Macron’s upcoming visit to India: Defence, AI and Indo-Pacific cooperation in focus

Key Concepts

• AI Impact Summit: A five-day summit in India gathering global tech leaders and policymakers to discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence.
• Horizon 2047 Roadmap: A strategic partnership between India and France outlining collaborative goals for defense, energy, and digital projects.
• Critical Minerals: Resources essential for advanced technologies, with both India and France seeking alternatives to Chinese supply.
• Make in India: An initiative promoting domestic manufacturing and technology transfer within India.
• Full-Stack AI Leader: A nation capable of developing and deploying AI across all layers of the technology stack.

India’s AI Impact Summit & Strengthening India-France Ties

The AI Impact Summit in India is being positioned as a potentially transformative event, capable of reshaping economies, governance, and societies as India aims to establish itself as a global tech hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the summit, which will feature prominent figures including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, and Microsoft’s Brad Smith. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has identified India as a potential “full stack AI leader” and announced plans for expanded OpenAI operations within the country, citing India as its second-largest user base globally, following the US.

India’s AI Infrastructure Development

India has already initiated plans to develop a new data city in Andhra Pradesh, intended to bolster digital growth and reduce the AI gap with the US and China. This project has already secured $175 billion USD in investments, notably including a $15 billion investment from Google to establish its largest AI infrastructure hub outside of the United States. This demonstrates a significant commitment to building the necessary infrastructure for AI development and deployment.

France’s Strategic Partnership with India

French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India coincides with the AI Impact Summit and signifies a deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit is framed as an opportunity to solidify France as a long-term technology and security partner for India, particularly amidst increasing global uncertainty. Discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will focus on reviewing progress on the “Horizon 2047” roadmap, aiming to accelerate large-scale defense, energy, and digital projects.

Areas of Cooperation: AI, Critical Minerals & Defense

A central focus of the India-France collaboration is artificial intelligence, with both leaders expected to advocate for joint research initiatives, the establishment of common standards for “trustworthy artificial intelligence,” and increased cooperation between French and Indian tech companies. Furthermore, an agreement to enhance cooperation in the field of critical minerals is anticipated, as both countries seek to diversify away from reliance on Chinese supply chains. As stated by a source, “Because of the nature of trust that we have and the kind of relationship that India and France enjoy, it is but natural that we will seek to cooperate in the area of critical minerals as we will in advanced areas of green energy transition or semiconductors or artificial intelligence the building blocks of our new age.”

Defense cooperation remains a crucial pillar of the relationship. France is already a significant arms supplier to India, providing Rafale fighter jets and Scorpène submarines. India is currently considering the purchase of an additional 114 Rafale jets, with a substantial portion to be manufactured in India under the “Make in India” initiative. France is reportedly willing to facilitate complete technology transfer, even in advanced areas like aircraft engine design and development, offering assistance in learning the necessary skills. This willingness to transfer technology is described as “unmatched by anyone else.”

Geopolitical Considerations

Analysts highlight that India views France, with its territories and military presence in the Indian Ocean, as a rare European power supportive of India’s vision for a multipolar Asia. Conversely, Paris increasingly sees New Delhi as a key partner in reducing its dependence on China. These converging strategic interests underpin the strengthening bilateral relationship.

Challenges and Outlook

The report concludes by noting that the success of the ambitious goals outlined in the “Horizon 2047” roadmap will depend on translating these plans into concrete contracts, job creation, and collaborative projects. President Macron’s visit and participation in the AI Impact Summit are viewed as a strong signal that, in a fragmented global landscape, India and France are reinforcing their commitment to each other.