India-France Strategic Partnership Strengthened
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Mumbai from 17–19 February 2026, marking a major milestone in bilateral ties between India and France. During the summit, both leaders elevated the relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, reaffirming commitments across education, innovation, trade, defence, and digital cooperation.
President Macron’s visit coincided with India’s Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026, underscoring the growing role of tech and research in the partnership. Together, they also inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, signalling collaborative ventures spanning science, AI, sustainable development, culture, healthcare, and more.
Education and Visa Relief Initiatives
One of the most high-profile outcomes of the summit was France’s visa-free transit facility for Indian nationals travelling through French airports. This facility will initially be launched as a six-month pilot program and reviewed for possible extension based on performance.
In a bold education push, India and France set an ambitious goal to increase the number of Indian students in France to 30,000 by 2030, nearly three times the current figure of around 10,000.
To help Indian students integrate into French higher education, the leaders highlighted the International Classes initiative. Designed to prepare students for academic life in France, this program aims to simplify transitions into French universities.
Additionally, France and India celebrated the launch of a new academic hub in Mumbai integrating ESSEC Business School and CentraleSupélec. Talks are also progressing to update agreements on mutual recognition of academic qualifications — a move that could further simplify student mobility.
Innovation, AI, and Research Collaboration
Across sectors, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will feature deep cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital sciences, healthcare, sustainable development, and technology research.
Plans are underway to establish a binational centre on digital sciences and technology between India’s Department of Science and Technology and INRIA, the French national research institution. Another key project focuses on building an AI in healthcare research centre bringing together Sorbonne University, AIIMS New Delhi, and the Paris Brain Institute.
These initiatives — blending public policy, science, and private innovation — reflect the shared focus on shaping future-ready technologies.
Trade, Digital Payments and Global Diplomacy
Beyond education and research, trade and investment ties were a major focus during the summit. India and France reaffirmed commitments to enhance economic collaboration, especially in MSMEs, startups, and tech-driven sectors.
The India-France CEO Forum held alongside Macron’s visit served as a key platform to boost business engagement and strengthen cross-border partnerships.
In a notable milestone for digital commerce, France became the first European country to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. Many flagship stores in Paris now accept UPI, simplifying payments for Indian visitors and expanding global acceptance of secure digital transactions.
On the global stage, President Macron also invited Prime Minister Modi to participate in the G7 Summit 2026 in France — a gesture welcomed by India as recognition of its growing economic and diplomatic influence.
