India and France have unveiled an ambitious Innovation Roadmap 2030, marking a major step forward in their strategic partnership and reinforcing cooperation across artificial intelligence (AI), startups, digital innovation, trade, education, defence, and space technology.

The announcements were made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, where both nations agreed on a series of initiatives designed to strengthen economic growth, technological innovation, and long-term strategic collaboration.

The roadmap reflects a shared vision of positioning India and France as key partners in shaping the future of emerging technologies and global innovation.

India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030

One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the adoption of the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030, which aims to enhance collaboration in research, innovation, deep-tech development, and next-generation technologies.

As part of this initiative, both countries will establish a Joint India-France AI Working Group to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence, responsible AI development, and AI governance frameworks.

The move comes as governments worldwide seek to balance AI innovation with ethical, secure, and transparent implementation.

AI, Research and Startup Ecosystem Collaboration

India and France are also strengthening ties in the innovation and startup ecosystem.

A major highlight is the decision to incubate 10 additional Indian startups at Station F in Paris, one of the world’s largest startup and innovation hubs.

The partnership will provide Indian entrepreneurs with greater access to global markets, investors, research networks, and advanced technology ecosystems.

Additional initiatives include:

• Establishment of a Centre of Digital Sciences
• Collaboration between India’s Department of Science and Technology and France’s INRIA
• Creation of an ICCR India Chair on AI, Innovation and Culture at Université Paris-Saclay
• Enhanced academic and research exchanges between institutions

These efforts are expected to encourage joint innovation projects and accelerate technological advancement in both countries.

UPI Expansion in France

In a significant boost to digital connectivity, India and France announced plans to expand opportunities for the use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France.

The expansion highlights the growing international recognition of India’s digital payment infrastructure and supports easier transactions for Indian travelers, students, businesses, and professionals operating in France. The move further strengthens India’s position as a global leader in digital public infrastructure.

Bilateral Trade Target Set to Double

Economic cooperation remains a key pillar of the India-France relationship.

Both countries agreed to establish a high-level mechanism aimed at doubling bilateral trade within the next five years.

To support this objective, India and France also launched an Economic Security Dialogue, focusing on:

• Supply chain resilience
• Strategic industries
• Technology cooperation
• Economic security
• Investment facilitation

The initiative reflects growing efforts by both nations to build resilient and diversified economic partnerships amid changing global trade dynamics.

Advancing Space Technology Cooperation

Space exploration emerged as another major area of collaboration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s CNES signed a Letter of Intent to deepen cooperation in:

• Human spaceflight programs
• Microgravity research
• Space science initiatives
• Advanced space technologies

India and France have a long history of successful space collaboration, and the latest agreements aim to expand this partnership into future missions and scientific research projects.

Focus on Defence and Advanced Technologies

Defence cooperation also featured prominently during the discussions.

Both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration through:

• Co-design of defence systems
• Co-development of advanced technologies
• Joint production of strategic platforms
• Technology transfer and innovation partnerships

Leaders also reviewed opportunities in civil nuclear energy, including collaboration around small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.

Bharat Innovates 2026 Showcases India’s Deep-Tech Strength

Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice.

The event highlights India’s growing deep-tech ecosystem and features:

• 120 startups
• More than 20 Institutes of Excellence
• 13 strategic technology sectors

Key sectors represented include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Semiconductors
• Defence Technology
• Agritech
• Medtech
• Renewable Energy
• Space Technology

The conclave aims to showcase India’s innovation capabilities and encourage global technology partnerships.

A Strategic Partnership for the Future

The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s France visit demonstrate a growing alignment between India and France in critical areas shaping the global economy.From AI and digital innovation to defence, trade, education, and space exploration, both countries are laying the foundation for deeper collaboration over the coming decade.

As emerging technologies increasingly influence economic growth and national competitiveness, the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030 positions both nations to play a larger role in driving innovation, sustainability, and technological leadership on the global stage.