India-France 2026 Talks: Student Mobility, Visa-Free Transit and AI Collaboration Take Centre Stage

India and France have outlined an expansive vision for strengthening bilateral ties during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions elevated the relationship to what both sides termed a “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” reflecting growing cooperation across multiple sectors.

A major highlight of the summit was the shared objective of hosting 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030—almost tripling the current figure of approximately 10,000. The move underscores a renewed focus on education and academic mobility as key pillars of the partnership.

President Macron is on a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026, at the invitation of PM Modi. During the visit, he is also attending the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai, marking a new phase in collaborative research and technological advancement.

Education And Visa Reforms

In a significant boost for Indian travellers and students, France announced the introduction of a visa-free transit facility for Indian nationals passing through French airports. The measure will begin as a six-month pilot programme before being reviewed for long-term implementation.

Both leaders also praised initiatives aimed at easing academic transitions, including the International Classes programme designed to help Indian students integrate into French universities. A new academic hub in Mumbai, bringing together ESSEC Business School and CentraleSupélec, was welcomed as a step toward deepening institutional partnerships.

Additionally, discussions are underway to update the agreement on mutual recognition of academic qualifications, which is expected to further streamline student exchanges and professional mobility.

AI, Innovation And Research Expansion

The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will foster cooperation across artificial intelligence, science, healthcare, sustainability, education and culture. Plans include establishing a binational digital sciences and technology centre involving INRIA and India’s Department of Science and Technology.

The leaders also reviewed proposals to create a dedicated artificial intelligence research centre in healthcare, involving Sorbonne University, AIIMS New Delhi and the Paris Brain Institute. These initiatives reflect a shared ambition to collaborate in high-impact sectors where advanced technology intersects with public welfare.

Trade, Digital Payments And Global Engagement

Economic engagement featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides committing to expand trade and investment opportunities, particularly in MSMEs, startups and innovation-led enterprises. Amendments to the bilateral tax treaty were welcomed as measures to improve clarity and encourage cross-border investments.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was also highlighted, with France becoming the first European country to enable the digital payment system. Several major retail outlets in Paris now accept UPI, enhancing convenience for Indian visitors.

President Macron extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit in France in 2026, which the Indian Prime Minister welcomed, reaffirming India’s role in global economic and strategic discussions.