Video Summary: President of France on Trump, India, Modi, Tech & FutureThis YouTube video, uploaded on February 19, 2026, by Raj Shamani, features an interview with French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussion spans France's technological landscape, global geopolitics, innovation strategies, and bilateral relations with India, lasting approximately 40 minutes based on timestamps.
Key Discussion Points:France's Tech Challenges and Sovereign AI: Macron highlights France's historical innovations but notes current gaps in scale, capital investment, and risk tolerance compared to the US and China. He emphasizes "sovereign AI" for Europe, involving €109 billion in investments, tech transfers (e.g., via UAE data centers), and ensuring regulatory compliance for strategic independence.
Opportunities for Startups in France: France offers young founders access to elite education (e.g., Polytechnique), English programs, a blend of established companies and startups, and cultural strengths in arts, fashion, and gastronomy. Macron praises India's tech advancements like Aadhaar and UPI, noting India's high output of engineers.
- Future Tech Bets: For France in 2035, Macron bets on quantum computing, leveraging French mathematicians and startups. He stresses the need for a culture that embraces failure and risk to drive innovation.
- Geopolitics and Multipolarity: Macron describes France-India ties as an "all-weather friendship," citing collaborations like the International Solar Alliance and IMACC. He advocates for multipolarity and strategic autonomy, avoiding over-reliance on the US or China. He critiques US leadership under Trump for lacking respect and discusses the potential decline of dollar dominance, suggesting alternatives like the euro for trade.
- Personal Reflections: As his term nears its end, Macron expresses optimism about global education and innovation growth but concerns over unpredictable security frameworks, particularly due to actions like Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Overview of India-France Tech CollaborationsIndia and France have built a robust strategic partnership in technology, rooted in shared values of strategic autonomy, innovation, and multipolarity. This collaboration spans decades, evolving from space and nuclear initiatives in the 1960s to cutting-edge areas like AI, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure today. The partnership gained momentum with the 1998 Strategic Partnership agreement and has been reinforced through frameworks like the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which outlines long-term goals in tech, defense, and sustainability. Recent elevations include the "Special Global Strategic Partnership" announced in February 2026, emphasizing sovereign tech ecosystems amid global US-China dominance. The 2026 India-France Year of Innovation, launched during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit (February 17-19, 2026), marks a pivotal phase, focusing on AI, cyberspace, healthcare, and sustainable development to foster joint R&D, startups, and talent exchange.
Bilateral tech ties are supported by institutional linkages between Indian entities (e.g., DST, DBT, ISRO, MeITY) and French counterparts (e.g., CNRS, INRIA, CNES, ANR), with over 1,000 joint research projects historically. Investments and joint ventures, such as Thales' new global R&T lab in India, underscore France's recognition of India's engineering talent and market potential. Challenges include scaling innovations and navigating regulatory differences, but opportunities abound in bridging the global AI divide through open, ethical tech. Historical FoundationsIndia-France tech collaborations trace back to the post-colonial era:
Future OutlookLooking ahead, the Horizon 2047 Roadmap envisions deepened ties in emerging tech, with annual Foreign Ministers' dialogues to track progress. Potential expansions include EU-India research integration and Indo-Pacific digital governance. Challenges like tech transfer barriers persist, but mutual investments (e.g., French firms in India's semiconductor push) could yield economic gains. Overall, this partnership positions India and France as alternatives in a multipolar tech world, emphasizing sovereignty and inclusivity.
Bilateral tech ties are supported by institutional linkages between Indian entities (e.g., DST, DBT, ISRO, MeITY) and French counterparts (e.g., CNRS, INRIA, CNES, ANR), with over 1,000 joint research projects historically. Investments and joint ventures, such as Thales' new global R&T lab in India, underscore France's recognition of India's engineering talent and market potential. Challenges include scaling innovations and navigating regulatory differences, but opportunities abound in bridging the global AI divide through open, ethical tech. Historical FoundationsIndia-France tech collaborations trace back to the post-colonial era:
- Space: Began in 1964 with CNES-ISRO ties, including joint satellite launches and sounding rocket technology transfer. Key milestones include the 1972 Aryabhata satellite collaboration and ongoing TRISHNA mission for climate monitoring.
- Nuclear Energy: France supported India's civil nuclear program post-2008 NSG waiver, with ongoing work on Jaitapur's six EPR reactors (9.9 GW capacity) and fuel cycle cooperation.
- Defense Tech: Includes Scorpene submarines (Kalvari-class) under tech transfer and Rafale jets, with 36 delivered and discussions for 114 more with 80% local manufacturing.
- Other Early Ties: Joint research in oceanography, biotechnology, and applied mathematics, with over 500 French-Indian co-publications annually in recent years.
Area | Key Initiatives | Details | Impact/Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
AI & Digital Technologies | India-France Declaration on AI; Indo-French Centre for Digital Sciences & Technology (INRIA-DST); Joint AI projects in sustainability and navigation. | Focus on ethical, trustworthy AI; bridging digital divide; cybersecurity dialogues (next in 2026). Includes AI for health at AIIMS and digital health hubs (PariSanté-C-CAMP). | Democratizes AI access; fosters 100+ joint projects; enhances cyber norms at UN. |
Innovation & Startups | India-France Innovation Network; Year of Innovation 2026; T-Hub-Nord France Invest LoI; VivaTech in India. | Connects ecosystems for startups, incubators; showcases Indian tech in France (e.g., health, climate solutions). Thales' India R&T lab joins global network. | Boosts cross-border investments; 50+ startups engaged; promotes risk-tolerant culture. |
Space & Oceanography | CNES-ISRO joint satellites/launchers; Defense Space LoI; Ocean-Space nexus (CNES-INCOIS); Strategic Space Dialogue (2026). | Human spaceflight, climate observation; India at France's 2026 Space Summit. | Advanced satellite tech transfer; improved ocean management; 60+ years of partnership. |
Nuclear & Energy | SMR/AMR LoI (CEA-DAE); Jaitapur progress; 100 GW target support. | Regulatory collaboration; clean energy focus. | Accelerates India's nuclear ambitions; resilient supply chains. |
Defense Tech | Joint Advanced Technology Development Group; BEL-Safran JV for HAMMER missiles; Rafale/AMCA engine plans; Renewed defense agreement. | Co-development in emerging tech; officer exchanges (2026). | Local manufacturing boost; ₹3.25 lakh crore Rafale proposal; strategic autonomy. |
Health & Life Sciences | French-Indian Campus on Life Sciences; Joint R&D on infectious diseases (INSERM-DBT); AI in Healthcare Research Center (Sorbonne-AIIMS). | 22+ institutions; global health hubs. | Addresses pandemics; 200+ joint publications; talent mobility. |
Quantum & Advanced Materials | Joint projects in quantum computing/sensing; LoI for Joint Center for Advanced Materials (CNRS-DST). | ANR-DST calls; mathematician collaborations. | Positions both as quantum leaders; materials for defense/energy. |
Critical Minerals | Joint Declaration on exploration/processing; Supply chain resilience. | Recycling focus for tech industries. | Reduces dependency; supports EV/semiconductor growth. |
Overview of India-Germany Tech CollaborationsIndia and Germany share a longstanding strategic partnership in technology, dating back to the 1974 Inter-Governmental Agreement on Scientific Research and Technological Development. This collaboration has evolved into a multifaceted alliance emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and strategic autonomy, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 50 billion in 2024. The partnership leverages Germany's engineering prowess and India's scale in digital infrastructure and engineering talent, focusing on areas like AI, semiconductors, renewables, and defense tech. Institutional frameworks such as the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC, established 2010) and recent agreements under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP, 2022) drive joint R&D, industry-academia linkages, and capacity building. As of February 2026, the ties have accelerated with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit in January, resulting in 19 agreements and a push for resilient supply chains amid global geopolitical shifts. Challenges include regulatory alignment and scaling innovations, but opportunities in multipolar tech ecosystems position both nations as key players in global standards and ethical tech development. Historical FoundationsThe Indo-German tech partnership traces its roots to the post-World War II era, with formalization in 1974 through the S&T agreement, fostering over 50 years of collaboration in research and innovation. Key milestones include:
Future OutlookThe partnership aims to deepen through the India-EU FTA, IG-CoEs, and extended IGSTC tenure, targeting breakthroughs in 6G, bioeconomy, and sustainable mobility. High-level dialogues, like the Digital Dialogue and CEO Forum, will drive implementation, with emphasis on SMEs, talent mobility, and multipolar supply chains. Overall, this alliance fosters innovation-led growth, positioning India and Germany as leaders in ethical, resilient tech ecosystems.
- Early Collaborations (1970s-1990s): Focus on basic sciences, biotechnology, and renewable energy, with joint projects in atomic energy and space.
- Strategic Partnership (2000): Elevated to strategic level, emphasizing defense tech transfers and economic ties.
- IGSTC Establishment (2010): Funds industry-academia projects in advanced manufacturing, AI, and sustainable tech, supporting over 100 initiatives.
- Recent Growth (2010s-2020s): Manifold increase in collaborations, including AI joint program (2019), GSDP (2022) for green tech, and High Defence Committee (2024) for dual-use technologies like submarines and UAVs. Research output has surged, with over 10,000 co-publications from 1990-2022 in fields like materials science and engineering.
Area | Key Initiatives | Details | Impact/Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
Semiconductors | JDI on Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership; Infineon-NIELIT MoU; IG-CoE on Digital Convergence. | Institutional research, industrial collaboration, training programs in assembly/test/packaging; curriculum enrichment and equipment donation. | Strengthens India's chip ecosystem; resilient supply chains for green tech like EVs and renewables. |
Renewables & Hydrogen | JDI on Critical Minerals; MoU on Hydrogen Regulations (PNGRB-DVGW); Offtake Agreement for Green Ammonia (AM Green-Uniper); German-Indian Centre of Excellence. | Exploration, R&D, processing/recycling of minerals; standards development; knowledge exchange in solar, wind, and green hydrogen. | Advances India's National Green Hydrogen Mission; boosts clean energy trade and innovation. |
AI & Digital Technologies | Indo-German Digital Dialogue Work Plan (2026-27); AI Joint Program (2019 extension); Quantum Communication collaboration (C-DOT-Fraunhofer HHI). | Focus on AI for sustainability, Industry 4.0, data governance; quantum encryption demos and R&D. | Ethical AI development; reduces reliance on US-China; over 100 joint projects. |
Defense Tech | JDI on Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap; Project 75I Submarines (~USD 10B with TKMS-MDL); DRDO-OCCAR MoU on Eurodrone UAV; Reciprocal Logistics Support. | Co-development/production of platforms; AIP tech transfer; joint exercises (MILAN, TARANG SHAKTI). | Enhances India's underwater capabilities; tech transfers for self-reliance. |
Biotech & Health | IG-CoE on Affordable Healthcare; MoU between All-India Institute of Ayurveda and Charité University; Bioeconomy collaborations in genomics/3D bioprinting. | Scientific cooperation in traditional medicine, biomanufacturing; joint R&D. | Addresses global health challenges; 200+ co-publications annually. |
Space & Advanced Materials | ISRO-DLR Dialogue; IGSTC projects in advanced manufacturing and materials. | Expanded industry engagements; tolerance/standards in manufacturing. | Positions both in space tech; supports defense/energy applications. |
Telecom & Cybersecurity | JDI on Telecommunications (Jan 10, 2026); 5G/6G Collaboration; Open RAN ecosystems. | Network modernization, AI at edge, secure 6G; two-year work plan for priorities. | Trusted networks; ITU coordination for global standards. |
Overview of India-France Tech CollaborationsIndia and France have built a robust strategic partnership in technology, rooted in shared values of strategic autonomy, innovation, and multipolarity. This collaboration spans decades, evolving from space and nuclear initiatives in the 1960s to cutting-edge areas like AI, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure today. The partnership gained momentum with the 1998 Strategic Partnership agreement and has been reinforced through frameworks like the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which outlines long-term goals in tech, defense, and sustainability. Recent elevations include the "Special Global Strategic Partnership" announced in February 2026, emphasizing sovereign tech ecosystems amid global US-China dominance. The 2026 India-France Year of Innovation, launched during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit (February 17-19, 2026), marks a pivotal phase, focusing on AI, cyberspace, healthcare, and sustainable development to foster joint R&D, startups, and talent exchange.
Bilateral tech ties are supported by institutional linkages between Indian entities (e.g., DST, DBT, ISRO, MeITY) and French counterparts (e.g., CNRS, INRIA, CNES, ANR), with over 1,000 joint research projects historically. Investments and joint ventures, such as Thales' new global R&T lab in India, underscore France's recognition of India's engineering talent and market potential. Challenges include scaling innovations and navigating regulatory differences, but opportunities abound in bridging the global AI divide through open, ethical tech. Historical FoundationsIndia-France tech collaborations trace back to the post-colonial era:
Future OutlookLooking ahead, the Horizon 2047 Roadmap envisions deepened ties in emerging tech, with annual Foreign Ministers' dialogues to track progress. Potential expansions include EU-India research integration and Indo-Pacific digital governance. Challenges like tech transfer barriers persist, but mutual investments (e.g., French firms in India's semiconductor push) could yield economic gains. Overall, this partnership positions India and France as alternatives in a multipolar tech world, emphasizing sovereignty and inclusivity.
Bilateral tech ties are supported by institutional linkages between Indian entities (e.g., DST, DBT, ISRO, MeITY) and French counterparts (e.g., CNRS, INRIA, CNES, ANR), with over 1,000 joint research projects historically. Investments and joint ventures, such as Thales' new global R&T lab in India, underscore France's recognition of India's engineering talent and market potential. Challenges include scaling innovations and navigating regulatory differences, but opportunities abound in bridging the global AI divide through open, ethical tech. Historical FoundationsIndia-France tech collaborations trace back to the post-colonial era:
- Space: Began in 1964 with CNES-ISRO ties, including joint satellite launches and sounding rocket technology transfer. Key milestones include the 1972 Aryabhata satellite collaboration and ongoing TRISHNA mission for climate monitoring.
- Nuclear Energy: France supported India's civil nuclear program post-2008 NSG waiver, with ongoing work on Jaitapur's six EPR reactors (9.9 GW capacity) and fuel cycle cooperation.
- Defense Tech: Includes Scorpene submarines (Kalvari-class) under tech transfer and Rafale jets, with 36 delivered and discussions for 114 more with 80% local manufacturing.
- Other Early Ties: Joint research in oceanography, biotechnology, and applied mathematics, with over 500 French-Indian co-publications annually in recent years.
Area | Key Initiatives | Details | Impact/Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
AI & Digital Technologies | India-France Declaration on AI; Indo-French Centre for Digital Sciences & Technology (INRIA-DST); Joint AI projects in sustainability and navigation. | Focus on ethical, trustworthy AI; bridging digital divide; cybersecurity dialogues (next in 2026). Includes AI for health at AIIMS and digital health hubs (PariSanté-C-CAMP). | Democratizes AI access; fosters 100+ joint projects; enhances cyber norms at UN. |
Innovation & Startups | India-France Innovation Network; Year of Innovation 2026; T-Hub-Nord France Invest LoI; VivaTech in India. | Connects ecosystems for startups, incubators; showcases Indian tech in France (e.g., health, climate solutions). Thales' India R&T lab joins global network. | Boosts cross-border investments; 50+ startups engaged; promotes risk-tolerant culture. |
Space & Oceanography | CNES-ISRO joint satellites/launchers; Defense Space LoI; Ocean-Space nexus (CNES-INCOIS); Strategic Space Dialogue (2026). | Human spaceflight, climate observation; India at France's 2026 Space Summit. | Advanced satellite tech transfer; improved ocean management; 60+ years of partnership. |
Nuclear & Energy | SMR/AMR LoI (CEA-DAE); Jaitapur progress; 100 GW target support. | Regulatory collaboration; clean energy focus. | Accelerates India's nuclear ambitions; resilient supply chains. |
Defense Tech | Joint Advanced Technology Development Group; BEL-Safran JV for HAMMER missiles; Rafale/AMCA engine plans; Renewed defense agreement. | Co-development in emerging tech; officer exchanges (2026). | Local manufacturing boost; ₹3.25 lakh crore Rafale proposal; strategic autonomy. |
Health & Life Sciences | French-Indian Campus on Life Sciences; Joint R&D on infectious diseases (INSERM-DBT); AI in Healthcare Research Center (Sorbonne-AIIMS). | 22+ institutions; global health hubs. | Addresses pandemics; 200+ joint publications; talent mobility. |
Quantum & Advanced Materials | Joint projects in quantum computing/sensing; LoI for Joint Center for Advanced Materials (CNRS-DST). | ANR-DST calls; mathematician collaborations. | Positions both as quantum leaders; materials for defense/energy. |
Critical Minerals | Joint Declaration on exploration/processing; Supply chain resilience. | Recycling focus for tech industries. | Reduces dependency; supports EV/semiconductor growth. |
