New Delhi, February 12 (HS): India and France have agreed to cooperate on AI, defense, space, civil-nuclear power and other areas. India and France will join hands in the development of emerging artificial intelligence technology in view of the upcoming India-France Innovation Year in 2026 and ensure that it has a positive impact on economies and societies. Both countries have adopted a separate declaration on artificial intelligence. It identifies key priorities in this field for both countries and explores possibilities of cooperation. Yesterday at the CEO forum, the two leaders also launched the logo of the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026. Both sides will cooperate in co-designing, co-development and co-manufacturing small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Marseille today. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave this information in a press conference today at the end of Prime Minister Modi's visit to France. He said that bilateral discussions took place between Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the flight to Marseille and later during dinner. The Prime Minister's current visit had two components. Co-chairmanship of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris and bilateral programs in both Paris and Marseille. In this, both the leaders addressed the India-France CEOS Forum. After the CEO Forum meeting, both the leaders traveled together to Marseille in the French President's plane. This reflects the special relationship between the two countries. A joint statement has also been issued by both the countries. In this, India and France condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and demanded the elimination of financial networks and safe havens. The joint statement issued after the successful visit of Prime Minister Modi to France said that no country should provide safe haven to those who finance, plan, support terrorist acts. The leaders also called for concrete action against all terrorists. This includes individuals associated with groups listed by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The two leaders welcomed the launch of a regional version of the Raisina Dialogue focusing on Mediterranean issues in Marseille in 2025. The two leaders underlined their common commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

French President Emmanuel and Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Consulate in Marseille today, marking a new chapter in India-France relations. The Prime Minister said ex post that Marseille's links with India are well known. It was an important base for Indian troops during World War I. The city also has a close link with Veer Savarkar.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar