India and France have agreed to significantly strengthen their partnership in science, technology, ocean research, and space exploration, marking another step forward in their growing strategic collaboration. The development was highlighted during a high-level ministerial meeting where both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in joint initiatives, especially in advanced technological fields.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, held a virtual bilateral meeting with France’s Minister for Higher Education, Research, and Space, Professor Philippe Baptiste. During the discussions, both leaders reviewed the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing scientific and space-related partnerships.
Dr. Singh emphasized that India-France relations in science and space have evolved into a key pillar of bilateral ties, contributing not only to technological innovation but also to stronger people-to-people connections. He also pointed out that 2026 has been designated as the Indo-French Year of Innovation, which presents a major opportunity to accelerate collaboration in emerging technologies.
The minister highlighted India’s rapidly growing space ecosystem, noting that the country now has nearly 400 space startups and a steadily expanding space economy. He said recent policy reforms have opened new opportunities for international partnerships and private sector involvement in space-related activities.
Professor Philippe Baptiste described India as a trusted and strategic partner in space and research cooperation. Recalling his earlier association with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), he acknowledged the long-standing collaboration between the two nations. He expressed interest in further expanding joint efforts in areas such as Earth observation, launch technologies, and deep space exploration.
Baptiste also proposed stronger cooperation in ocean data sharing under the “Space for Ocean Alliance” framework and suggested closer institutional ties between France’s CNES and Indian scientific organizations. Additionally, he expressed willingness to deepen collaboration in human spaceflight programs, including astronaut training, microgravity experiments, and long-term space missions.
He further invited India to participate in the International Space Summit scheduled to be held in Paris in September 2026 and suggested aligning it with India’s space-related events in Bengaluru to create a coordinated global platform for scientific dialogue.
Dr. Singh welcomed these proposals and reiterated India’s openness to expanding cooperation in ocean science and human spaceflight. He also highlighted India’s Deep Ocean Mission and its extensive coastline as important strengths that could support joint marine research initiatives.
Both sides also discussed ongoing collaboration in developing NavIC ground stations in France and acknowledged France’s continued support for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. They noted that recent institutional partnerships between India’s Department of Science and Technology and French research organizations have already led to new initiatives in advanced materials and digital sciences.
