Synopsis
At the India-France CEO Forum, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the crucial role of India and France in shaping the evolving global economy and enhancing ties with the EU, emphasizing cooperation in AI, clean energy, and manufacturing.Key Takeaways
- India and France can influence the EU amid economic shifts.
- Emphasis on diversified production and resilient supply chains.
- Collaboration in AI and innovation is vital.
- ‘Make in India’ initiative opens new opportunities.
- Clean energy transition and digital infrastructure are key.
Paris, Feb 11 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated that in the context of the rapidly evolving global economy, India and France can play a pivotal role, particularly in inspiring other members of the European Union (EU).
While addressing the India-France CEO Forum in Paris, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for diversified production, dependable and resilient supply chains, and enhanced business partnerships in our continuously shifting environment.
“This is relevant not only to manufacturing but also to health,” he remarked during his speech.
Highlighting the independent spirit of both nations, he noted, “We are also diligently working to fortify each other's standing and to ensure our partnership remains a significant factor in current global affairs.”
“By reinforcing our positions, we contribute to stabilizing the global economy during times of volatility and uncertainty. The ‘Make in India’ initiative has unlocked numerous new opportunities in this context,” he added on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit.
“The Summit signifies how much more we can achieve in AI, software development, and cybersecurity. The year 2026 will be recognized as the 'India-France Year of Innovation'. Let’s leverage this as a catalyst,” he urged the attendees.
“I encourage you to participate actively in our FTA discussions. The fields of defense, manufacturing, and aerospace are well-established in our collaboration. The nature and scale of this partnership are now ready for a significant leap, and the question we face is whether we can maximize this potential,” the External Affairs Minister remarked.
He also discussed the ongoing clean energy transition in India, the rapidly evolving infrastructure, and advancements in digital public infrastructure (DPI).
Earlier, EAM Jaishankar convened with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, where they explored ways to enhance India-France relations with an emphasis on AI, innovation, connectivity, and clean energy.
The AI Action Summit gathered global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who delivered an inspiring address on AI, alongside leading tech CEOs to discuss the future of AI, stressing the importance of innovation and ethical progress.
