India and France Advance Strategic Cooperation in Space, Critical Technologies and Economic Security

The Embassy of India in France announced the Foreign Secretary’s arrival, stating that the discussions would focus on deepening bilateral cooperation in space, critical technologies and economic security, particularly through stronger and more resilient supply chains.

The two dialogues reflect the growing importance of technological cooperation in India–France relations, which have traditionally encompassed defence, civil nuclear energy, space exploration and strategic security. The establishment of a dedicated economic security dialogue introduces an additional institutional mechanism for addressing emerging technological and industrial priorities.

Third Strategic Space Dialogue to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

The third India–France Strategic Dialogue on Space builds upon decades of cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French space agency, Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES).

India and France established their first Strategic Space Dialogue in Paris on 26 June 2023, creating a dedicated mechanism for examining cooperation in civilian and defence-related space activities. The framework brought together the strategic dimensions of space cooperation with existing scientific and technological partnerships.

The second round, held in New Delhi in March 2024, reviewed progress in bilateral space cooperation and examined opportunities for expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The latest dialogue provides an opportunity to advance cooperation in satellite technology, space situational awareness, Earth observation, space security and commercial space activities. These areas are increasingly important as both countries expand their capabilities in satellite-based communications, environmental monitoring and space infrastructure.

India and France have also demonstrated the value of combining their scientific expertise through joint satellite missions and research programmes, establishing a strong foundation for future cooperation.

Building on Decades of ISRO–CNES Collaboration

Space cooperation remains one of the most established components of the India–France strategic partnership, with collaboration between ISRO and CNES extending over several decades.

Among the notable achievements are the Megha-Tropiques satellite, developed to study tropical atmospheric processes and the water cycle, and the SARAL satellite, which supports oceanographic observations through satellite altimetry.

The two countries have also collaborated on the TRISHNA mission, a joint Earth observation initiative designed to provide high-resolution thermal infrared observations for monitoring land surface temperatures, agricultural water use, environmental conditions and natural resources.

Beyond scientific missions, India and France have developed cooperation in satellite launch services, maritime domain awareness and space situational awareness. French launch service providers have supported Indian satellite missions, while India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has carried French satellites into orbit.

These collaborations have established a complementary relationship between India’s growing satellite manufacturing and launch capabilities and France’s advanced aerospace technologies, research institutions and industrial expertise.

The continuation of strategic space discussions reflects the intention of both countries to extend this partnership into emerging areas of space technology and security.

First Economic Security and Critical Technologies Dialogue

A particularly important development during the Foreign Secretary’s visit is the establishment of the first India–France Dialogue on Economic Security and Critical Technologies.

The new mechanism reflects the increasing strategic importance of advanced technologies, industrial capabilities and secure international supply chains.

Economic security has become closely connected with national security as countries seek reliable access to technologies, industrial components and materials essential for economic growth and critical infrastructure.

The dialogue provides an opportunity for India and France to examine cooperation in strategically important technological sectors and identify areas where their industrial and research capabilities can complement each other.

Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications and critical minerals are among the broader technological areas relevant to economic security cooperation. The specific priorities and outcomes of the inaugural dialogue will be established through the bilateral discussions.

The new framework also creates opportunities for closer engagement between governments, research institutions and private companies involved in emerging technologies.

Strengthening Resilient Supply Chains

The Indian Embassy specifically identified resilient supply chains as an important focus of the discussions in Paris.

Supply chain resilience has emerged as a major priority for countries seeking to reduce vulnerabilities in the production and movement of strategically important goods, components and technologies.

Industries such as aerospace, electronics, renewable energy, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing depend upon complex international supply networks. Disruptions involving specialised materials or technological components can affect production schedules, investment decisions and industrial competitiveness.

India’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem and France’s established capabilities in aerospace, industrial engineering and advanced technologies provide opportunities for greater industrial cooperation.

Closer coordination could encourage diversified sourcing, technology partnerships, joint research and stronger industrial linkages between companies in both countries.

For India, such cooperation complements its efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and develop indigenous capabilities in strategically important sectors. For France, collaboration with India offers opportunities to deepen industrial engagement with one of the world’s major emerging technology and manufacturing markets.

Advancing Cooperation Under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap

The discussions in Paris also form part of the broader India–France strategic partnership guided by the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July 2023.

The roadmap outlines a long-term framework for cooperation extending to the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. It encompasses sovereignty and strategic autonomy, technological development, industrial cooperation, environmental sustainability and international security.

Space technology and advanced industrial capabilities occupy important positions within this framework because of their growing significance for economic development and national security.

During the India–France Foreign Office Consultations held in Paris on 20 January 2025, the two countries reviewed cooperation across defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cybersecurity, digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

Both sides also agreed to expand their partnership in high-end technology sectors, reinforcing the importance of research, innovation and advanced manufacturing within bilateral relations.

The latest dialogues represent a continuation of these efforts, with particular attention to the intersection of technological capabilities, economic resilience and strategic cooperation.

Expanding the Strategic Technology Partnership

India and France share an established partnership in defence aerospace, space research, civil nuclear technology and maritime security. Their expanding engagement in critical technologies reflects the increasing convergence between technological innovation and strategic cooperation.

France possesses a mature aerospace and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, while India has developed substantial capabilities in space exploration, digital technologies, engineering services and a growing range of high-technology manufacturing activities.

Cooperation between the two countries can support joint research, industrial partnerships and the development of technologies addressing shared economic and strategic requirements.

The institutionalisation of dedicated dialogues also enables both governments to maintain regular consultations on technological priorities, identify opportunities for collaboration and coordinate their approaches to emerging challenges.

The inclusion of economic security alongside space cooperation demonstrates the broadening scope of India–France relations, extending the partnership beyond traditional defence and diplomatic engagements into the industrial and technological foundations of long-term strategic cooperation.

India–France Partnership Enters a New Phase of Technological Cooperation

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Paris on 9 November 2026 highlights the increasing importance of space technology, critical technologies and economic security within India’s partnership with France.

The third Strategic Space Dialogue builds upon an established record of cooperation between ISRO and CNES, while the inaugural Economic Security and Critical Technologies Dialogue introduces a new mechanism for strengthening industrial and technological collaboration.

Together, these engagements provide an opportunity to expand cooperation in advanced research, secure supply chains, technological innovation and strategically important industries.

The discussions also reinforce the broader objectives of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which seeks to develop the India–France partnership into a comprehensive framework for cooperation across economic, technological and security domains.

As India advances its indigenous technological and manufacturing capabilities, its partnership with France continues to provide opportunities for joint innovation, industrial collaboration and the development of advanced technologies that can contribute to the long-term strategic and economic interests of both countries.

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