that involve clean fusion energy research through their membership in the ITER collaboration. The development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will enhance economic partnerships by making better connections possible.