News: PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Macron, focusing on open-source AI development, sustainability, and creating job opportunities through skilling.
Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s Visit to France
- Strengthening Strategic Partnership:
- India and France reviewed the ‘Horizon 2047’ Roadmap, agreed in 2023, marking 25 years of their strategic partnership (since 1998).
- They reaffirmed cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, connectivity, and climate change.
- Geopolitical Shifts – US and Trump Factor:
- Trump’s outreach to Russia raised concerns in Europe over strategic dependence on the US.
- France and the EU are reconsidering their defence policies, aligning with India’s vision of strategic autonomy and a multipolar world.
- Defence Cooperation:
- France is a key defence supplier to India; ongoing projects include Rafale jets, Scorpene submarines, helicopters, and joint production.
- India offered its DRDO-developed Pinaka rocket launcher to France.
- Defence Industrial Roadmap (2023) aims to strengthen joint manufacturing and exports.
- Connectivity – IMEC Project:
- India and France discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), connecting India, the Gulf, and Europe.
- France proposed Marseille as a key hub, offering an alternative trade route amidst regional uncertainties.
- Nuclear Energy Cooperation:
- France, a leader in nuclear power, is engaged in the Jaitapur nuclear project in India, though legal and cost issues remain.
- India plans legal reforms and is shifting focus to Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs, AMRs); Rs 20,000 crore was allocated in the Union Budget for nuclear R&D.
- India and France signed a cooperation agreement on SMRs and AMRs.
- Climate Commitment:
- Both nations reinforced their commitment to climate action and energy transition, especially as Trump weakened US climate policies.
