India and France will support the development of free and open resources for all countries, innovators, researchers and citizens
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France marks a significant step in reinforcing the robust bilateral ties between India and France. During his visit from February 10-12, 2025, he reviewed progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, setting the course for long-term strategic cooperation. The roadmap adopted in 2023 charts the trajectory of India-France relations for the next 25 years.

A key outcome of the visit is the India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence aimed at promoting ethical AI development, with a focus on democratic values, global good, and linguistic diversity. 

The declaration was released on Wednesday (February 12, 2025) and comes a day after India, France, China and 57 other nations signed the Paris AI Action Summit’s declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. The summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi and President Macron. 

According to the India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, the two sides will build a framework to ensure:
A conception, design and development of AI for the public interest, respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in compliance with applicable legal frameworks regarding intellectual property rights, privacy and use of personal data;

A conception, design and development of AI and generative AI that does not result in discrimination and inequality nor in the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation, exacerbating bias;

The development of free and open resources for all countries, innovators, researchers and citizens, to promote decentralization and avoid concentration of this transformative technology;

This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s remarks during the Paris AI Action Summit, where he emphasised the importance of developing open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency in AI. He also called for building quality data sets that are free from biases and spoke about the need to pool together resources and talent while also investing in skilling and reskilling people for an AI-driven future.

Fostering Industrial Partnerships, Deepening Research

 The India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence states that:

India and France intend to foster industrial partnerships for electronic components or computing capacities.

They will deepen research partnerships for the development of broad and open and freely reusable large language models trained to support and promote linguistic diversity.

Additionally, India and France will support academic research on social consequences of AI development, which will have an impact on all aspects of our societies.

They will also encourage civil society initiatives on AI, aiming at fostering exchanges among entrepreneurs, researchers and public actors in the field of AI.

The two sides will establish a stronger cooperation regarding child safety online, by developing concrete synergies between ongoing initiatives supported by the two countries.

India and France will continue supporting the emergence of digital public infrastructures for AI, by promoting shared objectives and the development of common resources in the field of data, personal data protection, open source tools and capacity building.

Horizon 2047 Roadmap: A Long-Term Vision

 India and France share a deep-rooted strategic partnership, which spans multiple domains, including defense, security, space, civil nuclear cooperation, and climate change. The two nations celebrated 25 years of strategic partnership in 2023, with PM Modi attending France’s National Day as the Guest of Honour. The relationship has since expanded across various emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security.

The Horizon 2047 roadmap aims to expand cooperation across economic, technological, and geopolitical domains over the next 25 years. With 2047 marking 100 years of India’s independence, this roadmap envisions deeper collaboration in strategic sectors, innovation, and public welfare.

As a symbolic gesture of India-France camaraderie, PM Modi visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. 

Additionally, both leaders also inaugurated the Indian Consulate General in Marseille, with PM Modi describing it as a new chapter in India-France ties. This consulate will serve as an important bridge, strengthening our cultural, economic and people-to-people connections, he noted.

“Marseille’s links with India are well known. During the First World War, it was an important base for Indian troops. This city has a close link with Veer Savarkar as well. On this special opening, I thank the French Government and congratulate the Indian diaspora,” Prime Minister Modi said on X. 

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France underscores a mutual commitment to innovation, security, and economic growth. With strong foundations in place, the India-France partnership is poised for sustained growth, leveraging AI, defense cooperation, and climate action as key drivers of a shared future.