India, France look to expand cooperation in space, AI and emerging technologies

India’s Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, met with France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space Philippe Baptiste via video conference to strengthen cooperation in space, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The meeting reviewed progress in joint satellite missions, including Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, and ongoing work on the TRISHNA project. Singh highlighted India’s growing private space sector, which has fostered nearly 400 startups, and France’s support for India’s Gaganyaan program, including NavIC ground station development in France. Philippe Baptiste called India a ‘key and trusted partner’ and proposed deeper collaboration in Earth observation, launch systems, and human spaceflight. He suggested expanding ocean data sharing through the ‘Space for Ocean Alliance’ and invited India to participate in the 2026 International Space Summit in Paris. Singh welcomed these proposals, emphasizing India’s Deep Ocean Mission and coastal advantages for marine research partnerships. The ministers also discussed the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026, which aims to accelerate bilateral collaboration in advanced materials, digital sciences, and AI. Singh noted strengthened ties between India’s Department of Science and Technology and French institutions, while Baptiste proposed closer engagement between France’s CNES and Indian space agencies. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), alongside ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL, will host the 9th Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX 2026) from September 7–9, aligning with France’s proposed summit. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, research, and industry-level partnerships in science and technology, building on the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research’s long-term contributions.