France has expressed strong appreciation for India's approach to governing artificial intelligence, noting that both countries share a similar vision for balancing innovation with necessary regulations in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Shared Vision for AI Governance
Anne Bouverot, France's Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence, specifically commended India's strategy during her recent statements, emphasizing that India demonstrates the same spirit as France in creating an environment that fosters technological advancement while implementing appropriate safeguards.
In an exclusive interview, Bouverot highlighted the collaborative nature of the relationship, stating that nobody gives lessons to anyone in this partnership. She explained that both nations are independently working to find the optimal balance between encouraging innovation and establishing regulatory frameworks that protect citizens.
Protecting Citizens While Promoting Innovation
The French envoy elaborated on the parallel priorities between the two nations, noting that France places significant importance on protecting personal data and privacy as part of its historical values. Simultaneously, she emphasized the equal importance of enabling startups and companies to grow within the AI sector.
Bouverot expressed France's eagerness to collaborate with India on multiple fronts of artificial intelligence development, including AI ethics, regulation frameworks, and accountability measures. The cooperation aims to strengthen the balance between innovation and regulation to better protect citizens, children, and workers in both countries.
Strengthening Bilateral AI Cooperation
The collaboration between India and France in artificial intelligence has been gaining momentum since the AI Action Summit held in France earlier this year. Bouverot recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Station F during his bilateral state visit in February, exploring the largest startup incubator in Paris alongside several Indian companies.
Looking ahead, the French envoy revealed plans for President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to India in February, where French companies and startups will accompany him to work directly with their Indian counterparts. This visit is expected to significantly boost practical cooperation between the two nations' AI ecosystems.
India to Host Landmark AI Summit in 2026
The deepening cooperation comes as India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, which represents a significant milestone as the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. Announced by Prime Minister Modi at the France AI Action Summit, the event is scheduled for February 19-20 in New Delhi.
This high-level gathering builds on the momentum of previous international AI forums and marks what officials describe as a critical inflection point in global AI cooperation. According to summit organizers, the event will focus on moving from political statements to tangible progress in global AI collaboration.
Bouverot enthusiastically declared that 2026 will be designated as the year of French-Indian innovation, presenting a tremendous opportunity for both countries' startup ecosystems to collaborate closely and drive technological advancement together.
During her current visit to India, the French AI envoy plans to meet with key members of India's AI ecosystem, including startups and researchers, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance and development.
