India-France Push New Tech, Space Ties in High-Level Meet

• Jitendra Singh holds talks with Philippe Baptiste
• Focus on AI, space tech, applied mathematics and advanced materials
• 2026 declared Indo-French Year of Innovation
• Proposal for deeper cooperation in human spaceflight

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th May: India and France have agreed to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, space research and innovation following a high-level bilateral meeting between Union Minister Jitendra Singh and French Minister Philippe Baptiste.

The virtual meeting reviewed ongoing collaborations and outlined a future roadmap, with both sides emphasising the growing importance of science and space ties in the broader India-France strategic partnership.

Dr. Singh highlighted that bilateral cooperation has evolved into a strong pillar of engagement, noting that the designation of 2026 as the Indo-French Year of Innovation would accelerate collaboration in emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, digital sciences and advanced materials.

The discussions also focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, including joint initiatives between India’s Department of Science and Technology and leading French research organisations.

In the space sector, the minister referred to long-standing cooperation between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Centre for Space Studies, including joint satellite missions such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, as well as ongoing work on TRISHNA.

Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s expanding space ecosystem, with nearly 400 startups and growing industry participation following recent reforms.

French Minister Philippe Baptiste described India as a trusted partner and proposed enhanced collaboration in human spaceflight, including astronaut training, microgravity experiments and long-term joint missions.

He also suggested cooperation in ocean-related data sharing under the “Space for Ocean Alliance” and invited India to participate in the International Space Summit in Paris in September 2026.

India welcomed the proposals, expressing readiness to deepen cooperation in space exploration, ocean research and advanced technologies. Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s Deep Ocean Mission as a key area for collaboration.

Both sides acknowledged the role of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research in strengthening long-term scientific partnerships.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration across science, technology and space, leveraging innovation and research capabilities for mutual benefit.