Macron pushes for stronger France-India cooperation in AI, energy and space

Sunday 14 June 2026 - 13:43

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for deeper strategic cooperation between France and India across key sectors including artificial intelligence, energy, health, and space exploration, during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in southern France.

Speaking at an innovation-focused event in Nice, Macron emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in emerging technologies, describing India as a “major nation of innovation” that has become increasingly central to global technological progress.

The French president highlighted a shared roadmap extending to 2030, which outlines a joint vision for the development of artificial intelligence that is safe, open, secure, and ethically governed. Both countries aim to promote responsible innovation while expanding cooperation between researchers, startups, and academic institutions.

Macron also praised India’s recent achievements in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, and underscored ongoing collaboration in satellite technology. He noted that the jointly developed TRISHNA Earth-observation satellite is expected to be launched from India in the coming years, reflecting growing trust in the space sector partnership.

Beyond space and technology, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in clean energy, health research, and digital infrastructure. The discussions form part of broader efforts to align economic and strategic interests between the two countries at a time of rapid global change.

According to Macron, both France and India share a commitment to international law, open scientific research, and respect for sovereign nations. He added that strengthening human and institutional links between the two countries will be essential for long-term cooperation.

The meeting comes as India and France continue to deepen diplomatic and economic relations, positioning their partnership as a key pillar in global innovation and geopolitical stability.