Modi-Macron Talks Focus on India-EU FTA, Artificial Intelligence and Economic Security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Villa Kerylos in Nice, reaffirming the strong and growing strategic partnership between India and France.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of the early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as a significant opportunity to boost bilateral trade, investment, and economic growth. They explored new avenues for cooperation in key sectors including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aviation, and railways.

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron welcomed the agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics in Kanpur, which is expected to strengthen India's aviation workforce and enhance technical training opportunities.

The two leaders also welcomed the launch of a Dialogue on Economic Security and agreed to work together to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in the critical minerals sector, which plays a vital role in emerging technologies and industrial development.

Artificial Intelligence emerged as a major focus of the discussions. Both leaders agreed to establish a Joint India-France AI Working Group to expand cooperation in AI research, innovation, governance, and technological development.

In the field of education, Prime Minister Modi invited French universities to establish campuses in India under the National Education Policy (NEP), further strengthening academic and research collaborations between the two countries.

The leaders also agreed to deepen cultural ties through enhanced cooperation between museums and cultural institutions, including collaboration involving the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat.

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of India and France to expanding cooperation across trade, technology, education, culture, and strategic sectors while reinforcing their long-standing partnership.