By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI:Knowledge is the strongest bridge between India and France. The ‘Rush’ programme will create new energy in the academic and research sectors between the two countries. This was said by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan while inaugurating ‘Rush’, a high-level academic and scientific conference between India and France at AIIMS, New Delhi on Wednesday. French Ambassador for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Clara Chapaz was also present on the occasion.
The conference focused on the future of Indo-French cooperation, i.e. Indo-France cooperation. Welcoming eminent academics, researchers and innovators from both the countries, Shri Pradhan said that there is a need for joint cooperation to make Artificial Intelligence accessible to the masses and to put it to good use. Maintaining global peace and stability along with long-term prosperity through cutting-edge research and innovation is a priority for both the countries. This high-level meeting is expected to further strengthen the strategic relationship between India and France in the coming days and create new opportunities in the field of education and research.
Shri Pradhan further said that India-France relations will be a major force for global prosperity and stability. The elevation of the bilateral relationship to a ‘Global Strategic Partnership’ will give a major boost to the long-standing cooperation between India and France in the coming decades. This reflects the deep commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to promote economic security, advance mutual prosperity and build a rules-based global order. The ‘Joint Declaration of Intent’ signed between the two countries to strengthen cooperation in 21 areas including key minerals and metals, clean energy, digital technology, defence and skill development is welcome. It will promote technical cooperation, bring about a paradigm shift in various sectors and pave the way for digital, technological and economic progress. This global strategic partnership will enrich the existing cooperation and open new avenues of cooperation in the areas of education, science, research, innovation, cyberspace, defence, healthcare, AI, fine minerals, new technologies and start-ups. The Union Education Minister said that this initiative will help in building a smart, bright and prosperous future.
On the other hand, Shri Pradhan expressed his happiness over meeting Anne Boverot, Special Envoy for AI of the French Government on the sidelines of the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’. He said that there was a fruitful discussion to further strengthen the relationship between India and France in the field of AI. In addition, opportunities for further cooperation in the fields of research, innovation, science and new technologies were also discussed. A human-centric, responsible, open and inclusive AI framework will be a key driver for the development and prosperity of the world. Shri Pradhan expressed his belief that both India and France are committed to developing a safe, secure, ethical and trustworthy AI for development and the well-being of the world.
