India‑France Economic Dialogue Sets Stage for Deeper Strategic Partnership

The inaugural India‑France Economic and Financial Dialogue convened in Aix‑en‑Provence on 2 July, co‑chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and French Economy Minister Roland Lescure. The high‑level forum examined ways to widen cooperation across finance, industry, energy and digital sovereignty.

Both sides identified new growth corridors, including joint ventures in green hydrogen, collaborative research in fusion energy, and expanded fintech linkages. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks to ease cross‑border investments and to protect intellectual property.

Sitharaman reiterated India’s commitment to structural reforms, fiscal consolidation and a transparent business environment, inviting French firms to participate in upcoming infrastructure programmes and digital initiatives.

Beyond the dialogue, the minister met CEOs of multinational corporations to discuss sector‑specific opportunities, and attended a round‑table with Indian industrialists to present India’s market potential and policy incentives.

The agenda also featured site visits to ITER at Cadarache, underscoring the scientific partnership, and Campus Cyber, where both governments pledged to enhance cyber‑security cooperation and share best practices in emerging technologies.