FS Misri Visit Sees India & France Strengthen Tech Cooperation
India and France have agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic security, critical technologies, cybersecurity and supply chain resilience during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s two-day visit to Paris. The conversations centered on how to tackle new challenges in the field of economy and technology and promote the two nations' Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Vikram co-chaired the first meeting of the India-France Economic Security and Critical Technologies Dialogue with his French counterpart, Martin Briens, Secretary General, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France. The meeting was set up during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France in June, highlighting both sides' interest in furthering cooperation in key areas. Both parties acknowledged the need to enhance economic security and create robust supply chains in the context of changing economic and geopolitical risks in the world.
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During the talks, exchanges were made on the vulnerabilities of the supply chain, critical technologies, cyber security and protection of strategic supplies, said an official statement. The dialogue was also seen to be linked to the ongoing bilateral engagements and the long-term economic goals of the country by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Key Highlights
- India and France strengthen cooperation on critical technologies and cybersecurity
- Economic security dialogue focuses on resilient supply chains and strategic supplies
- Both countries review space cooperation and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap
The two countries observed that the new dialogue dovetailed with Innovation Roadmap 2030, Year of Innovation between India and France and the ongoing Economic and Financial Dialogue. It also backs their common goal to double bilateral trade in the next five years.
According to official data, bilateral trade between India and France has more than doubled in the past decade to 13.6 billion euros (about USD 15 billion) in 2025-26. France is the third largest trading partner of India in EU, after Netherlands and Germany. The trade relationship is building a solid ground for the cooperation to move forward in technology, innovation and strategic industries.
Vikram, along with Martin, also co-chaired the third India-France Strategic Space Dialogue during the visit. The meeting followed up on the progress made so far in the course of the dialogue and discussed opportunities for further strengthening cooperation in the space sector.
Both sides looked at each other and talked about pursuing more in government-to-government and commercial aspects, with more opportunities for collaboration in space technology and other activities. In March 2024, the last India-France Strategic Space Dialogue took place in New Delhi where both sides discussed ongoing efforts and future potential collaboration in the field.
The discussions also covered an in-depth review with France on Special Global Strategic Partnership and the implementation of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap in India. Both delegations discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, India-European Union relations and regional/global developments of mutual interest. Cooperation in multilateral forums was also part of the discussions.
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Vikram’s trip to Paris on Nov. 9-10 took place during the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in the French capital. The G7 are seven advanced economies: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The grouping serves as a forum for coordination of a major international economic and political issues.
The visit reflects the ongoing close interaction and mutual interest in strengthening strategic cooperation between India and France. Under their Special Global Strategic Partnership, both countries are striving to build deeper bilateral relations through increased economic security, technology cooperation, cybersecurity cooperation and space cooperation.