Goyal urges stronger Indo-French ties across sectors

India and France can jointly explore sustainable farming and food processing to boost global food security, trade minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.

Using sustainable practices can mitigate climate change worldwide, Goyal said, while addressing the debut Asia-Pacific Commission (APAC) 2024 Forum organized by French foreign trade advisors in New Delhi.

Pointing to the success of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a 100-member body led jointly by India and France, Goyal said both nations should step up partnership in renewable energy ventures.

In aerospace, Goyal invited French aviation firms to explore setting up manufacturing facilities in India, which is currently the world’s largest aviation market.

Aviation firms in India have placed orders for 1,500 planes, and this may go up to 2,000, Goyal said, highlighting the rapid expansion of airports from 74 in 2014 to 125 today, with plans to add 75 more by 2029.

Goyal said India has also been rapidly expanding its defense sector and the Centre is encouraging companies from across the world to manufacture in India providing them 100% ownership of their companies.

The minister called for a greater collaboration with France in the defense sector, underlining in his speech that India’s patent regime does not require technology transfers.

On automobiles and EVs, Goyal said India and France could jointly develop sustainable mobility solutions, capitalizing on India’s large market of first-time vehicle owners.

He said he saw potential for collaboration in technologies like cybersecurity and AI, noting the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026 as a catalyst for tech partnerships in IT, healthcare, and smart cities.

“Indian ambitions in infrastructure, digital technology and energy open up a huge field of opportunity,” Sophie Primas, minister delegate for foreign trade and French nationals abroad, attached to the minister for Europe and foreign affairs of France,  said in a social media post.

“I will be committed to ensuring that the partnership between France and India also translates into concrete business opportunities for our companies,” Primas, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, said in the post.

Meanwhile, Goyal also affirmed the strong trust-based India-France partnership, highlighting joint efforts in manufacturing and academia.

Bilateral trade, he pointed out, has significant potential for growth, given the economic strengths of both nations. France is a key investor in India, with significant corporate presence benefiting both countries.

India and France are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic and 25 years of strategic relations this year, Goyal said, adding that the bilateral partnership spans areas like space, defense, and digitalization, aiming for long-term collaboration through the Horizon 2047 roadmap.

He invited French participation in India’s major infrastructure projects across 20 industrial cities.