India and France are deepening economic, technological and energy engagement, marking a significant expansion of their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026.
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- Bilateral trade has more than doubled over the past decade, reaching €12.67 billion in 2024–25.
- France is India’s third-largest trading partner within the European Union, with cumulative French investment of €9.79 billion between 2000 and 2025.
- Thirty-eight of the forty leading French companies operate in India across services, cement, aviation, energy and manufacturing sectors.
- The India–European Union Free Trade Agreement signed in January 2026 is expected to further accelerate trade and investment flows.
- During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to Paris, NPCI International Payments Limited partnered with Lyra Collect to introduce UPI in France.
- UPI was launched at the Eiffel Tower in January 2024 and later expanded to major retail locations.
- Both countries are collaborating on Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives, with Indian startups participating in programmes at Station F.
- Energy cooperation includes joint leadership in the International Solar Alliance and collaboration in green hydrogen and civil nuclear energy projects.
- The partnership is guided by Horizon 2047, focusing on defence, technology, sustainability and global governance.
- Strong people-to-people ties include nearly 10,000 Indian students and a diaspora of over 100,000 in mainland France.




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