Dr. Jitendra Singh holds bilateral meeting with French Minister: India-France ties set for expansion in space, AI and emerging technologies

📌 Summary:

• Dr. Jitendra Singh (India's MoS for Science & Technology, Space, and PMO) met via video conference with Prof. Philippe Baptiste (France's Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space)
• Meeting reviewed expanding canvas of India-France cooperation in science, technology, and space
• Both sides expressed satisfaction over sustained momentum in high-technology domain collaboration
• Key discussion areas: ISRO-CNES collaboration, joint space projects, AI-driven scientific discoveries, and climate modelling
• Emerging technology cooperation discussed: quantum computing, advanced materials, and next-generation AI applications
• India-France engagement in space and science has evolved into a strong pillar of bilateral strategic relations
• Meeting reflects India's multi-aligned foreign policy — strengthening ties with European partners alongside US and Russia
• India-France are strategic partners since 1998 — one of India's oldest such partnerships

📌 Prelims Facts:

• CNES: Centre National d'Études Spatiales — France's national space agency, counterpart to ISRO
• India-France strategic partnership: since 1998
• France is the only P5 nation that consistently supports India's bid for permanent UNSC membership
• Both countries are members of International Solar Alliance (ISA), founded by India