Paris Talks Aim to Deepen Space, Tech and Supply‑Chain Ties Between India and France

On Monday, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Paris to engage in a set of high‑profile bilateral meetings.

His agenda includes the third India‑France Strategic Space Dialogue and the inaugural session on economic security and critical technologies.

The sessions are designed to bolster cooperation, with a particular drive to forge robust, dependable supply chains that can support both space ventures and cutting‑edge technology projects.

According to the Indian embassy, the discussions will expand joint efforts in space exploration, critical tech development and economic security, while concentrating on building flexible and secure supply networks.

The backdrop of these talks features a September dialogue where Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh met French counterpart Philippe Baptiste, declaring that the space partnership has entered a fresh phase that now spans human spaceflight, space start‑ups and a broader ecosystem.

Singh recalled that the collaboration began in the 1960s with sounding‑rocket experiments and highlighted successful joint satellite programmes such as Megha‑Tropiques and SARAL, co‑crafted by ISRO and CNES.

He also announced the upcoming development of a third joint satellite, “Trishna,” and praised French assistance to India’s Gaganyaan mission, including supply of essential components and astronaut training.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier addressed the International Space Summit in Paris through a video link, extending an invitation to nations to partner in India’s forthcoming space missions and emphasizing cooperation over rivalry.

Modi underlined that the trajectory of the global space sector must be guided by collaborative principles, sustainability and inclusivity, pointing out that Indian launchers have placed more than 430 satellites for 34 countries worldwide.