Nice/Delhi, 15 June (HS): India and France have set a target of doubling bilateral trade from the current level of around USD 16 billion within the next five years and agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including civil nuclear energy, defence, technology and innovation.

The decision was taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice on Sunday.

Following the meeting, Modi said the discussions were exceptionally productive and focused on enhancing cooperation in defence, technology, space, security, counter-terrorism, innovation, healthcare and education.

The two leaders also agreed to establish a high-level mechanism to achieve the trade target and launch an Economic Security Dialogue aimed at strengthening supply chains in critical minerals and technology.

According to officials, both sides also agreed to adopt an Innovation Roadmap 2030 to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems.

Economic cooperation figured prominently during the talks, with discussions covering trade, investment, manufacturing and technology partnerships. India and France are also looking at expanding collaboration in sectors such as defence production, civil nuclear energy and artificial intelligence.

The two leaders discussed opportunities arising from India's SHANTI Act in the field of civil nuclear energy and explored possibilities for cooperation in advanced and small modular rea

Defence cooperation was another key area of discussion, including efforts to enhance collaboration under the Make in India initiative through co-development, co-design, co-production and co-manufacturing.

The two sides also agreed on measures to strengthen cooperation in space, including human spaceflight and space situational awareness, while encouraging greater private-sector participation.

Among other outcomes of the meeting were agreements related to the exchange and protection of classified information, cooperation on artificial intelligence, high-speed rail, skills development and innovation.

Modi and Macron also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia and the conflict in Ukraine.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar