India-France bilateral trade plan targets doubling USD 16 billion, with AI framework and UPI expansion

India and France set a five-year goal to double annual bilateral trade from about USD 16 billion. The decision followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron. The two sides also introduced an innovation roadmap and a joint artificial intelligence framework. Officials said the steps aimed to widen cooperation in key and emerging sectors.

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The Modi-Macron meeting produced 13 outcomes, according to officials. These included a declaration on high-speed railway cooperation and a pact on protecting classified data. The two countries also agreed to expand India’s UPI payment network. UPI will be used at the airports in Paris and Nice, as part of wider digital cooperation.

India-France bilateral trade target and India-EU Free Trade Agreement

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 aims to deepen work in critical technologies. It also covers startup and incubator ecosystems, academic mobility, and industry-academia links. The two sides also created a high-level mechanism to reach the trade target. A separate dialogue on economic security was announced as well.

The External Affairs Ministry said the leaders called for early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. It said the agreement offers a chance to grow trade and investment. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri linked this to the need to strengthen and diversify ties. Misri said the focus included economic growth, technology, and innovation areas.

India-France UPI expansion and digital public infrastructure

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave an update on the UPI rollout in France. "I understand thatin the next few days,in the coming week,UPI is going to be available atCharles de Gaulle Airport in Parisandinterestingly enough right here at the airport in Nice,\" Misri said. Officials said it will help tourists, students, diaspora, and business travellers.

The joint Artificial Intelligence AI Working Group was also announced after the talks. Officials said it will focus on AI governance and support joint research and development. It will also cover capacity building and exchanges between industries. The AI framework was presented as part of broader plans for digital cooperation between India and France.

India-France defence talks on Rafale and Make-in-India

Misri said the leaders reviewed the full range of bilateral ties. The agenda included civil nuclear energy, defence, security, space, trade and investment, education, and mobility. India’s plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation was discussed. Misri said joint defence work should include the highest possible local content.

\"There were talks on Rafale and other issues in todays discussions but I will say the underlying theme was that in case of any defence platform we will move forward on the basis that there should be maximum local content, local manufacturing and our cooperation should be designed keeping this in mind,\" Misri said. Misri added that discussions on the Rafale jet programme had progressed.

Under India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft MRFA project, 18 Rafale will arrive in a fly away condition. The remaining aircraft will be produced in India with around 50 per cent indigenous content. Misri said PM Modi backed Make-in-India in defence. Misri also referred to co-development, co-design, and co-production frameworks in defence projects.

India-France civil nuclear energy cooperation and Jaitapur project

The two sides also discussed civil nuclear energy cooperation, including the project in Jaitapur. Misri said discussions involved EDF, Electricity de France, and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. The talks covered technical issues and key financial aspects. Misri also said discussions opened on small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors.

\"There was a discussion on nuclear cooperation. And the Prime Minister in particular underlinedthe recent developmentson the Indian front in terms of theenactment of the Shanti legislation in India,\" Misri said. Misri said this opened options for French nuclear firms. Misri said participation could be direct or with Indian private companies.

India-France innovation outcomes, skilling centre, and education mobility

After the meeting, the two sides announced a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Allied Sectors at Kanpur. Officials said it will support skilling, institutional ties, and research in aviation and aerospace. It is expected to support manufacturing and MRO Maintenance, Repair, and Operations workforces. Misri also cited 19 agreements among innovation institutions.

Misri said the leaders discussed talent mobility and greater student exchanges. Officials also spoke about expanding mutual recognition of educational qualifications. Misri said the prime minister invited French universities to open campuses in India under the new education policy. Misri added that President Macron committed support for this education cooperation.

Modi arrived in the Mediterranean French city of Nice on Saturday night. The visit formed part of a week-long tour of France and Slovakia. After the meeting, Modi posted online that \"The India-France partnership will keep scaling new heights\". The External Affairs Ministry said the leaders also exchanged views on West Asia and Ukraine.

The External Affairs Ministry said both leaders reaffirmed the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership. It said the aim was to create opportunities for people in both countries. Officials listed trade growth, innovation cooperation, AI work, and defence and nuclear discussions among key results. The announced mechanisms are expected to guide follow-up work over the next five years.

With inputs from PTI