Gaurav Gupta
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France has marked a new era in Indo-French relations, strengthening ties in defense, technology, and innovation. One of the most historic developments from this visit is France’s keen interest in India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system, positioning India as an emerging defense exporter. Additionally, PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit today in Paris along with French President Emmanuel Macron, reflecting the two nations’ commitment to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
India and France share a deep-rooted historical relationship, built on trust, cooperation, and shared sacrifices. More than 100,000 Indian soldiers fought for France during World War I, with 10,000 never returning home. Marseille, a key port city, played a crucial role during that period and continues to symbolize the strong Indo-French bond.
During his visit, PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille, further strengthening economic and cultural ties. France has been a long-standing supporter of India, from supplying nuclear fuel for India’s Tarapur Nuclear Plant in 1982 to standing by India after the 1998 nuclear tests, when many Western nations imposed sanctions. Today, the Indo-French partnership is a pillar of global stability, spanning defense, energy, space, cybersecurity, and advanced technology.
One of the most groundbreaking moments of this visit was France’s interest in acquiring the Pinaka Missile System, an indigenous rocket artillery system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Pinaka system includes:
Pinaka Mark I – Operational with a range of 40 km, successfully deployed by the Indian Army.
Pinaka Mark II – A more advanced version with a 75 km range, with ongoing plans to extend it to 120 km and eventually 300 km.
France’s potential acquisition of the Pinaka system is a game-changer, marking India’s rise as a global defense supplier. This deal strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, while also reinforcing strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Paris in the defense sector.
Apart from defense, PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit in Paris alongside President Macron, marking a significant step toward India-France collaboration in artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform global economies, healthcare, defense, cybersecurity, and space exploration. India, with its vast talent pool and thriving digital economy, is emerging as a major player in AI development. The AI Action Summit focused on:
Ethical AI development to ensure responsible and unbiased technology.
Joint research and investment in AI-driven solutions for industries like healthcare, defense, and space.
Strengthening AI cooperation between Indian and French tech firms, fostering innovation and economic growth.
By joining hands with France, India is positioning itself as a leader in AI, ensuring its technological sovereignty while setting global standards for AI governance.
Another key outcome of PM Modi’s visit was the discussion on the Marseille-Mumbai Corridor, a visionary project aimed at boosting trade, investment, and innovation between India and France. This initiative will enhance economic cooperation in key sectors like infrastructure, digital transformation, and clean energy.
Additionally, Indo-French collaboration in nuclear energy, space research, and cybersecurity is expected to deepen. France has been a crucial partner in India’s nuclear power projects, and further cooperation in this field will help India meet its growing energy demands.
PM Modi’s visit to France has reinforced India’s emergence as a global power, with deeper engagement in defense, artificial intelligence, and economic collaboration.
The Pinaka Missile System deal underscores India’s growing stature as a defense exporter.
The AI Action Summit strengthens India’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The Marseille-Mumbai Corridor will further boost economic and technological ties between the two nations.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is shaping the future of global partnerships, driven by innovation, self-reliance, and strategic cooperation. The Indo-French bond is no longer just about a shared history-it is about a shared future, built on strength, trust, and a common vision for progress.
(The author is BJP Spokesperson J&K UT, Geopolitical Expert)
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