NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his French counterpart Emmanuel Bonne held in-depth discussions on Tuesday to review bilateral cooperation across security, defence, technology, space, and civil nuclear sectors, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India next month. The meeting, held under the framework of the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue, reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership while exploring opportunities for collaboration aligned with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Doval and Bonne, who examined ongoing bilateral initiatives and regional security dynamics, including developments in Iran following widespread economic protests and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The two sides emphasised the importance of cooperation to address global security challenges and advance peace and stability in key regions.

Strengthening the Strategic Partnership

India and France reiterated their commitment to their long-standing strategic partnership, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of their bilateral relationship, which spans defence, civil nuclear energy, space technology, innovation, and technological collaboration. The officials also reviewed preparations for President Macron’s February visit, which is expected to feature the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation and his participation in the AI Impact Summit.

The strategic dialogue offered an opportunity to explore joint development projects, particularly in areas where French expertise complements Indian initiatives. Officials indicated that discussions were geared toward leveraging French technology and investment to strengthen India’s domestic capabilities while promoting innovation and self-reliance under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” frameworks.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation and Energy Initiatives

A significant portion of the dialogue focused on civil nuclear cooperation. France has long sought to establish nuclear power infrastructure in India, and officials discussed pathways to facilitate projects in light of recent changes in Indian nuclear liability laws. The discussions also explored the potential for collaboration on small modular reactors (SMRs), which could provide flexible and scalable nuclear energy solutions for India’s growing power requirements.

Bonne’s visit included consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the trust-based and resilient nature of the India-France strategic partnership. Modi emphasised the expansion of bilateral cooperation into innovation, technology, and education, and reiterated India’s commitment to leveraging French expertise for technological and developmental projects. “Also exchanged perspectives on key regional and global issues. Look forward to welcoming President Macron to India soon,” Modi added on social media.

Technological Collaboration and Innovation

In addition to security and civil nuclear energy, Doval and Bonne discussed areas for enhanced technological collaboration, including space technology, defence innovation, and critical infrastructure development. The dialogue emphasised joint research and development initiatives that can strengthen domestic capabilities in defence and civil sectors, while promoting knowledge transfer and high-tech partnerships between Indian and French institutions.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met with Bonne, underscoring the diplomatic dimension of the strategic dialogue. The discussions focused on strengthening India-France cooperation across multiple domains, ranging from economic and scientific collaboration to regional security challenges. Officials highlighted the importance of a shared vision for regional stability and global peace, underlining France’s role as a key strategic partner for India in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

Regional and Global Security Context

While details were not formally released, officials noted that the discussions encompassed the evolving geopolitical environment, including tensions in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Both sides acknowledged the growing complexity of global security challenges and the need for enhanced coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint preparedness to address transnational threats.

The dialogue reinforced India and France’s shared commitment to multilateralism and international norms, with a focus on promoting sustainable, people-centric development and mitigating risks arising from conflicts or instability in key regions. This is consistent with India’s broader foreign policy objectives of strategic autonomy, regional cooperation, and global security engagement.

Outlook Ahead of Macron’s Visit

President Macron’s visit in February is expected to consolidate several ongoing projects and launch new initiatives, particularly in innovation, AI, and civil nuclear energy. The India-France Year of Innovation is likely to provide a platform for joint R&D efforts, technology incubation, and start-up collaborations, positioning both nations as partners in advancing cutting-edge technology and sustainable development solutions.

By reviewing and coordinating efforts across security, defence, technology, space, and energy, the India-France strategic dialogue aims to strengthen trust, expand collaboration, and align mutual interests in a rapidly changing global landscape. Officials emphasised that such engagements are crucial not only for bilateral cooperation but also for reinforcing regional stability and global peace frameworks.

Conclusion

The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Emmanuel Bonne underscores the resilience and depth of the India-France strategic partnership, spanning multiple domains and adapting to contemporary global challenges. By aligning efforts with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, the two sides are not only pursuing technological and energy collaboration but also fostering capacity-building, innovation, and strategic self-reliance.

As India prepares to host President Macron next month, the dialogue lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in defence, civil nuclear energy, technology, and space, reinforcing the bilateral relationship as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The discussions also signal a shared commitment to peace, stability, and multilateral engagement, strengthening the strategic partnership for years to come.