India, France to enhance partnership in tech sectors

Paris

India and France held Foreign Office Consultations in Paris on Monday, agreeing to deepen their bilateral cooperation in high-end technology sectors. The two countries reviewed the progress of various initiatives under the India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including defense, civil nuclear energy, space, AI, cyber and digital technologies, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties. Both sides also addressed global and regional issues like climate change, health cooperation, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The consultations were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Anne-Marie Descotes, Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. They also co-chaired the India-France Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy.

A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the importance of expanding the partnership in advanced technological fields. Additionally, the meeting touched on trilateral dialogues, joint development projects in third countries, and other pressing international issues.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the scope of the discussions, which also involved Foreign Secretary Misri meeting with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, and Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne.