From Defense to AI: The Geopolitical Significance of PM Modi’s France Visit

Introduction: A Defining Moment in India-France Relations

In 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France marked a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between the two nations. Against the backdrop of an increasingly multipolar world, this visit was not just a ceremonial engagement but a strategic dialogue addressing critical global and regional challenges. From defense collaboration and nuclear energy cooperation to advanced technology partnerships and geopolitical realignments, the outcomes of this visit have far-reaching implications for India, France, and the broader global order.

Historical Evolution of India-France Relations

India and France have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, rooted in shared democratic values and strategic interests. Since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998, the relationship has expanded into multiple domains, including defense, space exploration, civil nuclear cooperation, and climate action. Unlike other Western nations, France has consistently supported India’s strategic autonomy and has been a reliable partner in global forums.

Key Milestones in India-France Relations:

1. 1998 Strategic Partnership: Focused on defense and civil nuclear cooperation.
2. Defense Collaboration: Major deals such as the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines.
3. Climate Cooperation: Co-founding the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
4. Space Collaboration: Long-standing cooperation in satellite technology and joint missions.

Key Outcomes of PM Modi’s 2025 Visit

1. Strengthening Defense Cooperation

Defense and security collaboration formed the cornerstone of PM Modi’s visit. One of the most significant developments was France’s expressed interest in acquiring India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System. Known for its indigenous design, operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, the Pinaka system symbolizes India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities.

Why Pinaka Appeals to France:

• Operational Flexibility: The Pinaka system delivers accurate firepower over a large area at varying ranges, making it ideal for modern warfare.
• Proven Track Record: Successfully deployed by the Indian Army in multiple combat scenarios.
• Indigenous and Cost-Effective: Offers a competitive alternative to similar Western systems.

This potential deal highlights the shifting dynamics of India-France defense ties, moving from a buyer-seller relationship to one of mutual technology transfer and co-development. It also positions India as an emerging exporter of advanced defense systems.

Other Key Defense Agreements:

• Co-Development of Advanced Jet Engines: Joint development of next-generation jet engines for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
• Naval Cooperation: Expanding joint development of submarines and enhancing India’s blue-water navy capabilities.
• Integrated Air Defense Systems: Collaboration on advanced missile systems and early warning systems.

2. Technology and AI Collaboration

Another major focus of PM Modi’s visit was the deepening collaboration in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The AI Action Summit, co-chaired by PM Modi, emphasized the need for a global framework for ethical AI governance.

Key Announcements:

• Global AI Ethics Framework: India called for a multilateral framework to ensure responsible AI development.
• AI for Public Good: Collaboration on AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
• Cybersecurity Collaboration: Joint research on AI-driven cyber defense mechanisms.

By positioning India as a rule-maker rather than a rule-taker in the global AI order, this collaboration enhances India’s leadership in technology governance.

3. Civil Nuclear Energy Partnership

India’s civil nuclear cooperation with France received a significant boost during this visit, with a focus on developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors offer scalable and sustainable nuclear power solutions that align with India’s energy security and climate goals.

Strategic Importance of SMRs:

• Energy Security: Provides a reliable and clean energy source.
• Decentralized Power Generation: Ideal for deployment in remote areas.
• Climate Goals: Crucial for achieving India’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.

France’s expertise in nuclear technology makes it a key partner in India’s transition to clean energy.

4. Indo-Pacific Strategy and Maritime Security

The Indo-Pacific region remains central to India-France strategic cooperation. Both nations reiterated their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, countering growing Chinese assertiveness.

Key Initiatives:

• Real-Time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Enhanced information-sharing mechanisms.
• Joint Naval Exercises: Expanding the scope of Varuna naval exercises.
• Collaborative Infrastructure Projects: Promoting sustainable infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.

5. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

A significant strategic dimension of the visit was the discussion on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This ambitious transcontinental infrastructure project aims to reshape global trade routes and enhance connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Strategic Importance of IMEC:

• Trade Diversification: Reduces dependence on chokepoints like the Suez Canal.
• Energy and Digital Infrastructure: Facilitates the development of green energy corridors and digital connectivity.
• Geopolitical Balancing: Enhances regional stability and promotes a rules-based trade order.

France’s support for IMEC reflects its strategic interest in deepening connectivity with Asia while securing its influence in the Middle East and Europe.

Geopolitical Implications for India

1. Balancing Great Power Rivalries

India’s foreign policy has long been guided by the principle of strategic autonomy, enabling it to maintain strong ties with multiple global powers. The enhanced partnership with France provides India with an alternative to the US-China binary, offering a middle-power collaboration that aligns with its national interests.

2. Promoting Multipolarity and Global Governance Reforms

Both India and France are vocal advocates for a more representative global order. Their joint call for UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms and greater inclusivity in global institutions reflects their shared vision for a multipolar world.

3. Climate Leadership and Sustainable Development

India’s collaboration with France on nuclear energy and renewable energy solutions reinforces its leadership in global climate action, positioning it as a key player in the transition to a sustainable future.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in India-France Relations

PM Modi’s 2025 visit to France marked a turning point in bilateral relations, elevating them to new heights. The visit reinforced the strategic convergence between the two nations and opened new avenues for collaboration in defense, technology, energy, and global diplomacy.

As the world becomes more complex and interconnected, the India-France partnership will play a critical role in promoting global stability, security, and sustainable development. For India, this visit was not just about strengthening bilateral ties but about asserting its role as a responsible global power ready to shape the future.